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Loire Castles Escape Ride
Loire
France
An exploration of the famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Visit Chambord, Chenonceau, Saumur and Chinon!
The ride is designed for travelers looking for a relaxed and cultured getaway. Take memorable photographs and be spoiled by the mouth watering French cuisine! Overnights are at exquisite castle and manor houses, each with its own charm and history. The riding tour leads you to and inside some of the most famous Loire castles without the tourist crowds. Guided by locals with good knowledge and warm smiles, you will enjoy the pleasures of riding in all the beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley. Each stop is promised to be unique; sometimes it will be a guided tour, other times a garden festival, a horse show, a wine tasting or self guided exploration on your own. Here you will truly taste and experience the French "art de vivre"! Each of the 6 evenings will be in private castles, where you will have an intimate dinner with the owners, taste the heralded gastronomy from the "Heart of France" in excellent quality gourmet restaurants, quaint picnics on the trail with foie gras, and discover several entertaining shows in the castles at night. This is a luxury program that is designed for those who wish to have personalized care and therefore is limited to eight riders per departure.
There are two week long itineraries available:
# 3: Chambord and Chenonceau
- 4 riding days
In the steps of french aristocracy and around the most famous castles of the Loire -
Chambord, Beauregard, Cheverny, Blois, Chenonceau, Amboise.. These wonderfull renaissance castles bring us into the heart of French history.
We start this ride in the favorite hunting forests of the renaissance Fench kings, then along the wonderful banks of River Cher and then finish with the chestnut trees of Amboise forest.
# 6: Saumur, Abbaye de Fontevraud, Chinon
- 5 riding days
Starting at Saumur we ride through beautiful vineyards, by troglodytes caves and to the famous castles... We follow the great history of Plantagenets, Alienor of Aquitaine, Valois, Jane of Arc... French aristocrats welcome us at their private châteaux and we continue our ride across wonderful landscapes, along orchards, through immense forests and along the rivers Loire, Vienne, and Indre. Finally we finish at the wonderful Chateau de Villandry and its famous gardens.
There are also shorter 3 night getaways available:
# 4: Samur and #5 Chinon
- 2 riding days
On the shorter trips you will stay all nights in the same private castle!
Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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# 3: Blois
# 6: Saumur
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Airport:
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Paris
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Transfer:
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Take a taxi from Blois or Samur train stations (depending on your itinerary #).
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2018
Rates include*:
Accommodations in private castle or manor house, all meals with 2 glasses of wine per meal, (4 or 5 riding days, ~4 hours per day), all entrance fees and evening shows.
A | 2018 | 7 day trip, AP- Saumur to Villandry (iti. 6) | 7d / 6n | €2510 | $3015 |
Single supplement | €590 | $710 |
B | 2018 | 7 day trip, AP- Beauregard to Amboise (iti. 3) | 7d / 6n | €2510 | $3015 |
Single supplement | €800 | $960 |
Extra ride on day 4 | €295 | $355 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
Entrance fees to the castles and wine with meals (limited) are included.
Transfer and Other Charges:
2018
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Non-rider -- please inquire
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€
0
|
$0
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2018
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Transfer by taxi to hotel on Day 1
- to be paid locally
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€
0
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$0
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2018
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Small group supplement (4 riders), pp
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€
150
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$180
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2018
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Small group supplement (3 riders), pp
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€
300
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$360
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2018
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Small group supplement (2 riders), pp
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€
700
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$840
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Arriving by train: From Paris Austerlitz train station- there are departures to Blois and Saumur almost every hour. Travel time from Austerlitz is approx. 1 ½ to 2 hrs. It is a 15 minute taxi ride from Blois or Saumur train stations (arrival station depends on your itinerary #) .
Itinerary 3: take taxi on your own upon arrival in Blois. Itinerary 6: take taxi on your own upon arrival in Saumur.
Departure transfer on last day is on your own.
Tour Dates for 2018
Check here for details and availability
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B |
2018
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04/08
- 04/14
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP- Beauregard t...
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5
/10
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Expired
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A |
2018
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05/13
- 05/19
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP- Saumur to Vi...
