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. This journey across the Loire landscapes and its forest areas is a leap into history of the Middle Ages but mostly the Renaissance. At the time, the royal house of Valois-Orléans-Angoulême had enough power and means to build fancy castles instead of fortresses. The Loire Valley offers a mild climate, fertile soils and biodiversity as well as monasteries, cathedrals, and of course, castles. Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Hotel on day one. Airport: Paris - Charles de Gaulle Transfer: Riders: Min 5 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Single supplement will be applied if we cannot find another rider to share.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up is at 6:00pm from Montrichard / drop-off for this trip is at 9:00am to Montrichard train station.

Sample Itinerary: Progressive option - subject to changes

Important note: The specific level required is the "confirmed rider level".
As a qualified professional of equestrian tourism in France, it is important for the safety of the groups of riders we receive that everyone has the required riding level (see description below).
A person, who doesn't have the required level, causes difficulties for the staff and other participants, with consequences on the good progress of the stay for everyone.
Therefore, we will test riders on horseback on the 1st day before departure on the trail.
If from the first day we judge that a rider doesn't have the required level for horseback riding, he/she will not continue on horseback. They will continue their stay with the logistics team. They will be able to make all the scheduled visits, and eat with the riders for lunch and dinner.
This decision will be made without any refund on the stay.
If, due to poor physical condition, riders ask to stop riding, they are still liable for the 300 euros we charge for transporting the horse.

Our rides are for the experienced rider who has mastered all 4 paces (walk, rising trot, canter/gallop in a forward seat) on varied terrains and in open spaces. The experienced rider rides regularly, has good physical fitness, has good soft hands, a good attitude, and self-confidence. He controls the speed and direction of the horse in all circumstances. He can ride long distances including gallops of several minutes in open terrain.
Participants need to have experience riding on English-style saddles.  They need to know how to ride in balance: two point position.


Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Montrichard train station, transfer at 6.30 pm to your hotel. Dinner at 8:00pm.
Meals included:  Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Restaurant “l’Auberge de l’Ecole” in Pontlevoy 

Day 2: Ride to Cheverny
After the presentation and distribution of the horses, we leave to reach Fougères sur Bièvre. We have lunch at the foot of this castle. It offers the ideal image of a small castle of the end of the 15th century with a curtain wall, a dungeon, gunboats, a walkway and machicolations. At the end of the afternoon, the beautifully furnished Cheverny Castle welcomes us for the visit.. The Cheverny castle, beautifully furnished, also welcomes us for a visit. This property is owned by the same family for more than 6 centuries. There you’ll discover a fantastic heritage, authentic and still vibrant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel du Cygne in Bracieux

Day 3: Cheverny to Chambord
In the morning, we ride to Chambord where we have a picnic. Chambord is the largest castle of the Loire area. Its architectural achievement is unmatched, a wonder of elegance in the heart of an extensive natural forest reserve (13,850 acres). We visit the castle after lunch and then keep riding to the Villesavin castle (16th century), which was mostly kept in a perfect integrity through the centuries.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel du Cygne in Bracieux

Day 4: Chambord to Beauregard Castle
We ride through the forest to have our daily picnic at Beauregard castle. Built under François 1er , this former hunting farm of Chambord has always been famous thanks to its gallery of 327 portraits of well-known characters and other remarkable qualities. Visit of the castle before riding to Candé-dur-Beuvron.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Restaurant "L'Hostellerie du Château" in Chaumont-sur-Loire

Day 5: Beauregard Castle to Chaumont-sur-Loire
We ride along the Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. A charming village and UNESCO World Heritage site, Chaumont is also well-known for its feudal castle (late 15th cent) overlooking the valley and the village. We have a picnic next to the castle and enjoy a visit in the afternoon. Not to be missed, its stables built in the 19th cent, are considered as the most luxurious in Europe at the time. We then cross the Sudais Forest to reach our night stop.
Free afternoon to visit the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire which is located next to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Restaurant "L'Hostellerie du Château" in Chaumont-sur-Loire

Day 6: Chaumont-sur-Loire to Amboise
Departure at 10 am on horseback. To reach Amboise, we go back over the hillside and discover some areas of vineyards and cereal crops to arrive in Amboise for the picnic and visit the castle. The fifteenth century is the prosperous period of Amboise that the Kings Louis XI, Charles VIII, and François I ° enlarged and embellished . In the afternoon, we cross the forest of Amboise to reach Saint Martin le Beau where the family Guestault, which manages the hotel and the family restaurant, receives us to taste their wines of Touraine and Montlouis.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Restaurant « le Pigeonnier » in Saint Martin le Beau

