Your Great 5-Day Trip to Loire Chateaux

By Carolee Duckworth and Brian Lane

Do You Dream of Visiting the Magnificent Castles of the Loire Valley in the Spring?

Follow in the carriage paths of French royalty when they escaped Paris to the lush countryside of the Loire Valley to live in splendor in their plentiful collection of glorious Chateaux along the river. Experience their lifestyles (and their stories) first-hand by visiting for yourself the perfectly preserved palaces and gardens of their royal playground.

Yes, you can make this trip independently. Use this book as your silent guide, like a good friend who has taken you under his wing to make your trip experience rich, remarkable, and trouble-free. Avoid sacrificing your freedom to tour groups, with their restricted schedules and "back to the bus."

Be at liberty to travel against the crowds, explore at your own pace and have the full experience... To lunch on the terrace of the Orangery on the grounds of Chenonceau... To watch the lights of Amboise Castle from a table at Le Shaker on a tiny island in the Loire... To shop the Sunday Market... To experience a few wine tastings...

You will stay in charming Amboise and venture out from there by train to five of the most exquisite of the valley chateaux: Amboise, Blois, Chenonceau, Chaumont and Chambord. You will dine under the stars, across from the castle wall... And marvel at models of Da Vinci's inventions at his mansion home for the final years of his life, gifted to him by his friend and admirer, the 16th-century Renaissance King, Françoise I.

With the detailed "Day Pages" in this Great Trip Guide, you will know what to do and why, how to do it and when. Your trip will go smoothly every step of the way, with all the detailed trip logistics and smart travel tips you'll need, while preserving your independence and freedom to explore. You will know how much your trip will cost (and how to come up with the money). And you will know enough French (15 essential phrases) to get you started making connections with the charming locals you will meet along the way.

Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens. Immerse yourself in the glories and excesses, beauty and charm of this magnificent royal playground south of Paris.

Note: If you have more time, combine this trip with "Your Great 5-Day Trip to Paris."

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Cabady Press
• Release date: Jan 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393160151

Book preview

What Others Are Saying

Carolee Duckworth and Brian Lane have written for the serious independent traveler, the next in their European Travel Series of comprehensive guides, certain to be a valuable resource for initial planning and take-along on one's journey.

Glenda Loftin, Newspaper Columnist

Voila!  Without leaving my home I feel like I’ve had a Great Trip to Paris." Carolee and Brian do an outstanding job of blending advice, insights, suggestions and personal stories while walking the reader through an exciting journey. Bon Voyage – oui, oui!

Dr. Ed Bice, III: PEAK Performance Expert

An honest and thoughtful primer for those who avoid structured tours and do not wish to travel abroad with a large group of Americans. The authors cater to the DIY crowd who have the confidence to experience travel adventure on their own terms.

Richard Budet, Business Solutions Architect

Just the right amount of delightful local color experiences and so many practical details to make you feel confident that you, too, can make this trip on your own, with the  book as a most reliable, user-friendly travel companion in tow.

Dr. Marie Langworthy, Author

Your Great 5-Day Trip to Paris is a valuable guide, giving great advice and tips for your travel experience to Paris. Carolee and Brian paint a picture to make you feel as if you are already there enjoying the many things Paris has to offer. You will catch yourself smiling as you read about their experiences and will soon be on your way there too,  if you choose, with the detailed savings and planning advice they have prepared.

Karen Rought, Business Owner

About the Authors

Your Great 5-Day Trip to Loire Châteaux

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by Carolee Duckworth & Brian Lane

Cover Design by: Debra Lane

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ISBN: 978-0-984513-64-2

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GreatTripGuide.com

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Copyright © 2020 by New Cabady Press

https://NewCabadyPress.com

All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy portions of trip plans to be adapted. May not be posted online without permission.

Published in the United States by New Cabady Press

Index included.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Duckworth, Carolee and Lane, Brian

Your great 5-day trip to Loire Châteaux/Carolee Duckworth and Brian Lane. New Cabady Press.

ISBN: 978-0-984513-64-2 (paperback)

Travel—France. 2. France—Description and travel. 3. France—Guidebooks. I. Title. II. Title: Your great 5-day trip to Loire Châteaux.

