CASTLES OF THE LOIRE VALLEY
CHAMBORD | BEAUREGARD | CHEVERNY | FOUGERES SUR BIEVRE | CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE | AMBOISE | CLOS LUCE | CHENONCEAU
OVERVIEW
The Loire Valley is an UESCO 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 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, one on the grounds of Chambord Castle
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 / 4 Riding Days
Cost: From €3,720 pp sharing, Single person supplement: €790.
Operator: Equinature
Where: Loire Valley, France. Meeting point is Blois / Chambord railway station or the hotel in Chambord.
When: 3 - 9 August 2025
Riding level: Advanced, you must be able to control your horse cantering and galloping in open spaces in english saddles.
Riders: Maximum 10 riders in a private group, max group is usually eight 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.
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
NIGHT FOUR
NIGHTS FIVE + SIX
Single supplements are available for €790pp 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
Fill in an obligation free rider form by clicking “apply now” and we will be in touch!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Shared accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), wine with lunch when picnicing, water bottles, guides, horses & tack including saddle bags and water for each ride.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international flights, transfers, wine / alcohol with dinner or at lunch if taken at a restraurant, travel insurance, entrance fees to castles, tips of €10 a day per rider for good service is 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
Transfers can be arranged for €45 from Blois-Chambord station to La Clef des Chateaux.
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 deserts. Lunch may be taken in a local restaurant depending on logistics.
Three-course diners are provided by hotels or restaurants.
Please, notice on this trail that drinks are not included and have to be ordered on-site.
INTERNET
Wifi will be available at overnight accommodation.
AVAILABILITY & PRICES
2025
€3,720 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 7 days / 6 nights. Single person supplement: €790.
03 - 09 August 2025 Black Saddle Exclusive
Set Departures
04 - 10 May 2025
11 - 17 May 2025
13 - 19 July 2025
14 - 20 Sep 2025
12 - 18 October 2025
19 - 25 October 2025
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.
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL
Arrive at Hotel le Relais de Chambord near Cheverny by 6:30 pm. Enjoy an aperitif while you discuss the week ahead at 7:00pm, followed by dinner at 8:00pm.
Gourmet dinner and overnight at Relais de Chambord.
DAY 2 | CHAMBORD
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 King Francis the 1st and achieved in 1519.
Gourmet dinner and overnight at Relais de Chambord.
DAY 3 | BEAUREGARD TO CHEVERNY
AM - about 1h 30 riding
Beginning of the ride to chateau de Beauregard by Boulogne forest. You have the privilege to enter 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 until 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 fell to 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, famour 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 100alf English foxhound and half 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 **** in Cheverny.
DAY 4 | FOUGERES TO CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE
AM - about 2h riding
On Day 4, you ride in the Sologne countryside toward the well preserved chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre. This little castle is a rare example of medieval inspiration in Loire Valley. Carefully preserved, the castle has a double life as an art gallery with some interesting exhibitions.
You will enjoy lunch in a lovely restaurant in Fougères sur Bièvre.
PM - about 1h riding
You enjoy a short riding 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 Poitier, 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. Her powers of persuasion did not take long to convince the King to gift her the charming Château de Chenonceu which you will visit in two days time. Catherine forced her husband to give Diane Chaumont Sur Loire and installed herself in Chenonceau.
Take in this stunning castle, in two days time you will be able to decide for yourself which woman came out on top!
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 Domaine des Thomeaux*** where you may enjoy its spa.
DAY 5 | CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE TO AMBOISE
AM - about 1h riding
We start our day on the Loire banks, just 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, a charming village "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 overnight in Hotel Le Choiseul**** alongside the Loire river in Amboise.
DAY 6 | CLOS LUCE + CHENONCEAU
AM - We start our day with a private visit of Amboise château, former medieval Fortress with its magnificent view on Loire Valley, where Leonardo Da Vinci is beleived to be buried. Then free time in the charming old center of Amboise or free visit of Clos Lucé, last home of Leonardo daVinci.
Lunch in Amboise.
PM - We finish our week with the fantastic visit of Château de Chenonceau and its gardens. We enjoy its gorgeous furnishings and its famous archs above the river Cher.
No riding today
Gourmet dinner and overnight in Hotel Le Choiseul**** alongside the Loire river in Amboise.
DAY 7 | DEPARTURE
Breakfast in Hotel Le Choiseul 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
RELAIS DE CHAMBORD: Located on the grounds of the largest and most magnificent of all the castles in the Loire, this four star Relais & Chateau hotel is a destination in and of itself.
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
DOMAINE DES THOMEAUX: Your personalized getaway in the heart of the Valley of the Kings! Elegant and charming, Domaine des Thomeaux, is an enchanting place nestled in the heart of the Valley of the Kings in Touraine.
Just 10 minutes from the famous castles of Chaumont-sur-Loire and Amboise, the hotel spa restaurant awaits you for a tailor-made experience that will awaken all your senses.
NIGHTS FIVE + SIX
HOTEL LE CHOISEUIL: Located in Amboise on the banks of the river, Hôtel Le Choiseul is composed of 3 18th-century residences. Rooms have a view over the gardens or the Loire River and free Wi-Fi access. Guests at the Hôtel Le Choiseul can benefit from access to an outdoor swimming pool.
HOW TO BOOK
+ Submit an obligation free Rider Form
+ We will get in touch to plan your dream safari
+ You pay your 20% deposit now with the balance due 90 days before the ride
