Product Description

Christmas at the Relais de Chambord 4* – Loire Valley
In the heart of the Chambord national estate

Ask us for a quote for all your Loire Valley holiday requirements –

travelfrance@guidesud.com

Welcome to the Relais de Chambord, the only hotel in the heart of the 5,440-hectare Domaine National de Chambord, allowing guests to travel back in time while having the place to themselves.

Come and rediscover the joys of freedom in the heart of the 5,440-hectare Domaine national de Chambord, and (re)discover unique landscapes and, who knows, maybe cross paths with wild animals.

Take advantage of the 23 km of footpaths open to the public all year round, and stop for a few minutes at one of the observatories. There are also a number of trails to choose from: the Promenade autour du Canal (4km) and the Grande Promenade. The Domaine also boasts 12 km of cycle paths, which you can explore with our bicycles and electric bikes. And why not enjoy a game of outdoor tennis on our court overlooking the château?

D1: Arrival in Tours

AM: Your driver-guide will pick you up at Tours station and take you to Blois.
Lunch on your own.
AFTERNOON: Blois. Built into the side of a hill, Blois is a city made for walking, with stairs, slopes and climbs everywhere. Forming a bank of the Loire, it offers magnificent views of the royal river and the Jacques Gabriel bridge, built in the 18th century. Don’t miss the Renaissance mansions on rue du Puits-Châtel, or the “Maison des saltimbanques” on place Saint-Louis, one of the oldest buildings in Blois, dating from the reign of Louis XI. It was crowned “Most beautiful house in France” in 1960.
To enable you to discover the town at your own pace, four pedestrian circuits marked by bronze nails on the ground will guide you through the different districts: the area around the château and the royal gardens, Puits-Châtel, the area around the former abbeys, and the left bank with its magnificent panorama.
Dinner on your own
Overnight in Chambord – Relais de Chambord 4* – Deluxe room
Other hotel suggestion – Le Fleur de Loire in Blois 5* (junior suite or suite with shower and bath, room services, Michelin-starred restaurant, Spa and Bar)

Services included :
– Half-day guided tour of Blois with driver
– Accommodation.

D2: Chenonceau to Chambord

AM : Breakfast.
9:00 am: Your chauffeur-guide will take you on an extraordinary day between Chambord and Chenonceau.
The next stop is the Château de Chenonceau! Along the way, you’ll be able to admire some charming private châteaux, as well as other must-see Loire Valley châteaux such as Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard…
Chenonceau: France’s most visited historic monument, after the Château de Versailles. Admire this superb château and its unique gallery, built on a bridge spanning the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the magnificent French gardens, named after the famous ladies who lived there: “Catherine de Médicis” and “Diane de Poitiers”. Once inside, take time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that reign in every room of this renowned château, all decorated with fine antiques and the most divine arrangements of fresh flowers. The kitchens, the Queen’s chamber, the Gallery… your guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place.
Lunch is off the beaten track. Enjoy a typically French lunch in a charming private chateau in the Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton!

Start with a tour of this unique family château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and charming surroundings of this haven of peace. After the tour, welcomed by the French countess who lives here permanently, enjoy the pleasant, comfortable atmosphere as you savor tasty dishes and Loire Valley wines. It’s an experience that will make you feel like you own the place!

Chambord, more than a château, is a glorious work of art and history that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this journey back in time a fun and captivating experience. He’ll tell you all about the history of the château, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable!

After this exceptional visit, your guide will recommend a few places where you can get an impressive view of the château. A spectacular day you’ll never forget.

6.00 pm: Return to your hotel
Dinner on your own
Night in Chambord
Services included:
– Full-day guided tour in a small group (8 hours)
– Entrance tickets to Chambord and Chenonceau
– Lunch included
– Accommodation, breakfast and tourist tax

D3 : The castles of Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci’s Clos Lucé

AM : AM : Breakfast. From your hotel, your guide will take you on foot to the Château d’Amboise for your first visit of the day.
Amboise was a favorite site for the kings of France as they transformed their country during the Renaissance. Anne de Bretagne, François I and Leonardo da Vinci (buried in the château’s chapel) are all familiar faces to rediscover with your guide and Histopad. A living castle open to nature, a haven of peace for over 90 species of birds, Amboise also offers a unique 360° view of landscapes listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
After the tour, your guide will take you on foot to the Maison Léonard de Vinci – Le Clos Lucé.
1516-1519: François I and Louise de Savoie invite Leonardo da Vinci to Amboise.
King François I, fascinated by Leonardo da Vinci’s talent, appoints him “First Painter, Engineer and Architect to the King”.
He offered him the use of the Château du Clos Lucé, near the royal château of Amboise. The Archives nationales de Paris holds a certificate of payment which mentions the pension paid by Francis I to Leonardo da Vinci: “A Maistre Lyenard de Vince, peintre italien, la somme de 2000 écus soleil, pour sa pension de ces deux années”.

Leonardo stayed at the Château du Clos Lucé for the last three years of his life, working on numerous projects for the King of France, surrounded by his pupils. He received distinguished guests such as the Cardinal of Aragon, royal dignitaries, ambassadors and his Italian artist friends at the king’s court, including Dominique de Cortone, known as the Boccador, future architect of Chambord.
Lunch at leisure in Amboise

AFTERNOON: Afternoon at leisure.
Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure
Night at Chambord
Services included:
– Guided walking tour of Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé
– Entrance tickets to Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé
– Accommodation, breakfast and tourist tax

Day 4: Departure

Your driver will take you to Tours station, where you’ll board your TGV train back to PARIS.

Au revoir!

The Christmas Fairy Tale

Experience a Christmas worthy of a fairy tale at Chambord thanks to all the activities offered from December 1st, in connection with the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance.

New Year at the Relais de Chambord

Celebrate the New Year with us, and enjoy an enchanting New Year’s Eve party.

Well-being Parenthesis

Treat yourself to a wellness break in our Spa by Nuxe, and come and enjoy a stay in the heart of the largest enclosed park in Europe.

This price is from subject to availability at time of booking base on 2 people sharing the trip.