Luxury France – Loire Valley Castles Ride
—
6 Nights From: GBP £3,425 pp sharing
Explore The Loire Valley On A Horse Riding Château Tour
Follow in the footsteps of French royalty as you ride through the Loire Valley, exploring magnificent châteaux, rolling countryside and charming villages.
Imagine cantering through the Loire Valley in spring, with fields of poppies stretching across the countryside, ancient forests opening into wide green pastures and a Renaissance château appearing around the next corner. Add long days in the saddle, elegant château hotels, exceptional French cuisine and a glass of local wine at the end of the day, and you have a horse riding holiday that feels wonderfully, unmistakably French.
This shorter, Luxury version of the Loire Valley Castles Ride combines some of the finest riding in France with the history, culture and gastronomy of one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Ride between the magnificent châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau, following sandy forest tracks once used by French kings, quiet country lanes, vineyard trails and beautiful stretches of the Loire and Cher rivers. Along the way, visit Beauregard, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise and other remarkable estates, with the unforgettable arrival at Château d’Amboise on horseback through its historic medieval gate.
There is plenty of riding to savour. Long canters across open countryside are balanced by quieter moments in the saddle, when you can simply take in the views, listen to the horses and enjoy the rhythm of riding through the French landscape. With several hours in the saddle on riding days, this is a holiday for experienced, riding-fit equestrians who are comfortable at all paces and want the riding itself to be a highlight of the trip.
Off the horse, the experience is every bit as special. Stay in elegant château hotels and charming properties, dine on delicious French cuisine and discover the wines, gardens, villages and history that make the Loire Valley so captivating.
Quick Facts
Location:
Loire Valley, France
Airport:
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Paris Orly (ORY) Airport
Month:
April - October
Duration:
6 Nights
Group Size:
Min 6 / Max 10
Riding Level:
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight Limit:
90kg / 198lbs
Accommodation:
Hotels
Solo Traveller Friendly:
Great for solo travellers who are willing to share. A single room supplement applies if you prefer your own room.
AN IDEA ON WHAT TO EXPECT
This itinerary is intended as a guide, with each day shaped by the conditions at the time. Riding routes, lunch stops and the order of château visits may change depending on the weather, ground conditions and château opening hours. Your guide will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the riding remains safe and enjoyable, so a flexible attitude is all part of the experience.
Arrive at Château de la Borde, where you can settle in and relax before meeting your guide and fellow riders for a briefing. This evening, enjoy your first gourmet dinner and begin your journey through the Loire Valley. Overnight at Château de la Borde.
This morning, begin riding from Chambord alongside the Grand Canal, enjoying spectacular views of the magnificent Château de Chambord. Follow the sandy tracks through the Boulogne and Chambord forests before making a particularly memorable return to the château on horseback.
After lunch in Chambord, visit Château de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley châteaux. Commissioned by King Francis I, this remarkable Renaissance château is one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. Return to Château de la Borde for a gourmet dinner and overnight stay.
This morning, ride through the Boulogne Forest towards Château de Beauregard. A special highlight is arriving through the château’s front gate on horseback. After visiting the château and its famous Gallery of Illustrious Men, enjoy a gourmet picnic in the grounds.
In the afternoon, continue riding through the forests of Sologne, across the surrounding countryside and through the Cheverny wine-growing region. The afternoon concludes with a visit to Château de Cheverny, known for its beautifully preserved interiors and Renaissance furnishings. Dinner and overnight at Relais des Trois Châteaux or Relais des Landes.
Set off on horseback through the Loire Valley countryside, riding towards the Beuvron River. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with a shorter afternoon ride through the landscapes of Touraine towards Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire.
The ride concludes with a visit to the château and its renowned International Garden Festival. There is plenty to explore, from the historic château itself to the ever-changing gardens and creative landscape displays. Dinner and overnight at Domaine des Thomeaux or Le Clos d’Amboise.
Begin the day in Mosnes, riding along the banks of the Loire River and through the surrounding countryside. The route follows this beautiful part of the Loire Valley before stopping for lunch in the charming village of Chargé.
