53305PNO
Tours, Chenonceau, Amboise, Vouvray, Chartres, Paris
Routes
Opening hrs, entrance fees, etc. listed on Yellow Pages attachment.
Chenonceau inside visit
Amboise inside visit & lunch stop
Vouvray wine cellar visit with tasting
Chartres visit of the Cathedral
You need ACIS card for entrances at Chenonceau and Amboise
You need to book a visit to Vouvray, if you are visiting, the previous day at the latest.
- Be aware that the Amboise chateau and the wine cellars close over lunch time. Plan your lunch accordingly.
- If operating this day from Paris, the ‘L’ Arche Esso’ 24 hour service station can be an option for a big group. It is located just before Sortie 2 of the motorway; smaller free toilets by the parking Rue Georges Fessard in Chartres.
Chenonceau – visit
On entering the grounds the Château is straight ahead beyond the trees at the end of the park. The bus park and set down point is on the left. The ticket office is inside the souvenir shop before the entrance gate on your left. Keep the group together and ask them to wait outside while you buy the tickets. They can use restrooms just before the souvenir shop on their left. Once you have the tickets and pamphlets in English for each, hand them out and take the group through the souvenir shop to the entrance gate. Show them the location of the bush maze on your left as you are heading to the castle, they may want to see it now or after, and arrange to meet the group after the visit back at the bus. The Wax museum has been replaced by a collection of antique carriages, worth a quick visit and included in ticket price.
There are toilets, refreshment facilities and an ATM machine by the ticket office and a self service cafeteria down the drive on the right near the Château. The entrance to the Château is a 10-minute walk down the drive.
Chenonceau Bus Parking:
Amboise – visit
Park in the bus park and lead the group to the square below the chateau (the best views/photos of the chateau can be had by walking out onto the bridge). There are lots of places for lunch inside the town on the pedestrian street. Good sandwiches, and fantastic Patisseries. Banks (closed for lunch, along with some of the shops) are along the main road. Public toilets are between the tourist information kiosk and the bus park on the river side of the main road. Allow 1½ hours if lunch stop. Good quality souvenirs.
Amboise Bus Drop-Off:
There may be some people who would prefer to grab a sandwich and use the rest of their time to visit the Chateau (they pay) or Le Clos Luce (Leonardo da Vinci’s house, 20 mins walk up the hill from the Chateau but well worth a visit – they pay). Insist, however that the group is back punctually at the meeting point (the square below the Chateau is easier than the bus park).
Vouvray – visit
PLOU Roland et ses fils (a possible alternative to Vouvray)
Located in Charge (between Chaumont and Amboise) is a convenient cellar to stop at. They are generous with sampling and sell souvenir corkscrews/tshirts which are good for non wine buyers. Call to reserve a visit (in French you translate) a couple of days before. Allow an hour.
VOUVRAY
You need to book a visit the previous day. For the Vallee Coquette and JP Laisement, continue past Vouvray village (coming from Amboise) and take the 3rd right signed Les Patis. For Vaudemits turn right towards Chateau Renaul. Follow the itineraire poids lourds, keeping on towards Chateau Renault. Caves de Vaudenuits are indicated, a left turn as you leave Vouvray. Parking inside the gates.
You will probably have to translate for the visit. Tell the group to put on a sweater, the caves are always cool.
Chartres – visit
The VEIL is PERMANENTLY on display in the ambulatory at the back of the church to the left of the alter, in an upright glass and gold display case. (not the veil on the small of the Virgin Mary surrounded by flowers just behind the main altar to the left).
It is no longer possible to give commentary inside the Cathedral unless the group has headphones and you have the speaker microphone. Best to give all commentary outside the cathedral.
Designated parking for coaches is Rue Charles Brune. Free restrooms there too. Walk the group up to the Cathedral (10 min walk). (Try to stop at the Jean Moulin Monument either on the way or return). Give some explanation of the main portal, then lead them inside to see cross ribbed vaults, the stained-glass windows, and the Veil.
The North Tower of the Cathedral is usually open and can be climbed (€5), however, minors must be accompanied by an adult. It is a very steep climb (just under 400 steps!) but the views are spectacular.
If time permits, the Crypt (entrance to the right and back of main entrance) is a fascinating visit. (They pay)
The Cathedral boutique is just inside to the left but closed on Sunday and Monday mornings.
Opposite the Cathedral there are toilets (small fee), bureau de change (not always open) various souvenir shops and cafes. Encourage them to explore the town. Facing the Cathedral, the most interesting streets are to the right of the square and cafes.
Chartres Bus Drop-off:
