Queens, Castles and Abbeys - A Plantagenet Journey in Medieval France

Join historian Dr Nicola Tallis as she follows the Plantagenets through the landscapes where their power was forged, challenged and remembered, tracing a medieval world shaped as much by formidable queens as by kings, castles and monasteries. Moving through Anjou, the Loire valley and northern France, the tour explores great fortresses that asserted royal authority, abbeys founded and favoured by queens as places of memory and devotion, and cities that witnessed the rise of one of Europe’s most influential dynasties. At its heart are the stories of women such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and Berengaria of Navarre, whose patronage, marriages and political agency left enduring marks on architecture, religious life and dynastic legacy. Carefully paced and enriched by expert commentary, the journey offers a richly textured exploration of medieval France through places where power, piety and personal ambition remain vividly present.

ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Saumur
Depart London St Pancras by Eurostar to Paris, continuing onwards into western France, the heartland of the Plantagenet empire. On arrival, transfer by coach to our hotel for a five-night stay. Evening welcome drink, followed by a talk by your tour lecturer, Nicola: 'Royal Women and Plantagenet France'. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Angers
A morning visit to Angers Cathedral reveals a powerful example of Plantagenet‑era ecclesiastical architecture, with its soaring nave, Romanesque foundations and later Gothic additions. Inside, stained glass and sculptural detail reflect the close relationship between royal power and the Church in Anjou. After lunch at leisure, explore the imposing Château d’Angers, its defensive walls and towers dominating the town and the River Maine. Within the castle, view the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, a vast and vivid cycle illustrating the Book of Revelation. Time at leisure for further exploration of the castle grounds.

Day 3: Fontevraud Abbey and Saumur
Begin the day at Fontevraud Abbey, one of Europe’s greatest monastic complexes and the burial place of key members of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. A detailed visit explores its architecture, royal associations and evolving uses across nine centuries. After lunch, continue to Château de Saumur, once a Plantagenet stronghold and later transformed into a princely residence. The afternoon concludes with a private visit to Bouvet Ladubay for a tour and wine-tasting. A second talk from Nicola this evening: 'Eleanor of Aquitaine: Mother of Kings'.

Day 4: Chinon and Loches
A private guided visit to the Royal Fortress of Chinon examines its role as a Plantagenet power base. Walk between its fortified enclosures, halls and towers, where Henry II ruled and died, and where Eleanor was imprisoned during rebellion. Continue to Château de Loches, where royal apartments sit alongside a formidable keep and prison, telling parallel stories of power and control.

Day 5 – Le Mans
Explore Le Mans, birthplace of the Plantagenets, on a private walking tour through the old town, cathedral, former palace and museum collections that trace the dynasty’s early power. In the afternoon, enjoy a private visit to the Royal Abbey of Epau, founded by Queen Berengaria, with time to explore its peaceful grounds. Farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Day 6 – Saint‑Denis in Paris and home
Travel by TGV to Paris for a visit to Saint‑Denis Basilica, burial place of the kings and queens of France, and a cornerstone of French royal history. After lunch, transfer to Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar to London.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 travellers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of time spent walking and standing for viewing at attractions. For further information, please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team if you have any questions prior to booking. 

INCLUDED

• Return Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, and TGV from Paris to Angers
• Five nights’ bed and breakfast at Le Londres Hotel, Saumur, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink 
• 2 dinners
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Airport transfers and full coach touring itinerary
• Accompanied by Dr Nicola Tallis throughout
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - from £247
• Meals other than those stated
• Standard Premier upgrade on Eurostar
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: Passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Pancras and Paris, but bags do need to be carried on to the platform.

Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890

HOTEL

The Originals Boutique, Hotel Le Londres, Saumur

Hôtel Le Londres is located in the heart of the historic town of Saumur. This 19th-century building offers stylish individually decorated and furnished rooms with floor to ceiling windows. The hotel facilities include a bar, breakfast lounge, and fitness centre. The comfortable bedrooms offer TV, WIFI, telephone, safe, hairdryer, toiletries, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Hotel Website