CASTLES OF THE LOIRE VALLEY
CHAMBORD | BEAUREGARD | CHEVERNY | CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE | AMBOISE | CHENONCEAU
OVERVIEW
The Loire Valley is an UNESCO world heritage area steeped in history. Its abundance of natural resources and beauty means it has been fought over since the Middle Ages, and its riches have produced stunningly beautiful Renaissance castles.
Experience the very best of the area, with unparalleled horseback access to castles, stunning historical hotels and soak in the grand history of the area where every location has a story to tell.
Let’s Ride!
HIGHLIGHTS
Magnificent riding from castle to castle
Stay in small luxury country hotels
Exclusive access to ride up to Beauregard Castle
Refined picnics in castle grounds and gourmet dinners
Fast riding through the royal hunting forests
Swimming pools at some hotels
Tours of the beautiful castles and gardens
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
6 Nights / 7 Days / 5 Riding Days
Cost: From €3,990 pp sharing, Single person supplement: €850.
Operator: Equinature
Where: Loire Valley, France. Meeting point is Blois / Chambord railway station or the hotel in Chambord.
When: April to October
Riding level: Advanced, you must be able to control your horse cantering and galloping in open spaces in English saddles.
Riders: Maximum 10 riders
Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg / 198 pounds
Time in the saddle: 1.5 - 3 hours a day
HORSES
You will ride Franches Montagnes and Franches Montagnes crosses. They are educated using natural horsemanship, sure and sturdy, respectful and healthy in mind and spirit.
Tack: Trail and English saddles, saddle pads with built-in saddle bags.
You must be experienced in English style riding to join the ride.
Helmets are mandatory. They can be provided.
ACCOMMODATION
You will stay in four stunning 3 and 4 star small, luxury hotels in the Loire Valley.
NIGHTS ONE + TWO
NIGHT THREE
Relais des trois châteaux**** or Relais des Landes****
NIGHT FOUR
NIGHTS FIVE + SIX
Chateau de Noizay*****
Single supplements are available for €850pp for all six nights.
If you are travelling alone and there is no one to share with the single supplement will apply.
GET IN TOUCH
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Shared accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), wine with meals, water bottles, guides, horses & tack including saddle bags and water for each ride.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international flights, transfers, travel insurance, entrance fees to castles, tips of €20 a day per rider for good service are recommended.
Please keep in mind that it is customary to tip in France at restaurants and cafes so allow some budget towards this. Tipping your guides is recommended but not an obligation.
Castles and chateaux all have local fees for entry - please allow approximately €100 for multiple castle entry fees on this ride.
TRANSFERS
A taxi can be arranged for approximately €120 from Blois-Chambord station to Chateau de la Borde. If arriving at similar times we can arrange for guests to share the cost with other riders.
Your final morning is just a departure day and so you are free to leave whenever suits you. Check out is until 12pm.
Your final hotel is about 9 km / ~15 min from Amboise station, and about 16 km / ~20 min from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. As many train journeys require you to change at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps it might be most efficient for you to taxi directly to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps.
To Amboise station: roughly €25–35 one way.
To Saint-Pierre-des-Corps: roughly €45–60 one way (potentially toward the upper end early morning or on a Sunday).
If you are flying out of CDG specifically, you should look for the direct Saint-Pierre-des-Corps → Aéroport Charles de Gaulle TGV — it skips Paris entirely and is usually the fastest, lowest-stress route to the airport.
WHAT TO PACK
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
The luggage is transported in the support vehicle and transferred to each accommodation so you only need to carry daily essentials in your saddle bags. Nevertheless we recommend you pack minimally in a light duffle bag.
April-June 15-25°C sunny, occasionally raining. July-Aug generally 30-40°C sunny and hot but heavy rain can happen too. Sept-Nov 15-25°C chilly in the morning but quite hot in the afternoon, occasionally raining. A good rain jacket is recommended.
Your guides will provide you with saddle bags and water bottles. Helmets are mandatory for this ride - your guides can provide them but it is recommended to bring your own to ensure a comfortable fit.
MEALS
Continental breakfasts are served at your hotel each morning typically consisting of a hot drink (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), juice, breakfast pastries (croissant, pain au chocolat, pain aux raisins), bread, butter and jam, and sometimes yogurt.
Lunches are cold homemade picnics prepared by our caterer. You will be served mixed salads, local cold meats, savoury tarts and breads, traditional goats cheese, and desserts. Lunch may be taken in a local restaurant depending on logistics.
