French Loire Valley

A relaxing tour through the beautiful Loire Valley

Located in the central area of France, the Loire Valley is one of the nicest parts of the country to tour and holiday in.

Our tour starts in Nantes, near to the mouth of the River Loire and travels upstream along the Loire Valley as far as Blois. From where we include a visit to the wonderfully picturesque Chateau Chenonceau, spanning the river, this chateau is an architectural wonder to see.

In between, we take in the history of Nantes city, the charms of Angers, the beauty of the riverside town of Saumur and the local feel of Tours’ city centre.

As well as driving along the Valley, we get to see it from the water, as we take a boat cruise on the river. Also included in the tour, are visits to the world famous Cointreau distillery (with tastings), to the Musee du Champignon (mushrooms) and the Grande Maison du Fines Bulles (House of fine bubbles).

The distances between campsites throughout the tour have been kept short, allowing for plenty of opportunity to take in the views as you drive. There are also free days at all the campsites for independent exploration and plenty of relaxation.

Join us for a tour of this lovely part of France; as we enjoy great scenery, visits to wonderful places of interest and plenty of French cuisine at the included group meals.

Day One – Friday 19^th May
Arrive in the charming Loire city of Nantes. Our campsite has excellent facilities and is located adjacent to the tram line which affords easy travel to and around the city. This evening join with the Tour Directors for a group welcome dinner in the campsite restaurant.

Day Two – Saturday 20^th May
Everyone will be issued with a 48-hour Nantes Travel Pass which entitles unlimited use of the public transport system (trams, buses, tour bus, little train). This morning we will make first use of our passes as we travel together into the city to meet with a local guide for a walking tour. This will give an overview of the places of interest, so you can later independently explore these further. At the end of the day make your own way back to the campsite using the local transport network covered by your travel pass.

Day Three – Sunday 21^st May
Another opportunity to make good use of the travel pass today. Join with the Tour Directors and return to the city for a visit to the enormous “Mechanical Elephant” followed by a boat trip along the river Loire (both are included in your pass).

Day Four – Monday 22^nd May
We move on today and travel along the Loire Valley to Angers, where our riverside campsite is set in a 120-hectare park. This evening you are invited to join with the Tour Directors for an informal drinks evening around their motorhome. 56 miles

Day Five – Tuesday 23^rd May
Today we are collected from our site by a tour bus with an English speaking guide for the day. We start the day in the historic city centre with a walking tour, followed by a 3-course lunch in a traditional French restaurant. After lunch, we travel to the famous Cointreau distillery, where we have a full tour with tastings of this famous liqueur. We are returned to our campsite in the late afternoon. 

Day Six – Wednesday 24^th May
A free day. The park surrounding the campsite is idyllic for a stroll or cycle along the river, or you may decide to use the local bus to re-visit the city centre. Alternatively, just relax and do nothing in the peaceful surroundings of the campsite.

Day Seven – Thursday 25^th May
Continuing along the Loire Valley, today we travel to Saumur. Our campsite is located on an island within the River Loire and is a 20 minute walk from the city centre. 42 miles 

Day Eight – Friday 26^th May
This morning we board a river boat for a 90-minute Loire cruise. This will be followed by lunch in a Troglodique restaurant and after lunch, visits to the Musee du Champignon (mushrooms) and the Grande Maison du Fines Bulles (fine bubbles) for a tasting of some excellent Saumur sparkling wine.

Day Nine – Saturday 27^th May
After a full day yesterday, today is an opportunity to take it easy.

Day Ten – Sunday 28^th May
Move on today to the city of Tours. If you are mechanically minded make a stop on route at the Maurice Dufresne retro mechanical museum. This evening we have a group dinner in the campsite’s own restaurant. 53 miles

Day Eleven – Monday 29^th May
We take a short local bus ride to town to meet with a local guide for a tour of the covered market which specializes in local produce. At the end of the tour there will be a light lunch of tasting the many local delights we have been viewing. Afterwards, our guide will take us on a walking tour around the historical town centre.

Day Twelve – Tuesday 30^th May
A free day. There are many museums and galleries in Tours, along with pavement cafes and shops for those who wish to return to the centre.

Day Thirteen – Wednesday 31^st May
Continue along the Loire Valley to our final campsite at Blois. 44 miles

Day Fourteen – Thursday 1^st June
Today we will take a boat trip on the River Cher, followed by lunch in a local Chateau and later a visit to the wonderfully located Chateau Chenonceau.

Day Fifteen – Friday 2^nd June
A free day and time to relax before our Farewell Dinner this evening in a local restaurant. An opportunity to enjoy good French food and wines in the company of your fellow travellers.

Day Sixteen – Saturday 3^rd June
The tour ends this morning. You may choose to stay in France, make your own way back to the UK, or if the Tour Directors are returning to the UK, travel back with them at your own expense along a route of their choosing. If the Tour Directors are not returning direct to the UK, they will be able to assist should you wish to have a return route home planned.

PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £0000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £0000

DEPOSIT £000

INCLUDED IN PRICE

• 15 Campsite nights with hook-up
• Transport for Excursions/Events where required
• Entrance fees on Excursions/Events as per the itinerary
• Tour Information Pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates
• Services of Tour Directors throughout the tour travelling in their own motorhome
• Michelin Map of France

      Excursions, Events and Meals

• Welcome campsite dinner with wine
• 48hr Transport Ticket to the City of Nantes
• Guided walking tour of Nantes
• Tour Directors drinks evening
• Guided tour of Angers
• Lunch in Angers local restaurant
• Visit to Cointreau distillery with tastings
• Loire river cruise
• Troglodique restaurant lunch
• Visits to the Musee du Champignon and the Grande Maison du Fines Bulles
• Campsite dinner with wine
• Tours guided visit, including the local market with light lunch and city centre tour
• River Cher boat trip
• Lunch in local Chateau
• Visit to Chateau Chenonceau
• Farewell Evening Dinner with wine

This tour starts in Nantes, but if you would like to travel on the outward journey from the UK with the Tour Directors, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf for travel from the UK

OPTIONAL EXTRA PACKAGE

• Return Dover/Calais Ferry with fully Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
• 3 x additional Campsite Nights starting in Kent on Tuesday 16^th May followed by 2 in France
• Tour information pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates
• Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £000