Loire Castle – France on Horseback
—
7 Nights From: GBP £2,138 pp sharing
Discover The Loire Valley On Horseback
Ride through the stunning Loire Valley, where wooded lanes, vineyard-clad hills, tranquil rivers and grand châteaux create an enchanting French landscape.
The Loire Valley is one of France’s most rewarding destinations for a horse riding holiday, combining grand Renaissance châteaux with peaceful countryside, vineyards, forests and winding country lanes. This ride is ideal for riders looking to experience the Loire from a different perspective, with time to explore some of the region’s most famous landmarks as well as its quieter rural landscapes.
The route takes you through the heart of the Loire Valley, including the forests and estate lands surrounding Château de Chambord and the beautiful countryside around Amboise. Long stretches of woodland, sandy tracks, open fields and vineyard-lined paths create varied riding throughout the week, while the Loire’s historic villages and impressive châteaux provide plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the surroundings. Chambord, Chenonceau and Château d’Amboise are among the highlights, each offering a glimpse into the remarkable history of the French Renaissance.
The riding is suited to intermediate to advanced who are comfortable riding outdoors at all paces and can confidently manage their horse in open countryside. Western riders will be considered novice to intermediate English riders. The terrain is wonderfully open, so there are plenty of opportunities for long, extended canters across the countryside or winding through the countryside. There are also areas where slower riding gives the best possible views, and it’s pretty special riding through the forest to see a castle in the distance!
This Loire Valley horse riding holiday is particularly appealing to riders who want to combine time in the saddle with French culture, history and beautiful landscapes. From quiet woodland trails and vineyard country to magnificent châteaux and riverside towns, it offers a wonderful way to discover one of France’s most celebrated regions on horseback.
Quick Facts
Location:
Loire Valley, France
Airport:
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Paris Orly (ORY) Airport
Month:
April - October
Duration:
7 Nights
Group Size:
Min 4 / 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 the hotel in your own time between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. In the evening, meet your guide for a welcome aperitif and briefing, followed by dinner and your first night at Hotel La Clef des Châteaux.
On your first day of riding, head into the heart of the Grande Sologne. Ride along the bridle paths of the Chambord National Estate, home to the largest enclosed park in Europe, before arriving at the magnificent Château de Chambord for lunch.
Built for François I during the Renaissance, Chambord is one of the Loire Valley’s most remarkable châteaux, with its distinctive architecture and famous double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. After lunch, enjoy time to explore the château independently before continuing to Mont-près-Chambord, where the horses will stay for the night. Overnight at Hotel La Clef des Châteaux.
Set off from Tour-en-Sologne, riding towards the Château de Beauregard. Lunch is served near the château, followed by time to explore its beautifully preserved interiors, including the striking lapis lazuli ceilings and impressive Portrait Gallery.
After your visit, gradually leave the Sologne behind as the landscape changes and you enter the Touraine region. Continue through the peaceful countryside towards the village of Ouchamps, enjoying a varied day of riding through forests, fields and rural landscapes. Overnight and dinner at the beautiful Relais des Landes.
Today takes you to the charming Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre. Depart from Ouchamps on horseback, arriving at the château towards late morning.
Built in the 15th century by Pierre de Refuge, treasurer to King Louis XI, this beautifully preserved château combines medieval and Renaissance architecture and has a character quite different from the grander Loire Valley estates. Enjoy lunch before setting off back towards Ouchamps.
The afternoon ride takes you through forests and vineyards as you make your way back to the Relais des Landes, where you will spend another evening.
Leave Ouchamps and cross the Beuvron River at Candé before continuing towards the banks of the Loire. By late morning, you will reach the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire and its magnificent château overlooking the river.
Originally built as a medieval fortress, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire has been remodelled over the centuries, creating a fascinating blend of architectural styles. The estate is also renowned for its gardens and annual Garden Festival. After lunch near the château, enjoy some time to explore before returning to the saddle.
Ride along the Loire Valley towards the village of Mosnes. Overnight and dinner at Domaine des Thomeaux or at Clos d’Amboise in the historic centre of Amboise, subject to availability.