This afternoon, enjoy the final longer ride towards Château d’Amboise. A fitting highlight of the journey is arriving at the château on horseback through the Porte des Lions, the historic medieval gate once used by French kings.
The ride comes to an end before enjoying a gourmet dinner and overnight stay at Château de Noizay.
The final day begins with a visit to the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, known for its elegant interiors and distinctive arches spanning the River Cher. Afterwards, enjoy one final ride along the banks of the Cher, with wonderful views towards the château.
Lunch is enjoyed at the château’s Orangerie before heading to Amboise for a free afternoon. You may choose to visit Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home, or spend time exploring the historic streets, shops and cafés of Amboise. Meet your guide for a farewell drink before enjoying your final gourmet dinner. Overnight at Château de Noizay.
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Loire Valley. Depart at your leisure, with transfers to Amboise Train Station or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps available at an additional cost.
ACTIVITIES ON THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES RIDE
Here are some of the unforgettable activities you can do while on the Loire Castles on Horseback ride in France.
HORSES & TACK ON THE LOIRE LUXURY VALLEY CASTLES RIDE
THE HORSES
The horses are predominantly Franches Montagnes, a sturdy Swiss breed known for its willing nature, reliability and good temperament. Many of the horses were bred at the farm, with the programme historically breeding purebred Franches Montagnes and later crossing some with Arabian and Thoroughbred bloodlines to add energy, athleticism and more expressive paces for longer rides. The string also includes Arabian, Thoroughbred and Gypsy Horse individuals. The horses are chosen for their reliability, good temperament and suitability for long days on the trail, allowing you to enjoy everything from relaxed rides through the forests and vineyards to more energetic trots and canters across the Loire countryside.
THE TACK
Riders use comfortable trail saddles with saddlebags, paired with English style bridles and Myler type bits. The setup is practical for the long hours spent in the saddle while still providing the familiar feel of English riding. Saddlebags are useful for carrying small personal items during the day, particularly on the longer rides through the Loire Valley.
GET INSPIRED TO RIDE THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES RIDE
RATES & DATES
Open from April to October, with set departure dates generally offered two to three times a month. Groups are limited to ten riders, so early booking is recommended, particularly for the most popular dates, which can fill well over a year in advance. Please enquire for exact departure dates and availability.
2027 SEASON:
6 NIGHTS
11 – 17 April 2027
02 – 08 May 2027
23 – 29 May 2027
07 – 13 June 2027
13 – 19 June 2027
18 – 24 July 2027
05 – 11 September 2027
12 – 18 September 2027
03 – 09 October 2027
6 Nights From: GBP £3,425 per person sharing
2028 SEASON:
Not yet released. Please enquire for details.
Single Room Supplement if not willing to share: From GBP £730 for the duration of the trail
TRANSFERS (subject to change)
Airport and station transfers are not included, but taxis can be arranged in advance on request. Paris Charles de Gaulle to the first hotel costs approximately
GBP £472
per vehicle, and from Blois-Chambord station approximately
GBP £103
per vehicle.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY DURING THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES RIDE
Accommodation
On this trail, you'll stay in wondderfully atmospheric French Chateauxs with twin or double rooms. Single rooms are available on request, according to availability and may come with a single supplement. NOTE: The below hotels are only there to give you an indidcation of the accommodation. It may change depending on availablity, but any hotels will be at a similar standard. Breakfast is served at the hotel. Lunches will either be picnics, or eaten in local restaurants. Enjoy 3 course dinners at your hotel or nearby restaurant, a real taste of French country cooking. Drinks are not included, and can be paid for locally.
CHÂTEAU DE LA BORDE OR SIMILAR
Château de la Borde offers 35 individually designed rooms and suites, each with its own character and style. Rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, large windows and generous bathrooms, while accommodation ranges from Classic Rooms to larger Junior and Family Suites. In-room amenities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, minibars and Nespresso machines. The property also has two swimming pools, a tennis court, fitness room and a spa housed in the former orangery, complete with a sauna and hammam.
