Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau
Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau
Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau
7 Days Starting in Vernon, France and ending in Euston Rd, London N1C 4QP, UK
Visiting: St Pancras International, Gare du Nord, Vernon, House of Claude Monet, Chartres, Chenonceaux, Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Saumur, Chinon, Château de Villandry, Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé, Fontainebleau, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 25
Physical rating:
Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
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Tour Overview
If you are looking to visit one of the most beautiful regions of France, then our tour of the Loire Valley is ideal - indeed the very name conjures up wonderful images in the mind. The châteaux, the translation of 'castles' does not do them justice, are magnificent, and you have the opportunity to sample the best of them: Chenonceau, Villandry, Chinon and Amboise. The scenery is stunning too; in fact the valley is also known as The Garden of France and you can see why. Furthermore the harvest here is very rich: plums, apples and grapes - the area is renowned of course for its fine wines, namely Muscadet, Rose d'Anjou, Sauvignon, Vouvray and many more; and the gentle landscapes are warmed by the rich golden colours of the ripening fruit. You can sample the local produce at the Ackerman Wine Cellars, during a tasting of some of their award-winning Saumur wines.
History abounds here. Every time you turn a corner you see a reminder of Richard the Lionheart, the Hundred Years' War or Joan of Arc. Visiting the Loire Valley is like stepping back in time; the sleepy towns are a delight to explore and the local people seem to have time on their hands, stopping to chat to each other or drinking endless coffees in the nearby bars and cafes.
You visit the Château of Fontainebleau, set in a vast forest just outside Paris, and famous as the place where Napoleon commenced his journey into exile and Fontevraud Abbey, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, arguably the greatest monastic establishment left standing in France. You also visit the house, and most importantly the garden of one of France's most famous sons - Impressionist artist Claude Monet. All this, but there is much, much more so for a unique combination of culture, wine, superb and interesting monuments, châteaux, beautiful scenery and French provincial life at its best, come with us and see.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: St Pancras International, Gare du Nord, Vernon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras International (exact time of travel will be indicated on travel documents, arriving at Paris Gard du Nord approximately 2hrs 15 mins later). A coach will take you to Vernon near Claude Monet’s house and garden, to the three-star Hotel Normandy, where we dine this evening.
Day 2
Location: House of Claude Monet, Chartres
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you visit Monet’s house and garden. You have all seen Monet’s paintings reproduced in calendars and birthday cards, but to be here, in this spectacular display of colour, is simply an unforgettable experience. In the Japanese inspired water garden, shaded by a great willow tree and surrounded by bamboo trees, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond, where the famous Les Nymphéas or Water Lilies were painted. Inside the house is also outstanding.
Your journey continues to Chartres, where the cathedral is arguably the most magnificent in France with perhaps the most intricate 13th-century stained glass in Europe eventually arriving in the picturesque city of Tours, where you will be staying for four nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Novotel Tours Centre Gare which is centrally located on the edge of the Old Town.
Day 3
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of the wonderfully preserved historic centre of Tours. The city’s rich and varied history stretches back as far as the Gallo-Roman period, later becoming the medieval capital of France and seat of the French monarchy. This afternoon we visit Chenonceau, home of Mary Queen of Scots and probably the most stately of the Loire châteaux, majestically hovering on the waters of the River Cher. Later we return to the hotel.
Day 4
Location: Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Saumur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fontevraud Abbey, for a guided tour. Arguably the greatest monastic establishment left standing in France, the Abbey was once one of the richest and most powerful royal retreats in the world. Next we head to Saumur, described as the ‘pearl of Anjou’, the town is a delightful spot to stop for lunch and wander amongst its magnificent architectural heritage. No visit here would be complete without sampling some of this famous produce, so this afternoon we visit the Ackerman wine cellars for a tasting of some of their award-winning Saumur wines.
Later we return to Tours and dine in a traditional restaurant.
Day 5
Location: Chinon, Château de Villandry
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit the charming town of Chinon, medieval in character dominated by the imposing castle where Joan of Arc first met the Dauphin. You have time to explore this lovely town. In the afternoon, we make our way down the beautiful Loire Valley to the Château Villandry, famous for its unique gardens, consisting largely of colourful vegetables.
Day 6
Location: Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit Amboise, a delightful little town nestling on the banks of the River Loire. where a royal château sits. Nearby is the Château of Clos Lucé, famous as the final abode of Leonardo da Vinci. Today it houses the Leonardo da Vinci museum, dedicated to his work and the region’s prestigious history. On display are models of his various innovations as well as a copy of the Mona Lisa.
Afterwards we continue to our final hotel, where we stay at the four-star Hotel Mercure Orléans Portes de Sologne, where we also dine.
Day 7
Location: Fontainebleau, Paris, St Pancras International
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit the beautiful Château of Fontainebleau, just south of Paris, where Napoleon departed to his exile on the island of Elba. It is decorated in fantastic style, with intricate frescoes and parquet floors inlaid with exotic woods. Most impressive is the vast display of exquisite furniture and the formally designed, extensive grounds. Fontainebleau encompasses everything you imagine about a French château: style, opulence, grandeur – even outrageousness.
Later you transfer to Paris to take the Eurostar service (exact time will be indicated on travel documents) to London St Pancras International.
What's Included
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Change your booking free up to 45 days before travel
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Covid Cancellation protection included as standard
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Explore the finest of France’s stunning châteaux
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Visit the most beautiful valley in France
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Visit impressionist artist Claude Monet’s home and garden – see the ‘Water Lily’ pond and ‘Japanese Bridge’
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Visit medieval Tours, royal Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci’s house
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Chinon, Chenonceau, Villandry and Fontainebleau
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Visit Chartres and its stunning gothic cathedral displaying Europe’s finest stained glass
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Visit to Saumur and the Ackerman
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Guided tour of Fontevraud Abbey, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Entrance Fees
Entrance to Chinon €8.
50, approximate costs, payable locally.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 15, 2025 - May 21, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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