Virtual loire valley January 15-29, 2022
What
Special insights
Who are we
The Loire Valley, "garden of France" is a lush and lovely region synonymous with the Renaissance. The political and social history of France and Western Europe in the Middle Ages as well as during the Renaissance, the period when the Loire Valley was a seat of royal power, is illustrated by the numerous buildings and castles that have made it famous, such as Amboise, Blois and Azay-le-Rideau.
Who are we
Special insights
Who are we
Meet Patrick!
Patrick Vidal is the prefect antidote to the "aloof Frenchman" stereotype. He's got more energy than that famous battery bunny, smiles effortlessly, and has an insatiable curiosity about the world. He joins me (Chris Coleman) virtually to tour us through the Loire Valley to show us some amazing places!
Special insights
Special insights
What are the stops along the way
From Blois to Saumur in the Loire. Valley we will visit picturesque towns, romantic castles and amazing cities protected by the UNESCO. Would you like to learn more about local food & drink, culture, history and traditions?
What are the stops along the way
What are the stops along the way
What are the stops along the way
Loire Valley Destinations: Blois
Valloire sur Cisse, Chaumont, Cangey Amboise, Montlouis, Tours
Villandry, Azay le Rideau, Rigny Ussé, Chinon, Candes St Martin, Saumur.
Sign me up
What are the stops along the way
Sign me up
FAQS
Dates of our virtual experience
January 15-29, 2021
We start on 9:00 am CDT ( 7am Pacific/ 8am Mountain/10am Eastern) with a live virtual event with Patrick in Blois. We know it is early for those on the West Coast- but there is so little daylight we had to choose the time based on how it works best on location in France!
The general format of information in written and video content during the week:
- Saturdays: Live-stream events at 9am CDT Each hour-long virtual tour will be recorded and can be watched anytime. There are three live-stream events: January 15, 22, 29
- Every day you receive fascinating information about where we are on the path in the form of pre-recorded video, photo and/or written content on the local culture, history, food and wine plus wellness tips for travel such as yoga for walkers.
Distance travelled virually
We are doing virtual excursions from Blois to Saumur. If you wish to to participate in a walking challenge, we will let you know daily walking distances otherwise set a goal that works for you! You may decide upon an alternate pacing schedule . Walking, running, yoga, cleaning your house, grocery shopping - time spent doing most all sorts of activities add up to mileage. Set your pace and keep track on your own with a Fitbit or keep track as you wish.
You may also prefer to not partake in the virtual walking part of the experience and enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of the experience- it's all good!
Virtual tours, history, culture & more
Experience the uniquely preserved historical cities and explore off the beaten path villages and countryside with us. We’ll explain local culture, traditions, crafts and music. Learn about traditional meals, snacks and drinks and we will share some of our favorite recipes with you.
What do I need to do this
1) A good pair of walking shoes/hiking boots (if you are taking part in the virtual walking challenge) or a bike if you plan to cycle
2) A Fitbit or an alternate method to keep track of distance (remember we will supply you with a conversion table to refer to for all your other daily activities that add up to mileage!)
3) A sense of curiosity & adventure-we are so excited to do this with you!
4) Sign up with your email and program payment of $75
5) Once you sign up you will receive a welcome email
Live Stream on Saturdays
Live-streaming is scheduled for 9:00am CDT on Saturdays (7:00am PDT/8:00am MDT/10:00am EDT).
Patrick will broadcast live for an hour sharing with your his insights, a wine tasting and more about this captivating part of France.
These live events will be recorded and will be accessible for your viewing at your leisure. All content both live and pre-recorded will be available to you through our Hey Marvelous site which hosts all the content. It is also a place where we can connect on our experience - a lot like a Facebook group.