
- Jump to:
- Itinerary
- Reviews
- When to go
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
- 24-hour support while you travel
Itinerary idea
Using your own vehicle for self-drive touring
-
Departing from Portsmouth, you’ll board your overnight ferry set for the north coast of France.
-
Upon arrival in Caen, drive south to Amboise, where you’ll spend the next four nights.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Cruise up the River Cher toward 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.
-
Leave the Loire Valley and drive north back to Caen for your onward ferry back to England.
Accommodation
- Caen
- Amboise
- Loire East
- Amboise
- Loire East
- Amboise
- Loire East
- Amboise
- Caen
What our clients say about us
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.
When to go
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
---|---|---|
Amboise |