Embark on a private escape with your driver-guide discovering stunning Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire castles and gardens
Immerse yourself in the grandeur and charm of the Loire Valley on an unforgettable adventure led by an expert driver-guide. This captivating journey, available from late April to early November, takes you to the majestic Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire castles and gardens. Discover the secrets of its magnificent gardens, explore the vibrant International Garden Festival and sample the region’s organic produce.
©Les Coflocs
Chambord’s Vegetable Gardens
Your adventure begins at the organic vegetable gardens of Chambord Castle. Led by a passionate market gardener, embark on a VIP 1-hour tour that goes beyond sightseeing. Immerse yourself in the philosophy of sustainable farming, learning about time-honored techniques used since the 19th century. Discover the diverse plant varieties, traditional tools, and ethical harvesting methods employed here. To top it off, savor a delicious seasonal product grown right in the garden.
Chambord Castle
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the iconic Chambord Castle. Soaring above the landscape, this architectural marvel is famed for its inspiration behind Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Unravel its fascinating history as you explore its many rooms and 282 fireplaces, marvelling at the ingenuity of the double spiral staircase – said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Step onto the magnificent terraces and capture breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding domains.
© Guillaume Perrin
©Eric Sander
Chaumont-sur-Loire International Garden Festival
Conclude your day with a vibrant flourish at the renowned Chaumont International Garden Festival. Nestled within the walls of Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle, overlooking the majestic Loire River, this haven of floral creativity hosts stunning garden displays from talented designers around the world. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and innovative designs, each reflecting a unique theme or concept.
Your escape unveil the hidden gems of the Loire Valley, from the exclusive tour of Chambord’s organic gardens to the breathtaking panoramas of the castle and the artistic expression of the Chaumont gardens. This experience is tailor-made to offer you a unique and personalized insight into our beautiful region at Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire castles.
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Testimonials
A superb collaboration during an event with Loire Secrets. The team is really friendly and available. A top organization. We recommend with your eyes closed!
The Calliope Travel team
Very good experience.. A wonderful stay. Very well organized..I recommend..It was perfect..To do again without hesitation…Thank you France Trip Secrets…
Great attention paid to the customer’s wishes. Good humor and unfailing professionalism. It’s a real pleasure to work with France Trip Secrets!
Whether for our professional event or for our reunion event with friends, the Loire Secret team did double duty.
A successful evening and weekend
Bravo for these 2 exceptional organizations.
We will do it again for sure!!!
© Léonard de Serres
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire gardens tour available?
This tour runs from late April to early November, which matches the season of the Chaumont-sur-Loire International Garden Festival that closes the day. Outside those months, the festival gardens are not on show. If you are traveling in winter, your trip designer can suggest another château tour that works for your dates.
What happens during the VIP visit of Chambord’s vegetable gardens?
A market gardener leads you on a private one-hour tour of the organic vegetable gardens at Chambord. You learn about sustainable growing and techniques in use since the 19th century, and you see the plant varieties, the traditional tools and how the produce is harvested. At the end you taste a seasonal product grown right there in the garden.
Did Chambord inspire Disney’s Beauty and the Beast?
Chambord is often cited as one of the inspirations for the castle in Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast,' and its roofline of towers and chimneys makes the link easy to picture. On this tour you explore the château, with its 282 fireplaces and the double spiral staircase said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci, then step onto the terraces for wide views over the estate.
What will I see at the Chaumont-sur-Loire International Garden Festival?
The festival takes place within the grounds of Chaumont-sur-Loire castle, above the Loire. Designers from around the world create show gardens, each built around a theme, so you walk through a series of very different spaces in color, texture and concept. It is the last stop of the day and a good fit for anyone who enjoys contemporary garden design.
image sources:
- Detail of part of the gardens of the Chambord Castle in France: Saturnino Perez Garrido
- France Trip Secrets – VIP experiences in Brittany – ©BERTHIER Emmanuel: ©BERTHIER Emmanuel
- France Trip Secrets – Fontevraud Royal Abbey ©Christophe MARTIN – Anjou Tourisme: ©Christophe MARTIN - Anjou Tourisme
- France Trip Secrets – Wellness stay in Brittany – ©Castelbrac: J-L T
- France Trip Secrets – VIP experiences hot air balloon ride Loire Valley – © Léonard de Serres: © Léonard de Serres
