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Chateau de la Barre is ranked in the top 25 hotels in France in 2013 on Tripadvisor.

December in the most authentic and elegant tradition of the French aristocracy: as VIP guests of prestigious Loire Valley châteaux and elegant, authentic manor houses for exclusive receptions & hunts.

Sunday December 9^th, 16^th or Tuesday December 18^th : Arrival

-          Transfer from the airport with private chauffeur, via Chartres cathedral.

-          VIP welcome by Comte & Comtesse de Vanssay to Château de la Barre, home to their family since 1404.

-          Wine and cheese tasting supper in front of the XIVth century fireplace.

Monday December 10^th, 17^th or Wednesday December 19^th : Renaissance Chateaux & Wine

-    Picturesque villages, rolling hills,XIIth century romanesque churches, and the colourful

     Christmas market of Amboise. 

-          Visit of Leonardo da Vinci’s home and the famous Chenonceau Castle, with it’s magnificent Christmas decorations.

-          Wine tasting at Caves Duhard. 

-          Grand Siècle dinner in the XVIIth c Dining Room hosted by Comte & Comtesse de Vanssay.

Tuesday December 11^th, 18^th or Thursday December 20^th :

-          Visit of the famous “Jardin à la Française” of Villandry.

-          Followed by a gourmet lunch at “Les Années 30” in Chinon.

-          Scenic drive along the Loire via romantic Azay le Rideau, Sleeping Beauty’s Ussé to Candes St Martin and Fontevault.

-          VIP welcome by Comte & Comtesse de Nicolaÿ to Château du Lude, one of the only famous Loire Valley castles still privately owned.

-          Private visit of the château by the Comtesse de Nicolaÿ.

-          An informal cheese & wine tasting supper.

Wednesday December 12^th, 19^th or Friday December 21st: Estate High Bird Pheasant shoot

-           10am : meeting at the hunting lodge and departure for 3 drives.

-           Lunch at the lodge followed by 2 more drives then tea.

-           Festive Dinner in the Renaissance Dining Hall hosted by Comte & Comtesse de Nicolaÿ.

Thursday December 13^th, 20^th or Saturday December 22^nd   : Variable programme, which can include either :

* Transfer back to Paris city or airport directly.

* Transfer back to Paris city via Cheverny castle. Very exclusive VIP visit or even lunch, in

  rooms unopened to the public, hosted by the Marquis de Vibraye, are possible.

* Extra day shooting at a neighboring estate. 

* Extra day in the Loire, to visit the Medieval Plantagenêt City and lunch at XVIIth century.

  Château Chêne de Coeur hosted by the owners, Vicomte & Vicomtesse Ogier d’Ivry.

Ouest France a important local newspaper, wrote an interesting article about Chateau de la Barre ( in French only.)