Loire Valley, Cognac & Bordeaux
Loire Valley, Cognac & Bordeaux
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:
Tour code:
9fla
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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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.
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Excursion to Tours
Enjoy an included excursion to the historic city of Tours, which boasts half-timbered houses and a grand cathedral.
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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.
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Meals
Breakfast is included daily, and dinner is included on Days 2, 3, and 4.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions to Château de Chenonceau and the city of Blois are not included in the tour price.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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