Productkennisreizen Destination Vignobles 2012 by Jojanneke Kramer

A 3-DAY-WINE TOUR IN ANJOU LOIRE VALLEY Fun-wine in Anjou Loire Valley

October 5th to 8th 2012

Comité Départemental de l’Anjou - Place Kennedy, 49021 Angers -  : +33 (0) 02 41 23 51 51 Email: rodolphe-ligonniere@anjou-tourisme.com - http://www.anjou-loire-valley.co.uk/index.asp?lg=2

. FRIDAY 5th, 2012

TOURS

SAUMUR

12 pm – 4 pm

Arrival in Tours.

Transfer to the hotel « Adagio» in Saumur *** (3-star hotel). http://www.hoteladagio.com/index2.php Dinner and night at the hotel “Adagio” Saumur.

. SATURDAY 6th, 2012

SAUMURBREZE

9-9.20 am

Transfer to the Castle of Brézé.

BREZE

9.30-11 am

Guided tour of the castle basement and old wine storehouse. This is the largest subterranean fortress in Europe. Grape has been growing here for five centuries. http://www.chateaudebreze.com/index.html?lg=gb

11-11.15 am

Transfer to Fontevraud.

11.15-2.30 pm

Guided tour and lunch at the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. Let’s discover the Abbey cellars and have a wine tasting with some Saumur winemakers! http://loire-chateaux.co.uk/19-Chateaux/Abbey-OfFontevraud.html Transfer to Saumur.

FONTEVRAUD

2.30 – 3 pm SAUMUR

BRISSAC

ANGERS

3- 4.20 pm

Discovery of the Ackerman Estate in Saumur. A very special way to discover the Saumur wines: undertake a journey to the centre of the wine bubble… http://www.voyagecentrebulle.fr/index_en.php

4.20 – 5 pm

Transfer to Brissac.

5-6 pm

The Brissac Castle visit and wine tasting. 7 doors and 204 rooms! This is the highest French castle. It is still owned by a five-century family. The Brissac family provides their visitors with a highly customized and intimate wine tasting. http://www.chateau-brissac.fr/2006/english3.htm

6- 6.30 pm

Transfer to the hotel of France**** (a 4-star hotel).

6.30-7.15 pm

Have some rest at the hotel de France****. http://www.hoteldefrance-angers.com/hotel-de-france-angersen.html

7.15 – 7.30

Transfer to the Cointreau Museum.

7.30-9.45 pm

Guided tour and wine tasting at the Cointreau Museum. Cointreau is a world-famous brand and a fortify wine made of orange peel among a genuine and secret recipe. Discover the origin of this special wine thanks to a collection of documents, movies and promotional materials. Have dinner in the modern restaurant of the museum. http://www.cointreau.com/home-601997.html&p=uk#header

10 pm

Night at the hotel of France ****.

Comité Départemental de l’Anjou - Place Kennedy, 49021 Angers -  : +33 (0) 02 41 23 51 51 Email: rodolphe-ligonniere@anjou-tourisme.com - http://www.anjou-loire-valley.co.uk/index.asp?lg=2

. SUNDAY 7th, 2012

ANGERS

10-12 am

Reach the fortress of Angers high ground! The architectural style of this castle is totally different from the th other ones. This is a 12 century fortress. Let’s have a fantastic overview walking on the path which links the seventeen towers of the fortress. http://loire-chateaux.co.uk/19-Chateaux/Chateau-OfAngers.html

12-12.15 pm

Transfer to Bouchemaine.

12.30-2.30 pm

A cocktail quiz at the « Loire et saveur » restaurant with a special gift to win… Gastronomic lunch at the « Loire et saveur » restaurant. http://www.gastronomica.fr/restaurants/49/restaurant-a-lapointe.php

ANGERSBOUCHEMAINE

SAVENNIERES

BEAULIEUSUR-LAYON

ANGERS

2.45- 3.45 pm

Go for a boat cruise on the Loire river. A guided tour which gives you the opportunity to learn more about Anjou and Saumur wines’ trade on the river. http://www.atoueloire.com/art441-gabare-de-loire-laboheme.php

3.45-4 pm

Transfer to Savennieres.

