Antiques & Loire Treasures Experience
Shopping & Chateaux!
All Inclusive weekly rate from €3950 per person
50% off discount for 2nd person, shared occupancy
ITINERARY
April 29 - May 06, 2027
Join us for a week of fabulous shopping, castles, gardens, great company and exceptional food while staying in a private petit chateau. Your host, Vivienne, an antique & vintage jewelry dealer and aficionada of antique art & furniture, will share her knowledge (when needed) and take you to some exclusive events. (Your other hosts will offer charm and translation skills wherever necessary.)
Whether you are just browsing, looking for gifts to pack in your bag, or have larger items shipped home, you are sure to delight in these once-a-year opportunities. And if it couldn’t get any better, the week will also include a relaxed yet curated blend of local sights, castles, chateau-based activities, and incredible food.
DAY ONE - WELCOME TO LA CROIX BOISEE
Arrive at Château de La Croix Boisée and settle into your room before taking time to discover the château, gardens and spa. In the evening, we’ll gather for welcome drinks followed by a beautiful yet informal welcome dinner together. It’s the perfect beginning to our week in the Loire Valley.
Day 2 — La Chartre-sur-le-Loir & Château du Lude
Our treasure hunting begins in the charming antique town of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, where we’ll browse local antique and brocante shops and enjoy the atmosphere of this quintessentially French market town. After lunch, we continue to the magnificent Château du Lude, one of the Loire Valley’s most beautifully furnished and privately inhabited châteaux. Drinks and a lovely dinner at the chateau.
Day 3 — The Grand Brocante at Chambord
Today is dedicated to one of the highlights of our week: a spectacular once-a-year antiques event in the extraordinary setting of the Chateau of Chambord: La Grande Brocante de Chambord. Spend the day searching for French treasures, decorative pieces and unexpected finds, with time for a gourmet picnic. At any time during the day you may also visit the interior of the castle and admire its iconic landscapes. In the late afternoon we’ll return to La Croix Boisée for drinks and a wonderful dinner.
Day 4 — Amboise Brocante & Leonardo da Vinci
We begin in historic Amboise with a morning of antique hunting at the town’s brocante before enjoying lunch in this beautiful Loire Valley town. In the afternoon, we visit Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, where his fascinating life and inventions are brought to life within the château and gardens. Heading back to La Croix Boisée, beautiful drinks and dinner await.
Day 5 — Antique Jewellery & Château Life
After several days of exploring, today is devoted to enjoying life at Château de La Croix Boisée. Join Vivienne for a fascinating journey through antique jewellery—from Georgian and Victorian treasures to Edwardian elegance and Art Deco design—along with tips on identifying, dating and collecting pieces.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the gardens, pool, sauna, steam room and spa. An organised walk in the vineyards behind the chateau will be an afternoon option. We’ll enjoy a lively wine tasting and tour of the troglodyte caves before dinner at the Domaine de Cezin. Drinks and a lovely dinner back at the chateau.
Day 6 — Château & Gardens of Villandry
Today we visit the magnificent Château de Villandry, celebrated throughout the world for its extraordinary Renaissance-inspired gardens. Explore the exquisitely furnished château before wandering through its ornamental gardens, terraces, water garden and famous decorative kitchen garden, with a leisurely lunch in the Villandry area. Relaxed spa afternoon back at the chateau before drinks and dinner.
Day 7 — Historic Tours & Farewell Dinner
After a relaxed breakfast, we go to the historic city of Tours, where you can soak in thousands of years of history at your own pace. Browse antique shops and boutiques, explore its medieval streets, or visit cultural treasures such as Saint-Gatien Cathedral or one of the city’s museums.
We’ll meet for lunch amongst the half-timbered houses of picturesque Place Plumereau before returning to the château in the late afternoon. Tonight, we celebrate our adventures and discoveries with a very special farewell dinner.
DAY EIGHT - AU REVOIR
Enjoy one final leisurely breakfast together before departures between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Transportation to the train station will be arranged, and we'll say "au revoir" - hopefully with new friendships, wonderful memories and perhaps an antique treasure or two tucked into your suitcase! Train station transfers on arrival and departure. And, most importantly, a week of living, dining and celebrating Christmas together in a private French chateau.