Three-course dinners are provided by hotels or restaurants.
The hotels have bars and outside of meals you are welcome to order drinks on your own account. Remember to clear your tabs when you check out.
INTERNET
Wifi will be available at overnight accommodation.
AVAILABILITY & PRICES
€3,990 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 7 days / 6 nights. Single person supplement: €850.
2026
Sold out - waitlist only
2027
11 – 17 April 2027
02 – 08 May 2027
23 – 29 May 2027
18 – 24 July 2027
08 – 14 August 2027
05 – 11 September 2027
12 – 18 September 2027
03 – 09 October 2027
You must be experienced in English style riding to join the ride.
Fill in an obligation free Rider Profile to book and we will get back to you with more information.
The Loire Valley
The currency in France is the euro. Cards are readily taken everywhere.
Time Zone: GMT+1
The climate in the Loire Valley in France in August is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F). The region experiences a maritime climate, which means that it is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and can experience some rainfall throughout the month.
August is typically one of the driest months of the year, with only a few rainy days though you should still bring a lightweight raincoat just in case. The region enjoys long days, with around 10 hours of sunshine per day, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the picturesque towns and villages of the Loire Valley.
YOUR ITINERARY
Please note that itineraries are subject to weather and your guide may change the itinerary if needs must with your safety in mind.
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Arrive at Chateau de la Bordeby 6:30 pm. Enjoy an aperitif while you discuss the week ahead at 7:00pm, followed by dinner at 8:00pm. The hotel is a 35 minute drive from Bloise Train Station. We can arrange a taxi for you (not included). Check in is from 3pm.
Gourmet dinner and overnight at Chateau de la Borde****
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AM - about 3h riding
You start your ride from Chambord along the "Grand Canal" with its spectacular view on the Château. You’ll 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 was commissioned by King Francis the 1st in 1519. Famous for its double helix staircase built from Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches. St Germaine spent time there attempting to turn lead into gold. The castle now hosts the National Archeology Museum.
Gourmet dinner and overnight at Chateau de la Borde****
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AM - about 1h 30 riding
You start your day riding to Chateau de Beauregard by Boulogne forest. You have the privilege of entering by the front gate of the chateau, an unforgettable experience!
You’ll have time to tour Chateau de Beauregard, still home to the Du Pavillon family. Most of the château was built around 1545 on the edge of the Russy forest, when it was bought by Jean du Thiers, Lord of Menars, and Secretary of State to Henri II. In 1521, Francis I, who used the château as a hunting rendezvous, offered it to his uncle René de Savoie, who died at the Battle of Pavia in 1525, and the area was inherited by his widow.
The château is renowned for its gallery of portraits decorated in the 17th century with 327 portraits of famous people.
Lunch is a gourmet picnic with foie gras on the grounds of the chateau.
PM - about 1h 30 riding
You will leave Chateau Beauregard on horseback, riding through the countryside to reach the Cheverny region, famous for its vineyards, in the middle of the afternoon.
The afternoon is spent touring Château de Cheverny, still the private family home of the Marquis de Vibraye. The owners are great fans of foxhunting and part of the castle is an homage to their hunting friends from England. You can visit the kennels and see the pack of 100 English x French Poitevin foxhounds. With so much to offer with a stunning castle and immaculate gardens - the hounds might just be the greatest drawcard.
Dinner and night in Relais des trois châteaux **** or Relais des Landes****
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AM - about 2h riding
Depart from Chaumont Village through the Loire Valley countryside to reach the river Beuvron.
Lunch is in a lovely local restaurant.
PM - about 1h riding
You enjoy a short ride in the afternoon through Sologne-Touraine border toward château of Chaumont sur Loire. A fairytale castle set high on the banks of the Loire. This castle was the prop in a battle for King Henry II’s affection. Henry II married Catherine de Medici, who was a member of the powerful ruling family of Florence, when they were both fourteen years old.
The following year, he became romantically involved with thirty-five-year-old widow, Diane de Poitiers, who was beautiful, well educated and politically astute. She influenced many of the decisions made by the King who was madly in love with her. With her powers of persuasion did not take long to convince the King to gift her the charming Château de Chenonceu. Catherine forced her husband to give Diane Chaumont Sur Loire and installed herself in Chenonceau.
You will have the afternoon to explore the extensive castle grounds with it’s incredible stables (you’ll want to move in), stunning gardens and beautiful castle interiors.