4- 5.30pm

Get into the skin of the winemaker at Closel Estate. October is the harvest time in France, this is a great opportunity to get you involved in the job! Have fun cutting, stomping and pressing grapes … http://www.savennieres-closel.com/-English-.html

5.30-6 pm

Walk in the Closel Estate’s garden.

6-6.20 pm

Transfer to Beaulieu-sur-Layon.

6.30 – 7.30pm

« Wine and chocolate matching » at Soucherie Estate. Discover the strong aromas and flavours of the three typical wines of Loire Valley. http://www.domaine-de-la-soucherie.fr/

7.30-9.45pm

Winemaker dinner at Soucherie Estate.

10pm

Night at the hotel of France ****.

Comité Départemental de l’Anjou - Place Kennedy, 49021 Angers -  : +33 (0) 02 41 23 51 51 Email: rodolphe-ligonniere@anjou-tourisme.com - http://www.anjou-loire-valley.co.uk/index.asp?lg=2

. MONDAY 8th, 2012

ANGERS

10-2.30 pm

Guided tour and lunch in “Terra Botanica”, the 1st European theme park dedicated to flora. Stroll in the vineyard and the rose garden, go for a boat cruise on a typical woody barge, and relax… http://www.uk.terrabotanica.fr/

2.45-4 pm

Tranfer to the city of Tours for the workshop.

Comité Départemental de l’Anjou - Place Kennedy, 49021 Angers -  : +33 (0) 02 41 23 51 51 Email: rodolphe-ligonniere@anjou-tourisme.com - http://www.anjou-loire-valley.co.uk/index.asp?lg=2

Programm Berry Province Tour DESTINATION VIGNOBLES 2012 From 5 to 8 october 2012

Agence de Développement Touristique de l'Indre - 1 place Eugène Rolland , 36003 Châteauroux -  : +33 (0)2 54 07 36 36 berrylindretourisme@berry.fr - http://www.berryprovince.com/ Maison du Tourisme du Cher - 5, rue de Séraucourt 18000 Bourges -  : +33 (0)2 48 48 00 10 - jennifer.desille@berry.fr http://www.berryprovince.com/

1/5

Friday, October 5th 2012 End of the day

Transfer to Sancerre Night in the hotel Le Panoramic*** http://www.panoramicotel.com/en.php Dinner : Sancerre – Restaurant to be confirmed.

2/5

Saturday, October 6th 2012 From 10 AM

Day dedicated to the grape harvest on the side of the grape-pickers. Sancerre is located on a rock peak lined by the Loire river in its wildest part. Its vineyard extends over 3000 hectares and is planted with white Sauvignon and black Pinot that provide so many tastes as growers who produce it! 10 AM: Welcome in the vineyards to discover the manual grape harvest with a wine grower from Sancerre, that offers one of the most beautiful wine landscapes in the world. Around noon: Wine grower picnic in the vineyards (or in a cellar in case of bad weather). Around 2 PM: After the discovery of the grape harvest world, cellar visit to discover the next stages of wine making. Day led up by the BIVC.

4.30 PM

Spare time in Sancerre

7.30 PM

Theme evening in the Maison des Sancerre: Different wine designations of origin (Sancerre, Quincy, Reuilly, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon…) and local products. Themed Entertainment.

Overnight

Night in the hotel Le Panoramic*** http://www.panoramicotel.com/en.php

3/5

Sunday, october 7th, 2012 From 9 AM

Walk in the Sancerre vineyards. In the middle of the hillsides, the hill landscapes planted of vineyards reveal cellars and producers of goat cheese. (In case of bad weather, visit of a goat shed, a cellar or of the « Maison des Sancerre ») Day led up by the BIVC.

11 AM

Departure to Menetou-Salon Around noon: lunch/ tasting in Menetou-Salon.

2 PM

Departure to Bourges Around 3 PM: Greedy guided tour of Bourges. With the stain-glass windows of the cathedral Saint-Etienne, registered at the world heritage, the sculptures of the mansions or the shopping in the gourmet shops, the city offers a gastronomic visit of its heritage. The visit will also allow a discovery of all its treasures, such as the Palais Jacques Cœur or its protected historical center and its mansions.

