From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley

Angers was the capital of the historical Anjou province and is distinguished not only by its legacy, but also by its modern nature. Angers, particularly rich during the Renaissance, was home to the House of Plantagenet. The immense walls of the famous Château d'Angers contain the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry. We'll visit the 13th century castle and discover the Apocalypse Tapestry*, part of one of the most important collections of medieval tapestries in the world.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Site closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and 11th, and December 25th.

Transfer by coach to the Bateaux Nantais dock. At approximately 8:00 p.m., we'll leave for a cruise on what King Francis I called the "most beautiful river in France”: The Erdre. As the scenery rolls by, discover the history of the river and its numerous châteaux.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave by coach for a visit to the Château de Brissac, located about nine miles from the city of Angers.
Known as the tallest royal residence in France, it contains 204 rooms, monumental staircases and never-ending hallways. Acquired by René de Cossé in the 16th century, Château de Brissac is still owned by the Cossé-Brissac family. Its park contains some magnificent shady spots under centuries-old trees, and the castle's spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle Époque theater are definitely not to be missed! At the end of our visit, we'll discover the castle cellars and enjoy a wine tasting*. Afterwards, we'll return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• Closed on Tuesdays, replaced by The Chateau de Serrant :

We’ll leave by coach for a visit to the Château de Serrant, located about twenty miles from the city of Angers. This large, imposing, and luxurious castle puts three human talents on display: the architect, builders, and artists. Serrant is known for its unique collection of furniture and lavishly decorated rooms. The library contains over 12,000 old books, and the rooms overflow with precious objects, tapestries, paintings, and rare furniture—including an exquisite ebony cabinet conserved for more than 300 years inside the castle. The entire collection in the library was listed as a French Historical monument in 2001. The vast, well-equipped kitchens also live up to the extravagance of the castle and give insight into the refined, very comfortable life that bustled here during the 1900s. The gardens surrounding the castle add to the ambiance of this marvelously authentic château. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.

We’ll take you to the airport in Ancenis. Upon your arrival, you’ll meet your pilot and head out for a helicopter tour of the Loire. You’ll enjoy a bird's-eye view of breathtaking landscapes. You’ll fly over the tower in Oudon, whose medieval architecture reaches towards the sky, dominating the city of Ancenis, then farther along the châteaux de Clermont, a Renaissance-era building in the style of Louis XIII that was also the home of French actor Louis de Funès. Next you’ll notice the Île d’Or golf course, built in a unique setting on one of the islands of the Loire. The minutes tick by and soon it’s time to return to Ancenis. On the way back, you’ll fly over Champtoceaux, without a doubt one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Loire.

PLEASE NOTE

• Helicopter ride subject to favorable weather conditions. MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE AND DEPENDS ON AVAILABILITY.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

We'll pass through several villages that are testimony to the strong winegrowing identity in the region. We'll travel to La Chapelle Heulin and stop at the Château Cassemichère (or similar site). This exceptional site invites you to discover its history-filled vineyards, visit its cellars and taste* the dry, light, fruity and aromatic wine. We'll continue towards Clisson, a charming medieval city with 15th century vestiges and a slight Italian feel.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Leaving from the dock in Nantes, you'll set out to discover the magical world of the Machines de l'île. This totally unprecedented artistic project is a cross between the imaginations of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. After this exceptional tour, we'll continue on to explore Nantes through its hidden courtyards and covered passageways reflecting the glorious past of the city's grand families from the 15th century to today.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and suitable clothing.

You'll discover the small streets of the medieval Bouffay quarter and the beautiful Flamboyant-style Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. We'll visit the île Feydeau and its exceptional buildings dating back to the 18th century, and then on to the quays. After, you'll discover the shopping districts created in the 18th century around the Théâtre Graslin and the Passage Pommeraye. We'll continue our tour to the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. The last castle before the river reaches the ocean, this Breton monument with its outstanding 15th to 17th century buildings will transport you back in time.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll begin our visit with the Escal'Atlantic, which ingeniously retraces the history of Norman and French ocean liners through a unique experience. Then we'll continue on to the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest and well-renowned in Europe. Once the birthplace of the most outstanding French transatlantic liners, today it is the construction site for elegant cruise ships. While following a tour especially designed to better understand the complexity of constructing these truly modern floating palaces, you'll discover the immensity of this site (267 acres), the stunning logistics, and the advanced technology required to build the ships.

PLEASE NOTE

• This excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to book the excursion and gain access to the shipyard.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.