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Renaissance Castles of the Loire
Loire
France
The Loire is the longest river in France and its banks are lined with beautiful forestland and handsome vineyards. Immersed in the landscape of beauty and nobility, the more you will come to understand why French aristocracy once flourished here and built their magnificent castles. The Loire valley has preserved its stately charm and lifestyle - the cuisine here is forever exclusive and refined, with splendid and distinguished wines. This horse riding holiday in the Loire provides riders with a pampered vacation experience with the best in local cuisine, wine, the arts and a endlessly romantic landscape that will seduce the hearts of travelers near and far.
For 2012 we are offering two itineraries in the Loire Valley following the Renaissance and the King's castles...
Castle of Chaumont
- The Château de Chaumont was purchased by Catherine de Medici in 1560, a year after her late husband Henry II's death. There she entertained numerous astrologers, among them Nostradamus. In 1559 she forced Diane de Poitiers, her late husband's long-term mistress, to exchange the Château de Chenonceau for the Château de Chaumont. Diane de Poitiers only lived at Chaumont for a short while.
Castle of Amboise
- King Francis I was raised at Amboise, which belonged to his mother, Louise of Savoy, and during the first few years of his reign the château reached the pinnacle of its glory. As a guest of the King, Leonardo da Vinci came to Château Amboise in December 1515 and lived and worked in the nearby Clos Lucé, connected to the château by an underground passage.
Castle of Chenonceaux
- As Regent of France, Catherine would spend a fortune on the château and on spectacular nighttime parties. In 1560, the first ever fireworks display seen in France took place during the celebrations marking the ascension to the throne of Catherine's son Francis II. The grand gallery, which extended along the existing bridge to cross the entire river, was dedicated in 1577.
Castle Gué Péan
- What sets this castle apart from others in the region is its peculiar tower roof. Most of its neighbors have blue slate laid in straight sides, or conical forms. Château Gue-Pean has a tower top that resembles a bell. Perhaps the castle's lurid history allows it to be so flippant. Some say this is where King Francoise I and Mary Queen of Scots would meet for privacy.
Castle of Cheverny
- A stone staircase dated 1634 carved with tropies of arms and the arts leads to the Grand Appartements. A guard room with a collection of arms and armour leads to the Chambre du Roi, richly hung with five Paris tapestries after designs by Simon Vouet, representing the story of Ulysses.
Chambord Castle
- The royal Château de Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures.
on the King's Castles Ride we will have the opportunity to visit the castles of CHENONCEAUX, AMBOISE, la BOURDAISIERE, VILLANDRY,AZAY LE RIDEAU and the ABBAYE DE FONTEVRAUD where Henry Plantagenet and the queen Aliénor d'Aquitaine rest for eternity. We will finish our trip in Saumur where the national riding school is based.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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at hotel of Day 1
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Airport:
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Blois / Amboise
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Transfer:
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A) Blois B) Amboise
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
9 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations, all meals, wine and coffee with dinner, 6 riding days
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP Renaissance Castles | 8d / 7n | €1460 | $1900 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €237 | $310 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Meet at Blois train station on Day 1 around 6 pm
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Take the train to Blois or Amboise depending on what itinerary you have booked. We can meety you at the train station at 6 PM, or you can arrive to the hotel on your own!
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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06/16
- 06/23
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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06/23
- 06/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
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Sold Out
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| A |
2013
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06/30
- 07/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
|
Sold Out
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| A |
2013
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07/12
- 07/19
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/19
- 07/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/17
- 08/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/24
- 08/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/31
- 09/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Renaissance C...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Beverages during dinner other than the table wine and coffee, gratuities
Renaissance Castles Ride...
Day 1: Arrival and check into the hotel in Blois near the train station. Meeting of the group with the guide at 8 pm.
Day 2: Our first ride leads to the castle of Chaumont, built in the 15th Century with a picnic on a river bank - time to visit the castle. We continue on the trail where the kings once rode. Overnight inChaumont-sur-Loire.
Day 3: Along the Loire, it is now up into the forest of Amboise, where we visit the Castle of Amboise. Overnight at a small castle/hotel in La Croix en Touraine.
Day 4: Our destination today is the castle of Chenonceau, which is famous for its Renaissance architecture - we make time to visit the castle at lunch time. Overnight at hotel in Montrichard.
Day 5: We depart in the direction of Richard Mont. There we have a picnic near the castle Gué Péan, built in the 15th Century by an Italian family. We ride through hilly terrain to the castle of Chemery (12th century). Dinner and overnight stay in the unique Chateau de Chemery in Chemery.
Day 6: Through tangled forest trails we ride to the Castle of Cheverny. After a picnic and sightseeing of the castle we rid on to the village of Bracieux for dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 7: The last ride leads to the largest castle in the Loire Valley: Chambord. The central point of this castle is the huge staircase, which we can admire during our sightseeing tour. Overnight in Blois.