Begin the day with some free time in the historic town of Amboise. Visit the Château du Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci and now a museum dedicated to his life and inventions, explore the royal Château d’Amboise overlooking the Loire, or simply wander through the town’s historic streets.
Rejoin the horses and leave the Loire behind, riding southeast towards the banks of the Cher River. The route continues through the countryside towards Château de Chenonceau, one of the Loire Valley’s most iconic landmarks, where the horses will spend the night.
Return to either Domaine des Thomeaux or Clos d’Amboise for dinner and your final night in the area.
Your final day begins with a visit to the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, famously known as the “Ladies’ Château” after its association with figures including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Built largely from pale tufa stone, its most recognisable feature is the graceful gallery spanning the Cher River.
After your visit, return to the saddle and ride along the banks of the Cher towards Saint-Georges, stopping for lunch along the way. The final afternoon takes you through the peaceful Cher Valley before returning towards Chenonceau and concluding your riding journey.
Enjoy a final drink with your guide beside the Cher before returning by car to Maslives for your last night at Hotel La Clef des Châteaux.
Enjoy a final breakfast before departing the hotel at your leisure. Check-out is by 10:00 am.
ACTIVITIES ON THE LOIRE CASTLES ON HORSEBACK 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 CASTLES ON HORSEBACK 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 CASTLES ON HORSEBACK 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:
7 NIGHTS
02 – 09 April 2027
25 April – 02 May 2027
10 – 17 May 2027
31 May – 07 June 2027
28 June – 05 July 2027
09 – 16 July 2027
30 July – 06 August 2027
30 August – 06 September 2027
11 – 18 October 2027
7 Nights From: GBP £2,138 per person sharing
2028 SEASON:
Not yet released. Please enquire for details.
Single Room Supplement if not willing to share: From GBP £386 for the duration of the trail
Extra night with dinner before or after the tour: From GBP £86 per person sharing / GBP £129 in a single room
Drinks are not included at any point and are ordered and paid for on site.
Château and monument entrance fees are payable locally.
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 CASTLES ON HORSEBACK RIDE
Accommodation
On this trail, you'll stay in 3 or 4 star hotel with twin rooms. All of hotels have heaten swimming-pools, Spa and hight quality restaurant. 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.
LA CLEF DES CHÂTEAUX OR SIMILAR
Hotel La Clef des Châteaux is a comfortable 3-star property with rooms spread between a historic 1850 building and a traditional longère overlooking the gardens and pool. Rooms range from compact doubles to more spacious Executive and Prestige rooms, with family options including a duplex layout with a double bed downstairs and two single beds upstairs. All rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, a 43-inch TV, hairdryer and welcome tray, while selected rooms also offer terraces, pool views, coffee machines and minibars. The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool, restaurant and bar.
RELAIS DES LANDES OR SIMILAR
Relais des Landes is a charming country house offering individually styled rooms that combine traditional character with modern comforts. Classic rooms are around 19–21 m², while Comfort rooms offer 20–23 m² with either twin or queen-size beds and a shower or bath. Superior rooms are more spacious at 24–30 m², with some able to accommodate up to four guests. For a more private stay, the property also has wooden lodges with private terraces, including couples’ lodges and larger Tiny House lodges. Rooms feature Wi-Fi, a minibar, TV, safe, tea and coffee facilities, air conditioning in selected categories and room service.
DOMAINE DES THOMEAUX OR SIMILAR
Domaine des Thomeaux offers 29 individually decorated rooms, each with its own character and eclectic décor inspired by destinations around the world. Room categories include Classic, Superior, Deluxe and Annexe rooms, with Classic rooms measuring around 15 m² and offering twin beds that can be configured as a double, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, desk and safe. The Annexe rooms have a similar layout and are located in the grounds opposite the château. Rooms also feature private shower rooms, hairdryers and towel warmers, with some bathrooms having separate toilets.
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 LOIRE CASTLES ON HORSEBACK 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
Loire Castle – France on Horseback
Enquire about this Tour