914.4  DC 707

Cover design by Debra Lane

Although this book is believed to provide current and accurate information, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, changes in details, consequences of any reliance on this information, or loss, injury or inconvenience experienced by any person using this book. Assessments of attractions are based on the personal experiences of the authors and therefor may not coincide with a reader’s own experiences.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Note from the Authors

INTRODUCTION

Your Trip at a Glance

CHAPTER 1: Travel Style for a Great Trip

Have the Full Experience

Seek Out Experiences that Excite You

Activate Your Senses. Look Up, Look Down

Shift Your Habits to Increase Your Range of Experience

Keep Your Trip Relaxed & Fun

Maintain a Comfortable Pace

Travel Against the Crowds, Skip the Lines & Book Ahead

Design in Your Creature Comforts

Go Easy on Yourself

Balance Your Activities

Connect with the Locals

Immerse Yourself in the Cultural Milieu

Optimize Encounters

Interact, Question, Process and Relate

A Travel Connections Story

Speak at Least Some French

15 Essential Phrases

Be Flawlessly Polite

Work At Being a Good Travel Partner

Practice a Problem-Solving Mindset

Openly Communicate, Avoid Conflicts & Share the Delights

Be Willing to Compromise; Be Flexible and Adaptable

A Trip Story

Be Transparent About Sharing Expenses & Responsibilities

Give Each Other Space

Approach Everything with a Sense of Humor

And So... On to Your Trip, Day by Day

CHAPTER 2: To the Dominion of Kings

Day 0 (Friday) Fly to Paris

Where You Will Stay

How You Will Travel Around

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrive & Head for Amboise

A Snapshot of the Day

A Little History of the Loire Valley

A Little History of the Royals in Amboise

Arrive at Charles de Gaulle & Take the Train to Amboise

Catch the CDGVAL to the TGV Station

Take the Train to Amboise

Important Notes About Your First Train Ride

Arrive in Amboise

Find Your Hotel & Check In

Time to Learn Your Way Around: Orienteering

Pause at the TI (Tourist Information Office)

Enjoy Some Free Time Until Dinner

Dinner Across from the Château at Chez Bruno

Tonight—Find a Spot with a View Over the Water

And So to Sleep...

CHAPTER 3: Leonardo & the King

Day 2 (Sunday): Market & Clos Lucé

A Snapshot of the Day

Understanding French Breakfast, Lunch (12–2 pm) & Dinner

Market Day in Amboise!

Visit Clos Lucé—Da Vinci’s Final Home

Taxi to Mini Châteaux (optional)

Taxi Back to Amboise. Free Time until Dinner.

Dinner at l’Epicerie

Tomorrow, You are Off to Visit Châteaux

CHAPTER 4: A Castle for the Wife & One for the Mistress

Day 3 (Monday): Amboise & Chenonceau

A Snapshot of the Day

Visit Amboise Castle (Home to the Wife)

To Chenonceau in Chenonceaux by Train or Taxi

Visit Chenonceau Castle (Home of the Mistress)

Train or Taxi Back to Amboise

Meet Up for Drinks and a Simple Dinner at Le Shaker

CHAPTER 5: More Châteaux, Plus Magic

Day 4 (Tuesday): Chambord & Blois Castles

A Snapshot of the Day

Train to Blois; Shuttle to Chambord

Visit Chambord Castle

Taxi or Bus Back to Blois

Crêpes for Lunch at Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude

Amuse & Amaze Yourself in the House of Magic

Wander Old Town & Explore the Shops

Visit Blois Castle

Take the Train Back to Amboise

Dinner at L’Ambacia

CHAPTER 6: One Final Château & a Wine Tasting

Day 5 (Wednesday): Chaumont & Winery Visit

A Snapshot of the Day

Walk or Taxi to Amboise Post Office

Train to Onzain

Visit Chaumont-sur-Loire

Taxi to 1 PM Lunch at La Charbonnette in Onzain

Walk  to Les Vaucorneilles for 2:30 PM Tasting

Check Out the Onzain Shops for One Final Hunt for Treasure

Taxi/Uber to the Train Station to Return to Amboise

Come Full Circle: Dinner Where You Began

Thursday: Fly Home OR Take a Train to Next Destination

Train to Charles de Gaulle Airport, then Home

What If You Can’t Make it Back to Paris in Time for Your Flight?

