Sunday

Our private driver will greet you at a central greeting point in Paris at 1:30 pm and drive you directly to the Chateau (a 3 – 4 hour drive depending on the traffic in Paris) in our luxury mini bus. Please make sure you eat a large breakfast, a petite lunch or grab snacks before you board the minibus. Upon arrival and after settling into the Chateau, we will have a Welcome Toast and canapes and then a wonderful multicourse gourmet meal prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-Paris Alum Chef Walter and the AGA staff.

Monday

After breakfast, we will drive a short distance to Amboise, where you will be free to roam this beautiful town, home of another amazing Castle* and also, the famous Clos Luce*, the last residence of Leonardo DaVinci as well as enjoy lunch on your own*.

Amboise is a charming town in the Loire Valley of France, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and connections to Leonardo da Vinci. It sits along the banks of the Loire River and is famous for its Renaissance château, Château d’Amboise, which was a favored residence of French kings, including Charles VIII and Francis I.
One of its major highlights is **Clos Lucé**, the former home of **Leonardo da Vinci**, where he spent the last years of his life under the patronage of Francis I. Today, the mansion is a museum showcasing Da Vinci’s inventions and artistic contributions.
The town is also known for its picturesque streets, local markets, and nearby vineyards, making it a great stop for history lovers and wine enthusiasts.
Then back to our Chateau for a wonderful multi course gourmet meal prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-Paris Alum Chef Walter and the AGA staff.

Tuesday

After a home-cooked breakfast, we will head to the little town of Noizay to spend the day with our good friends and wine education experts and certified educators, Cathy and Nigel Henton of Le Tasting Room where we will learn all about the Loire Valley wines and taste a few too! Following a homemade lunch at their troglodyte home, we will then be escorted by Cathy and Nigel to a family-owned wine domaine.

Le Tasting Room is a wine-focused experience based in the Loire Valley, France, offering intimate wine tastings, vineyard tours, and food pairings. It is run by Cathy and Nigel Henton, a British couple with deep expertise in French wines. Their experiences typically include learning about Loire Valley wines, tasting carefully selected bottles, and enjoying locally sourced food in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Le Tasting Room is well-known for its personalized approach, often catering to small groups or private bookings. Their tastings take place in a charming rural setting, and they emphasize education, making it a great option for wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge.

Then back to our Chateau for a wonderful multi course gourmet meal prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-Paris Alum Chef Walter and the AGA staff.
Tasting, lunch and domaine visit included in your Adventure cost.

Wednesday

Today, after a home-cooked breakfast, we spend take the morning to explore the Chateau de Langeais down the street from our Chateau. Then we will board our mini-coach and head to Fontevraud. We will eat lunch* in the town and then tour the Abbey.

Fontevraud, or Fontevraud Abbey (Abbaye de Fontevraud), is a historic monastic complex in western France, located near Saumur in the Loire Valley. Founded in 1101 by Robert of Arbrissel, it became one of the largest and most influential abbeys in medieval Europe. What makes Fontevraud unique is that it was a double monastery, housing both monks and nuns under the leadership of an abbess—a rare structure in the Catholic Church.

Royal Connections: Fontevraud is famous for being the burial site of several Plantagenet royals, including Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Henry II of England, and Richard the Lionheart.
Architecture: The abbey showcases stunning Romanesque architecture, with an impressive church, cloisters, and dormitories.
Closure and Transformation: During the French Revolution, the abbey was dissolved and later turned into a prison by Napoleon in 1804, a function it served until 1963.
Modern Use: Today, Fontevraud is a cultural center and museum, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and events. It also features a luxury hotel and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Then back to our Chateau for a wonderful multi course gourmet meal prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-Paris Alum Chef Walter and the AGA staff.

Thursday

After a home-cooked breakfast, we will take a short drive to Chinon for their wonderful weekly town market, have lunch on your own* in one of the local restaurants and also enjoy roaming the town on your own.

Chinon is a charming town in the Loire Valley of France, known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and excellent wines. Situated along the Vienne River in the Indre-et-Loire department, Chinon has a picturesque old town filled with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and a stunning fortress that overlooks the town.

• Fortress of Chinon – A medieval castle with stunning views, once home to Henry II of England and where Joan of Arc met Charles VII in 1429.

• Wine Region – Famous for its red wines made from Cabernet Franc grapes, as well as some rosé and white wines.

• Historic Old Town – Features charming narrow streets, Renaissance buildings, and cozy cafés.

• Museums & Culture – The town has various historical sites, including the Musée Jeanne d’Arc and museums dedicated to local heritage.

Then back to our Chateau for a wonderful multi course gourmet meal prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-Paris Alum Chef Walter and the AGA staff

Friday

Again, after a home-cooked breakfast we will head to the famous Chateau Villandry .
Architecture & History
– The château itself features elegant Renaissance architecture, with a harmonious balance of medieval and classical influences.
– It was constructed on the site of an older fortress, remnants of which can still be seen.
– In the 18th century, it underwent renovations that introduced more classical elements.
– In 1906, Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo and his wife Ann Coleman purchased and restored Villandry, transforming its gardens into one of the most beautiful in France.
The Gardens**
Villandry is world-famous for its meticulously designed gardens, restored to their Renaissance glory. These include:
1. **The Ornamental Garden** – Features intricate geometric patterns symbolizing love, music, and tragedy.
2. **The Water Garden** – A serene area with a large pond, fountains, and elegant greenery.
3. **The Kitchen Garden** – A stunning example of decorative vegetable gardening with symmetrical layouts.
4. **The Herb Garden** – Showcases medicinal and culinary herbs.
5. **The Sun Garden** – A more modern addition with flowing, informal designs.
6. **The Maze** – A classic garden labyrinth for visitors to explore.
Château de Villandry is a masterpiece of French Renaissance landscaping, offering a blend of history, art, and nature that makes it one of the most enchanting destinations in France. Would you like to know anything specific about it?
The Château de Villandry is a stunning Renaissance château in the Loire Valley of France, renowned for its exquisite gardens. It was the last of the great Loire Valley châteaux built during the Renaissance, completed in 1536 by Jean Le Breton, a finance minister of King Francis I.

Then back to our Chateau for a wonderful multicourse gourmet meal prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-Paris Alum Chef Walter and the AGA

Saturday

Today, we say Adieu. At 8:00am, our private driver will transport you back to the wonderful city of Paris or move on to your next destination! We will provide you with a to-go breakfast for your enjoyment on your ride back to Paris.
*Indicates “Optional, Not included in your Adventure cost”.