Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau

Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau

heart_plus
tourhub | Riviera Travel | Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau | LV
1,130 Views
7 Days
From

$1111

Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau

7 Days Starting in Vernon, France and ending in Euston Rd, London N1C 4QP, UK

Visiting: St Pancras International, Gare du Nord, Vernon, House of Claude Monet, Chartres, Chenonceaux, Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Saumur, Chinon, Château de Villandry, Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé, Fontainebleau, Paris

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

LV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 25

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$1111 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

If you are looking to visit one of the most beautiful regions of France, then our tour of the Loire Valley is ideal - indeed the very name conjures up wonderful images in the mind. The châteaux, the translation of 'castles' does not do them justice, are magnificent, and you have the opportunity to sample the best of them: Chenonceau, Villandry, Chinon and Amboise. The scenery is stunning too; in fact the valley is also known as The Garden of France and you can see why. Furthermore the harvest here is very rich: plums, apples and grapes - the area is renowned of course for its fine wines, namely Muscadet, Rose d'Anjou, Sauvignon, Vouvray and many more; and the gentle landscapes are warmed by the rich golden colours of the ripening fruit. You can sample the local produce at the Ackerman Wine Cellars, during a tasting of some of their award-winning Saumur wines.

History abounds here. Every time you turn a corner you see a reminder of Richard the Lionheart, the Hundred Years' War or Joan of Arc. Visiting the Loire Valley is like stepping back in time; the sleepy towns are a delight to explore and the local people seem to have time on their hands, stopping to chat to each other or drinking endless coffees in the nearby bars and cafes.

You visit the Château of Fontainebleau, set in a vast forest just outside Paris, and famous as the place where Napoleon commenced his journey into exile and Fontevraud Abbey, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, arguably the greatest monastic establishment left standing in France. You also visit the house, and most importantly the garden of one of France's most famous sons - Impressionist artist Claude Monet. All this, but there is much, much more so for a unique combination of culture, wine, superb and interesting monuments, châteaux, beautiful scenery and French provincial life at its best, come with us and see.

Highlights

  • wine cellars

  • If you are looking to visit one of the most beautiful regions of France, then our tour of the Loire Valley is ideal â?? indeed the very name conjures up wonderful images in the mind. The châteaux, the translation of â??castlesâ?? does not do them justice, are magnificent, and you have the opportunity to sample the best of them: Chenonceau, Villandry, Chinon and Amboise. The scenery is stunning too; in fact the valley is also known as The Garden of France and you can see why. Furthermore the harvest here is very rich: plums, apples and grapes â?? the area is renowned of course for its fine wines, namely Muscadet, Rosé dâ??Anjou, Sauvignon, Vouvray and many more; and the gentle landscapes are warmed by the rich golden colours of the ripening fruit. You can sample the local produce at the Ackerman Wine Cellars, during a tasting of some of their award-winning Saumur wines.

  • You visit the Château of Fontainebleau, set in a vast forest just outside Paris, and famous as the place where Napoleon commenced his journey into exile and Fontevraud Abbey, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, arguably the greatest monastic establishment left standing in France. You also visit the house, and most importantly the garden of one of Franceâ??s most famous sons â?? Impressionist artist Claude Monet. All this, but there is much, much more so for a unique combination of culture, wine, superb and interesting monuments, châteaux, beautiful scenery and French provincial life at its best, come with us and see.

  • History abounds here. Every time you turn a corner you see a reminder of Richard the Lionheart, the Hundred Yearsâ?? War or Joan of Arc. Visiting the Loire Valley is like stepping back in time; the sleepy towns are a delight to explore and the local people seem to have time on their hands, stopping to chat to each other or drinking endless coffees in the nearby bars and cafés.

  • Visit the most beautiful valley in France

  • Visit impressionist artist Claude Monet’s home and garden – see the ‘Water Lily’ pond and ‘Japanese Bridge’

  • Explore the finest of France’s stunning châteaux

  • Chinon, Chenonceau, Villandry and Fontainebleau

  • Visit medieval Tours, royal Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci’s house

  • Visit Chartres and its stunning gothic cathedral displaying Europe’s finest stained glass

Show all

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1
Location: St Pancras International, Gare du Nord, Vernon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras International (exact time of travel will be indicated on travel documents, arriving at Paris Gard du Nord approximately 2hrs 15 mins later). A coach will take you to Vernon near Claude Monet’s house and garden, to the three-star Hotel Normandy, where we dine this evening.

