A Day of Châteaux, Wine and Art

Morning

Make your way to the main tourist office to jump on board a mini bus that will take you on a half-day tour of two of the region’s most distinctive châteaux: Chenonceau and Amboise. Your first stop is the mesmerizing Châteaux Chenonceau, a massive fairytale type castle that straddles the River Cher. This early 16th century architectural marvel is also home to some outstanding decorative and fine art collections including Renaissance furniture, an ensemble of 16th and 17th centuries tapestries and a great number of masterpieces by artists such as Le Primatice, Rubens, Le Tintoret, Rigaud, Nattier and Van Loo. Chenonceau’s dome building houses a costume museum featuring waxed figures donning garments based on original deigns from 1518 to 1918. Make sure you save some time to meander through the extensive gardens with its hedge maze.

The next stop is Château Amboise, a massive medieval fortress that became a royal court and residence for King Charles VIII and François 1 at the beginning of the Renaissance. It features an extensive Gothic and Renaissance furniture collection as well as a variety of Renaissance paintings. The formal French gardens are particularly beautiful.

Afternoon

The culture of Tours is inextricably linked to its wine heritage so it is only fitting that a cultural afternoon in the city includes a visit to its wine museum. The Touraine Wine Museum is appropriately located in the wine cellar of the 13th century St Julian’s church. Enter from the main church square and discover the history of wine-growing and wine production in the Loire Valley, including guilds, wine producers and traditional wine related festivals and feasts.

Details:

Touraine Wine Museum

• 16, Rue Nationale
• Tel. +33/2-4761-0793
• Open 9am to12.00 pm and 2pm to 6pm Wednesday to Monday

Office de Tourisme de Tours

• 78-82 rue Bernard Palissy - BP 4201, 37042 Tours
• Tel. +33/2-4770-3737
• Quart de Tours Tour #QT02 to Châteaux Chenonceau and Amboise: Price: €20
• Departs at 9am and returns at 12:40pm
• Minibus with an English speaking driver. Entrance fees not included but tour participants receive reduced price entry at both châteaux

Château Chenonceau

• Reduced fee entry: €7.50, Wax Museum €11 (regular entry price €9.50), Audio-video guided tour and wax museum €11.50 (regular €14.50)

Château Amboise

• Reduced fee entry: €6.60

Useful Links:

• www.chenonceau.com
• www.chateau-amboise.com