Lose yourself in a fantasy world of Gothic abbeys, medieval castles, towers and turrets on this magical two-day mini-break from Paris.
Visit Mont-Saint-Michel – the ‘Wonder of the West’ – a Benedictine abbey perched dramatically on a tidal island. Marvel at the way the glorious abbey church and other monastic buildings are moulded to the shape of the rocky outcrop.
Spend a night at Angers then travel to the lush and lovely Loire Valley. Step back in time at Château Langeais when you tour the splendid interiors and see how a 15th century prince would have lived.
Gasp when you see the magnificent location of the Château Chenonceau on the River Cher. Known as the Château des Dames, this building was once owned by Catherine de Medici, who used it for lavish night-time parties and spectacular firework displays.
Visit the magnificent turreted castle of Chambord, the largest in the Loire, or, in October, the delightful Château of Cheverny, with its fabulous furnishings.
.You will cross the western districts of Paris and take the Normandy motorway to reach Mont-Saint-Michel, on the Brittany-Normandy border. Around 12 noon, you will stop for lunch (drinks included).
In the afternoon you will climb up to the Benedictine Abbey perched on the top of the island. It’s a steep climb (at least 900 steps) but well worth it! You can enjoy a guided tour of the Abbey with its beautiful Romanesque church followed by free time for exploring the rest of the mount and the village.
At around 4:30pm you depart for Angers where you will have dinner in a restaurant and stay the night in a 3-star hotel. Wifi is available in the hotel
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll depart for the Loire Valley and make a short stop at Château d'Angers, a massive fortress dating from the 9th century.
You’ll then head for Château Langeais, passing by Cunault and Saumur (this route may change). Enjoy a guided tour of the Château – the most fully furnished castle of the Loire Valley – and get a fascinating glimpse of daily life for the nobility in medieval times.
You will then have free time for lunch in Amboise (payable direct).
In the afternoon, tour Château de Chenonceau. This lovely château stands on the site of an old mill and actually extends across the River Cher. It is known as the Château des Dames (the Ladies' Castle) because of the number of powerful women who influenced the history and development of the building. The Château was built in 1513 by Catherine Briconnet, embellished by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, and rescued from destruction during the Revolution by Madame Dupin.
Your tour of the Loire châteaux ends with a tour of the Château de Chambord – the largest château in the Loire Valley and a magnificent example of French Renaissance architecture. Chambord’s most famous feature is the intricate double helix staircase believed to have been designed by Leonardo Da Vinci.
In October, the visit to Chambord is replaced by a visit to Cheverny which has the finest furnishings of any Loire château.
After leaving Chambord you will begin the return journey to Paris and arrive back at the starting point at 2 rue des Pyramides at around 9:00pm. If you have chosen the option with return transfer, you will be dropped back at your hotel. Otherwise you will need to make your own arrangements to return to your accommodation.
Voucher information: You must print and surrender a paper version of your booking voucher for this activity (showing your voucher on a smartphone is not accepted). No refund can be given for customers without a printed copy of their voucher.
Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour for reconfirming departure details.
For any booking which requires two or more double room (triple room unavailable), need to make separate bookings.
For any booking which requires one double and one or more single room (triple room unavailable), need to make separate bookings.
Visitors with walking difficulties will not be able access the Abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel because of the large number of steps.
Please note that on Day 1 the restaurant for dinner is not located in the hotel.
Please wear a face mask during the tour.
Wonderful two day getaway outside of the city. Extremely well organised except for one dissappointment, which was quickly taken care of. I booked for hotel pick up and drop off...