The Journey Begins: Our First Plantagenet Discoveries Tour
It finally happened… the very first Plantagenet Discoveries tour! After several years, it became a reality—and what a journey it was.
As many of you may already know, Plantagenet Discoveries isn’t a big, faceless company, it’s very personal. My passion project—a labour of love that’s been growing for over two decades, fueled by every story of the Middle Ages that captured my heart. Each tale, each historical figure, and every piece of research ignited a spark that grew into this dream. Our inaugural tour was a myriad of emotions for me—relief, nerves, excitement, pride, and no shortage of a few anxious moments. Most importantly however, it was an experience that brought together a group of like-minded people who took a chance on a small, heartfelt idea.
Enjoy the story of our first tour. I can’t wait to share more with you!
A Delightful Start at Le Camondo
Our adventure kicked off with a lively Meet ‘n’ Greet event just a stone’s throw from our hotel in the heart of Paris, at the stunning Le Camondo restaurant.
Over glasses of fine French wine, we began to acquaint ourselves, breaking the ice with a lively game of "Two Truths and a Lie." This simple yet entertaining activity—where each person shares three statements about themselves, and the group guesses the false one—elicited much laughter. However, I have to say that based on the results, detective work probably isn’t in any of our futures. Each participant received a "Travel Treasure" bag filled with thoughtful goodies, adding a touch of excitement for the journey ahead.
While many of us had interacted through a Messenger group prior to the tour, meeting in person fostered a sense of camaraderie. Our shared interest in the Plantagenet era served as a natural ice-breaker, paving the way for engaging conversations and lasting connections. For me, it was particularly special to connect face-to-face with individuals I'd previously only communicated with via email. The warmth and enthusiasm of the group assured me that we were embarking on a memorable adventure together.
All in all, the evening at Le Camondo set the stage for the days ahead, blending history, good company and a spirit of friendship—a combination that would define our journey.
Tour Guide Extraordinaire
At our Meet ‘n’ Greet, we were introduced to the gem of our journey—Ange, our local tour guide. Let me tell you, I was aware that having the right guide can make or break a tour, and with Ange, I absolutely hit the jackpot. From the very first handshake, it was clear that his deep knowledge and genuine passion for history would take our 10-night adventure to another level.
But Ange’s role went far beyond sharing historical facts. He was a true all-rounder—always ready to lend a hand, whether that meant tracking down some “lost souls” in Bayeux, helping juggle our luggage, or bridging the language gap with our non-English-speaking coach driver. Whatever the need, Ange was always there with a willing smile.
Being my very first tour as the manager, his support was invaluable. Offering brilliant suggestions for itinerary tweaks when circumstances changed, as well as input into the many lively discussions we had about historical sites and characters, his expertise never failed to shine through. If ever a question stumped him (which was rare), he was quick to dive into his phone or dig through notes to find the answer. His absolute love of history and architecture was evident, and it inspired all of us.
And then, of course, there was his cheeky sense of humour. Ange’s friendly, approachable nature meant the group immediately warmed to him. No one hesitated to ask him questions or chat with him during our travels. He made France and it’s history, fun, engaging, and personal—a very rare talent indeed.
We could not have asked for a better guide, and by the end of our journey, it was clear we had gained not only a guide but a friend. Ange truly was the heart and soul of our tour through France! And I must say that I am over the moon that he has now confirmed his availability for next year’s Plantagenets in France tour… woohoo!!
Where History Meets Comfort: Exceptional Accommodations
One of the important features of any deluxe tour is where you get to rest and recharge after a full day of historical exploration. On this tour, the places we called home for the night were nothing short of exceptional. Each hotel was chosen with care, not just for comfort, but for the stories they carried within their walls. They were not just a place to rest but an experience in itself - adding another layer to our journey through time.
Take the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde in Rouen, for example—a stunning building steeped in history, blending luxury with centuries-old architecture. In Poitiers, our home for the night was a historic gem where the service was impeccable and we were truly pampered, making us feel like we were very special indeed.
Or the magnificent Fontevraud Abbey, where we stayed within the very grounds that once housed the final resting places of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Richard the Lionheart. To sleep in such a place was to feel the echoes of the Plantagenet legacy all around us. And then there was the Hôtel Donjon in Carcassonne, tucked right within the medieval city walls. Waking up in the heart of a real-life medieval city was nothing short of magical. In Varetz, we spent a night in a breathtaking and secluded 13th-century chateau, the perfect location for a group photo.
Whether it was the charm of the building, the perfect location, or the incredible hospitality, these hotels were the perfect place to unwind after a day spent uncovering Plantagenet history.
Let the Games Begin!
