CASTLES OF THE LOIRE VALLEY
OVERVIEW
This journey across the Loire landscapes and its forest areas is a leap into the history of the Middle Ages - mostly the Renaissance.
At the time, the royal house of Valois-Orléans-Angouleme had enough power and means to build beautiful castles instead of fortresses.
The Loire Valley offers a mild climate, fertile soils and biodiversity as well as monasteries, cathedrals, and of course, castles.
Let’s Ride!
HIGHLIGHTS
Excellent horses that we think make this the perfect first riding holiday but also fun for old-hats too
Magnificent riding from castle to castle
Incredible French picnic lunches at pretty table clothed tables under trees
Fast riding through the royal hunting forests
Beautiful country hotels
Swimming pools or Spas at each hotel
Tour the beautiful castles and gardens
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
7 Nights / 8 Days / 6 Days Riding
Cost: From €2,300 pp sharing, Single person supplement: €385.
Operator: Equinature
Where: Loire Valley, France. Meeting point is Blois / Chambord railway station or the hotel in Maslives.
When: July and September
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 8
Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg / 198 pounds
Time in the saddle: 3.5 - 7 hours a day
HORSES
You will wonderful, forward horses. Many are Freiberger x Arabians but they have a few barb horses, KPWN and others in the herd. The horses are wonderful, some of the best we have seen on any ride. They are happy, beautiful, in excellent condition with wonderful breaks and calm, kind natures.
The horses 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. A western saddle may be available on request.
Helmets are mandatory. It’s best to bring your own but they can be provided.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation is authentic and high quality. Each hotel is very clean, has excellent facilities (swimming pools, spas, Finnish saunas, and extensive gardens). You will stay in three lovely 3 and 4 star hotels in the Loire Valley.
NIGHTS ONE + TWO
NIGHTS THREE + SIX + SEVEN
NIGHTS FOUR + FIVE
Single supplements are available for €385pp for all seven 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 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.
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’s all have local fees for entry - please allow approximately €100 for multiple castle entry fees on this ride.
GETTING THERE
The taxi from Blois-Chambord station to La Clef des Chateaux is not included. We will recommend a direct train from Paris for the group to take but you are welcome to arrive early. You can call an Uber to your hotel for about €40 or a taxi can be arranged for €45 to €70 (on the weekends).
A taxi to Blois train station on your final morning is also not included. We can order taxis for you and you can share them, paid locally
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.
You will have two saddles bags built into your saddle blanket. They have velcro fastenings and can hold a decent amount. We recommend you carry your wallet and your phone in your pockets or a sealed bumbag.
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
You will be spoiled with the meals on this ride - there is a lot to look forward to!
Excellent buffet breakfasts are served at your hotel each morning typically consisting of hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), juice, fruit, breakfast pastries (croissant, pain au chocolat, pain aux raisins), scrambled eggs, bacon, many cheeses, croissants, pan’o’chocolat, bread, butter and jam, and sometimes yogurt.
Lunches are cold homemade picnics prepared by a local restaurant. You will be served mixed salads, charcuterie, savoury tarts and breads, traditional goats cheese, and a range of deserts like citron tarts, macarons, muffins, eclairs, pastel de nata, and more! Wine and soft drinks are included.
Lunch can also be taken in local restaurants and are usually three courses.
Three-course evening meals served at your hotels restaurant. Drinks are on your own account. Most restaurant’s have full bars and country garden options for dining.
Please, notice on this trail that drinks are not included and have to be ordered on-site. We recommend paying after every meal to avoid delays at checkout.
INTERNET
Wifi will be available at overnight accommodation and cell reception is widely available.
AVAILABILITY & PRICES
€2,300 per person based on two sharing accommodation for 8 days / 7 nights. Single person supplement: €385.
04 - 11 July 2025 Black Saddle Exclusive
01 - 08 September 2025 Black Saddle Exclusive
As the average age of the riders is between 50 and 70 we recommend joining an exclusive Black Saddle week where are riders are typically aged between 28 and 45 and are all english speaking.
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 except for taxis which can still ask for cash. You will also need cash for tips.
Time Zone: GMT+1
Ride in May and June for wonderful fields filled with wild daisies, buttercups, blue linen flowers, red poppies and lush seeded grass hay fields.
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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Your tour begins at Hotel La Clef des chateaux*** in the village of Maslives. Aim to arrive by 6:30pm. Those arriving early can check in and enjoy the hotel pool
Enjoy an aperitif with your guide and fellow riders followed by the first dinner and a ride briefing.
The nearest train station in Blois / Chambord. Transfers can be arranged for €40 per car (double on weekends) paid locally.