Day 7: Amboise to Chenonceau
After breakfast, we go down into the Cher Valley, a river that we run along for long gallops. Thus, we head to the magnificent castle of Chenonceau built on the Cher. Named "Château des Dames" for the history of France, built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, embellished successively by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, Chenonceau was saved from the rigors of the Revolution by Madame Dupin. It is the flagship of the Loire Valley. We have lunch on the site and we visit the castle. In the early afternoon, we leave the banks of the Cher to arrive the evening stage in the town of Pontlevoy.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Restaurant “l’Auberge de l’Ecole” in Pontlevoy

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, time to say “goodbye” and depart for the Montrichard train station around 9:00 am.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Center-based option (not offered in 2022 & 2023) - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Montrichard train station, transfer at 6.30 pm to your accommodation. Dinner at 8:00pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Le Relais des Landes

Day 2: Ride to Fougères sur Bièvre
After the presentation and distribution of the horses, we leave to reach Fougères sur Bièvre. We have lunch at the restaurant. It offers the ideal image of a small castle of the end of the 15th century with a curtain wall, a dungeon, gunboats, a walkway and machicolations. In the late afternoon, we resume our journey to our hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Le Relais des Landes

Day 3: Ride to Chaumont-sur-Loire
We ride along the Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. A charming village and UNESCO World Heritage site, Chaumont is also well-known for its feudal castle (late 15th cent) overlooking the valley and the village. Lunch at the restaurant and enjoy a visit of the castle in the afternoon. Not to be missed, its stables built in the 19th cent, are considered as the most luxurious in Europe at the time. After the visit of the castle, we join our hotel on horseback.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Le Relais des Landes

Day 4: No Riding
After breakfast, we go by bus to the castle of Chenonceau built on the Cher. Named "Château des Dames" , it was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet and embellished successively by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. Chenonceau was saved from the rigors of the Revolution by Madame Dupin. It is the flagship of the Loire Valley. We have lunch onsite and we visit the castle. We then go to Amboise to visit this castle of the 15th century and for a shopping opportunity in the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Le Relais des Landes

Day 5: Ride to Beauregard Castle
We ride through the forest to have our daily picnic at Beauregard castle. Built under François 1er , this former hunting farm of Chambord has always been famous thanks to its gallery of 327 portraits of well-known characters and other remarkable qualities. After the visit of the castle, we leave with our horses for the castle of Villesavin. Transfer by minibus to the hotel Le Relais des Landes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Le Relais des Landes

Day 6: Ride to Chambord
In the morning, we ride to Chambord where we have a picnic. Chambord is the largest castle of the Loire area. Its architectural achievement is unmatched, a wonder of elegance in the heart of an extensive natural forest reserve (13,850 acres). We visit the castle after lunch and then keep riding to the Villesavin castle (16th century), which was mostly kept in a perfect integrity through the centuries. Transfer by minibus to the hotel Le Relais des Landes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Le Relais des Landes

Day 7: Ride to Cheverny
This morning, the beautifully furnished Cheverny Castle welcomes us for the visit.. The Cheverny castle, beautifully furnished, also welcomes us for a visit. This property is owned by the same family for more than 6 centuries. There you’ll discover a fantastic heritage, authentic and still vibrant. Lunch at the restaurant. In the afternoon we join our base Le Relais des Landes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Le Relais des Landes

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, time to say “goodbye” and depart for the Montrichard train station around 9:00 am.
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.

Average ratings from 11 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 marianne culbert 9/22/2018 kimberley cleary 9/21/2018 elizabeth hylton 7/5/2018 paige hunter 8/12/2017 lynn bopeley 8/11/2017 barbara symonds 7/9/2017 bonnie sink 6/30/2016 lissa halliday 8/4/2014 linda hort 7/31/2014 kim freeman 9/27/2013 laurie weiser 9/23/2013

Accommodation
Progressive option: This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations.
Stationary option: This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Accommodation in B&B or hotels with private facilities and free Wi-Fi available everywhere.