Overnight

Night in the Hotel de Bourbon**** http://www.hoteldebourbon.fr/bourbon/index.html Gastronomic entertainment in Bourges

4/5

Monday, october 8th 9 AM

Departure to Valençay Visit of the Château of Valençay The château of Valençay is a diamond, built in a very refined renaissance style. House of Napoleon Bonaparte’s foreign secretary and of the Prince of Talleyrand, it is made unique by the whiteness of the tuffeau stone. The inside is also luxurious, with its rooms richly furnished, that reminds that the receptions, particularly the ones that Talleyrand gave, were majestic. End of the morning: lunch-tasting - discovery of the double appellation, cheese and wine, and wines from Reuilly. Valençay is the only town in France that offers 2 protected designations of origin: La Pyramide de Valançay AOC, a famous goat cheese of high quality and the wines of Valençay AOC, that reveals the variety of vineyards that extend over 2400 hectares. The oldest appellation of the Indre department is the wine of Reuilly, a Loire Valley wine that extends over around 205 hectares. The white wine is the most famous but the red wine and rosé or « gris » (grey) can also be surprising.with its pale color and its delicate pepper taste.

3 PM

Departure to Tours Arrival in Tours at 4.30 PM

5/5

WINE TOUR « History and stories, From castles to vineyards »

October 5th to 8th 2012

Comité Départemental de Tourisme du Loiret -8, rue d’Escures 45000 Orléans  : +33 (0) 2 38 78 04 04 - Email : relation-presse@tourismeloiret.com – http://www.tourismeloiret.com/en 1/4

Friday october 5th : 12 pm/16 pm About 1 hour- 116 km 7.30 pm

Overnight

Arrival in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. Transfer to Orléans. Le Chaland 44 quai Barentin 45000 ORLEANS  : 33 2.38.62.17.39. h0581@accor.com http://www.mercure.com/ Hôtel Mercure****

Dinner in Orléans at the restaurant « Le Chaland ».

http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-0581-mercureorleans-centre/index.shtml

Saturday October 6th: 9.15 am

Welcome by the Regional Tourist board.

9.15 am Orléans Meung 40 minutes/ 21 km

Pick up and transfer to Meung-sur-Loire.

10 am Meungsur-Loire

CHATEAU DE MEUNG SUR LOIRE 45130 MEUNG SUR LOIRE 02.38.44.36.47. info@chateau-de-meung.com http://www.chateau-de-meung.com/rubrique10-

11.15 am Lunch

The chateau Meung is one of the largest and most ancient chateau of the Loire Valley. During seven centuries, it was the prestigious residence of the bishops of Orléans. Let’s discover its rich history from the Middle Ages to the 17th century, times of glory. This is a surprising tour off the beaten track in the private areas of the caste and its undergrounds which features the darkest part of the castle…

Inside the castle or outside in the courtyard : food and wine matching with a winemaker from « Orléans -Cléry », a controlled origin wine. Transfer to Orléans.

1.15 pm Meung  Orléans 40 minutes/ 21 km 2 pm Orléans

Guided tour of the castle of Meung-sur-Loire.

http://www.tourismeorleans.com/en/accueil/index.php

Visit of the Middle Age City of and its cathedral. Although Orléans owes much of its fame to Joan of Arc, the city today still has many other attractions on offer. Stone-built treasures such as the gothic Sainte-Croix Cathedral. Colorful treasures in the Butterfly House at La Source Floral Park (35 hectares), which can be seen on a stroll among exotic specimens; one activity among many to choose from. Musical treasures at the Campanaire Bollée Museum which will ring bells with visitors when they see a lesson on how to make this unique musical instrument. Treasures from the past at the Orléans History and Archaeology Museum with an exceptional collection of Gallo-Roman bronze statues. The Groslot Mansion (16th century), where Charles IX, Henri III and Henri IV all stayed, built by the bailiff Groslot, is also well worth a visit, as is the Fine Arts Museum and its famous Pastels Cabinet.

Comité Départemental de Tourisme du Loiret -8, rue d’Escures 45000 Orléans  : +33 (0) 2 38 78 04 04 - Email : relation-presse@tourismeloiret.com – http://www.tourismeloiret.com/en 2/4

4 pm

Hotel

Spare time.