RELAIS DES TROIS CHÂTEAUX OR SIMILAR
The Relais des Trois Châteaux offers a selection of individually decorated rooms, combining a traditional French style with modern comforts. Room categories range from cosy Standard Rooms to larger Deluxe and Family Rooms, with some offering separate sleeping areas. Rooms can be arranged as doubles or twins, depending on the category, and feature comfortable bedding, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen televisions and en suite bathrooms with either walk-in showers or shower-over-bath combinations. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant.
LE CLOS D’AMBOISE OR SIMILAR
Le Clos d’Amboise has 20 rooms, including two suites, spread between the historic main house and converted former stables. Accommodation includes Tradition, Comfort and Superior Rooms, as well as larger Family Rooms and suites. Most rooms overlook the hotel’s leafy park and are individually air-conditioned, with Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen televisions and Fragonard bathroom amenities. Bathrobes and slippers are provided, while the hotel also has a seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and peaceful garden.
CHÂTEAU DE NOIZAY OR SIMILAR
Château de Noizay offers 17 individually decorated rooms and suites, divided between the main château and the Clock Pavilion. Room categories include Classic, Deluxe and Prestige Rooms, along with larger Family Suites. The rooms combine period furniture and traditional fabrics with modern comfort, while some ground-floor rooms in the pavilion open onto private gardens. The château’s facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool during the summer months, a tennis court and wellness treatments available in the privacy of your room.
THE DESTINATION
SOLOGNE & CHAMBORD
Sologne is a peaceful region of forests, heathland, farmland and countless ponds, located south of the Loire River near Blois. Once a favoured hunting ground of the French kings, the region remains wonderfully rural, with sandy tracks and long woodland trails winding through an unspoilt landscape. At the edge of Sologne lies Château de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley châteaux and one of the most impressive landmarks in the region. Built for François I in the 16th century, the château is surrounded by an extensive estate of forests and parkland.
THE LOIRE VALLEY
Stretching along France’s longest river, the Loire Valley is one of the country’s most celebrated regions, known for its historic châteaux, vineyards, riverside towns and rolling countryside. The valley became a favoured residence of the French royal court during the Renaissance, leaving behind a remarkable collection of castles that can still be explored today. The landscape is a beautiful mix of forests, vineyards, farmland and waterways, with the Loire and its tributaries winding through the heart of the region.
AMBOISE
Amboise is a historic riverside town on the banks of the Loire, overlooked by the impressive Château d’Amboise. Once home to French royalty, the town is closely connected with Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years at nearby Clos Lucé. Today, Amboise is a charming place to explore, with historic streets, cafés, restaurants and small shops. Its location in the heart of the Loire Valley also makes it an ideal base for discovering the surrounding countryside and some of the region’s most famous châteaux.
HORSE CARE & WELFARE ON THE LUXURY LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES RIDE
Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses at Cheval et Chateaux are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. The horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:
- The horses live out 24 hours a day, all year round, in a herd with company and constant access to hay and grazing
- Most of the horses are home-bred, born and schooled at the yard and brought on slowly over several years before they join the trail
- These are experienced Swiss and Arabian-cross trail horses, chosen for their temperament and their ability to carry riders comfortably over long days
- Saddles are individually fitted to each horse, and simple bits are used throughout
- The horses are shod with plastic shoes to protect their hooves and keep them comfortable on tarmac and hard tracks
Please get in touch if you have any more questions about horse care
Luxury France – Loire Valley Castles Ride
Enquire about this Tour
Related Safaris
Medieval castle ride in Italy – Castello di Santa Cristina
Live La Dolce Vita at a unique riding holiday based at a medieval castle, exploring ancient trails, vineyards, medieval villages and the beautiful Italian countryside
Loire Castle – France on Horseback
Explore the Loire Valley on horseback, passing magnificent châteaux and beautiful French countryside.
Short riding holiday in Italy – Castello di Santa Cristina
Spend four nights in a medieval castle, riding ancient trails through the Italian countryside and soaking up the magic of rural Lazio.
Segovia Escapes – Spain on horseback
Ride and canter through the historic landscapes of Castilla y León, from royal gardens and pine forests to Segovia’s ancient walls.
Slovenia Lakes, Mountains & Sea Horse Riding Holiday
Ride from the lakes and peaks of the Julian Alps to the Adriatic, through the birthplace of the Lipizzaner horse.