A Loire Valley Gem

Step Into the Elegance of Renaissance France

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

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France - Azay-le-Rideau - Magnificent Renaissance Château in the Loire Valley - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• A Loire Valley Gem

• Experience: - Hop on and off in Paris

• Around The Web: Best Reds Day Tour, Hot-Air Balloon Adventures;

  Canal Life in the South and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Eguisheim, a charming town in the Alsace region of France

• Mange: How To Make Pot Au Feu: The mother recipe of French soups

• Xtra: Explore Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

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A Loire Valley Gem

Situated on an island in the River Indre, the Château of Azay-le-Rideau is a stunning blend of French elegance and Italian Renaissance influence. Built in the 16th century under Francis I by royal financier Gilles Berthelot, it represents a turning point in French architecture. Though its iconic two wings date from this period, the château was beautifully restored in the 19th century by the Marquis de Biencourt, capturing the era’s romantic fascination with Renaissance art. Surrounded by a lush landscaped park, the château offers a peaceful retreat and an inspiring journey through time. Inside, highlights such as the billiard room evoke the refined tastes of its past residents. Today, this national monument, cared for by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, invites visitors to explore its graceful halls and discover the layered history of one of the Loire Valley’s architectural gems. A must-visit for lovers of history, art, and natural beauty

Azay-le-Rideau castle France Europe - Shutterstock

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Make sightseeing in the French capital easy with a Big Bus tour of Paris. Enjoy the convenience of hop-on hop-off access at any stop along the route, and soak in the views from an open-top, double-decker bus. See sights like the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret club, and the iconic Eiffel Tower as you listen to informative audio-commentary, available in various languages.

Read more about Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise -

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Around The Web

Best Reds Day Tour

The appellations of Chinon, Bourgueil and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil produce what are arguably the Loire Valleys finest red wines. Located to the west of Tours, this is Cabernet Franc country par excellence and guests have the opportunity to taste a wide selection of them, often accompanied by local delicacies

Hot-Air Balloon Adventures

Experience the thrill of a hot-air balloon flight over the stunning Cher Valley. With expert pilots and breathtaking views of the Loire Valley’s châteaux, it’s the perfect way to mark a special occasion or enjoy an unforgettable weekend

French Equestrian History

Located in the former stables of the Cadre Noir, this museum spans over six centuries of French Cavalry history. Explore a vast collection of uniforms, weapons, and equestrian artefacts, alongside exhibitions on horsemanship and horse-drawn carriages

Rochemenier Village Museum

Discover the unique troglodyte lifestyle at Rochemenier Village Museum, showcasing two ancient underground farms. Explore over 1000 years of history and the evolution of cave dwellings in the Loire Valley, from the Middle Ages to the 1960s

Canoeing & Kayaking Adventures

Explore the beautiful rivers of the Loire Valley, including the Vienne, Indre, and Cher, by canoe or kayak. Enjoy peaceful paddling or multi-day adventures with scenic bivouacs, perfect for nature lovers or a fun group outing. Take a picnic and savour the riverside experience

Canal Life in the South

Built in the 17th century to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea, the Canal du Midi is one of Europe’s greatest engineering marvels—and one of its most serene travel experiences. Winding through southern France, from Toulouse to Sète, the canal passes vineyards, plane tree-lined towpaths, medieval villages, and historic lock houses. Once a vital trade route, today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site beloved by cyclists, boaters, and dreamers seeking a slower pace.

Travelling the Canal du Midi is about the journey, not the destination. Hire a canal boat or cycle along the shaded towpaths, stopping for wine tastings, café lunches, and lazy afternoons beneath the trees. From ancient aqueducts to living history museums, every lock and bridge has a story. And with no need for a boating licence, even first-time travellers can experience the gentle rhythm of canal life. It’s southern France at its most peaceful—and most picturesque

View of Castelnaudary with the Canal du Midi with its boats, from the quay of the Canelot, in Castelnaudary, in Aude, in Occitanie, France - Shutterstock

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

From Social Media

Eguisheim, a charming town in the Alsace region of France, is known for its colourful, traditional French houses that line the square

Mange

How To Make Pot Au Feu: The mother recipe of French soups

Xtra

Explore Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

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