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Christmas in the Loire

The charm of Christmas in France lies in the quaint villages adorned with twinkling lights, the festive Christmas markets, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the French people

2 - 8

Guest limits

8 / 7

Days / Nights

 $10,675

Starting Rate Per Person
(Minimum 2)

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in the Loire Valley where the region’s historic châteaux are decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations that transport visitors to an unforgettable fairy-tale world. Explore the majestic castles once inhabited by royalty, taste wines from the appellations of Vouvray and Chinon, and experience the holiday customs and traditional French character of this picturesque region in the heart of France.

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45 christmas at the chateau de villandry jean christophe coutand
21 christmas at chenonceau castle jean christophe coutand
52 christmas at the chateau de villandry jean christophe coutand
31 christmas at chenonceau castle jean christophe coutand
Chambord Noel 2018 © Compagnie Outre Mesure Remi Angeli 1
9 the royal castle of amboise in the snow joel klinger
43 christmas at the chateau de villandry jean christophe coutand
66 christmas at the castle of azay le rideau jean christophe coutand 2028 12 31
64 christmas at the chateau dazay le rideau jean christophe coutan
Chambord Neige Snow © DroneContrast
41 christmas at the chateau de villandry jean christophe coutand
8 christmas at the royal castle of amboise jean christophe coutand

"The Loire Valley is a landscape of dreams, where the river becomes a royal road and the sky, a shimmering sea." - François Rabelais

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

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    DAY 1. ARRIVAL PARIS

    Land at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and transfer to accommodations in the Loire Valley town of Blois. Kick off your journey with a wine-paired Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

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    DAY 2. AMBOISE

    Explore Château du Clos Lucé in the town of Amboise followed by lunch and a special wine tasting at a local domaine

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    DAY 3. BLOIS

    Discover the town of Blois with an expert local guide and enjoy the amenities of the hotel

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    DAY 4. VILLANDRY & VOUVRAY

    Journey west to Château de Villandry followed by lunch and an afternoon stop at a wine estate in the Vouvray appellation to learn about the terroir and taste their wines

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    DAY 5. CHAMBORD

    After a relaxing morning, take a short drive east to Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, enjoy a cooking class led by a local chef and a dinner of traditional French dishes

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    DAY 6. BLOIS

    Open day to explore Blois independently including the nearby Royal Castle and enjoy the hotel amenities

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    DAY 7. CHENONCEAU

    Afternoon visit to Château de Chenonceau and an evening Farewell Dinner a short walk from the hotel

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    DAY 8. Departure Paris

    Transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle for return flights home

Accommodations

Fleur de Loire

Fleur de Loire

Located in the town of Blois on the banks of the Loire River, this historic property occupies a former 17th-century estate converted to a boutique hotel. The hotel features casual and fine dining restaurants, a bar, bakery, deli, Sisley spa, indoor and outdoor pools, terrace, and fitness room. Rooms offer complimentary Wifi, minibar, tea/coffee maker, and bathrooms equipped with toiletries, bathrobe, and hairdryer.

Fleur de Loire

“Traveling with Experi was amazing. They literally took care of EVERYTHING. We spent Christmas on the other side of the world. We can’t wait to do another trip with them.” - Jason V.

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Fun Facts

The Loire Valley is nicknamed the “Garden of France”

This nickname traces its origin back to the 15th & 16th centuries. The Loire Valley is a fertile region with numerous fields, orchards, and vineyards as well as magnificent Châteaux with breathtaking parks and gardens. Villandry is especially famous for its gardens including the kitchen gardens growing a wide range of seasonal products.

Leonardo da Vinci lived at Château de Clos Lucé

In 1516 King Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to France to live and work at Château de Clos Lucé. Da Vinci brought with him some of his work including the Mona Lisa now displayed in the Louvre. During his stay, he enjoyed great artistic freedom and worked on some remarkable projects, some of which are now on display at the Château de Clos Lucé. The impressive double-turn staircase of Château de Chambord was inspired by his architectural drawings.

Chambord has more than 300 salamander sculptures and drawings

The salamander is the symbol of King Francis I of France and can be found in most Chateaux built or inhabited by the king. In the Middle Ages legend had it that salamanders were magical creatures who could survive on land and in water and withstand fire. The Chambord salamander is often depicted with a crown and bears the motto: Nutrisco et Extinguo - "I nourish and extinguish".

Vineyards have been planted in the Loire since the Roman Empire

Pliny the Elder wrote about the Loire Valley vineyards in the 1st century. From the Middle Ages through the 15th century, wine growing and winemaking continued to develop and thrive, first with the influence of the Augustine and Benedictine monks, and later with the influence of Henry II Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, who served the local wines at the English court when he became King of England.

Details

Included

  • Accommodations during program dates, including all taxes and fees
  • All activities and private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local guides, entrance fees, and private transportation
  • Meals as detailed in your itinerary, including pre-arranged drink pairings
  • Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program

Not Included

  • Airfare to/from arrival and departure cities
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
  • Gratuities for drivers, local guides, porters, and included meals

Travel Insurance

Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/

Travel Terms & Conditions

View our complete terms and conditions here at https://experi.com/agreement.

Reservation process

Step 1:

Complete the form above indicating:

  • the number of travelers in your group
  • your preferred travel dates
  • the best way to reach you

Step 2:

We will contact you to discuss your preferences.

Step 3:

Based on our conversation, we will check availability, confirm pricing, and provide you with a detailed proposal.

Step 4:

To confirm the services and accommodations for your private departure, a non-refundable 50% deposit of the total trip fee is required.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How a Private Departure Works:

A Private Departure is a program that our destination specialists have meticulously crafted and curated to highlight the best of a particular destination. While we offer a few options to personalize your journey, the main framework of a Private Departure itinerary has been set. If you are seeking to make changes in the schedule or activities, a Custom Program may better suit your needs.

Destination-Specific Information - Loire:

This trip is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of Christmas magic. History enthusiasts will enjoy the rich heritage of the region as well as its magnificent Châteaux and pretty villages. The Loire Valley is also a great choice for food and wine lovers.

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