6.45 pm Diner

Ver di Vin 2 rue des 3 Maries 45000 ORLEANS Tel : 0033 (0)2 38 54 47 42 www.verdivin.com

A wine-maker dinner with the discovery of the controlled origin wines « coteaux du Giennois », at the wine bar « Ver di Vin ».

Hôtel Mercure****

http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-0581-mercureorleans-centre/index.shtml

Overnight

The wine steward Sabine will leave you to discover the complexity and the features of the coteaux du Giennois wines in a friendly atmosphere.

Sunday October 7th: 8.30 am Orléans  Chateauneufsur-Loire 40 minutes/ 40 km 9.30 am Chateauneufsur-Loire

Transfer to Chateauneuf-sur-Loire.

MUSEE DE LA MARINE DE LOIRE Ecuries du château 1, place Aristide Briand  : +33 (0)2.38.46.84.46 http://webmuseo.com/ws/museemarinedeloire/app/report/index.html musee.marinedeloire@wanadoo.fr

10.30 am Châteauneufsur-Loire  Ousson-surLoire 50 minutes/ 43 km 11.15 am

Visit of the Loire mariners Museum. The museum is located in the castle old stables and tells us the story of the Loire sailing with its several aspects : bargees’ lives, transports and itineraries, activities including wine trade. Enjoy a lively visit in this modern and spacious museum. Transfer to Ousson-sur-Loire.

Le Clos des Cortillaux Ousson-sur-Loire

Let’s taste the controlled origin wines « coteaux du Giennois ». A long time ago, vineyards were planted by the Romans on the Loire river banks. Wines got labeled as « Coteaux du Giennois » in 1998. The winemaker Dominique Billerot and his daughter-in-law who is an oenologist welcome us at the Clos des Cortillaux in a hearty and convivial way. They have owned the vineyard since 1993 and they have been working hard to make some great interest wines, frequently awarded.

1 pm

Le Domaine des Roches Briare

Lunch

Comité Départemental de Tourisme du Loiret -8, rue d’Escures 45000 Orléans  : +33 (0) 2 38 78 04 04 - Email : relation-presse@tourismeloiret.com – http://www.tourismeloiret.com/en 3/4

3 pm

Guided tour in Briare. Several ancient Roman cities were built on the banks of the river Loire where all the business and transit took place. Briare is one of them. The construction of a waterway called “Le canal de Loire en Seine” started in 1604 with the engineer Hugues Cosnier. The work stopped when the king HENRI IV died but finally resumed with LOUIS XIII, the waterway’s building ended in 1642 thanks to the capital contribution of “Les seigneurs du canal de Loyre en Seine”. Sailing got stronger in the 18th century. In 1822, the construction of the «canal latéral à la Loire » was planned in order to link the river Loire and Rhône. The canal was dug during the « Restauration ». However, the Loire crossing through a towing system was dangerous so the contruction of a new bridge called « Pont Canal » started in 1894. The bridge construction ended in 1896. The « Pont Canal » is a 2175-feet bridge including 1968 feet above the River Loire built by the DAYDE et PILLE company for the wire bone structure and the Cie EIFFEL for the masonry-work.

5 pm Briare  Orléans 01h30/ 90km 8 pm

Overnight

Transfer to the hotel.

LA CHANCELLERIE 27, place du Martroi 45000 ORLEANS 02 38 53 57 54 Hôtel Mercure****

Dinner.

http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-0581-mercureorleans-centre/index.shtml

Monday October 8th: 9 am Orléans  Fleury-lesAubrais 20 minutes/ 6 km 9.30 am

Transfer.

Vinaigrerie Martin Pouret 236 r Faubourg Bannier 45400 FLEURY LES AUBRAIS

Visit of the vinegar factory Martin Pouret.

02 38 88 78 49 10.30 am Fleury les Aubrais  Orléans 20 minutes 15 km

Transfer. Lunch to be confirmed.

OrléansTours 1h30 116 km

Go back to the city of Tours for the workshop.

