34 Quai Charles Guinot - 37400 AMBOISE - Tel : +33 (0) 2 47 30 40 40 - Fax : +33 (0) 2 47 30 40 77
eMail : reservation@manoirlesminimes.com - Home page : http://www.manoirlesminimes.com
ACTIVITIES & TOURISM

"Le Vinci Loire Valley" Design Hotel Boutique is located just 3 minutes driving from Amboise Castle.

If you want to explore the Loire Valley or for business trip, Best Western "Le Vinci Loire Valley" is the ideal place to stay and offers very good value for money.

Benefit from the central situation of the Manoir Les Minimes and its easy access to radiate at your rhythm in Loire Valley of yesterday and today.

CHAMBORD was built by François 1st, as a hunting lodge. It is the largest of the Loire country chateaux. Its dimensions are impressive : 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases.

BLOIS presents all around its inner courtyard 4 chateaux, 4 periods, 4 styles of French architecture. Its spiral staircase is a must.

CHEVERNY is a typical 17th century style château. It has kept its furnishing and its authentic and charming decoration.

CHAUMONT was built upon the site of a previous medieval fortress. In 1560 Queen Catherine of Medicis acquired and gave it to Diana of Poitiers in exchange for Chenonceau. At summertime visit the 'Festival des Jardins' inside the park.

AMBOISE was also built on the remains of a medieval fortress which overlooked the city and the Loire River. Birthplace of the Renaissance, it was one of the 1st Royal Residences. A great collection of furniture. One of the most outstanding view over the Loire.

At 'LE CLOS LUCE' in Amboise, Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life. The manor house presents a collection of his inventions made by IBM with materials of this time.

CHENONCEAU was built on the river Cher and reflects the beauty of its unique renaissance architecture on the water. From 1547 Chenonceau became the main residence of Diana of Poitiers, King Henry II's favorite.

The Royal Lodging of LOCHES was built by Charles VII closed to the medieval fortress, which parts remain. He stayed there, such as Louis XI, Charles VIII and Louis XII after him.
The history of the château was marked by 3 famous Ladies, and different rooms have been named after them  : Joan of Arc, Agnes Sorel, Charles VII's favorite, and Anne of Brittany.

VILLANDRY was the last of the large chateaux built on the banks of the Loire River during the Renaissance. It is embellished with gardens displaying a large range of colors. One of the most beautiful gardens of France.

LANGEAIS was built by Louis XI. Medieval fortress where you can find the most ancient stone square, keep preserved in France, and its drawbridge in perfect working order.

AZAY LE RIDEAU was built on an island. This chateau remains unfinished as 2 other wings were supposed to close the courtyard.

USSE was built in the 2nd half of the 15th century upon the site of a medieval fortress. The writer Charles Perrault got here the inspiration to write the fairy tale 'Sleeping Beauty'.

Rich with history and a well preserved heritage, Tours is a city of captivating charm. Yet Tours has managed to guard her rich past while still keeping an eye on the future. The old town and many museums to discover.

The Loire Valley is a must for historical spots but also offers many other places of interest.
The remains of an old stone press from roman times discovered closed to Azay le Rideau recall us that the cultivation of the vineyard in Loire Valley started as soon as the 2nd century and gave the name to the largest appellation of the region.
And this, during over 1 millenium, thanks to the Great Kings of France and England the reputation of the Loire Valley wines grew, Encouraging the discovery and development of the prince's vineyards.

Here are the main tours in the vineyards of Touraine :
BOURGUEIL, SAINT-NICOLAS-DE-BOURGUEIL, CHINON , MONTLOUIS, VOUVRAY, TOURAINE AMBOISE… Enjoy the visit of a wine cellar...always a mysterious moment, full of sensation. You will guess the alignment of barrels against the damp rock.

 

Safari Train Réserve de Beaumarchais

On board our safari train discover the varied big game bred in France, Ostrich, bison, stag, wild boar, etc. English commentary. Children play park. Our auberge serves meals, snacks and drinks.