And So... On to Arrangements & Preparations

CHAPTER 7: Making Your Trip Arrangements

Travel in the Spring or Fall

Book Accommodations in the Heart of It All

Reserve Full-Experience Accommodations

Some Full-Experience Places to Stay in Amboise

Purchase Plane Tickets When the Price is Right

The Key to Booking Your Flights

Consider Using Airline Points

Now Let’s Do This...

Book Your Trains

Use RailEurope or Trainline for Early Planning

When is the Best Time to Book Train Tickets?

Should You Buy a Rail Pass or Tickets Only?

Regional or City-to-City Trains?

Do You Need a Reservation?

First Class or Second Class?

Some Advice... Write Down All Trains & Times

Now Let’s Do This

Purchase Your Château Passes

Set Up Uber Account for Local Transportation

Adjust Day Pages as You Make Arrangements

Adjust Critical Information

Adjust Orienteering Notes

Other Adjustments Based on Your Own Schedule

Copy, Print and Collate the Day Pages for Your Trip

If You Need to Add an Overnight in Paris

A Little Taste of Paris

Trip Arrangements Countdown

How Much Will Your Total Trip Cost?

Costs Estimated

Grand Total: Around $4000 for Two

Take Treasures and Memories Home

Strategies to Come Up With Travel Money

Make Travel a Priority

Capture Your Travel Funds in a Separate Account

And So... On to Preparing for Your Trip

CHAPTER 8: Preparing for Your Trip

12 Functions for Your List of What to Pack

#1: Carry Your Bags Easily

Meet Airlines Baggage Restrictions

Choose the Right Suitcases

#2: Pack, Unpack & Repack Efficiently

Use Packing Folders, Cubes and Sacs

Roll Don’t Fold Your Larger Clothing Items

#3: Dress Comfortably & Adaptably

Take the Right Shoes

Some Clothing Tips for Men

Some Clothing Tips for Women

#4: Readily Access Your Trip Docs & Day Pages

Important Travel Documents & Trip-Related Papers

Trip Day Pages

Office Supplies to Keep You Organized

#5: Manage & Handle Your Money

Master the Euro System, Including Euro Change

Know the Current Exchange Rate; Estimate Cost Conversions

Bring a Startup Supply of Euros with You

Set Travel Advisories for Debit & Credit Cards

Access Additional Cash Via Bank ATMs

Use the Best Currency Exchange Methods

Use Credit Cards with Microchips

Keep Your Money Secure

#6: Use Phones to Communicate in France

Cell Phones That Work in France

How to Activate Your French Network Service

#7: Use Electronics Abroad

Power Converters

Power Adaptors

Charging Cables & Portable USB Power Bank (optional)

Extension Cords and Multi-socket Extension Plugs

Web-Access Devices

#8: Safely Carry Passports, Cards & Cash

When You Go Out, Take Only the Essentials

Consider the Option of Wearing a Money Belt, Pouch or Scarf

More Expert Tips for Smarter & Safer Travel

#9: Set Out Each Day Ready for Anything

Day Prep List

Picnic-ery List

#10: Stay Healthy for the Duration of Your Trip

Pharmacy List

#11: Ship Home Treasures & Gifts

#12: Capture Your Trip to Revisit it in the Future

Take Lots of Pictures

Keep a Journal

And So... Now You Are Off...

Thank you for Reading

Download Your Bonus Content

Your Great 5-Day Trip Series

A Note from the Authors

There are hundreds of travel books out there, many of them very detailed. These are excellent resources to learn everything you could possibly do and see in any given country or destination. They are encyclopedic in scope, filled with facts and offer an overwhelming range of possibilities. So what makes this book special and why?

To have a great trip requires more than knowing everything that is possible for you to do. You need a plan—to know in advance precisely what you will be doing and how. This book gives you that plan.