Progressive Option Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 7- Hotel Restaurant “l’Auberge de l’Ecole” in Pontlevoy
Night 2 & 3- Hotel du Cygne in Bracieux
Day 4 & 5- Hotel Restaurant « L'Hostellerie du Château » in Chaumont-sur-Loire
Day 6- Hotel Restaurant « le Pigeonnier » in Saint Martin le Beau

L’Auberge de l’Ecole at Pontlevoy
This auberge used to be a relay station and was in service for over 100 years. Nowadays, the auberge offers 11 renovated bedroom tastefully decorates with a rustic charm. The rooms all come equipped with a TV, a telephone and an ensuite bathroom with hairdryer. WiFi is available in public areas and guests can relax in the small garden.

Hotel du Cygne at Bracieux
This hotel, originally founded in 1880, offers simple accommodations in fully equipped bedrooms (TV, Wi-Fi and private bathroom with hairdryer). There is a beautiful terrace and a heated outdoor swimming pool which guests can enjoy year round.

Le Pigeonnier in Saint Martin le Beau
This charming hotel offers comfortable rooms, all equipped with a heater and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available in the breakfast room.


Center-based Option Accommodation
In the heart of the Loire Valley, Le Relais des Landes offers an ideal stopover to visit the favorite region of the Kings and Queens of France, its castles and vineyards. Dating back to the 17th century, this manor house located in the middle of a 14 hectare flower and planted park will allow you to appreciate the charm of a real mansion, complete with an indoor heated swimming pool on the edge of the forest.

Room Occupancy
Double or Twin rooms available. It is possible to request a single room but a supplement applies.
We try our best to match you with a roommate, but if this is not possible you may be placed in single room with a supplement to be paid.



Meals
All meals are included.

Continental breakfasts served at your accommodation.
The lunches are buffets with a wide choice (adapted to particular diets) & wine.
Dinner in the bed and breakfast, restaurant or hotel (wine not included for dinner).

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Trail saddles custom-made for each horse and "Myler" bridle
Horses:		Arabian, Paint horses, and Arabian/Paint crossbreds.
Pace:		Riders should be at ease at 4 paces (walk, rising trot, canter/gallop in a forward seat), on varied terrain. Can gallop several minutes. We ride moderate to fast paced around 5-6 hours riding each day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 16
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

Riding Ability
This ride is for the experienced rider who has mastered all 4 paces (walk, rising trot, canter/gallop in a forward seat) on a varied terrain, in open spaces. The experienced rider rides regularly, has good physical fitness, has good soft hands, a good attitude, and self-confidence. You should be able to control the speed and direction of the horse in all circumstances and be able to ride long distances including gallops of several minutes in open terrain.
There are certain sections of the trail where we might need to lead the horses. It is recommended that you be in good physical condition in order to participate.
Previous experience of trail rides over a number of days would be beneficial but is not required.
Riders who, on their own initiative, ask not to ride during the stay will be charged 300 euros for the transport of the horse.

Pace
The pace is varied depending on the terrain, with long periods of walk and plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop. We ride around 5-6 hours riding each day

Horses
Most of our horses were born on the farm. They live in herds in a 70 acre field and this is what makes them strong. This social lifestyle is very close to their ideal living conditions, which is a natural environment.
Every horse has its own character, but all are gentle, balanced, and multi-talented.
The horses are a mixture of purebred Arabian and Paint horses as well as Arabian/Paint crossbreds and Thoroughbreds.
The relationship with the riders and our horses is crucial. Above all, we place attention on the welfare and education of our horses.

Tack & Equipment
Our saddles are a French trail saddle (JMS brands), which blend the best of English and western styles to make the perfect trail saddle. Horses will work in bridles with Myler bits.
Saddlebags, poncho, and water are provided. Helmets are not mandatory but are strongly recommended.

Logistics
There is a support van for the transport of luggage and riders. It is possible for a rider or a non-riding companion to follow along the horse riders in the van.
We ask the riders to have only one suitcase (size 69x47x27) and one handbag.

Group Size & Staff
Riding groups have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 riders, plus the Guide and the Translator.
David (GTE/ BPJEPS TE) is a certified Equestrian Tour Guide. He creates the routes and leads all the riding tours. He is also a trainer of apprentice instructors in Equestrian Tourism.
Britta is your riding companion and translator (English, Dutch, German, and Spanish). She is always available to facilitate any language concerns.

Facilities
The Farm covers 30 hectares (75 acres) of woods and meadows and facilities include a covered riding arena, rolling pastures, a round pen, cross country terrain, as well as a multitude of riding and hiking trails.

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.