Dinner and overnight in the charming manor Le Clos d’Amboise****where you may enjoy its spa.
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AM - about 1h 30 riding
You start your last day with a visit of the castle and its gorgeous furniture and decor. You’ll enjoy your final ride on banks of the Cher river with amazing views of Chenonceau Castle’s famous arches.
Lunch is enjoyed in l’Orangerie of the château.
PM - about 2h riding
Enjoy your afternoon ride to Chateau d'Amboise via the Loire Valley. You have special permission to enter the grounds of Chateau d'Amboise on horseback by "La porte des Lions", the medieval king’s gate! Leonardo da Vinci spent the final years of his life at this castle. On his final journey from Florence to the Loire he packed the Mona Lisa in his luggage which is why the world’s most famous painting now exhibits in the Louvre in Paris!
Gourmet dinner and overnight in Chateau de Noizay***** alongside the Loire river in Amboise.
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AM- about 1.5h riding
You start your last day by the visit of the castle and its gorgeous, historical decor. You enjoy your last ride on the banks of the Cher river with its amazing view on Chenonceau castle’s famous arches.
Your final lunch is enjoyed in the l’Orangerie of the château.
PM - no riding
You finish your week with a self guided visit to Amboise to see the lovely little château of Clos Lucé, last home of Leonardo daVinci, or a visit of Amboise old town and its lovely gift shops.
Enjoy a final farewell drink with your guide in Amboise.
Gourmet dinner and overnight in Chateau de Noizay*****alongside the Loire river in Amboise.
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Breakfast in Chateau de Noizay followed by your departure at any time. Transfers (not included) for Amboise train station or Saint Pierre des Corps.
ACCOMMODATION
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.
NIGHTS ONE + TWO
CHATEAU DE LA BORDE: Set within elegant 17th-century walls and surrounded by tranquil parkland, the hotel combines heritage charm with modern luxury — think spacious suites, a serene spa, outdoor pool, and gourmet dining showcasing local produce. Ideal for travellers seeking a romantic, quietly luxurious stay in the heart of Sologne’s forests and lakes.
You will fully immerse into the hotel, enjoying two nights here.
NIGHT THREE
RELAIS DES TROIS CHATEAUX: Located just 800 meters from Cheverny Castle, Relais des Trois Châteaux Hôtel-Restaurant - Teritoria features a terrace overlooking the village square, a bar and a restaurant.
NIGHT FOUR
LE CLOSE DE AMBOISE: A graceful 17th-century maison de maître in the heart of the royal city of Amboise, with former stables converted into characterful living spaces, a park of centuries-old trees, and a swimming pool tucked among roses and cedars.
This 4-star hotel offers 20 rooms and suites, a sauna, and the refined Le Clos restaurant showcasing seasonal Loire Valley produce — all just a short walk from the Château Royal d'Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci's Clos Lucé.
NIGHTS FIVE + SIX
CHATEAU DE NOIZAY: Experience unique moments in this castle from the beginning of the 16th century. The heated outdoor swimming pool and tennis court are also at your disposal. Our 5-star establishment between Amboise and Tours is a royal stopover for discovering the Loire Valley and its wonders.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
€3,990 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 7 days / 6 nights. Single person supplement: €850.
2026
Sold out - waitlist only
2027
11 – 17 April 2027
02 – 08 May 2027
23 – 29 May 2027
18 – 24 July 2027
08 – 14 August 2027
05 – 11 September 2027
12 – 18 September 2027
03 – 09 October 2027
Please note that these are mixed departures with bookings from other agencies joining the ride. We are very careful to vet riders for ability and the guide is similarly discerning but an understanding of ones own riding ability can be subjective and we cannot guarantee everyone will be an advanced rider though this is the requirement to join the ride.
Fill in an obligation-free Rider Profile to book and we will get back to you with more information.
HOW TO BOOK
Your saddle is secured with a 30% deposit. The balance is due 90 days before the ride.
Deposits are non-refundable unless we can replace you.
Cancellation Terms
30% deposits are non-refundable unless we find a replacement in which case we will return the full balance less a €250 admin fee and any bank fees.
Cancellations made 90 – 0 days in advance 100% of the full amount is forfeited unless we find a replacement in which case we will return the full balance less a €250 admin fee and any bank fees.
Please note if Equinature consider a rider to not be of the appropriate ability or a rider cannot complete the ride there is a €300 fee to transport your horse back to the stables and you will continue your holiday as a non-rider.
The terms apply in the case of a Force-Majeure
