Six Day Loire Valley Photography Masterclass

A cityscape of Amboise with numerous rooftops, a clock tower in the foreground, and a church on a hill in the background.

Approximately 1.5hrs from Paris by train, this photography masterclass is suitable for all levels of photographer. Our expert guidance and local knowledge ensure you will get the best possible images from your visit. Explore the town of Amboise and it’s amazing Châteaux while developing your skills. Apart from the stunning Châteaux and town, people visit Amboise because this is where Leonardo da Vinci lived out the last three years of his life.

ITINERARY

Empty pedestrian street in Amboise with shops and cafes, streetlights on, early morning or late evening.

On the day of arrival, settle in your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed meet & greet evening meal. Depending on what time you arrive and how tired you are after your journey there will be an optional night photography walk.

Day 1 – The town of Amboise

Collage of four images depicting various scenes of . The largest image shows a quaint pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes, a clock tower with a spire in the background. The top right image features a river with a boat in front of a historic fortress-like building on the hill. The middle right image displays a corner building with outdoor seating and charming architecture. The bottom right image captures a view of a historic church with twin towers and an old stone castle wall.

Walking photography tour. Amboise is a charming classic French town, a photographer’s dream. There is no set timetable, we take the day at a pace that suits you. There are many beautiful photography locations and viewpoints in and around town.

Day 2 - Royal Château Amboise

A collage of three photos of Royal Chateau Amboise

A full day visit to Royal Château Amboise. Enjoy a leisurely visit with plenty of opportunity for photography. Enjoy several amazing views over the town. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the Chapel of Saint Hubert within the Chateau grounds. There will also be an optional night photography walk around town.

Day 3 - Clos Lucé

A collage with three images: Chateau Clos Luce with a manicured lawn, trees, and visitors outside; a stone bridge and part of the castle wall in a garden setting; a stained glass window featuring blue and gold fleur-de-lis symbols.

Enjoy a full day visit to the house and grounds of Clos Lucé. This is where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. The gardens of Clos Lucé are beautifully kept. Full size models of Leonardo’s inventions are displayed around the grounds.

Day 4 - Château Gaillard

Three images of Chateau Gaillard, Amboise with front lawn and trees, a small cave entrance with a red door and ladder in a rocky wall, and a painting of a parrot on a branch with orange fruit.

A full day Visit to Château Gaillard. The forgotten Royal Paradise. Home to the first orangery in France. The Château is beautiful, the grounds are vast and include several interesting ruins.

Day 5 - Château Chenonceau

Three images of Chateau Chenonceau, built on a river with multiple arches, a window with sunlight casting shadows, and a wooden barrel hanging from a tree branch.

A Full day visit to Château Chenonceau one of the most photographed Châteaux in France. Its iconic, distinctive, bridge over the river Cher makes it unique.

Day 6 - Free Day

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Your choice of another day of photography tuition, learn advanced editing techniques using Adobe software or freely available open source software packages, relax, go shopping or any combination of these.

Accommodation

A large white mansion with a terrace and purple flowering vines, surrounded by leafless trees, next to a river with lush greenery on the opposite bank.

Not included

There are many types of accommodation available in Amboise. From 5 star hotels to Self-catering apartments and Gîtes/B&B’s.

Contact us for details.

About Mark

A collage of three images: prize winning photographer Mark Playle with glasses and a scarf outdoors and to of his photographs, Daphne Selfe sitting on a vintage vehicle, and a racing car on a track.

A prize winning photographer with a diverse portfolio. Mark has gained extensive experience by shooting high-profile events.

Mark’s work has been featured in notable exhibitions and various venues throughout Europe. In addition to photography, Mark has a love for teaching and the Loire Valley

Price €3000

Included: Photography tuition and guidance with Mark and all chateau entrance fees.
Not included: Accommodation, Travel to and from Amboise, meals and drinks.

Contact us for more details or to discuss available dates.

Testimonials

  • A testimonial letter expressing enjoyment of attending the Six Day Loire Valley Photography Masterclass, praising the experience, Royal Château visit, and instructor Mark's teaching style, signed by Amelia.
  • Photograph of a handwritten thank you note from Jenny describing a photography tour experience with Mark, mentioning learning about photography and equipment.
  • A letter describing a photography tour in the Loire Valley with Mark and Pamela, praising Mark's expertise and the hospitality experienced.
  • A typed testimonial about a photography tour in the Loire Valley, praising the guide Mark for his planning, suggestions, flexibility, and friendly nature, and recommending the tour as one of the best trips to Europe.
  • A typed letter discussing a photography tour and thanking Mark for his guidance, signed by Mary.
  • Letter typed on a sheet of paper describing a trip to Amboise, visiting Royal Chateau, and hiring a guide named Mark for photography and sightseeing in the Loire Valley.