Five days riding along Chambord, Beauregard, Cheverny, Chaumont sur Loire, Chenonceau, and Amboise.
These wonderful Renaissance castles bring us into the heart of French history. On this Loire Valley castles horseback riding tour, we start by the favorite hunting forests of the Renaissance French kings, then along the wonderful banks of river Loire, and finish with a trail ride among chestnut trees of Amboise royal forest.
Home-bred pure Franches-Montagnes horses (born from mares and stallions imported from Switzerland). Bred by Swiss breeders for character and temperament, crossed with Arabian or Thoroughbred to improve stamina and energy for our longer rides.
Riding Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Riders should be capable of spending long hours in the saddle, tacking and untacking their own horse, and controlling the horse at all paces, including posting/rising the trot and standing at the canter. Riders who are intermediate, or who are used to riding Western or Gaited, will be asked to submit a riding video showing the rising trot and standing canter, to ensure their riding level is up to the standard of the trip.
Speed: walk/trot/canter
Ride Time: 2.5-3.5 hours per day
Nightly accommodation will be in 4* hotels and chateaus along the route. Small chateaux, mansions, charming guesthouses, and hotels which combine charm and comfort, and are always located close to the castles that you ride to. Heated swimming pool or spas offer relaxation after your ride.
Enjoy the magic of 18th century Renaissance France. The mystery of old-stone dwellings, hundred-year-old trees, and sometimes even the cordial welcome of the Lord of the Château (le Châtelain).
Breakfasts and dinners at each accommodation and picnic lunches along the way. All meals are made of authentic, fresh and refined products of French gastronomy.
Shared or single rooms in hotels
All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day. Daily picnic lunch on the ride and dinner at local restaurants and hotels, including wine
Available daily
5 riding days - horses, tack, equipment, guides, saddle bags, water bottles
Flights to/from France
Transportation to/from trip start and finish
Beverages outside of wine with dinner
Compulsory for all guests
Arrival to Relais de Chambord or Chateau de la Borde, briefing, gourmet diner.
Night in Relais de Chambord or Chateau de la Borde
AM – about 3h riding
We start our ride from Chambord along the « Grand Canal » with its spectacular view on the Château. We enjoy the beautiful sand paths of Boulogne and Chambord forest and come back to Château de Chambord on horseback : Royal
Lunch in Chambord.
PM – walking tour
Visit of Chateau de Chambord. The largest and the most magnificent of all Loire Valley castles which has been ordered by Francis the 1rst and achieved in 1519.
Gourmet diner and night in Relais de Chambord or Chateau de la Borde
AM – about 1h30 riding
Beginning of the ride to chateau de Beauregard by Boulogne forest. We have the privilege to enter by the front gate of the chateau : an unforgettable experience !
Visit of chateau de Beauregard and its famous « Gallerie des illustres » intact since the 17th century. Gourmet picnic in chateau de Beauregard.
PM – about 1h30 riding
We leave the chateau of Beauregard on horseback by the countryside to reach Cheverny region and its famous vineyards in the middle of the afternoon.
Visit of Château de Cheverny and its gorgeous Renaissance furniture.
Diner and night in Relais des Landes
AM – about 2h riding
We start day 4 by visiting the well preserved chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre. This little castle is unique, with medieval inspiration. Departure on horseback through the countryside to reach river Beuvron for lunch, in a lovely restaurant.
PM – about 1h riding
We enjoy a short riding afternoon through Touraine toward château of Chaumont sur Loire. End of the ride and visit of the château and its famous international garden festival.
Night and dinner in the charming manor Domaine des Thomeaux where you may enjoy the spa.
AM – about 1h riding
We start our day on the Loire banks, juste under Chaumont sur Loire castle. Then we ride along the river and its beautiful biodiversity classified in UNESCO’s World Inheritance.
Lunch in a local restaurant in Mosnes or Chargé, charming villages « Toureangeau ».
PM – about 2h riding
Last ride to chateau d’Amboise by the Loire Valley. Special arrival in Chateau d’Amboise on horseback by « La porte des Lions », the medieval king’s gate ! End of the ride.
Gourmet dinner and night in hotel Chateau de Noizay
AM – about 2h riding
We start our last day with a great ride on Cher banks and its amazing view of Chenonceau Castle's famous arches. We then enjoy the visit of the castle and its gorgeous furniture and decoration, followed by our lunch in l’Orangerie of the château.
PM – walking tour
We finish our week with a free time in Amboise to visitthe lovely château of Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo daVinci, or a visit of Amboise old town and its lovely gift shops. Last goodbye drink with your guide in Amboise. Last gourmet dinner and night at the Chateau de Noizay
Breakfast in Chateau de Noizay followed by departure.