Loire Valley tour 23-30 May 2016. Early bird discount applies to 31 August BOOK NOW!

Chenonceau chateau - known as the ladies' chateau. It was given to Diane de Poitiers, mistress of King Henry II, and taken away from her on his death by his widow Catherine de Medici. A beautiful design and the only chateau built over the river Loire. 

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, an abbey run by an Abbess not an Abbot, was the last place where Eleanor of Aquitaine lived. She is the only woman to have been both Queen of France and Queen of England. An amazing woman - also the mother of Richard the Lionheart, both of whom are buried here.

This garden gate forms an entry to the formal gardens from the forest area of this beautiful chateau in the Loire valley. The gate was designed by Leonardo da Vinci while he was living out his last days at his chateau in Amboise.

The delightful chateau Beaudaisiere has some unusual gardens with over 300 species of tomatoes and a superb dahlia garden. One of many chateaux to visit in the Loire valley

Normandy tour May 30 - June 6 2016.

One of Normandy's quaint, unspoilt villages with typical half-timbered houses and delightful shops and cafes. A favourite excursion during our tour of Normandy. CLICK HERE for more information

Early Bird Discounts on all 2016 tours until 31 August! BOOK NOW!

Focus this week is on Normandy - this old port of Honfleur is a lively place for lunch. Situated on the estuary of the river Seine, Honfleur was for many years an important trading port. Today, the more modern port at Le Havre replaces its trading position, but Honfleur is the more popular tourist place. This port has been painted by many artists; Gustave Courbet, Johan Jongkind, Eugene Boudin and of course Claude Monet who lived a little further down the Seine river.

Normandy tour May/June 2016

One of Normandy's famous sandy beaches just waiting for some action! Normandy has everything - beach resorts, stunning white cliffs,  historic towns and villages, chateaux, old half-timbered houses, beautiful gardens, cider, calvados and fabulous cheeses.

The northern beaches are probably best known for the Normandy landings during the second world war. These are not far from Bayeux, home of the heritage listed tapestry celebrating the victory of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy when he gained the crown of England after defeating King Harold.

Normandy also has the most visited place in France, the Mont St Michel, a tidal island with a magnificent Abbey overlooking swellings beneath and the bay around it. For over 100 years the low tide causeway was concreted over for access roads and car parks,but recently, this has been removed and a wooden boardwalk allowing the sea to flow underneath has been created. The island is once again an island.

For your next Slow Tour of Normandy send your details HERE

Boats in Brittany

One of the many marinas in the Golfe du Morbihan and below, an older style sailing boat making its way across.

Brittany has coastline to the north west and south, many islands not far from these coastlines with wild winds, rugged cliffs and some great clifftop walking. To the south is the Morbihan gulf, 35 square kilometres of inland waters, 42 islands, oyster farms, fishing and pleasure boats. Brittany is a fabulous focal point for sailors with many international sailing regattas departing from its shores. 

Featuring the June 6-13 2016 tour of Brittany.

Brittany's lush green gardens and delightful villages 

CLICK HERE for more information on Brittany

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2016 tours - early bird bookings NOW!

The fabulous village and beach of St Croix is one of the places we visit on our Provence tour. Follow this link for more details: CLICK HERE