Visit the Loire Valley in January

There are some advantages to visiting the Loire Valley in the winter. No crowds at the chateaux, for one, except during the school holidays (Christmas to New Year and two weeks in February). All the big name chateaux remain open throughout the year, and if you come in January you could have these places virtually to yourself. Think of the opportunities for fabulous photos! You can take them yourself, we can take them on your camera/phone or we can arrange for a professional photographer to meet us as part of your tour. Let us know what you'd like to do.

Doing a Photoshoot on Your Loire Valley Holiday

If you would like to remember your holiday in the Loire Valley with a set of professionally taken photographs let us know. We can work together with a professional photographer colleague and provide the highlight of your visit. At certain times of year (during the low season) we are even able to get to areas that visitors are normally not allowed at certain chateaux. None of your friends will have photos like yours, and it is a lot of fun to do. Just ask us if you want a photo session as part of your tour.

A Top Tip for Getting the Best out of a Guided Tour

 If someone in your group has mobility issues, please discuss what they can and can't do before settling on an itinerary with a guide. All chateaux have quite a few stairs and it is usually a 15 minute walk from the car park to the front door. I can still remember when I first moved to Europe from Australia more than 20 years ago what a shock the number of stairs in general there are here. Let your guide know if someone in your group will need frequent rest stops or will move slowly. That way the guide can suggest strategies for seeing the highlights and making sure everyone has a great visitor experience. Most guides are flexible about how they present tours, but it is always better if they are forewarned about issues that may require this skill.

17th century staircase in Loches.

Visiting the Loire Valley at Christmas Time

If you visit the Loire Valley at Christmas time you are in for a real treat. Seven of the famous chateaux participate in a programme to decorate for Christmas and each tries to outdo the other with the beauty and creativity of their decorations. The added bonus for visitors who can come in December before Christmas, they will have all this splendour almost to themselves. Imagine being about to get just the shot you want, without strangers photobombing! 

Eating Cake in the Loire Valley

You can't come to France and not sample a few of the stunning cakes in the pastry shops. And if you come to the Loire Valley we will happily advise you on what is good, and what is even better. We know all the best pastry shops -- the ones who have won prizes for their work and the ones who make local specialities. And the great pastry shops that are in out of the way places that the tourists don't find. If you want to sample some delicious French pastries, or even just photograph or gaze at the displays admiringly, let us know and we will include somewhere sweet in your tour.

A Review of Our Amboise and Chenonceau Chateaux Tour

A terrific review of a tour with us by Ward, from Florida.

Tour: Amboise and Chenonceau Chateaux.

Date: Dec 28, 2021

 

"A really fantastic day trip that my wife and I took from Paris. Susan and Simon were great hosts and we had great fun driving around in Claudette, the 1956 Citroen Traction Avant! For anyone wanting an experienced, knowledgable guide, I would highly advise that you contact Susan. Regrettably, it was just one day!"