Loire castles 12 Hours

Used for defense against the invaders in the early Middle Ages and the center of power for manorial feudalism, the castles of the Loire Valley were transformed into magnificent houses for royalties' everyday pleasure during the Renaissance,. The presence of French kings, from Charles VII (reigned 1422-1461)  up to Henry III (reigned 1574-1589) in the Val de Loire transformed  that region into a unique artistic and architectural center.

The Loire river is the longest French river (1012 km or 632 miles). At 2h45 from Paris, you can visit the royal and noble residences built on both banks of the Loire from the XVth century up to the 17th century. Because the French kings chose the Loire valley as there favourite place to live, The kings of France contributed to the artistic revival of the region.

Your driver guide will drive you first to Chenonceau, the Ladies castle. It is a pearl of the French renaissance (XVIth century),built above the Cher river (Loire river tributary) nicely furnished and with a beautiful collection of paintings (Rubens, Murillo, Rigaud etc...).

After that visit, you can visit the royal résidence of Amboise with its Gothic and Renaissance wings.It is a very good example of a medieval fortress converted into a leisure palace. It is in the former cemetery of this castle that Léonardo Da Vinci was buried in 1519. Now his tomb is located in the castle chapel.

After lunch in a nice, typical restaurant of the Loire Valley, your guide will drive you along the Loire River to Chambord, the largest castle of the Loire Valley, built from 1519 to 1559.

All the features of the Renaissance are there. The military aspect of a medieval castle remain (moat, keep, towers) but for decorative purposes. The windows are much bigger, surrounded by pilasters and niches. Each floor is marked by a cornice and roofs are covered by intricately carved chimneys.

Entrance Fees and transportation in an air conditioned Mercedes van included
Lunch not included.  Pick up and drop off at your hotel or your apartment in Paris.

 

 

 

 

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