8-Nights French Gardens: Paris & the Loire - Luxury Small Group Journeys

Chantilly

The small town of Chantilly, north of Paris, is associated with horses and racing. About 3000 thoroughbreds prance the forest rides, and two of the season's classiest flat races are held here. Horses can be seen at a museum in the stables of Chantilly's other main attraction, its elegant nineteenth-century chateau. Footpaths pass through the chateau park and its surrounding forest, offering a peaceful and leisurely way of exploring the country. A hot-air balloon takes visitors up for short rides over the chateau every ten minutes.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is rich with meandering streams, majestic oaks, quiet roads, and lush green countryside. Its royal châteaux and pastoral villages grace its overwhelming natural beauty. Easy access from Paris, breathtaking architectural masterpieces, tiny discoveries hidden in the gentle folds of the landscape, accommodations from delightful to sumptuous, the excitement of great food and wine, and sports and leisure activities make this an ideal spot for an unforgettable holiday. Visitors can delight in picturesque cobblestone streets and take day tours to many points of interest just minutes from every major Loire Valley town. The patchwork fields, cool forests and lazy rivers of the Loire Valley invite active vacationers to walk, cycle, windsurf, sail and canoe in the gentle countryside. Visitors can drift leisurely over the châteaux and countryside in a hot air balloon or enjoy spectacular sights while floating along on a houseboat or barge.

Paris

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.