From Chambord to Chenonceau, discover the chateaux of the Loire Valley

Dates:

Fixed dates April to October

Duration:

7 days / 6 nights

Difficulty:

Intermediate / Advanced

Five days riding among Chambord, Beauregard, Cheverny, Chaumont sur Loire, Chenonceau, 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.

Horses

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

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.

Tack

English and trail/endurance saddles, equipped with saddle bags.

Terrain

This tour encompasses all types of terrain, from rolling hills to enchanting forests to quaint villages, with room for riding at all paces.

Accommodation

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).

Dining

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.

Itinerary

  • 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 Le Choiseul or Chateau de Noizay followed by departure.

Planning and Packing

Dates

Equescapes Exclusive Staff-Accompanied Ride: May 11-17 2025

Book This Trip