When I set out to create a themed tour, I knew it had to be more than just about visiting historical sites—I wanted my travellers to have some fun along the way.
To begin with, all were given a Plantagenet themed crossword and wordsearch that challenged even the most seasoned history buffs. But the real highlight was the Plantagenets in France Trivia Quiz, played over four rounds during our longer coach journeys. On each of these days, I introduced the quiz with a touch of medieval flair, and while the questions may have been tricky (or so I was told!), the merriment and light-hearted competition more than made up for it. Everyone had become fully invested in the game by the time we crowned the trivia champion at our Farewell Dinner—Congratulations, Dianne!
I also added a photo scavenger hunt to the mix, though I’ll admit, participation wasn’t quite as fierce—most likely because everyone was simply living in the moment. And honestly, in the breathtaking locations we visited, who could blame them?
All in all, the games were the perfect way to keep the spirit of fun and discovery alive throughout the tour. It wasn’t just about history—it was about learning, making memories and sharing laughs along the way, all of which we definitely did.
Christophe, Our Driving Hero
While our tour guide played a vital role, we absolutely can’t forget another key player in our adventure—our fantastic coach driver, Christophe. From day one, we knew we were in good hands, and his ever-present smile quickly won over the entire group. Even though there was a bit of a language barrier, Christophe didn’t let that stop him. Whether using his phone with Google Translate or communicating through Ange, he made sure we always understood one another, and it felt like he was truly part of the team. And one cannot forget his care of Sir Fabian, our mascot.
Christophe didn’t just drive us—he also joined us on several special occasions. From our Welcome Dinner and Medieval Banquet, where he had as much fun as we did, to visits to Guédelon Castle and the wine museum in Bordeaux (sipping on non-alcoholic wine, of course!), he was one of us.
Now, there were a couple of times when our upgraded coach made navigating tight spots a real challenge, but Christophe never let us down. His expert driving skills came into play, and whether we were squeezing into tricky sites or winding through narrow streets, he handled it all with ease and professionalism. Over the course of more than 2,700 kms, we always felt safe in his confident hands.
His pride and joy (the coach) was meticulous. He was punctual, reliable, and always a joy to be around, truly the unsung hero of our journey.
Stepping Back in Time: The Historic Sites
Of course, the heart and soul of our tour were the historic sites themselves, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. To walk in the very footsteps of the Plantagenet kings, queens, and warriors we had only ever read about was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
There were a few standout moments that left us all speechless. One of those was the enchanting tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel. We were fortunate enough to stay overnight on the island, and once the daytime crowds had gone, we almost had the whole place to ourselves. Wandering the cobbled streets in the golden light of late afternoon or the stillness of early morning was nothing short of magical—it felt as though we had slipped through time. Another highlight, the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, is one of France’s most iconic and visited sites, and for good reason.
Tapestries, Cathedrals & a Castle Construction
But these were just the beginning. The grandeur of the cathedrals and abbeys such as St. Étienne in Bourges or the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen left us in awe, their towering spires and intricate stonework standing as testaments to centuries of faith and history. There were too many to name, but each one held its own beauty and story.
And then the Bayeux Tapestry, an ancient masterpiece bringing the events of 1066 to life with remarkable detail. At Guédelon Castle, on a project unlike any other, we watched modern artisans, who are building a 13th-century castle using only period tools and techniques. It gave us all a deep appreciation for the skills involved in building the castles and cathedrals that we had visited.
Every site, every stone we touched, every story we uncovered brought the Plantagenet world to life in the most meaningful way.
A Feast for the Senses: The Food
Where do I even begin when it comes to the food? Every meal on our tour was an experience in itself, each one with its own story to tell. Our Welcome Dinner set the tone for what was to come, held at La Couronne—dating back to 1345, it is the oldest restaurant in France. Dining within those historic walls was extraordinary, and the meals? Simply remarkable.
Then there was the seafood platter on Mont Saint-Michel—a rather curious collection of shellfish that sparked plenty of conversation. But we embraced the adventure of it all, because isn’t that what travel is all about?
One of the most notable dining experiences, though, had to be at Fontevraud Abbey. The lunar menu, inspired by the simple meals of monks and nuns but with a modern twist, was nothing short of a gastronomic journey. With more courses than I could count, each one was a unique and surprising delight.
Even on our free evenings, we managed to discover incredible cafés and restaurants, where the friendly service and local charm made for a fun and lively dining experience. And let’s not forget the joy of translating French menus, which always added a bit of humour to our evenings. These culinary adventures were just another layer of what made our journey through France so unforgettable.
A Toast to the Past: The Wine
While the heart of our tour was steeped in history, we couldn’t forget one essential element of any trip to France—and that is wine! However, I didn’t want this to be just any typical winery experience. I wanted to make it truly special, which I believe I succeeded in doing.
