43304PHD
Lore Valley
Excursion
You need to be very careful with timing today as there is a lot to see and not a lot of time to see it. If the GL has been to the Loire before they might want to go to Plou for a wine-tasting. Unless you have two drivers this will not be possible. It is best to start with Chenonceau as it is the farthest away then lunch in Amboise and finish with Chambord. If they would like more time in either Chambord or Chenonceau it could be possible to skip Amboise and lunch or picnic at one of the Chateaux.
Before setting off let the group know it will be a long day and that it is really important that they are on time. At each stop group must all visit toilets BEFORE rendezvous time. As long as you do not ‘lose’ time then there is no need for the day to feel rushed – reassure them that they will have plenty of time to visit the Chateaux. Groups do not want to feel that they are being rushed through things and missing out – the key here is not wasting any time and smooth entries. Small things will really make a difference today – get them up nice and early so no one is late and you set off dead on time. Make sure EVERYONE goes to the toilet before you leave – as they are all asleep on the bus you sometimes make it all the way there without making a rest stop. (Do make one, of course, if the group want to though). Nice clear instructions about meeting time and place is vital.
Decide in advance with GL if you will be coming back to the hotel before dinner or going straight there so that they know what to expect. Be aware of traffic which is heavier on Sundays coming back to Paris or if it is a bank holiday/first day of school holidays can get very busy leaving Paris. There is not much you can do about it but you might need to adjust your timing.
Chenonceau
It is around a three-hour drive to Chenonceau from Paris. On entering the grounds, the Chateau is straight ahead beyond the trees at the end of the park. The bus park is on the left. The ticket office is further up on the left by the entrance gate. Inside the souvenir shop, on your left straight after the toilets.
Keep the group together outside while you buy the tickets; the ticket office is inside the souvenir shop; some will need restrooms while you might have to join what is normally a short queue to buy your tickets. Tell the desk you have a group if you find two lines of individuals and none for the groups – you still have priority. Point out the loos that are by the little passage between the coffee stand and the souvenir shop. Make them aware that they will be entering very soon and will find other free toilets eventually, (in the cafeteria on the right handside of the main alley leading to the castle). This should, therefore, only be for urgent need as waiting for whole group will hold up entry.
Once you have your tickets and leaflets of the Palace, come back to your group, hand one leaflet and a ticket to each and make your way with them through the souvenir shop to the ticket area to enter. The wax museum is now included in the ticket price.
The Chateau is a 5-10 min walk from the entrance gate down a tree-lined path. As you walk towards the castle with them show them the directions to the bush made maze on the left handside, at the beginning of the alley leading to the castle. Keep them together as you must enter castle together – they usually stop for photos, encourage this for later. A group photo by the moat bridge is a good way to keep them moving in one direction.
Lunch options here are the self-service cafeteria by the Chateau or picnic tables on the right before the ticket booth. The window/booth by the coach park does good crepes and quick sandwiches.
The best views and famous postcard shots are from the river down to the right of the chateau in the gardens. Good picnic spot. There is also a 16th Century Farm replica, Flower Garden and old Apothecary in stables.
Amboise
From Chenonceau it is only a 20-minute drive to Amboise. There is a nice picture stop to do on the other side of the river if the driver is from the area or knows the itinerary (could be tricky otherwise ) and if you have no delays. Upon arrival, park in the bus park and lead the group along beside the river towards the bridge. Cross just before the chateau and walk up the small street between the chateau and church to the square below the Château. There are plenty of places for lunch. If you hadn’t stopped for a picture stop, a good photo of the Château is from halfway across the bridge. Allow a maximum of 1 hr for lunch and exploring – keep in mind that it takes nearly 1 hour to drive from Amboise (or Chenonceau to Chambord). Sundays 8am – 2pm, there is an excellent farmers market beyond bus drop by the river.
Chambord
Instruct group to leave all bags on the bus at Chambord to avoid checking them in at the Chateau. As you arrive in the bus park, your driver will have to take a ticket, which you get stamped at the ticket office for free parking. Remember to take it with you!
Free toilets are on your left as you walk from the bus park towards the shops. UNLESS URGENT don’t stop at these as there are more inside the entrance of the chateau.
Walk group to the Chateau entrance to your right and around as you approach, and then left, following the path. Groups now pay entrances inside at the Chateau itself, not at the main ticket office by bus park HOWEVER you can usually collect leaflets here.
Chambord now insists that some groups fill in forms with addresses of schools. You may also be required to distribute leaflets with behaviour rules to each member of the group.
Tell the group to climb to the roof via the double helix staircase FIRST for a great view of the park and remind them of how to get back to the bus and the rendezvous time. Allow 1hr from the time you leave them at the Chateau – remind them of walk back.
Lunch options at Chambord are better than at Chenonceau. There are several snack places and proper cafes between the bus park and chateau as well as some great covered picnic areas on the other side of the road from the bus park.
A good day to get the group to furnish themselves with food for the journey and picnic if they want to maximise their visiting time.
You want to aim to leave Chambord by around 5.30pm as it takes 2 ½ hours to get back to Paris (without a stop) and you need to be back in Paris by 8pm if you started at 8am. It is likely that you will have ticket restaurant on this day so check with your driver and group in advance if you want to be dropped back at the hotel or if you would rather be dropped off near the Latin Quarter (for example).
TIP YOUR DRIVER 20 EUROS!