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A TRIBUTE TO BALZAC
1 full day excursion |
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| An excursion which will start
your day beautifully in Tours, followed by the visit of the chateau of Azay-le-Rideau: the
chateau which symbolises the French Renaissance elegance in a setting of water and
greenery. Two new and original visits – a basketry cooperative and Balzac's home
–will enlarge the fields of interest and make this day a sheer success |
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PROGRAMME
9:30 a.m.
Visit of the "MUSEE DU COMPAGNONNAGE" in Tours. Unique in the world.
Located inside the reception room (XIth c.) and monks' dormitory (XVth c.) of the former
Saint Julien abbey. This museum tells the history, customs, and techniques of these
training associations which also defended the workers rights. You will discover a great
variety of crafts still existing or having disappeared, (locksmiths, confectioners,
carpenters, roofers, etc.), tools, all sorts of masterworks the "Compagnons" had
to create to deserve their title and honour "the fine work".
11:00 a.m.
Visit the CHATEAU OF AZAY-LE-RIDEAU. The chateau was built on an island in the
middle of the Indre river and surrounded by greenery . It is a perfect example of the
Early French Renaissance architecture., Punctuated by towers and turrets, The two right
angle wings show the perfect combination between traditional elements and others
influenced by the Italian art. The furnished rooms are decorated with a lovely collection
of XVIth and XVIIth c. Flemish and French tapestries.
12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Lunch in Azay-le-Rideau, in a troglodyte restaurant and former wine
cellar.
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Menu (suggestion) |
Tourangelle style salad
or Fish terrine with a green sauce (mayonnaise and herbs)
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Poultry and herb fricassee
or Salmon scallop with a butter sauce
or Sauté of veal with pleurotus mushrooms
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Cheeses platter
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Iced raspberry mousse
or chocolate Profiteroles
or chocolate cake with a custard cream
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1/4 bottle of wine - Coffee |
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2:30 p.m.
Arrival at the "GOUPILLERES" in Azay-le-Rideau for the visit of
a troglodyte valley. In an exceptional natural setting, you will discover a group of
troglodyte farm houses, dug in the soft limestone called "tuffeau", found
everywhere in Touraine and which was used for the building of the Loire Valley châteaux.
You will admire the authentic way of life in this local housing. You will discover wells,
bread ovens, stables, a grain silo, an underground refuge from the Middle Ages, different
species of farm animals : poultry, rabbits, pigs, donkeys…and you will take part to
the farmers life as it was during the XIXth century.
4:30 p.m.
Visit of the CHATEAU OF SACHE (XVIth and XVIIIth c.): Balzac's residence,
located along the banks of the Indre river and surrounded by a magnificent, romantic park.
Here, Balzac found refuge and inspiration. You will discover a restored 1830's interior.
The chateau is turned into a Balzac museum displaying objects, manuscripts, sculptures and
you will see the bedroom, where Balzac wrote some of his works, including the most famous:
"Le Père Goriot" (Old Goriot), "Le Lys dans la Vallée" (The Lilly of
the Valley), etc.
End of the day around 5:30 p.m.
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| PRICE PER PERSON : 37.90 Euros |
| The price includes : |
Entrance fee to the Musée du Compagnonnage
in Tours
Entrance fee to the chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Lunch (with 1/4 bottle of wine and coffee) in Azay-le-Rideau
Entrance fee to the troglodyte valley "Les Goupillières" in Azay-le-Rideau
Entrance fee to the chateau of Sache |
| It does not
include : |
Transportation
(we can propose you coache's services, please contact us)
Personal expenses
English speaking guide's services for the visit of the chateau of Azay-le-Rideau. Ask us
for extra charge |
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