No Riding Today
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First day with horses across the Sologne region with many lakes and beautiful forests. This first morning leads you on the riding paths of Chambord National Park toward the castle, where you enjoy lunch.
Chambord, a grand hunting lodge built by François 1st in the XVIth century, is a jewel of France and a heritage building.
You are free to explore (1h30), before mounting your horse and continuing to ride to Chateau du Villesavinwhere the horses will spend the night.
About Four Hours Riding
Overnight at Hotel La Clef des chateaux
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Departing Villesavin you ride to Beauregard, a XVth century castle for lunch. Beauregard houses a famous gallery with 327 different portraits of historical characters and a quirky gallery of pet portraits. The interiors are stunning and include Lapis Lazuli painted walls.
After exploring the castle and grounds for an hour you ride on out of the Sologne region and enter Touraine and the village of Ouchamps.
About Four Hours Riding
Dinner and overnight at Relais des Landes**** (swimming pool)
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On your fourth day, you start your ride through countryside to reach Fougères village and it's eponymous castle. Built in 15th century by Pierre De Refuge, treasurer of king Louis XI, this gorgeous castle offers a Medieval-Renaissance mix architecture, very unique in the Loire Valley.
Visit (about 1h) to view the interesting art gallery followed by lunch in front of the castle.
In the afternoon on horseback through Touraine vineyards to reach Ouchamps where the horse will spend the night.
Dinner and overnight at Relais des Landes**** (swimming pool)
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You ride along the Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. A charming village and UNESCO World Heritage site, Chaumont is also well-known for its feudal castle (late 15th cent) overlooking the valley and the village. Not to be missed, its stables built in the 19th cent, are considered as the most luxurious in Europe at the time.
Lunch is followed by a self tour of the castle with it’s famous gardens (1h 30), where you can admire the beautiful stables and and circlular riding arena.
You ride during the afternoon continues along the Loire banks to reach Mosnes.
About Four Hours Riding
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You start day six by visiting the Clos Lucé on foot. This gorgeous Renaissance mansion was the last home of renaissance man Leonardo Da Vinci and it houses his invention's in the museum.
After your visit, you rejoin your horses and leave the Loire banks about 11:00 toward south, enjoying your lunch in pretty Souvigny followed by your afternoon ride to reach another Loire Valley river spanned by maybe one of our favourite castles - Chenonceau.
About Four Hours Riding
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Day 7 starts with the chance to explore Chenonceau castle and gardens (1h) on foot. Known as ‘The Ladies castle, Chenonceau former property of Diane de Poitiers or Catherine De Medicis, was built on a bridge spanning the River Cher. This is one of the most impressive of all the Chateaux found in the Loire Valley.
After your tour of the Castle, you ride along the "GR du Pays des Chateaux" and Cher banks to enjoy the magnificent view of Chenonceau arches on horseback.
You'll enjoy a country lunch in Chisseaux, before your last afternoon toward Montrichard and amazing views on its dungeon where you will end your ride around 6:00 PM.
About Four Hours Riding
Dinner and overnight in Relais des Landes**** (swimming pool)
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Your holiday ends after breakfast and all that is left to do is catch a taxi back to Blois and to the train station and head home.
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.
Hotel La Clef des chateaux***
NIGHTS ONE + TWO
HOTEL LA CLEF DES CHATEAU: Located in the village of Maslives, this hotel is just 1.6 km from Château de Chambord. It features a garden terrace and free Wi-Fi at reception. All rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV with Canal +.
All rooms are air-conditioned and decorated in a minimal style.
You can enjoy French cuisine in the restaurant and have a drink in the bar at La Clef des Châteaux hotel. An excellent buffet breakfast is served every morning.
Relais des Landes****
NIGHTS THREE + SIX + SEVEN
RELAIS DES LANDES: Lovely country hotel, Le Relais des Landes, has gone through 3 centuries of history, it has successively been a Bourgeois Manor House, a Republican and resistance movement place, and a well-known vineyard until the end of the 19th century before being transformed into a charming hotel and gastronomic restaurant.
A guest favourite, the French country garden setting is so relaxing. You can enjoy the heated indoor pool after your ride and then spend a long lazy evening with a drink in the garden or enjoying the excellent onsite restaurant.
Domaine des Thomeaux***
NIGHTS FOUR + FIVE
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.
The hotel has a beautiful garden bordered by huge trees. There’s an onsite spa and Finnish sauna. Rooms are themed - compare the decor of your room with your fellow riders.
The hotel is in a village so you can explore a bit in the evenings.
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
