See Rare Wildflowers

One of the best reasons for taking a tour with us is to take advantage of our local knowledge. We know how to ensure that you are in the right place at the right time.

For instance, if you book for early spring, at the end of March or the beginning of April, we can show you a very rare and beautiful wildflower if you choose one of our tours that concentrates on the area west of Tours (so that could be a day that includes the chateaux of Chinon, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, la Chatonniere or Ussé ).

For just a few weeks of the year the Snakeshead Fritillary will be flowering in the riverside pasture here. Nowhere else on earth can you see this lovely plant in the wild in such numbers, and we know exactly where to find it.

If you want to see something special on your Loire Valley tour, email us and we will design an itinerary that makes sure you don't miss out.

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What's New in the Loire Chateaux for 2014?

Amboise

• installation of a lift within the chateau, next to the Heurtault Tower, which will serve three levels and allow fully integrated access for the disabled. 

Chenonceau

• in the Galerie des Dômes, at the beginning of summer, a space will be especially dedicated to the contemporary history of the chateau, such as the military hospital installed in the building from 1914 - 18. It will be in recognition of all those wounded and carers who came here during the four years of the Great War. More than 2250 wounded were cared for at Chenonceau.

Chinon

• from April to November the fortress will stage a walk through the history of the Templars, with the theme of 'East Meets West'. There will also be an exhibition in the chateau on the soldier-monks and the treasure of the Templars.

Loches

• all summer the citadel and the royal chateau will celebrate the millenium of the Keep (Donjon) built by Foulques Nerra. For three weekends in August there will be a light show at night.

Villandry

• a big exhibition this summer on the birds of Villandry (the site is classified by the League pour le Protection des Oiseaux) with an exhibition of sculptures by Marine d'Harcourt in the Sun Garden.