Comité Départemental de Tourisme du Loiret -8, rue d’Escures 45000 Orléans  : +33 (0) 2 38 78 04 04 - Email : relation-presse@tourismeloiret.com – http://www.tourismeloiret.com/en 4/4

A 3-DAY-WINE TOUR IN THE HEART OF THE LOIRE VALLEY Full-size Castles and Loire Valley Wines October 5th to 8th 2012

Comité Départemental du Tourisme du Loir-et-Cher - 5, rue de la Voûte du Château, 41043 BLOIS -  : +33 (0) 2 54 57 00 41 – Email : anne-laure.bedouet@cdt41.com http://www.holidays-loire-valley.com/

. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 , 2012

SAINT-PIERREDES-CORPS

2:00 or 4:00 pm

. Arrival at St-Pierre-des-Corps railway station (near Tours) . Transfer to Cheverny

CHEVERNY

. Settling in the 4-star hotel Château du Breuil**** “Châteaux & Hôtels Collection” network You will be greeted by the owners Véronique and Bernard Gattolliat and their team with a big smile. They will offer you warmth and first class service in a refined hotel, marked with charm and abundant history. www.chateau-hotel-du-breuil.com From 7:00 pm

. Buffet supper at the Château du Breuil**** You will have the opportunity to meet two passionate 1 winemakers and taste their Loire Valley AOC wines to accompany your dinner. Then you will go freely to your comfortable room for a well-deserved rest after this long day travelling. 1

Mrs Laura Semeria - Domaine de Montcy in Cheverny www.domaine-de-montcy.com 1

Mrs Florence Veilex - Domaine de la Chapinière Châteauvieux - www.lachapiniere.com

. Night at the Château du Breuil**** The hotel has a main building, plus two charming annexes, the “Pavillon des Fruitiers” and the “Pavillon des Fleurs”, nestled in the greenery, for a total of 39 rooms.

. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 , 2012

CHEVERNY

9:30-10:00 am

. Transfer to Blois and the Loire River banks

BLOIS

10:00-10:45 am

. Short walk in Blois “City of Art and History” and local market experience

10:45 am-12:00

. Guided tour of the Royal Castle of Blois The 4 wings of the castle courtyard, with 4 architectural styles, offer a great overview of the architecture in the Loire Valley! A new staging will immerse you in the royal court life during the Renaissance. www.chateaudeblois.fr

12:15-2:00 pm

. Lunch at the “Orangerie du Château” restaurant This Michelin starred restaurant is a princely outbuilding overlooking the Royal Castle of Blois. You will enjoy fabulous food of Chef Molveaux thanks to his special choice of products, attention to detail and respect for authenticity. www.orangerie-du-chateau.fr

2:00-2:30 pm

. Transfer to Cour-Cheverny

2:45-3:30 pm

. Tour and wine tasting at the Domaine des Huards Michel Gendrier will welcome you to share his passion for wine. His vineyard is conducted under biodynamical practices. You will taste a wine for real connoisseur: the Cour-Cheverny Appellation, a stunning white wine made from an exclusive grape called Romorantin. en.domainedeshuards.com

3:30-3:45 pm

. Transfer to Cheverny

4:00-5:00 pm

. Guided tour of the Château of Cheverny Cheverny is one of the most beautifully furnished châteaux in the Loire Valley! The château is home to the Marquise and Marquis de Vibraye, whose family has lived there for over six centuries. Cheverny was also a model for Captain Haddock's château in the famous comic book Tintin. www.chateau-cheverny.com

5:15-6:00 pm

. Innovative wine tasting at the “Maison des Vins de Cheverny & Cour-Cheverny” This Maison, created by the local Cheverny and CourCheverny wine producers, has introduced a new concept to the age-old art of wine tasting: an automated sampling system based on an electronic component placed under each glass, the only one of its kind in France! You will sample 7 different wines from among the 100 listed. www.maisondesvinsdecheverny.fr

6:00-6:15 pm

. Transfer to the hotel

6:15-7:30 pm

. Rest at the Château du Breuil****

COURCHEVERNY

CHEVERNY

CHAMBORD

CHEVERNY

7:30-8:15 pm

. Transfer to Chambord

From 8:30 pm

. Gala evening at the Château of Chambord The Château of Chambord is a unique monument by its architecture and proportions. With more than 400 rooms and its double spiral staircase, Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley! You will feel like a true VIP and enjoy Renaissance cooking in an exceptional room! www.chambord.org

