Loire Valley, Cognac & Bordeaux

Loire Valley, Cognac & Bordeaux

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Loire Valley, Cognac & Bordeaux

9 Days

Visiting: Loire Valley & Château de Chambord, Free Time or Château de Chenonceau, & Tours, Free Time or Blois, Cognac, Bordeaux, Wine Route of the Médoc

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

9fla

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through France with the "Loire Valley, Cognac & Bordeaux" tour. Begin your adventure with an overnight stay near Paris before heading to the enchanting Loire Valley. Marvel at the iconic Château de Chambord and explore the charming town of Chinon, where you'll stay for three nights. Enjoy optional excursions to the stunning Château de Chenonceau and the historic city of Tours, or relax in the picturesque surroundings. Continue to the city of Cognac for a taste of its famous spirit, then venture to Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wine and historic architecture. Discover the scenic Wine Route of the Médoc, sampling exquisite wines along the way. Conclude your journey with a return to Paris, enriched by the beauty and flavors of France.

Highlights

  • Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley, known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.

  • Explore the impressive gardens and history of Château de Chenonceau.

  • Visit the historic city of Tours, with its half-timbered houses and grand cathedral.

  • Discover the Royal Château of Blois, a prestigious building with four distinct facades.

  • Enjoy a stop in the city of Cognac, famous for its namesake drink, and visit Château de Cognac.

  • Explore Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic quarters and wine culture.

  • Drive along the scenic Wine Route of the Médoc, visiting historical locations and wineries.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to the outskirts of Paris for an overnight stay.

Day 2 Loire Valley & Château De Chambord

Location: Loire Valley & Château de Chambord


This morning, continuing west, we make our way to the heart of the Loire Valley, first stopping at the incredible
Château de Chambord. This is one of the most recognisable châteaux in the world because of its beautiful, distinctive French Renaissance architecture.


Afterwards, we continue to the town of Chinon, settling into our accommodation for a three-night stay.

Day 3 Free Time Or Château De Chenonceau, & Tours

Location: Free Time or Château de Chenonceau, & Tours


This morning, join our optional excursion to Château de Chenonceau, arguably one of the most impressive and memorable of all the châteaux in the Loire Valley. Explore impressive gardens from Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers, and Louise Dupin. Hear stories of the wars, royal intrigue, and interesting women who graced the halls.


In the afternoon, enjoy an included excursion to the historic city of Tours, which boasts half-timbered houses and a grand cathedral.

Day 4 Free Time Or Blois

Location: Free Time or Blois


Spend the day at leisure in Chinon or join our optional excursion to the city of Blois. Visit the beautiful Old Town, stroll through the lively centre, and admire its fine buildings. The Royal Château of Blois, once home to Francis I, is one of the most prestigious buildings in France. Located high on a rocky perch, it dominates the city and the Loire, boasting four façades, each of a distinct style.

Day 5 Cognac

Location: Cognac


After departing the Loire Valley, we continue southwards towards the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Enjoy a stop in the city of Cognac, known for the drink that bears its name, with free time to wander through its pretty streets and get lunch.


We then visit the historic Château de Cognac and the cellars, finishing with a tasting of Cognac before continuing to our hotel on the outskirts of Bordeaux.

Day 6 Bordeaux

Location: Bordeaux


Today we travel to Bordeaux which is at the centre of the wine-growing region. Bordeaux is renowned for its historic quarters, and around 1,800 hectares are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Place de la Bourse, with its elegant buildings, and Fountain of the Three Graces, are well-photographed and popular with visitors. The Cathedral Bell Tower offers a panoramic view of the town and many of its monuments – though visitors must climb 229 steps to the top!


Spend some free time exploring this lovely, cosmopolitan town. For further discoveries of the wine region, why not visit La Cité du Vin? This museum/exhibition centre is dedicated to the history and story of the wines of the region.

Day 7 Wine Route Of The Médoc

Location: Wine Route of the Médoc


Our included, scenic drive along the Route des Châteaux, which covers the Médoc region, is certainly one of the most beautiful wine trails in the world. Our guide will take us to numerous historical locations, as well as wineries where we sample the delights of the region.

Day 8

To the outskirts of Paris for an overnight stay.

Day 9

Return home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    You will stay for three nights at the Ibis Styles Chinon in the Loire Valley and three nights in the Ibis Styles Bordeaux Medard. Overnight stays on the outskirts of Paris will be in city-style hotels.

  • Excursion to Tours

    Enjoy an included excursion to the historic city of Tours, which boasts half-timbered houses and a grand cathedral.

  • Wine Route of the Médoc

    Our included, scenic drive along the Route des Châteaux, which covers the Médoc region, is certainly one of the most beautiful wine trails in the world.

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included daily, and dinner is included on Days 2, 3, and 4.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions to Château de Chenonceau and the city of Blois are not included in the tour price.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Lunch and dinner on certain days are not included, except where specified.

Mode of Transport

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to the outskirts of Paris for an overnight stay. The tour continues with coach travel to various destinations including the Loire Valley, Cognac, and Bordeaux.

Accommodation

You will stay for three nights at the Ibis Styles Chinon in the Loire Valley and three nights in the Ibis Styles Bordeaux Medard. 

Overnight stays on the outskirts of Paris will be in city-style hotels.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    You will stay for three nights at the Ibis Styles Chinon in the Loire Valley and three nights in the Ibis Styles Bordeaux Medard. Overnight stays on the outskirts of Paris will be in city-style hotels.

  • Is there an opportunity to taste local specialties during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 5, you will visit the historic Château de Cognac and the cellars, finishing with a tasting of Cognac.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 3, there is an optional excursion to Château de Chenonceau, and on Day 4, there is an optional excursion to the city of Blois.

  • What can I expect to see in Bordeaux?

    In Bordeaux, you can explore its historic quarters, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notable sites include Place de la Bourse and the Cathedral Bell Tower, which offers panoramic views of the town.

  • What is included in the Wine Route of the Médoc tour?

    The Wine Route of the Médoc tour includes a scenic drive along the Route des Châteaux, visits to numerous historical locations, and wineries where you can sample the delights of the region.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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