Picture the scene: you’re driving along the Loire River in June, the windows down and the warm summer breeze gently cooling your skin. Later, you will indulge in a little wine tasting at an elegant 4-star hotel (well, it would be rude not to!) with fellow Le Mans enthusiasts before relaxing in the comfort of an elegant and stylish 4-star hotel nestled in the Loire Valley….
If these images have suitably whetted your appetite, then we have some great news for you. Brand new for 2025, Motorsport Travel Destinations is delighted to introduce a bespoke, three-night driving tour that takes you right into the heart of France’s most picturesque regions, Brittany and the Loire Valley.
Tailored specifically for fans of the world famous Le Mans 24hr endurance race, this tour takes place from 9th to the 12th of June, offering an unforgettable prelude to the main event on the 15th of June.
Day one – Exploring France’s automotive heritage
The Le Mans Driving tour kicks off in true petrolhead fashion with a look at France’s enduring love affair with the automobile. Following a delicious and suitably gallic breakfast in the medieval town of Dinan, you’ll visit the fascinating Manoir de l’Automobile – a museum featuring a staggering collection of cars, from historic horse-drawn vehicles through to Rally and Formula 1 cars. This place is truly car enthusiast heaven.
Your base for the next two nights is the beautiful 4-star Château de l’Épinay hotel, set amidst a 17-hectare park of century-old trees. This elegant haven of calm and tranquillity may seem a world away from the roar of engines and the heat of the tarmac, but it’s the perfect place to kick back in picturesque surroundings. The hotel boasts extensive leisure and spa facilities, including a jacuzzi, fitness room, hammam and tennis court.
Day two – Relax and unwind
The theme of Day 2 is relaxation. A hearty breakfast will be provided by the hotel, before the rest of the morning is yours to explore the fantastic array of facilities at the hotel. Unwind with pampering treatments in the spa, get the blood pumping with a game of tennis or simply take a blissful stroll around the grounds.
A delicious lunch will be served in the hotel, after which guests have a free afternoon to explore the scenic local area. Why not take a leisurely 30-minute drive to the nearby medieval city of Angers? This historic location, once the capital of the ancient province of Anjou, offers a fascinating glimpse into France’s rich and vibrant past.
Top attractions in Angers
- Château d’Angers – imposing Medieval fortress with its 17 defensive towers, which you can in fact climb for a 360 view of the city!
- Terra Botanica – the first theme park in Europe dedicated to plants
- Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d’Angers – stunning cathedral known for its mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, plus its ornate Baroque altar and sculpture.
After an afternoon’s sightseeing, you’ll return to the hotel for an exclusive wine-tasting experience, savouring the flavours that have made this area’s wines renowned the world over – the perfect way to unwind and prepare for the driving adventures that lie ahead on Day 3!
Day three – a tale of two cities
Today, you’ll wave adieu to the Château de l’Épinay and embark on a beautiful riverside route following the Loire – France’s longest river – down to the stunning city of Tours. Here guests will have the option of exploring the captivating Old Town with a local guide, uncovering the city’s rich heritage. Alternatively, you can continue onwards to the city of Blois and explore the truly magnificent Château de Chambord, a Renaissance castle commissioned by King Francis I in the 16th century.
Top attractions in Tours
- Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours – beautiful Roman Catholic church dedicated to the first bishop of the city and is a ‘must-see’ when visiting the Loire Valley.
- Place Plumereau – pretty town square with half-timbered houses and mansions with Renaissance and Romanesque facades from the 15th century.
- Musee du Compagnonnage – outstanding collection of masterpieces, tools, drafts related to handcrafts and also items specific to the Compagnonnage.
Top attractions in Blois
- Château de Chambord – the largest château in the Loire Valley and one of the most recognisable châteaux in the world (entrance fee included as part of the Loire Valley Driving Tour).
- Maison de la Magie (House of Magic) – enter the realm of illusions: automatons, optical games and mirrors, tricks, etc. and take a closer look at the world of magician and illusionist, Robert-Houdin.
- Chateau Royal de Blois – linked to the lives of 7 kings and 10 queens of France, the magnificent Royal Château of Blois houses 35,000 works of art.
As the sun sets on your third and final day of the driving tour, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at the picturesque 4-star Domaine de la Tortiniere hotel before retiring to your stylish and comfortable room for a good night’s rest.
The perfect prelude to Le Mans
This driving tour has been meticulously designed to complement our wider Le Mans 24hr packages. Whether you’re a seasoned racer, a vintage car aficionado or simply someone who appreciates the thrill of the open road, this tour offers a unique opportunity to indulge your love of motoring in the most sumptuous of settings.
To add to an existing booking, simply call +44(0)1707 329988 or email us at help@motorsporttraveldestinations.com.