. Transfer to Cheverny and night at the Château du Breuil***

. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 , 2012

CHEVERNY

8:45-9:45 am

. Transfer to Mesland

MESLAND

10:00-10:45 am

. Tour and wine tasting at Vincent Girault Vineyards The family estate, which covers 32 hectares of biodynamical cultured vineyards, has been owned by Vincent Girault since 1978. He will be delighted to explain you the spirit and the personality of Touraine and Touraine-Mesland Appellations. www.vincent-girault.com

10:45-11:00 am

. Transfer to Chaumont-sur-Loire

11:15 am12:30 pm

. Guided tour of the International Garden Festival This festival celebrating the very best in contemporary garden design is an absolute must on any Loire Valley gardening tour! This year’s theme “Gardens of delight, gardens of delirium” will be full of surprises, with 20 to 30 gardens created by designers from across the world. www.domaine-chaumont.fr

12:30-1:00 pm

. Transfer to Angé

1:15-3:45 pm

. Picnic in the vineyard of the Domaine du Clos Roussely You will meet Vincent Roussely who is a true modern winemaker, trained in oenology and wine-growing but connected to age-old family traditions. His vineyard is conducted under organic requirements and is located in the Cher river valley which is part of the Touraine Appellation. www.domaineduclosroussely.fr

3:45-4:00 pm

. Transfer to Montrichard

4:15-5:15 pm

. Guided tour of Monmousseau Cellars You will discover a 15km labyrinth of galleries with an ideal temperature of 12°C where are produced the well-known Touraine Appellation sparkling wines according to the traditional method. www.monmousseau.com

CHAUMONTSUR-LOIRE

ANGÉ

MONTRICHARD

SAINT-AIGNANSUR-CHER

5:15-6:00 pm

. Transfer to St-Aignan-sur-Cher

6:15-7:15 pm

. Guided tour of the ZooParc de Beauval or rest at the bar of the Jardins de Beauval Hotel***, 500m away from the ZooParc Listed among the 15 most beautiful zoos in the world by Forbes Traveler, the ZooParc de Beauval shelters more than 4,600 animals. Last January 2012, two giant pandas were brought to Beauval as part of a research program. pandas.zoobeauval.com Les Jardins de Beauval is a truly exceptional 3-star hotel with decor inspired by the exotic islands of Indonesia. www.lesjardinsdebeauval.com

7:30-8:30 pm

. Winemaker workshop with Mes Vignes team in a seminar room of the Jardins de Beauval Hotel*** You will share a unique and unforgettable moment! You will practice blending different grape varieties and discover the alchemy of wine. Mes Vignes team is highly experienced in entertaining groups and organizing wine events. www.mesvignes.com

From 8:30 pm

CHEVERNY

. Dinner at the "Tegallalang" restaurant of the hotel This is a truly majestic place with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean garden and the lake. Chef Thierry Paquier and his team combine traditional regional specialities with other flavors resulting in a unique and exciting menu. www.lesjardinsdebeauval.com

. Transfer to Cheverny and night at the Château du Breuil****

. MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 , 2012

CHEVERNY-

9:00-10:15 am

. Transfer to Thoré-la-Rochette

THORÉ-LAROCHETTE

10:30-11:15 am

. Tour and wine tasting at Patrice Colin Vineyard Domaine de la Gaudetterie th Patrice Colin, the 8 generation of winegrower, on a 25 hectares organic conversion vineyard, elaborates red, white and grey wines of Coteaux du Vendômois Appellation. This is the oldest vineyard in the region of Vendôme. www.patrice-colin.fr

11:15-11:30 am

. Transfer to Sasnières

11:45 am 2:15 pm

. Guided tour of the Jardin du Plessis Sasnières and Lunch at the “Orangerie” restaurant The Jardin du Plessis Sasnieres is a 3.5 hectare contemporary style English garden. It lies in a gentle valley with a small lake and waterfall, and harbors an abundance of roses, subtly combined with many rare and unusual flowers, plants and flowering trees and shrubs. www.jardin-plessis-sasnieres.fr

2:30-3:30 pm

. Transfer to Tours

3:30 pm

. Arrival in Tours

SASNIÈRES

TOURS

TOURAINE LOIRE VALLEY FAM TRIP

"The art of living in Touraine: friendly experiences, an exquisite holiday!" October 5th to 8th 2012