Of course, you could yourself spend the multiple hundreds of hours to fully research and design your trip for yourself. But what if you don’t have that kind of time? Are you willing just to take your chances? To risk missing out for lack of a clear idea of what you are doing and how to fit things together? To waste precious time and money in confusion? To walk around blindly with no idea about what you are looking at and why it is remarkable or interesting?

Or you could just join a group tour and give up your freedom and autonomy. But what would that do to the quality of your experience? Are you willing to have your trip become a blur of sights, hotels, meals, lines and waiting for people to get back to the bus? Can you be satisfied by a windshield view—riding past what you came to see and experience?

This book offers you a third option. You will have a well-planned trip. And you will retain your freedom too.

With this book as your guide on the side, you will not be wandering around lost. But you will be free from the bus and the time constraints that go with it. You will be able to relax and enjoy the full experience.

Follow the trip plan outlined here—all the details and possibilities have been laid out for you in advance. You will know exactly what to do, why you want to do it and how. And you will know some of the stories that make what you are seeing all the more intriguing.

No more racing past all those things you came to experience. Sit outside at that café. Shop the market and put together a picnic to enjoy in the sunshine. Stay to hear the music. Return to that shop where you found your perfect tapestry pillow. You will be free to shape the pace and focus of your trip with full confidence that you have all the guidance you need to make it all work. You will know what your trip will cost, as well as some delightful options for both economies and splurges.

We are well prepared to serve as your guides in this travel odyssey. We both have traveled extensively ourselves, and have actually taken the remarkable trip laid out in the chapters ahead. So we can assure you, based on personal experience, that this will be a great trip. It will significantly surpass any ad hoc or group trips you have taken in the past.

We believe that ultimate travel is much more than a to do list of sights to see. It is a life-changing journey to be fully experienced and remembered—immersive and engaging, balanced and fun.

Immersive travel is to be made in untethered freedom, so you can become part of the place you are visiting. Its culture, history, people and sights. Its sounds, senses, energy and lifestyle.

Ultimate travel is balanced, not overwhelming. Engaging, not superficial. It opens the way to encounters and connections with the locals—the people in whose homeland you are a guest. It is glorious and enthralling. It will stretch you and change you and build your confidence. It will never be forgotten.

So let’s be off... Bon voyage...

Carolee Duckworth & Brian Lane

INTRODUCTION

What do you imagine when you hear the term Valley of the Kings? Why would you want to go there?

The Loire Valley lies two hours south of Paris by fast train. It became the idyllic playground for the kings of France after they fled an unsafe Paris in the early 1400s. Even after it was safe for the kings to return to Paris, they chose to live, party, hunt and rule from this virtual Camelot for the next 170 years.

Noted for their perpetual building projects, the royals filled the Valley with an overabundance of grand châteaux, totaling more than 300! Here, surrounded by beauty, peace and forests for hunting, they achieved an ever more resplendent lifestyle. It was not until 1589 that Henry IV finally moved the court back to Paris.

As the royals hopped about among their grand mansions, they moved their entire court with them, transporting servants, horses, courtiers and all the resplendent royal fixings of their luxuriant lifestyles—furniture, tapestries, artwork, wardrobes, tableware, and household furnishings. The entire entourage would dismantle itself to move on, then reestablish itself at the next stop, hanging tapestries and art, and hefting massive elegantly-carved trunks into position as furniture.

Many of these châteaux are open to visitors. And they are splendid. Some are located in towns or small, charming villages. Others are scattered out about the countryside. Many have stories of intrigue that make them all the more interesting. Most are surrounded by exquisite gardens. The area is noted, too, for its wine and food. There is much for you to experience here in the Loire Valley.

With plentiful castles all spread about, the Loire Valley requires that smart travelers have a detailed trip plan to narrow down the options and guide them as they move around. Also, it is essential that you arrange reservations, tickets and passes, stay at the best possible locations and beat the tour-group crowds with savvy planning. And you need to know what to expect by way of expenses as well as what you need to take with you.

This book provides a trusted guide for families,