Loire and Burgundy Cultural Walking Tour

Day 1: Dijon

We begin in Dijon, the historic and culinary capital of the region. Celebrated for its mustard, Dijon is also renowned for its fine medieval architecture and outstanding museums. Throughout the Middle Ages, Burgundy was a duchy that led a separate existence from the rest of France. Its high point was the period from 1364 to 1477, during the reign of the four "Grand Dukes of the West." The most notable monument of this period is the Palais des Ducs, which is now a museum. Even after the switch to French rule, Dijon continued to flourish. This was in part due to its location on a major north -south trading route and its relative proximity to Germany and Switzerland, but also because of its numerous gastronomic specialties including snails, mustard and cassis (black current liqueur which is often mixed with white wine to make Kir). 

Day 2: Pont D'ouche / Beaune / Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

Our morning exploration through pastoral landscape offers the opportunity fora walk through the Vallée de l'Ouche. Mid morning we visit the medieval town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, in time to enjoy a wine tasting in the cellar of a former monastery. Here we visit the famous 15th century Hotel Dieu, and rummage through the interesting shops and narrow streets. 

Day 3: La Bussiere

Our final full day in Burgundy, you may want to sleep-in late or linger over a book on the terrace of our inn prior to any activities. If you're feeling energetic, join our guide on a morning walk along the towpath bordering one of the scenic local canals or into a nearby village. Late morning, we make our way to the medieval town of La Bussiere. This afternoon, the 12th century Cistercian abbey and its beautiful gardens are waiting for our exploration. Overnight: Barge; Gisse Meals: B, L, D (aboard)

Day 4: Loire Valley

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our hosts in Burgundy. Today is the one day of the trip that requires a fairly long drive, as we leave Burgundy and head west into the neighboring Loire Valley. Along the way, we stop in Châteauneuf sur Loire for lunch. Arriving into Loire, we first notice that it isn't simply a collection of opulent châteaux peppered along beautiful stretches of the Loire and Cher rivers. It's a unique culture, called the garden of France, because of its temperate climate and the long stretches of river that allow for transportation and irrigation of the delicious local produce. 

Day 5: Chenonceau

This morning we begin our château exploration with Chenonceau, which we reach by way of a beautiful walk along the banks of the Cher river. Arguably the most magnificent and romantic of all châteaux, Chenonceau spans the river and has been the home of six great ladies throughout history. Among them are its builder, Catherine Briconnet, who built it as a home rather than a fortification; Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henry II, who added the bridge between the house and the banks of the river; and Catherine de Medici, Henry's wife. Madame Dupin, who owned the château during the French Revolution, was so kind to the lower classes who lived around the château that it was allowed to survive free from the destruction suffered by many other wealthy homes. 

Day 6: Chateau Villandry

Not far down the Loire River is Villandry. Our visit of the château includes guided walks through its spectacular geometric-shaped gardens with their zigzagging hedges, flowerbeds, vegetable plots and a swan-filled lake. Anytime you like, wander into the château itself, to see its wonderful collection of paintings, lovely rooms and the magnificent gilded ceiling imported from Toledo, Spain. 

Day 7: Amboise

After breakfast, we head for Amboise, a charming city where Leonardo da Vinci enjoyed the later years of his life. On a walk around the town, we pass from the banks of the Loire river along the fortifications of the châteaux of Amboise for an optional visit to Le Clos Lucé, da Vinci's manor, where there is a collection of his inventions and marvelous original drawings. We also enjoy a visit to the beautiful country markets in Amboise before heading home. Midday, we part company in Tours at the St. Pierre des Corps rail station—just a quick one hour train ride from Paris. Meals: B