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5
/10
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Sold Out
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A |
2018
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05/21
- 05/27
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP- Saumur to Vi...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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B |
2018
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06/10
- 06/16
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7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP- Beauregard t...
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5
/10
|
Reserve
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A |
2018
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07/01
- 07/07
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP- Saumur to Vi...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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B |
2018
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08/12
- 08/18
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP- Beauregard t...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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A |
2018
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09/09
- 09/15
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP- Saumur to Vi...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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B |
2018
|
10/07
- 10/13
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7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP- Beauregard t...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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|
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Rates do not include:
Transfers
Sample Itinerary 6 - Subject to changes
Saumur - Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chinon - Villandry (5 riding days)
Day 1: Arrival and transfer (not included) from Saumur train station to Château de Beaulieu in Saumur. Dinner and briefing at the Chateau de Beaulieu.
Day 2: Champigny cellar - Chateau de Montsoreau -
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
This morning we set off riding from our chateau passing local vineyards and magnificent views of the Saumaur château until we reach the Champigny troglodyte (cave) cellar where we partake in an unforgettable wine tasting (according to the season). Represented are some of the most illustrious labels from this great wine producing region. Following the wine tasting we gather for a gourmet lunch in a nearby restaurant.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
In the afternoon we ride another two hours along the Champigny vineyards and along the forest to chateau de Montsoreau, which inspired well known French writer Alexandre Dumas for his book "la dame de Montsoreau". Dinner and overnight at Château de Beaulieu.
Day 3: Chateau de Brézé - Abbaye de Fontevraud
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
We will ride through the vineyards and the countryside to the Chateau de Brézé, where we will stop for lunch in the old stables.
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
After the visit, we ride again through the vineyards, the gorgeous countryside and forests until we reach the Abbaye de Fontevraud. We enjoy a magical entrance on horseback to the abbey which was once, before the French Revolution, the richest and most important monastery in France. During the 12th century this abbey gained great prestige and was supported by the Plantagenet family, Counts of Anjou and Kings of England. The church here is as majestic as a cathedral and was edified at the start of the 12 century. Its Roman façade was renewed in 1504 in a more flamboyant style but converted back to its original state in 1901 under the guise of architect Lucien Magne. Dinner and overnight at Domaine de Mestre, which is the old farm of the abbey.
Day 4: Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chateau de Ternay
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
This morning we ride in the traditional French countryside to the Chateau de la Roche Martel, a private and historical chateau where we are welcomed by the owners for a picnic and visit. This chateau has undergone a lot of construction throughout the years, but the main buildings of the 15th century remain: an entrance through fortified walls and a wooden gallery, inscribed to the Registrar of Historic Buildings.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
In the afternoon, ride in the countryside and woods to private Chateau de Ternay. We receive a cordial welcome by the Count and Countess of Ternay. This castles was built in 1439 but became property of the Ternay family in the early 19th century. Important restoration work was completed from 1861 - 1884 and a renowned feature is the Gothic vault, known for its exceptional decorative carvings. Dinner and night in Chateau de Ternay.
Day 5: Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
Through the forest of Chinon, we ride on soft trails to the Chateau d'Ussé - the sleeping beauty castle, called so for its majestic towers. First fortified in the eleventh century, this castle was once the stronghold at the edge of the Chinon forest. It is a gem of Flamboyant Gothic style mixed with Renaissance motifs, with its completion taking over two hundred years and spanning the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Affects from all eras are evidenced in its completed state. It is in this greatly historical setting that we enjoy lunch.
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
In the afternoon, unforgettable long canters along the Indre River. Traveling through the cool forest trails and orchards we reach Azay le Rideau. Transfer and visit of Chinon. Night in a medieval hotel of Chinon.
Day 6: Azay le Rideau - Villandry
AM - about 2.5 hours on horseback
In the morning we ride to the Chateau de Villandry, known for the most infamous gardens of the Loire, where we will have an exquisite lunch. Completed in 1536, Chateau Villandry was the last of the large chateaus built in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance, so it is only fitting we spend our last day here.
