Along the Loire river
A unique journey combining heritage, immersive shows, gastronomy, and authentic expertise for an experience rich in emotion.
Detailed program
Day 1: Nantes
Arrival in Nantes. Guided tour of the city center, followed by a visit to the “Galerie des Machines” on the Ile de Nantes, an artistic project at the crossroads of the worlds of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical universe and the city’s industrial history.
Dinner and overnight in Nantes.
Day 2: Le Puy du Fou
A full day at Puy du Fou. Come and unravel the mystery of this extraordinary place and take a spectacular journey through time, from Antiquity to the 20th century! Every show, every adventure will remain engraved in your memory forever. Prepare yourself for a deeply moving experience, full of thrills, great shows and unforgettable memories, on a trip that’s out of time!
Return to Nantes at the end of the day.
Dinner and accommodation in Nantes.
Day 3: Angers
Continue to Angers and visit the castle, home to the famous 14th-century “Tapestry of the Apocalypse”.
In the afternoon, discover the secrets of Cointreau and create your very own cocktail in a workshop.
Dinner and overnight in Saumur.
Day 4: Saumur
Visit to the Ecole Nationale d’Equitation and the Cadre Noir.
Typical lunch in a troglodyte restaurant, followed by a visit to the galleries used for mushroom cultivation.
Visit to Fontevraud Abbey, the largest monastic complex in Europe. The abbey church houses the polychrome recumbent figures of the Plantagenet kings Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart and Isabella of Angouleme.
Dinner and overnight in Saumur.
Day 5: Le Mans
Drive to Le Mans. Visit to the Bahier factory, which has been making the famous “rillettes” for over 75 years.
In the afternoon, guided tour of the Le Mans 24-hour race circuit and visit to the nearby 24-hour automobile museum.
Dinner and overnight stay in Saumur.
Day 6: Loire Valley Castles
Discover the surprising Château du Rivau and its gardens.
Lunch at the chateau’s restaurant featuring garden produce.
Visit to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, built on the Indre River, then transfer to Tours. Dinner at the restaurant. Visit of the old town by night with a local guide.
Accommodation in Tours.
Day 7: Loire Valley Castles
Visit to Château de Chenonceau, one of the most famous in the Loire Valley. Late morning visit to a vineyard with wine tasting, followed by lunch in a restaurant.
Discover the Manoir du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, and the gardens dedicated to the maestro’s inventions.
Dinner in a medieval restaurant and accommodation in Tours.
Day 8: Chambord and departure
Visit to the Château de Chambord, then drive to the Paris region.
Return to the airport or to your region.
Services included
- Transportation by coach or minivan according to the number of participants
- 7 nights in a hotel, youth hostel or accommodation center
- Half-board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
- Visits and excursions as described in the program
- Travel file for tour leader
- VOYEL assistance 24 hours a day
Good to know
Program duration and activities can be modified
Optional / supplement
- Services of a VOYEL guide
- Lunches