Self-drive tour: The Loire Valley
6 days from £2,625pp
Tour highlights
Enjoy the freedom of your own car on this self-drive trip. Audley can arrange a rental vehicle for you if required.
Soar over the French countryside on a sunset hot air balloon ride.
Cycle through cavernous wine cellars before tasting local wine.
Visit three medieval chateaux and enjoy a cruise under the arches at Château de Chenonceau.
Price includes
- Return ferry travel
- All accommodation
- Activities and excursions as detailed
Itinerary idea in detail
Using your own vehicle for self-drive touring
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Caen
Departing from Portsmouth, you’ll board your overnight ferry set for the north coast of France.
Accommodation
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Caen , Amboise
Upon arrival in Caen, drive south to Amboise, where you’ll spend the next four nights.
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Loire Eastern Region , Amboise
Your private driver-guide will meet you at your hotel ready for a full day of wine tasting in the Loire Valley. You'll visit several wineries, including cycling through one winery's expansive, cave-like cellars, pausing to taste white and sparkling wines from the region.
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Loire Eastern Region , Amboise
Today, you’ll drive to two of the Loire Valley’s medieval chateaux — the lesser-known Chaumont-sur-Loire and the renowned Château de Chambord — to learn about the expansive history of the two buildings. You’ll get to see the double helix spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci at Chambord.
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Loire Eastern Region , Amboise
Cruise up the River Cher towards another chateau – Château de Chenonceau, where you can immerse yourself in the turbulent history of this grand building. You’ll cruise under its 16th-century arches before exploring its interior. Later this evening, soar through the skies on a sunset hot air balloon ride.
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Amboise , Caen
Leave the Loire Valley and drive north back to Caen for your onward ferry back to England.
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- Caen
- Amboise
- Loire Eastern Region
- Amboise
- Loire Eastern Region
- Amboise
- Loire Eastern Region
- Amboise
- Caen
Contact a specialist
The specialist who designs your trip to France will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip. Your dedicated specialist will take the time to understand your preferences and build them into an itinerary to match, working to your budget. He or she will keep perfecting it until you’re completely happy and ready to book.
When to go
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Place | Daily max temperature | Monthly rainfall | ||
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| Amboise | ||||