PM -
We spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful garden and Chateau de Villandry before a transfer to the imposing but impressively private Chateau de Gizeux. where three generations of the Laffon family live. We are warmly welcomed while we explore this new castle before settling in for dinner an our overnight.
Day 7: Breakfast and departure.
Transfer (not included) to TGV Tours Saint Pierre des Corps station. (need a reservation)
Please note this itinerary is only suitable for riders able to do long canters and may be changed in small amounts due to weather and seasonal conditions.

Sample Itinerary 3 - Subject to changes
Chambord - Beauregard - Chenonceau - Amboise (4 or 5 riding days)
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to chateau du Breuil near Cheverny for 3 nights. Dinner and briefing.
Day 2 : Beauregard - Cheverny
AM - about 2 hours 15 on horseback
Beginning of the ride to chateau de Beauregard by the countryside and vineyards. We have the privilege to enter by the front path of the chateau : an unforgettable experience! We have a visit of chateau de Beauregard, and we discover his famous "gallerie des illustres", intact since XVII century. Picnic with foie gras in chateau de Beauregard.
PM - about 1 hour 30 on horseback
We leave to chateau of Cheverny on horseback by the countryside and Cheverny vineyards. Visit of Château de Cheverny. Gourmet dinner and night at chateau du Breuil.
Day 3 : Chambord
AM - about 3 hours on horseback
Beginning of the ride to Chambord by the countryside and the Boulogne forest. Arriving to Château de Chambord on horseback : Royal lunch in Chambord.
PM -
Visit of Chateau de Chambord. Transfer to Blois. Diner and night at Coté Loire, charming guest house in front of Loire river in Blois. Night light show of chateau de Blois.
Option B: In the afternoon, horse show and visit of Chateau de Chambord. Dinner will be enjoyed at Chateau du Breuil in Cheverny.
Day 4: Free day.
Transfer to charming Chateau de l'isle near Chenonceau for 3 nights. Dinner, briefing and night in Chateau de l'isle.
Option B (continued): Ride for 2.5 hours in the country side of Sologne to medieval chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre. Visit of the medieval château of Fougères sur Bièvre lunch in Fougères sur Bièvre. Afterwards, we ride for 3 hours to Chaumont sur Loire in the country side until Candé on Beuvron, then folowing the Loire river to renaissance château of Chaumont sur Loire. Visit of renaissance château of Chaumont sur Loire or garden festival. Transfer to chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau. Dinner and night in chateau de l'Isle.
Day 5 : Chenonceau - Nitray
AM - about 1 hour on horseback
Beginning of the ride to Chenonceau from chateau de l'isle by the banks of the beautiful Cher river. Visit of chateau de Chenonceau, and gardens of Catherine de Medicis and Diane de Poitiers. Lunch in chateau of Chenonceau.
PM - about 3 hours on horseback
We have a wonderful ride along the Cher river to chateau de Nitray. We discover Chateau de Nitray from our horses, and have then a visit of the outsides of the chateau, caves and have a wine testing. Gourmet dinner at the Chateau de l'isle.
Day 6 : Pagode de Chanteloup - Amboise
AM - about 2 hours30 hours on horseback
Beginning of the ride from chateau de l'isle to Pagode de Chanteloup by the countryside, vineyards and the Amboise forest. We discover Pagode de Chanteloup on horseback and have our picnic with foie gras in front of the Pagode. Visit Pagode de Chanteloup and his little museum.
PM - about 1 hour on horseback
We ride to chateau d'Amboise by the old town of Amboise - Special arriving to Chateau d'Amboise on horseback by "la porte des Lions", the medieval king's door! We have then a private guided visit of the very historical Château d'Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. Dinner and night at chateau de Pray, a famous gastronomic restaurant of Amboise.
Day 7 :
Breakfast at chateau de Pray - Departure

**Itineraries are subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.
For Info on Shorter Trip Options -
See Renaissance Castles Getaway (IT-LOESC-2):
Meeting:
# 3: Blois
# 6: Saumur
Airport:
Paris
Train station:
Itin. # 3 Arrive: Blois, Departure: Amboise.