Comité Départemental de la Touraine - 30 rue de la préfecture, 37018 TOURS  : +33 (0) 2 47 31 47 48 – Email: international@touraineloirevalley.com http://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/

Friday October 5th 2012: TOURS

Late afternoon

. Arrival and welcome. . Transfer to downtown Tours

TOURS

Evening

. Check-in and dinner at Hôtel de l'Univers****

Known for its welcoming and elegant atmosphere, l'Univers hotel features well-decorated rooms as well as a bar and a fine-dining restaurant. The hotel is ideally located for exploring Tours and the Loire Valley. www.oceaniahotels.com

Comité Départemental de la Touraine - 30 rue de la préfecture, 37018 TOURS  : +33 (0) 2 47 31 47 48 – Email: international@touraineloirevalley.com http://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/

Saturday October 6th 2012: TOURS

9:45 am

Departure from Tours, transfert to Langeais.

LANGEAIS RESTIGNE

10:15 – 12:00 pm

. Guided tour of the Langeais castle

12:30 – 1:15 pm

. Tour of the Chevalerie estate in Restigné: experience life on a vineyard estate during the harvest season.

With its working drawbridge, wall-walk and machicolations, the castle built on Louis XI's orders presents a defensive presence at first glance. Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII were married in this elegant residence with features from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance as well as an exceptional collection of 15th and 16th century furniture and tapestries. The Foulques Nerra keep overlooks the lovely garden planted with trees, perched above the Loire. www.chateau-de-langeais.com

Located in the Bourgueil appellation, the Chevalerie is marked by a long family history that began nearly 400 years ago. Invaluable expertise and in-depth knowledge of this property that spans 38 hectares has been handed down through generations of wine growers to Pierre Caslot and his children. www.domainedelachevalerie.fr

CHINON

1:15 – 2:45 pm

. A lunch buffet will be provided on-site, (prepared by "la Promenade" restaurant in Bourgueil http://cafedelapromenade.com) where guests can enjoy the company of wine growers from the "Vignobles et Découvertes – Chinon - Bourgueil Azay" label: - Vignoble de la Jarnoterie, "cave touristique" wine cellar and "cave d’Excellence" distinction - AOC Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil - Château de l’Aulée, "cave touristique" wine cellar and "cave d’Excellence" distinction AOC Touraine Azay-le-rideau - Pierre and Bertrand Couly, "cave touristique" wine cellar and "cave d'Excellence" distinction - AOC Chinon

3:30 – 5:00 pm

Guided tour of the Chinon royal fortress

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes ChinonBourgueil-Azay"

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes ChinonBourgueil-Azay" and "Cave touristique"

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes ChinonBourgueil-Azay"

After a colossal renovation project that lasted six years, 150 metres of ramparts were restored at the Chinon Royal Fortress and the logis royaux recovered their 15th century Touraine aspect. Interactive and entertaining, the modern museum display and stage design bring this historical site to life, in the footsteps of Joan of Arc. What’s more, there is a fabulous view of Rabelais' city " and the Vienne valley. www.forteressechinon.fr

Comité Départemental de la Touraine - 30 rue de la préfecture, 37018 TOURS  : +33 (0) 2 47 31 47 48 – Email: international@touraineloirevalley.com http://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/

LEMERE

5:30 – 7:00 pm

. Guided tour of Rivau castle and gardens

Starting at 7:20 pm

. Check-in and dinner at Château de Marçay**** in Chinon

Rivau castle is like a place straight out of a romance novel where visitors can delight in the twelve gardens with each turn of the page, revealing enchanting blossoms and surprises around every corner. Delve into the rich history of Rivau's equestrian past at the Royal stables where high definition audiovisual presentations are available. www.chateaudurivau.com

Located in the heart of Chinon wine country, Château de Marçay is a charming hotel featuring 33 rooms and a fine-dining restaurant (1 Michelin star). A "Châteaux et Hôtels Collection" establishment. www.chateaudemarcay.com

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes ChinonBourgueil-Azay

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes ChinonBourgueil-Azay"

Comité Départemental de la Touraine - 30 rue de la préfecture, 37018 TOURS  : +33 (0) 2 47 31 47 48 – Email: international@touraineloirevalley.com http://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/

