This ride travels through the landscapes of Sologne
and Loire, traversing the Cher River and vast forest regions. Not only
is it an exhilarating ride through nature, it’s also a journey through
history. On this trip you’ll encounter architecture and traditions that
remain untouched since the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Many of the castles on this trip are tributes to the Royal House of
Valois Orleans-Angoulême and its powerful and sufficient reign. Once
fortress protecting royalty and their villages, today these castles
stand as testaments to France’s magnificent architectural history. Few
villages are as decorated and grand as though which we encounter on this
ride.
But the Loire Valley offers even more: rushing river, pillars of poplars
and cedars, pastures and monasteries, cathedrals, and antique châteaux.
On this ride you will discover the secret charm of this region of
France, its aromatic herbs, and the Pernot. Here, the Rabelais art of
living is as firmly entrenched as the vines of Chinon or Sancerre. Come
and discover the history of fortresses and the culture of the noble!
PG-LOIRE Rates
Included accommodations in charming hotels and historic manor houses, all
meals, 6 riding days (4-5 hours per day) 8 days/ 7 nights $ 2,345
Single: + $925 -- based on € 1,645 / € 650 2008 Dates: 06/01-06/08
reservation
&
availability
Meeting: Blois train station at set time Airport: Paris Transfer: from Blois
- take train from Paris to Blois - then a short taxi ride
to the hotel.
Level:: Good
intermediate Pace: Walk, long trots, canter and gallops
Tack:French trekking
Horses:Anglo
Arab and Selle Francais Pace: Moderate, trots and canters Note: all Loire rides have excellent meals; entrance fees to the
castles and wine with dinner are not included Min/Max: 6-12
Itinerary Day 1: Meeting at the train station in Blois and
transfer to your hotel, the Larabouillere'à Contres. The afternoon is
for relaxing and getting to know the other riders. We celebrate the
beginning of a great week with a welcome dinner. The night is spent in
our typical French hotel.
Day 2: After a yummy French breakfast we set out to meet our new
companions: the horses. Once we’ve all been paired up, we head out for
Château de Chémery, a small medieval castle. A newly refurbished
structure, the castle boasts a moat with traffic and pedestrian bridges,
typical towers, a courtyard and an oratory with vaulted ceilings. Moving
on from Chémery, we head to the Château de Sologne for a break and a
picnic lunch. Afterwards, we head through vast and thick forests,
skipping through ponds until we reach the River Cher. Our night is spent
at Menthou on the Cher. There are approximately 5 hours of riding in
this day.
Day 3: After breakfast we saddle up once more for another exciting
day. After crossing the River Cher in the morning, we leave the heart of
Sologne for a picnic at the Abbey of Alguevive. In the afternoon we
traverse fields and explore small forests until we reach the Castle of
Montpoupon, an established architectural dream from the Middle Ages.
Built in 1460, the Castle of Montpoupon was once home to lords and
noblemen. Now, the fort has been in the hands of the same family since
1857, when it was purchased by Jean-Baptiste de la Motte Saint Pierre,
who was the great grandfather of the current owner. There is a museum on
site with a comprehensive historical account of the castle. After this
visit, we transfer by minibus to Faverolles on Chere to spend the night
in guesthouses. There are approximately 4 and a half hours of riding on
this day.
Day 4: After breakfast we leave for the magnificent Château de
Chenonceau, an architectural jewel of the Renaissance. While exploring
this castle, you walk in the footsteps of Voltaire and Rousseau to check
out the remains of the fortified medieval mill and the garden of Diane
de Poitiers. Once we’ve checked out this beautiful structure, we relax
with a picnic in the shade of the castle. Once we’re all fed and
rejuvenated, we cross the Forêt (forest) d’Amboise to stay at guest
houses in the countryside. There are approximately 5 hours of riding on
this day.
Day 5: After a morning of crossing beautiful French countryside we
come to the banks of the Loire for a picnic lunch, near the Château de
Chaumont, a castle built by Eudes II, Count of Blois, in the 10th
century. Its original purpose was to serve as a fortress and protect
Blois from attacks. Today, the castle is primarily a museum. The
afternoon is spent exploring the vast countryside and its relics of
times past. Tonight we stay in guesthouse in Chaumont. Depending on the
time that we arrive in Chaumont, there is an option to visit the Château
de Beauregard by minibus. This castle was built as a hunting lodge for
Francois I and contains a portrait gallery that comprises over 327
portraits of kings and their lovers from the 14th to 17th centuries. We
ride for about 4 and a half hours today.
Day 6: Today we ride to the castles at Ferns Bièvre, where we enjoy
a quiet and tranquil picnic. In afternoon we continue on our ride,
heading towards the Château de Cheverny. This beautifully furnished
castle was one of the first to open to the public. Since 1914 it has
welcomed visitors to come and admire its magnificent interiors,
collections of furniture, tapestries and various pieces of art. Some
highlights of the castles include its Grand Salon, which includes
paintings of prominent French historical figures, and the stone
staircase dating from 1634. After our trip to this luxurious place, we
spend the night in guesthouses. Today there are about 5 hours of riding.
Day 7: After breakfast we ride back into the heart of Sologne to
picnic at the Château de Villesavin. This area was first inhabited by
the Romans around 0 AD and was later rebuilt in the 15th century. The
outside architecture of the castles showcases typical Renaissance
features and small touches left by past owners. The afternoon completes
our trip with a final gallop around the Château de Chambord. We spend
the night in guesthouses. Today there are 4 and a half hours of riding.
Day 8: We have a lovely breakfast, and sadly say farewell
afterwards.
PG-LOIRE