Itin. # 6: Arrive: Saumur. Depart: TGV - Tours Saint Pierre des Corps Train Station
Transfer:
Take a taxi from Blois or Samur train stations (depending on your itinerary #).
Arriving by train: From Paris Austerlitz train station- there are departures to Blois and Saumur almost every hour. Travel time from Austerlitz is approx. 1 ½ to 2 hrs. It is a 15 minute taxi ride from Blois or Saumur train stations (arrival station depends on your itinerary #) .
Itinerary 3: take taxi on your own upon arrival in Blois. Itinerary 6: take taxi on your own upon arrival in Saumur.
Departure transfer on last day is on your own.
Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Mixed Selle Francois and Anglo Arabian.
Itinerary 3 : mixed breed horses.
Itinerary 6 : arabian horses.
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Pace:
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iti 6: fast - 5 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle
iti 3: moderate - 4 riding days from 3 to 4h per day in the saddle.
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate and Strong Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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The choice of the horses for this ride has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to ensure you enjoy your trip in total safety. The horses are of mixed breeds and are quiet and generous. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your riding level, height and weight. Excursions are coached and led by state certificated staff. You can choose to ride only half a day if you prefer.
Itinerary #3
Pace: moderate - 4 riding days from 3h to 4h per day in the saddle.
For riders who want to combine horse riding with visits of the most famous chateaux of the Loire.
Itinerary #6
Pace: fast - 5 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle.
This is a trip best suited for experienced riders that ride on a regular basis and are comfortable and in control of their horse at long and fast canters.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport NoteFranc. more
The Loire Valley climate can be split into three regions. The western coast, from the Loire valley to the Pyrenees, is mild and during the summer months hot weather prevails, while further west near Nantes the climate is cool. In the middle Loire, the climate is mild with moderate rainfall, while in the upper Loire, a continental climate prevails with short, hot summers.
Average max summer temperature is 26 C (78.8 F). Average low winter temperature 1 C (33.8 F).
The general atmosphere is relaxed during your ride. Please bring some smart casual clothes for dinner.
This list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
Flight tickets |
Passport |
Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
Riding gloves |
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
Lightweight Rain coat |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
Jeans |
Shorts |
Underwear and socks |
Pyjama |
Bag for dirty clothes |
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
Personal Toiletries |
Insect protection |
Personal medications |
Sore cream (for an emergency) |
Sewing kit |
Handkerchiefs |
Adapter for electric appliances |
Camera and enough extra film and batteries |
Belt pack |
Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
Sun glasses with strap |
Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations are always located close to the castles we visit and combine the charm with comfort. 17th century...Renaissance...you will enjoy the magic of old-stoned dwellings, of hundred-year-old trees, and sometimes of the Lords' authentic and cordial welcome...
Royal !
Comfortable and refined twins rooms with private bathroom are waiting for you. A heated swimming pool often offers relaxation after the ride.
We offer you a taste of genuine gastronomy from Heart of France : picnics with foie gras, traditional food of the region, gourmet dinners in private chateaux... you will taste and experience the French art de vivre.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner.
Tack:
|
|
English
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Horses:
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Mixed Selle Francois and Anglo Arabian.
Itinerary 3 : mixed breed horses.
Itinerary 6 : arabian horses.
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Pace:
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iti 6: fast - 5 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle
iti 3: moderate - 4 riding days from 3 to 4h per day in the saddle.
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate and Strong Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Riders:
|
|
Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
|
|
The choice of the horses for this ride has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to ensure you enjoy your trip in total safety. The horses are of mixed breeds and are quiet and generous. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your riding level, height and weight. Excursions are coached and led by state certificated staff. You can choose to ride only half a day if you prefer.
Itinerary #3
Pace: moderate - 4 riding days from 3h to 4h per day in the saddle.
For riders who want to combine horse riding with visits of the most famous chateaux of the Loire.
Itinerary #6
Pace: fast - 5 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle.
This is a trip best suited for experienced riders that ride on a regular basis and are comfortable and in control of their horse at long and fast canters.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Loire Castles Escape Ride
Tour Code:
IT-LOESC
7 days /
6 nights
~$3,015.00
Dates :
May to Oct
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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