Want to enjoy the region for half a day? Choose the theme which best seduces you!
An afternoon and 2 châteaux for this excursion by minibus through the emblematic sites of the Loire Valley. Departing from Tours, you will discover the following gardens and châteaux: Château royal d'Amboise (visit: 1h30): majestically overlooking the Loire Valley, the Château combines medieval splendour and Renaissance elegance, testifying to its historic role as the residence of the Kings of France and a place of artistic creation. Clos Lucé (Visit: 1h30): the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, this is a place steeped in history where you can discover the fascinating world of the Italian genius through his inventions, his works and his magnificent gardens. Afternoon operated by Touraine Evasion.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (visit: 1h) Jewel of the Renaissance, built in 1518, a symbol of architectural elegance. Château and gardens of Villandry (visit: 1h) Renaissance gardens among the most beautiful in France and 18th-century interior.
We will start our trip with Acco Dispo by visiting the French Gardens of the Chateau of Villandry, that makes it one of the most beautiful gardens in France. It is divided in 3 patios: the 1st one is a mix of vegetables, fruit trees and vines, the 2nd one is made of sculpted bushes, and the last one is a water garden. Then, we will visit the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, its elegant facades are like a jewel trapped between sky and river. You will discover its 500 years old framework, as well as furniture and tapestries from different periods, in the living rooms.
Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with this delightful morning including the visit of the elegant chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens. An experience you will never forget! Your passionate guide will stay with you all along sharing many anecdotes that will make you feel part of those royal days. Program: 9:30 am: Meet us in front of the Tourist office in Tours and get on our minivan, off to the Loire Chateaux! You will start with a visit to the Château d'Azay le Rideau, which Honoré de Balzac described as "... A faceted cut diamond set by the Indre...". A true jewel of Renaissance architecture with its straight staircase called "ramp on ramp" and its main building of exemplary order, its history mixed with royalty, conspiracies and passion will not leave you indifferent. Your passionate guide will accompany you on all the visits and will share with you the stories of the estate. Then, arrival at the Château de Villandry, a jewel of French heritage built during the Renaissance. Your guide will accompany you through the remarkable formal gardens of Villandry, of breathtaking beauty and delicacy. What were the codes and meaning of such gardens? All this knowledge will be yours at the end of the visit. You will admire with him the vegetable garden, the maze, the water garden... We will show you hidden corners from where you will get the best views of this remarquable site. 1:30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours