2009-10-20
Chenonceau Chateau is built over the River Cher, a tributary of the River Loire. The chateau was built in traditional Renaissance style and is known as the Chateau des Dames (the Ladies' Castle) because of the influence and embellishments of Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Médicis and other famous women who lived there. After lunch you'll visit the privately owned Chateau de Cheverny, with its fine collection of 17th-century furniture, before visiting the Chateau de Chambord. This beautifully turreted castle is spectacularly positioned on the Loire River, and was initially conceived as a hunting lodge for King Francois I. The largest of the Loire castles, Chambord boasts an intricate double-spiral stone staircase thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci, leading up to the spires and turrets of the rooftop terrace. Chambord is a stunning piece of architecture, and a fitting way to end your intimate, small group tour of the Loire Valleys Renaissance chateaux.
This tour is a small group minivan tour with a maximum of 8 passengers.