Top Loire Valley Arts & Design

Discover one of the hidden gems of the Loire Valley when you book tickets to the Royal Domain of Château Gaillard. Commissioned by King Charles VIII in the 15th century, this chateau is known for its Italianate inspiration, and for its sprawling gardens, which were planted with the first orange trees in France. Book tickets to secure your admission to the picturesque landmark; entry also includes a free guided tour (offered in French).

Develop your photography skills while capturing the magic of one of the most beautiful regions of France with international prize winning photographer and tutor Mark Playle. With expert guidance and local knowledge this walking photography tour of Amboise with tuition will ensure you get the best possible images from your visit. Your guide, tutor and local resident, Mark Playle is a prize winning photographer who has shot London Fashion Week, Le Mans 24hr and photographed Daphne Selfe, one of the world’s top Supermodels. His work has been exhibited at The Photography Show in the UK, FESPA Hamburg, FESPA Amsterdam and across Europe. Join us for a bespoke one to one or small group masterclass for the beginner or a photography tour for the seasoned photographer. Customised tours are available. Contact us for details.

In the middle of vineyards, the magic of a troglodyte cellar. The cellar is still used today to let wines of Bourgueil age in barrels.

Discover Nantes, one of France’s most dynamic and creative cities, with a local guide. Take in all the highlights, including the giant mechanical Elephant and the Iles de Machines, the Passage Pommeraye, and the picturesque gardens of the Ile de Versailles. Gain a local perspective as you visit the most popular sights, as well as a few surprises along the way.

Leave behind the unhelpful and lengthy group tours and get exactly what you need—an hour with a local to show you the best of Nantes. You’ll get a first-hand look at life in the city, learning as you walk from Place Royale to Basilique Saint Nicolas, Jardin Ile de Versailles, and beyond. You’ll also get loaded up with Nantes tips, from cafes and restaurants to photo ops and scenic views.

Leave the tourist traps behind with this tour that pairs you with a local guide to discover the lesser-known treasures of Nantes. Perfect for those who prefer to wander off the beaten path, this experience takes you on a journey through the city, discovering locations for photos along the way. Spend time in places that locals love and listen to stories and insider tips from your guide.

Develop your photography skills while capturing the magic of Château du Clos Lucé with international prize winning photographer and tutor Mark Playle. Once home to Leonardo da Vinci, Château du Clos Lucé is one of the major Loire Valley Chateaux. Expert guidance and local knowledge ensure you will get the best possible images from your visit. Suitable for all camera types from DSLR, Mirrorless, Point & Shoot to Mobile Phone and Tablet. Your guide, tutor and local resident, Mark Playle is a prize winning photographer who has shot London Fashion Week, Le Mans 24hr and photographed Daphne Selfe, one of the world’s top Supermodels. His work has been exhibited at The Photography Show in the UK, FESPA Hamburg, FESPA Amsterdam and across Europe. Customised tours are available. Contact us for details.

Develop your photography skills while capturing the magic of Christmas in one of the most beautiful regions of France with international prize winning photographer and tutor Mark Playle. Starting at 3.00pm This tour covers both day and night photography of the town. With expert guidance and local knowledge this walking photography tour of Amboise will ensure you get the best possible images from your visit. Your guide, tutor and local resident, Mark Playle is a prize winning photographer who has shot London Fashion Week, Le Mans 24hr and photographed Daphne Selfe, one of the world’s top Supermodels. His work has been exhibited at The Photography Show in the UK, FESPA Hamburg, FESPA Amsterdam and across Europe. Join us for a bespoke one to one or small group masterclass for the beginner or a photography tour for the seasoned photographer. Customised tours are available. Contact us for details.

Develop your photography skills while capturing the magic of Château Chenonceau with international prize winning photographer and tutor Mark Playle. One of the most photographed chateaux, Château Chenonceau was once home to Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Expert guidance and local knowledge ensure you will get the best possible images from your visit. Capture the details many miss. Suitable for all camera types from DSLR, Mirrorless, Point & Shoot to Mobile Phone and Tablet. Your guide, tutor and local resident, Mark Playle is a prize winning photographer who has shot London Fashion Week, Le Mans 24hr and photographed Daphne Selfe, one of the world’s top Supermodels. His work has been exhibited at The Photography Show in the UK, FESPA Hamburg, FESPA Amsterdam and across Europe. Customised tours are available. Contact us for details.

Develop your photography skills while capturing the magic of Château Gaillard with international prize winning photographer and tutor Mark Playle. Home to the first Italian garden and Orangerie in France Château Gaillard is a photographer's dream. Expert guidance and local knowledge ensure you will get the best possible images from your visit. Capture the details many miss. Suitable for all camera types from DSLR, Mirrorless, Point & Shoot to Mobile Phone and Tablet. Your guide, tutor and local resident, Mark Playle is a prize winning photographer who has shot London Fashion Week, Le Mans 24hr and photographed Daphne Selfe, one of the world’s top Supermodels. His work has been exhibited at The Photography Show in the UK, FESPA Hamburg, FESPA Amsterdam and across Europe. Customised tours are available. Contact us for details.

Develop your skills while capturing the magic of Château Chaumont with international prize winning photographer and tutor Mark Playle. Expert guidance and local knowledge ensure you will get the best possible images from your visit. Capture the details many miss. Suitable for all camera types from DSLR, Mirrorless, Point & Shoot to Mobile Phone and Tablet. Your guide, tutor and local resident, Mark Playle is a prize winning photographer who has shot London Fashion Week, Le Mans 24hr and photographed Daphne Selfe, one of the world’s top Supermodels. His work has been exhibited at The Photography Show in the UK, FESPA Hamburg, FESPA Amsterdam and across Europe. Customised tours are available. Contact us for details.

Develop your photography skills while capturing the magic of Château Villandry with international prize winning photographer and tutor Mark Playle. Expert guidance and local knowledge ensure you will get the best possible images from your visit. Capture the details many miss. Suitable for all camera types from DSLR, Mirrorless, Point & Shoot to Mobile Phone and Tablet. Your guide, tutor and local resident, Mark Playle is a prize winning photographer who has shot London Fashion Week, Le Mans 24hr and photographed Daphne Selfe, one of the world’s top Supermodels. His work has been exhibited at The Photography Show in the UK, FESPA Hamburg, FESPA Amsterdam and across Europe. Customised tours are available. Contact us for details.

During your private tour learn everything you wanted to know about the great master Leonardo Da Vinci. He finished his live in the Loire Valley. He arrived there with only 3 paintings. You will visit his final residence: Clos Lucé. In the Loire Valley Da Vinci worked as a painter, an architect, an engineer and also as a party organizer for king Francis I. Leonardo was buried in the little chapel of Amboise Royal Palace. Follow Da Vinci's footsteps in Amboise and dive into the Renaissance times.