3 Days in the Loire Valley
Spend some wonderful family-bonding time in the Loire Valley with your children as you explore some of the region's most iconic palaces and enjoy a local, private cooking class and a fencing masterclass
DAY 1:
Your chauffeur will pick you up at the train station in Tours and take you to your hotel. Lunch at leisure.
In the early afternoon, your chauffeur guide will pick you up at the train station and drive you to the Clos Lucé, Da Vinci’s last residence, in a fully-equipped V-Class minivan. Let them guide your family through some of the key rooms of the mansion, including Da Vinci’s bedroom, dining room, kitchen and his atelier where he painted some of his masterpieces. Then, proceed to the basement and gardens where some of Da Vinci’s extraordinary inventions are on display. Your children will be able to play with these life size inventions in the garden, and enjoy the fun-filled game booklet given at the start of the visit. After the visit, our chauffeur/guide will drive you back to your hotel.
DAY 2: COOKING CLASS AND CHENONCEAU
In the morning, your chauffeur will drive you to the cooking school. Meet your private, experienced chef and start with a visit to a traditional market in the heart of the historical city of Tours to buy the necessary fresh ingredients for today’s child-friendly meal. Then, make your way back to the private cooking school and start cooking. No one will be left out, as everyone will have to participate in this fully hands-on experience. After preparing these delicious local specialties, it will be time to eat them!
In the afternoon, your chauffeur/guide will drive you to the Chateau de Chenonceau. Let them tell you all about the secrets of this palace built over the Cher River. Learn about the history of the royals that once lived here and explore the many rooms and gardens of this beautiful property. To keep the children engaged and entertained throughout this 2-hour visit, they will each get an exciting game booklet. At the end of the tour, your chauffeur/guide will drive you back to your hotel.
DAY 3: CHAMBORD AND FENCING
In the morning, your chauffeur/guide will drive you to the Château de Chambord. With interesting stories about the castle, its architecture and about the person who ordered its construction, King Francis I, your guide will keep your entire family engaged and entertained throughout the 2-hour tour. Among the many highlights of the castle, you will discover the famous double helix staircase (designed by Leonardo Da Vinci), the grand fireplaces, the beautiful terraces and much more. You’ll even hear how the Mona Lisa ended up hidden here during World War II! Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, our chauffeur/guide will drive you to the fencing mansion. After a brief introduction on the art of fencing, it is time to suit up and learn the basics. Listen to your private, highly experienced instructor, and once you have mastered some of the basic moves and feel comfortable with your gear, it will be time to challenge one of your family members to a duel! At the end of the activity, our chauffeur/guide will drive you to the train station.