From the moment we arrived in France, we had enjoyed incredible wines, no matter where we were. But in my mind, our day in Bordeaux had to be something extraordinary. After all, Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, and its deep connection to the Plantagenets made it all the more relevant. The growth of the wine trade in France can be traced back to the union of Henry, Duke of Normandy and Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine—a historic bond that shaped both the history of France and the world of wine.
Our visit to the wine museum in Bordeaux, though brief, offered us a glimpse into the significance of wine in the French economy.
However, the real highlight of the day came when we ventured to a small, biodynamic winery just outside the city—Château Nodot. With its roots in the same family for 11 generations, Château Nodot offered a uniquely personal touch. We weren’t just learning about winemaking; we were stepping into a family’s legacy.
What made this winery truly special, and the reason I chose it, was their dedication to producing wines using medieval recipes. Among these was Hypocras, a spiced wine dating back to the Middle Ages. We were lucky enough to enjoy it as an aperitif later that evening during our Medieval Banquet, hosted by the family themselves. It was a perfect way to toast not only the delicious wines but also the rich history that surrounded us.
Kindred Spirits: Friendship and Discussions
If I had to choose one thing that stood out the most during this journey, it would be the deep sense of connection I felt with this incredible group of fellow travelers—my tribe. This trip wasn’t just about sharing an interest in the Plantagenets; it wasn’t just tourists following an itinerary; these were people who shared my passion, my excitement, and my love for history. It was beyond anything I could have imagined.
I had arranged optional group discussions before dinner on a couple of evenings, not knowing quite what to expect. To my delight, the response was wonderful. What struck me most was the openness and respect everyone brought to the table. In my experience on social media, historical debates can often become tense or aggressive, but here it was different. We could share thoughts and differing opinions in a safe space where everyone felt comfortable and valued.
Even during some of our historical visits, conversations emerged naturally, and it was refreshing to see such tolerance for different perspectives. Ange, our tour guide, brought his unique insights as a French native, which enriched our discussions in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
These moments of conversation set the tone for the entire trip. By the end of it, I can truly say that I wasn’t just leading a tour—I was sharing an adventure with new friends, people I’m proud to now consider part of my tribe. We laughed together, joked together, and fully embraced the magic of the moment, living and breathing the history we all love so much. It’s hard to put into words just how much that sense of connection meant to me, but it’s something I will treasure forever.
A Bittersweet Farewell
All too soon, our incredible journey came to an end. As we made our way back to Paris on that final day, I couldn’t help but wonder if the group’s thoughts mirrored my own: What an extraordinary adventure we’ve shared. But I had one more surprise left for the group—a fitting end to a truly special tour. Our Farewell Dinner was going to be an unforgettable evening, with premium tickets aboard a Seine River Dinner Cruise.
Getting there was an adventure in itself! Two vans were booked to whisk us through the chaos of Paris rush-hour traffic, and let me tell you, navigating the heart of Paris at that time of day is no small feat. But as we arrived at the Port de Bourbonnaise, all the stress of the drive melted away when we caught sight of the Eiffel Tower, standing tall right in front of us, wow what a breathtaking moment.
We boarded the boat, and as it glided along the Seine, we began the celebration with a glass of champagne, with glasses raised we toasted the magnificent adventure we had been part of, and from that moment, the evening was pure magic.
The wine flowed freely, the food was divine, and the service was impeccable. But as wonderful as all those elements were, the real highlight of the evening was the group of people I was lucky enough to share it with.
There was laughter, heartfelt speeches, and most of all, a deep sense of friendship that had blossomed over our 10 days together. My heart was full of gratitude as I looked around the table, realizing that this wasn’t just the end of a tour—it was the beginning of lifelong connections. I owe the biggest thank you to each and every one of my fellow travelers, because without this amazing group of people, my first tour wouldn’t have been the beautiful success that it was.
I think I can safely speak for all of us when I say we embarked on this journey eager to immerse ourselves in the rich history of the Plantagenets and to experience the magic of exploring history where it truly unfolded. Yet, somewhere along the way, we discovered something even more profound. Not only did our understanding of this fascinating era deepen, but we also forged the most wonderful friendships—connections that made this adventure unforgettable.
For those who joined me, I hope these words bring a smile and fond memories of the incredible moments we shared. And for those who weren’t there—perhaps this is the gentle nudge you need to come along next time. After all, there’s a whole world of history waiting, and I can’t wait to share the magic with you.
Max
P.S. If you’re ready to step back in time and join me on the next Plantagenet Discoveries adventure, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to have you along for the ride!
All photos - © Plantagenet Discoveries