Sunday October 7th 2012:

MONTLOUISSUR-LOIRE

AMBOISE

9:00 – 10:30 am

Transfert from Chinon to Montlouis-sur-Loire

10:45 – 12:15 pm

. Tour of La Bourdaisière gardens with LouisAlbert de Broglie, the owner

12:15 – 2:00 pm

. A lunch buffet will be provided on-site, where guests can enjoy the company of wine growers from the "Vignobles et Découvertes Val de Loire Amboise et Val de Loire Chenonceaux" label: - "Cave des producteurs de Vouvray", "cave touristique" wine cellar and "cave d’Excellence" distinction – AOC Vouvray - Philippe Catroux, "cave touristique" wine cellar – AOC Touraine Amboise - "Cave des producteurs de Montlouis-surLoire", "cave touristique" wine cellar – AOC Montlouis-sur-Loire - Château de Nitray, "cave touristique" wine cellar – AOC Touraine

2:30 – 4:00 pm

. Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise

The cheerful garden patches are what makes La Bourdaisière unique, as well as its Tomato Conservatory that houses no less than 600 heirloom varieties. The 55-hectare park planted with trees is also home to a dahlia garden, an ancient orchard and a beautiful collection of medicinal plants. Formerly a medieval fortress, the castle underwent many transformations before finally becoming a hotel. www.labourdaisiere.com

This beautiful pink brick building is where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. Visit the large Renaissance hall, the bedroom, the kitchen and enter the private world of this genius and discover his ingenious models. Canvases, giant machines and sound posts garnish an entertaining trail across the vast park, in order to complete your trip into the world of this visionary artist and his fabulous inventions. www.vinci-closluce.com CIVRAY-DETOURAINE

4:30 – 6:00 pm

. At the "Cave du père Auguste", in Civray-deTouraine: "Loire Valley Cheese and Wine" tasting and commentary with Rodolphe Le Meunier, the 2007 world champion cheese affineur, or one of his colleagues.

www.cavesdupereauguste.com

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes Val de Loire Chenonceaux"

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes Val de Loire Amboise"

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes Val de Loire Chenonceaux" and "Cave touristique"

Comité Départemental de la Touraine - 30 rue de la préfecture, 37018 TOURS  : +33 (0) 2 47 31 47 48 – Email: international@touraineloirevalley.com http://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/

AMBOISE

6:30 pm

. Check-in at the Novotel Amboise**** hotel

8:00 pm

. Dinner at "Le 36" restaurant at Le Choiseul**** hotel in Amboise

Set in a landscaped park on a hill overlooking Amboise, this 4-star hotel features 121 rooms and an air-conditioned restaurant. Other amenities include a pool, mini golf, tennis and a private car park. http://www.novotel.com/fr/hotel-0395-novotelamboise/index.shtml

Amboise, Chenonceaux, Chaumont, Blois - the Choiseul area is steeped in the history of France. With the hillside and its troglodyte caves on one side, and the Loire on the other side, this charming group of 18th century homes is surrounded by a maze of Italian gardens. www.le-choiseul.com

Brought to you by "Vignobles et Découvertes Val de Loire Amboise"

11:00 pm Return to the hotel

Comité Départemental de la Touraine - 30 rue de la préfecture, 37018 TOURS  : +33 (0) 2 47 31 47 48 – Email: international@touraineloirevalley.com http://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/

Monday October 8th 2012:

AMBOISE

9:00 am

. Breakfast at Pâtisserie Bigot in Amboise, with the possibility to visit the historical town centre on your own.

Located just below the royal castle, the Bigot bakery and chocolate shop is a must-see in Amboise. Christiane Mason has been at the helm since 1982, welcoming both French and foreign visitors with her hallmark smile and kindness. Proud of the heritage handed down from her grandfather and mother, Christiane has kept the spirit of the place alive and will gladly show visitors around. www.bigot-amboise.com

TOURS

11:00 am

Departure for Tours

11:30 am

Check-in at the hotel, followed by some spare time in Tours for the afternoon

Comité Départemental de la Touraine - 30 rue de la préfecture, 37018 TOURS  : +33 (0) 2 47 31 47 48 – Email: international@touraineloirevalley.com http://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/