Day 8: Departure after breakfast.
King's Castles Ride...
Day 1: Arrival of the riders at the Amboise train station by 6pm. The riders will walk to the La Brèche hotel which is close to the station.
Day 2: Departure from the hotel by 9am, visit of the castle of AMBOISE or CLOS LUCE according to the possibilities. The 15th century is the gold century of the castle of Amboise which is constantly enlarged and embellished by the kings. The city is also famous for Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence: the Clos Lucé. Departure on horseback by 10:30am. We will cross the Amboise forest, this magnificent forest, hunting area chosen by the kings, which will perhaps allow us to get a glimpse at deers and boars. Picnic at the castle of CHENONCEAU (16th century) and visit of the castle. Chenonceau, known as the « castle of the ladies », was occupied for more than 400 years by the kings’ legitimate wives as well as by their favourites. Afternoon walk along the river Cher to reach our destination for the night. Meal and night at the hotel.
Day 3: Departure by 10am. Magnificent ride along the valley of Cher. We will picnic and visit the castle of la BOURDAISIERE (16th century). Built as wished by François 1st, for his mistress Marie Gaudin, it witnesses the important role of women in
the history of France. In the afternoon we will ride along the Cher in the region of TOURS, where we will spend the night at a hotel of the city center.
Day 4: Departure at 10am. We will be escorted by the mounted police of the city to ride through Tours. Picnic and visit of the castle of VILLANDRY. It is one of the last big castles built along the Loire during the Renaissance (1536). It has one of the most beautiful gardens of France. Then we will leave the Loire to reach AZAY LE RIDEAU on the banks of the river Indre. Dinner and night at a hotel in town.
Day 5: Departure after the visit of the castle of AZAY LE RIDEAU (15th century). Its architecture presents a perfect alliance of traditional elements and of features taken from Italian art. By 11am we will take the direction of the castle of USSE. Very ancient fortress that inspired Charles Perrault to write the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Picnic and visit before heading south, through the national forest, towards CHINON. We will spend the night at a hotel in town.
Day 6: We will leave Chinon following the river INDRE until the picnic stop close to the ABBAYE DE FONTEVRAUD which we will visit. Built around 1047 in the region of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou, it is one of the most important monastic buildings remaining in France. The building contains the tombs of the Plantagenet. It will take us 2 hours on horseback to get to our destination in TURQUAN, on the banks of the Loire. Night at a Bed and Breakfast.
Day 7: We will head to SAUMUR through wooded and hilly landscapes. Picnic will be held in SAUMUR. We will visit the castle transformed into a leisure residence in the 14th century. It became a luxurious castle-palace. In the afternoon we will ride through Saumur and shortly afterwards we will get close to the national riding school. Meal and dinner at the hotel in Saumur.
Day 8: Departure from hotel after breakfast. It is possible to visit the national riding school according to the show times.
... subject to changes
You will not enter the Casltes except for the accommodation nights in the castle of Chemery and La Herserie
Meeting:
at hotel of Day 1
Airport:
Blois / Amboise
Train station:
Blois / Amboise
Transfer:
A) Blois B) Amboise
Take the train to Blois or Amboise depending on what itinerary you have booked. We can meety you at the train station at 6 PM, or you can arrive to the hotel on your own!
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Tack:
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Trail saddles
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Horses:
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Anglo-Arab, French saddlebred and French trotters
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Pace:
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Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Around 5 hours riding each day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
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Anglo-Arab horses, French saddlebred, and French trotters. They are robust and solid, their size varies between 15 an 17 hands. They all form a harmonious herd and range between 5 and 19 years of age. They are kind and well-educated horses that respect the riders, with horses for all types of riders and riding levels (certain minimum of experience is required).
These locally bred horses have been chosen for their mental qualities and endurance. Young horses are led by older horses which gives them the desire to move forward, calm and confident.
We will stop every two hours (approximately) for a break. Our team is organising picnics and evening stops, sometimes a bit of help is welcome! Riders should brush and saddle their horse.
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Minimum age of 16.
We have a minibus to transport luggage and riders. It is possible for a non rider (or for a rider who cannot ride for one reason or another) to follow in the minibus.
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 mild climate in the Loire region (created by mild breezes blowing in from the Atlantic) has produced an equal mildness and moderation on the part of the people. The Loire is often the line of demarcation in France's weather, between the Northern climate and the Southern.
You can expect frequent showers in the spring months, whereas the summer brings forth sultry, humid heat. The balmy Autumn season produces brilliant red and gold foliage, and lively festivals take place in many towns and villages to celebrate the grape harvest. A damp chill settles over The Loire Valley in winter, and many of the chateaux close.
March
Temperature 35ºF to 55ºF
Daily Hours Sunshine 8
Monthly Rainfall 2"
July
Temperature 58ºF to 76ºF
Daily Hours Sunshine 11
Monthly Rainfall 1.5"
October
Temperature 48ºF to 64ºF
Daily Hours Sunshine 7 Monthly Rainfall 2.8"
… this list is only a guideline for you
Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING GEAR
Riding pants or Jodhpurs
Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Lightweight Rain coat
A riding helmet is not provided by us, but is is recommended for adults and mandatory for minors during the horse ride.
PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjamas
Bag for dirty clothes
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
Swimsuit
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection
Personal medications
Sore cream (for an emergency)
Sewing kit
Torch/ Flashlight
Adapter for electric appliances
Camera and extra film or batteries
Belt pack
Address book and pen (for postcards!)
Sun glasses with strap
Sun protection 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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Lodgings are usually at the following hotels/castles (changes are possible due to full occupancy or otherwise adverse conditions)
All meals are included in the holiday package from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.
Wine and coffee are served with your dinner. Lunch is provided by the support vehicle driver. Picnics are country meals, meats and various mixed salads.
"Renaissance Castles Ride"
Day 1: Blois hotel - Hotel Saint Jacques
Day 2: Hotel du Chateaux in Chaumont-sur-Loire
The charming village of Chaumont sur Loire is between Blois and Amboise. The hotel is located on the edge of the Loire, at the foot of the feudal Chaumont castle which dominates the valley and the village as well as its famous International Garden Festival. Each one of the 15 rooms has their own style, either with a queen size bed or twin beds. They are all fully equipped with a private bathroom with either a bath or shower, direct telephone lines with the possibility of a Wifi connection and a television with the satellite channels. For your comfort, you can find a sitting room on the ground floor where you can relax, read, have a drink or even play one of the family games that are at your disposition. The owners, Dominique Poignon and Pascal Delsériès as well as their team, use their “savoir-faire” to give charm and comfort to their home in order to make your stay pleasant in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 3: Castle/Hotel de la Herserie in La Croix en Touraine
About 5 miles from Amboise and Chenonceau the chateaux is located between the Loire and the Cher rivers.
It is in a quiet location in a beautiful 30 acre park with 180 year old trees and a nice pond. Rooms are charming, but with not many amenities ... no TV, no phones, no A/C, no internet.
Day 4: Hotel de la Croix Blanche in Montrichard
In a historic building of the sixteenth century, the hotel was entirely renovated, it offers a pleasant stop.
The hotel has 19 comfortable rooms. All are equipped with television (with Canal + and satellite), telephone, Wi-Fi and a hairdryer.
Day 5: Chateau de Chemery in Chemery
The chateau is a 12th century fortress and converted in the early 18th century. It has not lost its authenticity - truly a medieval castle with stone floors wooden panneling and towers. During the day the chateau is open as a museum but at night you can stay in the rooms as a B and B and really experience what it would have been like to have lived back then . Parts of the castle are in ruins but the rooms you can stay in are amazing and you really feel part of history. You can also enjoy lovely home cooked french meals - served on the cheateaux's wooden table
Definitely not fancy but well worth the experience.
Day 6: Hotel du Cygne in Bracieux
At the heart of the village of Sologne, between Chambord and Cheverny, this hotel (founded in 1880) offers a relaxed atmosphere with 19 rooms with phone and TV and a large outdoor heated pool.
Day 7: Blois hotel - Hotel Saint Jacques
"King's Castles Ride"
Day 1: Hotel in Amboise La Brèche Hotel
Day 2: Hotel in Chenonceau
Day 3: Le Skippy Hotel in city center of Tours
Day 4: Les Trois Lys Hotel in Azay-le-Rideau
Day 5: Hotel St Jaques in Chinon
Day 6: Balcon Bleau Bed and Breakfast in Turquant
Day 7: Hotel in Saumur - TBC
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
|
|
Trail saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Anglo-Arab, French saddlebred and French trotters
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Around 5 hours riding each day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
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Anglo-Arab horses, French saddlebred, and French trotters. They are robust and solid, their size varies between 15 an 17 hands. They all form a harmonious herd and range between 5 and 19 years of age. They are kind and well-educated horses that respect the riders, with horses for all types of riders and riding levels (certain minimum of experience is required).
These locally bred horses have been chosen for their mental qualities and endurance. Young horses are led by older horses which gives them the desire to move forward, calm and confident.
We will stop every two hours (approximately) for a break. Our team is organising picnics and evening stops, sometimes a bit of help is welcome! Riders should brush and saddle their horse.
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Minimum age of 16.
We have a minibus to transport luggage and riders. It is possible for a non rider (or for a rider who cannot ride for one reason or another) to follow in the minibus.
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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Renaissance Castles of the Loire
Tour Code:
IT-FRABR02
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,900.00
Dates :
June to September
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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