The Plantagenet dynasty dominated what we now call France from its origins in Anjou in the twelfth century to its demise in the fifteenth and left its mark on English history after Henry II’s accession to the throne in 1154. Through a series of visits to castles, abbeys, cathedrals, palaces, museums, and even complete medieval towns, this superb tour provides a highly enjoyable journey through the places where France’s history was made. From the origins of the Anjou dynasty in Angers we will explore some of the most evocative medieval sites in Europe including the castles of Saumur, Chinon, Langeais and Loches. The religious life of the times will be illuminated at the fantastic abbeys of Épau and Fontevruad, the latter the burial place of Eleanor of Aquitaine, her husband Henry II and their son Richard I, better known in English history as the ‘Lionheart’.

The turbulent political history of the times is also a theme of this tour and a full day is spent exploring the Vexin region, scene of bitter territorial fighting between the Angevin kings of England and the Capetian dynasty of France. The monolithic castles of Gaillard and Gisors are stern testimony to this period. Our tour finishes in Paris where we explore the heritage of the Capetians, the rival dynasty to the Plantagenets.

Set against the lush background of rural France and based in the beautiful cities of Tours and Paris, this expert-led tour is a brilliant way of deepening your knowledge of medieval France and, indeed, the historical origins of France and England. And all accompanied by excellent accommodation, memorable French cuisine and, of course, delicious wines.

The Plantagenet dynasty is said to have received its name from a habit of Geoffrey (1113-51), Count of Anjou, who wore a yellow sprig of broom (genêt is French for the planta genista, or broom shrub) in his hat. Geoffrey’s son Henry ruled lands in both Anjou and Normandy adding Aquitaine after his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152 and succeeded to the throne of England in 1154. This dynasty was one of medieval Europe’s most successful, ruling for over 300 years in England. But its origins in Anjou meant that it held court mostly at Angers and Chinon.

The Angevin Empire (as this branch of the Plantagenet dynasty became known) soon ruled half of French territory and came into contact with the Capetian kings of France to whom they owed feudal loyalty. The rivalry between the dynasties resulted in a long series of wars and the gradual reconquest of Angevin territory by the Capetians. Pitched battles were relatively rare in this conflict which was dominated by raids and skirmishes. The large number of castles in the region meant that sieges were common and the huge and evocative sites at Chinon, Montsoreau and Château-Gaillard are powerful reminders of this era (although many have been embellished by later Renaissance additions).

Under John (r. 1199-1216) England lost most of its French possessions resulting in the demise of the Angevin Empire and the rise of the Capetian. In the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) Plantagenet England won back most of its continental possessions but lost them again ignominiously.

But what is left are beautiful cathedrals, tranquil abbeys, imposing castles and a spectacular palace which powerfully evoke Angevin history and culture.

Day 1 - assemble at London’s St Pancras station before taking the Eurostar train to Paris then on to Tours. Hotel in Tours – 6 nights. (D).

Day 2 - today we travel by coach to Angers, the cradle of the Plantagenet dynasty, and home to the fascinating castle with the remains of the Palace of the Counts of Anjou. Here we will view the incredible Apocalypse Tapestry, woven between 1377 and 1382, and a significant artifact from this period. We admire the superb Gothic architecture at the Collegiate Church and Cathedral before returning to Tours. (B, D).

Day 3 - a day exploring several beautiful sites along the Loire starting at the castle of Saumur, bequeathed to the Plantagenets in the eleventh century. We then move on to Montsoreau where we pause to view the outside of the beautiful castle, its precursor taken by Henry II of England in 1152 in a feud with his brother. It is only a short distance to what is perhaps the highlight of the tour, the stunning Abbey of Fontevruad. We continue to the castle of Langeais with its turbulent history of occupation in turn by the Counts of Blois and Anjou before becoming a Plantagenet possession in the twelfth century. Return to Tours. (B, D).

Day 4 - today we travel to Le Mans, the Cité Plantagenêt, in whose cathedral in 1128 Geoffrey of Anjou, the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty, married Matilda of England. After visiting the Cathedral we enjoy the collections at the Plantagenêt Museum before moving to the Royal Abbey of Epau, the finest example of Cistercian architecture in France. It was founded by Berengaria of Navarre, Richard the Lionheart’s widow, in 1229. (B, D).

Day 5 - we drive to the stunning castle of Chinon, standing sentinel above the river Vienne. A pivotal stronghold in Henry II’s defences it played a key role in his reign and he died here in 1189. We then move to the evocative Château de Loches, a complete medieval royal city with a history spanning five centuries and besieged several times in the wars between Plantagenets and Capetians. Customers eat at their own expense this evening. (B).

Day 6 - a full day exploring the beautiful city of Poitiers. At the Grand Palace of the Dukes of Aquitaine we marvel at one of the most spectacular examples of medieval architecture in France closely linked to the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124-1204), one of the most remarkable women in medieval Europe. Duchess of Aquitaine, Queen of France and England, and mother of two kings, Eleanor left her mark on the city including the Saint-Pierre Cathedral which we also visit. We also get the chance to visit the Baptistery of St John, the oldest existing Christian building in France. (B, D).

Day 7 - we leave Tours and travel by train to Paris to explore the medieval heritage of the capital, including that of the Capetians, the Plantagenet rivals. Travelling by metro and on foot we spend the afternoon around the Île de la Cité, the heart of medieval Paris. Here we visit the Conciergerie, once a royal palace, and the spectacular Sainte-Chapelle, the most exquisite example of stained-glass architecture in existence. We then view the recently restored Notre-Dame Cathedral (due to reopen December 2024), one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, and the exterior of the Louvre Palace, site of a castle built by the Capetian Philp II from the late twelfth century. Hotel in Paris – 2 nights. (B, D).

Day 8 - today we move west of Paris to the Vexin, long a disputed area between Capetian and Angevin dynasties. We drive to Rouen, annexed by the Capetian dynasty in 1204, and admire the striking Gothic cathedral, before visiting Château-Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart from 1196. Our day finishes at the imposing castle of Gisor, built to protect the Norman possessions of the Plantagenet English king against encroachment by the Capetians. (B, D).

Day 9 - on our last day in France we visit the stunning Cathedral of St Denis, burial place for French kings, and considered the first truly Gothic building. This provides a superb environment in which to understand the world of medieval France from which the Plantagenet dynasty emerged and a fitting finale to the tour. Return to the hotel before travelling by fast train to Paris Gare du Nord and our late afternoon Eurostar departure back to London St Pancras. (B).