My Week In

Up, Up Up and Away — What a great way to surprise your loved one? Glently gliding over the chateaux of the Loire Valley. An opportunity to see and experience the treasures of the Loire. You trip starts at Chateau Chenonceau and continues over the lovely town of Blois, then Chateau Chaumont and the historic Azay-le-Rideau and the world famous gardens of Villandry. You can choose this special trip any day of the week. Your professional pilots are also backed by a team of safety engineer specialists.

Whether your want to surprise, propose or simply enjoy the countryside prices start at 185€ (165€ Monday-Wednesday) and 155€ for a child.

All the pilots speak English so you won’t confuse your Chenonceaux to your Chaumont!

The Loire Valley has mild summers however should weather conditions prohibit flying your tickets can be re-scheduled or refunded.

Le Vieux Tours — There are 3 or 4 very special places to visit in Tours, the 'Basilique St. Martin', the Cathedral and Place Plumereau, the medieval quarter. These 'maison des bois' date back to the 15th century when the area was once crowded with merchants.

Today, it is mainly students who live in the old houses converted into apartments and frequent the cafes and bars. You can take a special walking tour with a specialist, just let us know and we will pass on your details however if going alone note Nos. 1 through to 7 for their historic and architectural value.

Chateaux de Cande - the extravagant thirties — This is the chateau where the Duke of Windsor, former King Edward VIII, married Wallis Simpson, after his abdication. The interior is now a museum with many of the rooms reenacting 'scenes' from their wedding day. Known for her love of Haute-Couture, on display are many outfits worn including her famous blue wedding dress.

You can also see the cake and all the trimmings for the 16 guests that attended. Each year there is a wonderful 1930s picnic in the grounds and if you're in the region, June/July is the best time to visit. Open from April to end September Friday, Saturday and Monday 10am to 6pm.
www.chateau-cande.fr
Monts 37260 t: 02 47 340370

Chateau Montpoupon - Hunter's delight — It is a lovely surprise to find this 15th century Chateau tucked away in a little village. Not heavily promoted, but well worth the visit, especially for those who love the history of ‘la belle chasse’.

The exterior museums (there are three) record beautifully all aspects of 'the hunt', (there’s even a vintage collection of Hermes scarves as well as a display of numerous riding outfits worn throughout the centuries). The interior of the Chateau is limited to a few rooms and a church, however, visitors will enjoy exploring the once very active stables, learning about saddlery and all the necessary preparations for the hunting season. There's also some fine examples of taxidermy from bugs to boars; stories about the life of hound dogs and their masters and wonderful black and white photographs that capture a time lost in the Loire. Book a lunch at the adjoining Auberge serving quality Tourangelle cuisine.
www.montpoupon.com
37460 Céré-la-Ronde. Entre Loches et Montrichard, 10 min from Chenonceaux: D764 t: 02 47 94 21 15

Chateau de Villandry — Spend the afternoon strolling the vast 16th century gardens of Villandry. A number of wonderful events are held during the year, including ‘Night of a Thousands Fires” (July 6 and 7) when over 2,000 candles are lit around the grounds followed by fireworks. Famous for its vegetable gardens and exotic plants. Spring is the best time to see all in its full decorative bloom. Visit their web site (also in English) for other events. There is a casual cafe on the grounds and several wonderful bistros nearby.
www.chateauvillandry.com
Villandry

Chateau Montrésor — Situated in a very picturesque village of Montrésor the castle has a fascinating history from its capture into the hand of Henry II of England, it was demolished in 1203 and rebuilt in the 15th century for courtesans and royal servants.

Visits are accompanied and are offered all year round on reservation. Information with the Office of Tourism of Montrésor t: 00 +33 (0)2 47 92 70 71

April-Nov 10am -12 then 2pm – 6pm
Nov-April – Group bookings only

37460 Montrésor t: 02 47 92 60 04

La Scénoférie de Semblançay — This is a wonderful French spectacle recounting the history of France throughout the ages. Commencing with the 'Gaul' periods then Roman Times, Middle Ages, religious conflict, Louis XIV right through to the revolution.

Brilliantly performed, even though the cast of over 100 are mainly locals in this rather big production. You won't be disappointed in the lighting effects, authentic costumes, fireworks and special effects. There are several scenes with wonderful horsemanship. The only downside is that the show starts when the sun sets, which can be as late as 10.45pm, so difficult for small children and finishes around midnight, but hey it is holiday time! Shows in July / August 2010 dates: June 26, July 3, 10, 13,17,23,24,30,31 in August 6,7,13 and 14.

Adults 16 euros Children 6euros under 12

Email: contact@scenofeerie.com for more details. You will need a car to visit this area of the Touraine and no public transport to the event. See website for more details
www.scenofeerie.com
Semblancay

Chateau de Chaumont — Each year, creative and innovative displays of rare and common species of plants are woven into several different spaces that are both entertaining and visually stimulating.

You will observe how we can share gardens, large and small, contemporary and traditional in cities and open spaces. The festival is a burst of energy and a challenge to our ideas about gardens but more importantly, its a celebration of nature!

After your visit you can dine either in the restaurant or cafe, there are also several boutiques offering garden products and advice.

Late April - 20 October, 2008 10am Daily.
www.chaumontsurloire.info
Chaumont sur Loire

Chateau Cheverny — Privately owned for over six centuries you can view all the rooms and furnishings unchanged. A comfortable golf buggy can transport you around the scenic grounds. Opposite there's a fine bistro 'Le Pichet'. Don't miss the Tin Tin museum and the boat ride around the ground's own private canal.
www.chateau-cheverny.fr
route de nationale t: 02 54 79 96 29