Day 2
Location: House of Claude Monet, Chartres
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you visit Monet’s house and garden. You have all seen Monet’s paintings reproduced in calendars and birthday cards, but to be here, in this spectacular display of colour, is simply an unforgettable experience. In the Japanese inspired water garden, shaded by a great willow tree and surrounded by bamboo trees, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond, where the famous Les Nymphéas or Water Lilies were painted. Inside the house is also outstanding.



Your journey continues to Chartres, where the cathedral is arguably the most magnificent in France with perhaps the most intricate 13th-century stained glass in Europe eventually arriving in the picturesque city of Tours, where you will be staying for four nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Novotel Tours Centre Gare which is centrally located on the edge of the Old Town.

Day 3
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of the wonderfully preserved historic centre of Tours. The city’s rich and varied history stretches back as far as the Gallo-Roman period, later becoming the medieval capital of France and seat of the French monarchy. This afternoon we visit Chenonceau, home of Mary Queen of Scots and probably the most stately of the Loire châteaux, majestically hovering on the waters of the River Cher. Later we return to the hotel.

Day 4
Location: Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Saumur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fontevraud Abbey, for a guided tour. Arguably the greatest monastic establishment left standing in France, the Abbey was once one of the richest and most powerful royal retreats in the world. Next we head to Saumur, described as the ‘pearl of Anjou’, the town is a delightful spot to stop for lunch and wander amongst its magnificent architectural heritage. No visit here would be complete without sampling some of this famous produce, so this afternoon we visit the Ackerman wine cellars for a tasting of some of their award-winning Saumur wines.



Later we return to Tours and dine in a traditional restaurant.

Day 5
Location: Chinon, Château de Villandry
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we visit the charming town of Chinon, medieval in character dominated by the imposing castle where Joan of Arc first met the Dauphin. You have time to explore this lovely town. In the afternoon, we make our way down the beautiful Loire Valley to the Château Villandry, famous for its unique gardens, consisting largely of colourful vegetables.

Day 6
Location: Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we visit Amboise, a delightful little town nestling on the banks of the River Loire. where a royal château sits. Nearby is the Château of Clos Lucé, famous as the final abode of Leonardo da Vinci. Today it houses the Leonardo da Vinci museum, dedicated to his work and the region’s prestigious history. On display are models of his various innovations as well as a copy of the Mona Lisa.



Afterwards we continue to our final hotel, where we stay at the four-star Hotel Mercure Orléans Portes de Sologne, where we also dine.

Day 7
Location: Fontainebleau, Paris, St Pancras International
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we visit the beautiful Château of Fontainebleau, just south of Paris, where Napoleon departed to his exile on the island of Elba. It is decorated in fantastic style, with intricate frescoes and parquet floors inlaid with exotic woods. Most impressive is the vast display of exquisite furniture and the formally designed, extensive grounds. Fontainebleau encompasses everything you imagine about a French château: style, opulence, grandeur – even outrageousness.



Later you transfer to Paris to take the Eurostar service (exact time will be indicated on travel documents) to London St Pancras International.

What's Included

  • Change your booking free up to 45 days before travel

  • Covid Cancellation protection included as standard

  • Explore the finest of France’s stunning châteaux

  • Visit the most beautiful valley in France

  • Visit impressionist artist Claude Monet’s home and garden – see the ‘Water Lily’ pond and ‘Japanese Bridge’

  • Visit medieval Tours, royal Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci’s house

  • Chinon, Chenonceau, Villandry and Fontainebleau

  • Visit Chartres and its stunning gothic cathedral displaying Europe’s finest stained glass

  • Visit to Saumur and the Ackerman

  • Guided tour of Fontevraud Abbey, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance to Chinon €8.

    50, approximate costs, payable locally.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this Operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Nigel Stewart (Google Reviewer)  

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A...

15-Apr-2024

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A cruise ship of excellence, very well appointed, comfortable & indulgent. We departed Budapest and cruised the Blue Danube heading to Vienna. The top deck offers sun loungers, a heated pool, golf and a place to just sit & relax. The cabins have everything you could want for but above all incredible comfortable. The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive and do everything to make your stay a pure pleasure. This is an experience you will remember for many years.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
$1111 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$1321 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

May 15, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$1444 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$1481 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$1444 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$1481 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours