Renaissance Castles Getaway Loire France This short riding getaway (3 nights with 2 riding days) leads you on horseback to some of the most famous Loire castles for a quick trip back in history: Chambord, Chenonceau, Saumur, and Chinnon. Guided by local guides, you will have the great pleasure of riding in the beautiful landscape of the Loire Valley and the unique privilege of arriving on horseback to the doorsteps of the impressive castles. Sometimes days you enjoy a guided visit, other times our stop will include a garden festival, a horse show, a wine tasting or your own time to explore the castle solo. This tour lets you truly experience the French "art de vivre" and savour the French cuisine! You will be stay overnight in the same private castle for the duration of this shortened version of our Renaissance Castles of the Loire 8-day itinerary. Each day you will have dinner with the owners of the castle and taste the  incredible gastronomy from the Heart of France in the excellent local gourmet restaurants, enjoy picnics with foie gras, and discover several shows in the castle at night. Tailor made, this luxury program is limited to eight riders each departure. Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Family Vacation Meeting: Itin. # 1: Blois Itin. # 2: Amboise Itin. # 4: Saumur Airport: Paris Transfer: Take a taxi from Blois, Amboise or Samur train stations (depending on your itinerary #). Riders: Min 5 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Entrance fees to the castles and wine with meals (limited) are included.

Transfers are not included on this trip.
For Beauregard to Chambord (itinerary 1 - option A), meet at 7:00pm at Relais de Chambord for aperitif and briefing on Day 1. On the last day of your trip, transfer is possible by taxi from Chateau de Blois to Blois-Chambord train station (not included).
For Chenonceau to Amboise (itinerary 2 - option B), meet at 7:00pm at Château de l'Isle for aperitif and briefing on Day 1. On the last day of your trip, transfer is possible by taxi from Château de Pray to Amboise, Blois or Tours train stations (not included).
For Saumur to Abbaye de Fontevraud (itinerary 4 - option C), meet at 7:00pm at Château de Beaulieu for aperitif and briefing on Day 1. On the last day of your trip, transfer is possible from Domaine de Mestre to Saint Pierre des Corps TGV station in Tours (not included).
Departure transfer on last day is on your own.

Sample Itinerary: Chambord to Blois (iti. 1) - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive on your own (train and taxi) to the wonderful Relais de Chambord for 2 nights. Today we meet and have dinner together. Briefing of the 2 days ride.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Relais de Chambord

Day 2: Chateau de Chambord
After a good breakfast, we leave the château on horseback towards Chambord. We ride along the "grand Canal" with spectacular views on the Château de Chambord. We then continue through the large alleys of Boulogne forest around Chambord, then back to Château de Chambord on horseback. We leave the horses at the Maréchal de Saxe écuries where they are watered and fed and have lunch at the Chateau. In the afternoon, we will visit the Château de Chambord (horse show in Chambord not included). Gourmet dinner and night at Relais de Chambord.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Relais de Chambord

Day 3: Chateau de Beauregard - Chateau de Cheverny
After a good night sleep we enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then, we leave on horseback for a ride through forests paths in the Forest of Boulogne. We enter the castle of Beauregard by the main entrance, an unforgettable experience! We visit the famous Galerie des Illustres, intact since the 17th century, which displays the painting that portrays of 320 great figures of the court and high-ranking foreign characters gathered around the two portraits of the King and the Queen. This long room has kept its beautiful old Delft tiles and its ceiling painted with lapis-lazuli powder. After the visit, we will have a picnic lunch with foie gras at the Chateau.
In the afternoon, we continue our ride through the countryside and along riverbanks or the Cheverny vineyards - our destination is Château de Cheverny. We will visit the Château de Cheverny and then transfer to Blois. Gourmet dinner in Blois, and night in a charming guest house in front of Loire river in Blois. Night light show of chateau de Blois in season.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Coté Loire in Blois

Day 4: Departure
Breakfast at château de Blois - Departure (transfers not included).
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Chenonceau to Amboise (iti. 2) - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival on own (train & taxi) to the Chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau where we spend 2 nights. Today we meet and have dinner together - briefing of the 2 day ride.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau

Day 2: Chenonceau to Nitray
After breakfast we leave around 9:30 AM on horseback for a first marvelous ride to the north bank of the Cher River and discover Chenonceau across the river. Arriving around 10:30 AM in Chenonceau, we leave the horses and make our way to visit the Chenonceau Castle and have lunch. Through the very location and conception of the Chenonceau Castle emerges a feminine influence that makes it so peculiar. We leave around 2 PM for a superb ride along the river Cher to Chateau de Nitray. We enter on horseback and visit the outside of the castle's very fine renaissance architecture, the rose garden, and the newly restored dove cot. We then visit the caves and wine cellar and museum rounded off with wine tasting. Evening gourmet dinner at our chateau accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau

Day 3: Ride to Pagode de Chanteloup & Amboise
We leave around 10:00 AM from our castle to Pagode de Chanteloup for a 2.5 hour ride in the countryside, through vineyards and the Amboise forest. A great picnic with foie gras and cordial welcome wait for us in front of the pagode. Visit Pagode de Chanteloup and his little museum. Only remaining vestige of the sumptuous castle built by the Duke of Choiseul, minister of Louis XV after the model of Versailles. We leave at 3:00 PM after the visit of the Pagode of Chanteloup for a short ride through the forest and Amboise; ride in front of the last place of Leonardo da Vinci, Le clos Lucé, and arrive on horseback by the majestic old entrance of Amboise castle. Magic! We have a guided visit of the Amboise castle. Evening gourmet dinner outside in Château de Pray and overnight at this lovely establishment.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Château de Pray

Day 4: Departure
Breakfast at Château de Pray - Departure (transfers not included).
Meals included: Breakfast


Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.

                                                    Tours area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	45	48	55	60	67	74	78	78	72	62	52	47
Average Low Temperature (°F)	35	35	39	41	48	53	57	56	52	47	40	36
Average High Temperature (°C)	7	9	13	16	19	23	26	26	22	17	11	8
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	4	5	9	12	14	13	11	8	4	2
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	10	9	9	8	9	6	6	5	6	8	9	10

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The Loire region benefits from a mild climate created by mild breezes blowing in from the Atlantic. 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 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 for the season.

The general atmosphere is relaxed during your ride. Please bring some smart casual clothes for dinner.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

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

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

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

 

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date susan hopler 10/2/2010 john etherton 8/3/2010

Accommodations
These are progressive rides so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodations are always located close to the castles we visit and combine the charm with comfort. You will be staying mainly in 4-star chateaux and some charming 3-star hotels. 17th century Renaissance: you will enjoy the magic of old-stoned dwellings, of hundred-year-old trees, and sometimes the Lords' authentic and cordial welcome. Comfortable and refined twins rooms with private bathroom are waiting for you. A heated swimming pool often offers relaxation after the ride.
WIFI is available at all locations. Laundry is not available.



Chambord to Blois (iti. 1) Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Relais de Chambord
Night 3: Coté Loire in Blois

Relais de Chambord
This recently renovated Relais is located just a few hundred meters away from the beautiful Chambord Castle. It benefits from a quiet location, by the river and is surrounded by a lovely garden. Every room is unique and all include modern facilities such as satellite TV, private bathroom and Wi-Fi access. Other amenities include a tennis court and a wellness area (open from 9am to 8pm) with a hammam, sauna and an outdoor Jacuzzi

Coté Loire in Blois
This charming Auberge dates back to the 16th century and offers cozy rooms in the heart of Blois. The 8 bedrooms (1 single and 7 doubles) all come equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with hairdryer. The rooms are tastefully decorated with original furniture that each carries its own history.

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Chenonceau to Amboise (iti. 2) Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Chateau de L'Isle
Night 3: Chateau de Pray

Chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau
Tonight’s accommodation is an 18th century mansion that sits in a beautiful park. There are 12 comfortable bedrooms, which feature a simple décor and are equipped with a phone, a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.

Chateau de Pray
This gorgeous historical castle dating back to the 13th century now welcomes tourist in finely decorated bedrooms. Each of the 19 rooms include free Wi-Fi, a TV and a private bathroom. The property also has a beautiful garden and a swimming pool, where guests can relax.


Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4.

We offer you a taste of genuine gastronomy from Heart of France : picnics with foie gras, traditional food of the region, possibility of dining in a Michelin star restaurant, and gourmet dinners in private chateaux. You will taste and experience the French art de vivre.

All gourmet meals with 2 glass of wine included.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

  

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Itinerary # 1 and 2: Mixed Selle Francois. Itinerary # 4 and 5: Anglo Arabian.
Pace:		iti 1&2: moderate - 2 riding days of 4h per day iti 4: fast - 2 days riding from 4h to 6h per day
Level:		(2.5 to 4 out of 5)    Low to Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 10
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

Horses
The choice of our horses has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to make you enjoy your trip in total safety. Our horses are quiet and generous. They are mixed breed horses trained for the trail riding. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your level, height and weight.

Itinerary 1&2 (intermediate to strong riding ability):
Moderate pace - 2 riding days of 4h per day

Itinerary 4 (strong intermediate to experienced riding ability):
Fast-paced - 2 days riding from 4h to 6h per day

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.