The country seat of French royalty since the 1500s, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts Renaissance-era castles, rural villages, bicycle trails, forests and vineyards. Newly restored, crowd-free ‘secondary’ castles offer an intimate, well-curated view into France’s rural aristocratic traditions, such as gardening and hunting.
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
A visit to Loire Valley is all about seeing the region’s myriad châteaus, preferably with private guides. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
En route from Paris, stop at France’s largest cathedral in Chartres, followed by a visit in Blois, a charming medieval town. Next, enjoy a private guided tour of Château de Chambord, one of the crowning achievements of French Renaissance architecture. Finish each day with dinner at Indagare-recommended restaurants.
Visit Château de Beauregard, known for its portrait gallery and gardens, or borrow bikes and explore on your own, through wineries, forests and along country roads. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant that is housed in a 17th-century bakery.
This morning, visit Château de Chenonceau with a private guide and through Indagare’s connection, meet with the château’s impressive botanical director. Enjoy lunch before driving west along the river to visit one of the region’s famed wineries. Some favorites include Chinon, Domaine de Noiré, Bourgueil and Domaine de la Chevalerie.
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This aristocratic 15th-century castle feels like an eccentric friend’s abode, complete with family photos, antique furniture and creaky floors.
This elegant château-hotel in the heart of the Loire Valley boasts chic interiors, a large pool and almost 40 acres of flowering parklands.
The sophisticated town of Amboise on the banks of the Loire is famous for its grand castle, Château d'Amboise (37400 Amboise). Quintessential castle views are best appreciated over a sundown cocktail at Le Shaker (3 Quai François Tissard) on the other...
The most monumental of the Loire Valley castles (and the closest to Paris, only two hours away by car), the royal castle of Chambord is like Macchu Picchu or the Great Pyramids of Giza: a massive stone testament to architectural ingenuity....
Built in the early 16th century, this fairytale château is one of France’s most famous with its Gothic-era spires, elegant Renaissance interiors and picturesque location across the River Cher. Once home to a host of royal families, the château and...
Clos Luce château is where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last years of his life. All ages will marvel at the replicas of da Vinci’s 40 ‘flying machines’ in the basement. The outdoor café is a popular spot in the...
The best Chinon winery in terms of service and activities is the Domaine de Noiré. Second-generation owner Jean Max Manceau is known as a force of nature among local wine makers. He was one of the first to realize the...
Everything we recommend is sourced first-hand by our well-traveled team and incredible network of insiders and resources around the world. Here are some the latest articles, interviews, and book and film recommendations not to be missed.
How did an American end up as the botanical director of Chenonceau, the most-visited private chateau in France? Nicholas Tomlan, who worked at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania for fifteen years before moving to France, would say he planted the right...
The first installment of Indagare's newest monthly column, this issue of On the Road with Melissa covers the Indagare founder's exciting travels from the past month, including time on three continents. Below (and every month from now on), Melissa reflects on industry news, tips...
Who among us hasn’t dreamed of putting our overscheduled lives on pause to savor the rhythms and rituals of a simpler existence? When their daughters were teenagers, Bob and Carroll Pierce did just that, leaving Boston behind for a three-month...
Indagare’s Marley Lynch recently traveled to Provence, where she visited the charming coastal town of Cassis—known for the strikingly dramatic white cliffs that divide it and the Mediterranean. Here, she shares her tips on visiting the enchanting region. For help planning...
A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
The notion that Paris is always a good idea may feel exaggerated, but the fact is that a trip to the City of Light never disappoints. Perhaps that's because it has all the elements of cosmopolitan capital—Michelin-starred restaurants, legendary palace...
Practically synonymous with luxury, celebration, and good taste, Champagne—the region—shares the grand reputation of its eponymous product. Dotted with splendid chateaus and Michelin-starred restaurants, France’s most northerly wine-producing region is also home to lush forests and historic landmarks. Underscoring its...
From its picturesque farms and pastures, to the simultaneously modern and ancient urban centers, there is a strong respect for the past in Normandy. This collective bond to history is not nostalgic or retroactive, but rather an appreciation for the...
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