Loire Valley Castles Tour
- Canter from the iconic Château de Chambord to the majestic Château de Chenonceau
- Savor the best of French traditional cuisine & gastronomy
- Slumber in luxury 17th Century Châteaux Hotels
Optional : Additional night at the Château, Hot air ballon ride, Cheese & Wine Tastings, Canoë-Kayak on the Loire River, SPA Treatments
On your departure day, our driver will collect you from the airport/your hotel in Paris and transport you to the heart of Loire Valley, where your accommodation awaits.
The journey to the Loire Valley typically takes 2h30, depending on your specific location and traffic conditions.
For our set departures, the Castles of the Loire Valley is tailored to accommodate intermediate to experienced riders; comfortable riding at all 3 paces and cantering in open nature.
You will spend between 3 to 6 hours in the saddle each day in a group of 4 riders, with Appaloosas, Irish Cobs and Arab-Barbs.
Non-riders are also welcome to join the journey : While equestrians explore the trails in the morning, we offer tailored alternative experiences including Cheese & Wine tasting, Hot air ballon ride, Canoë-Kayak, and more - ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
In addition to our set departures, we also offer private rides to the Loire Valley, allowing you to tailor your experience. You can customize various aspects of your journey, including the number of riding days, time spent in the saddle, accommodations, and visits to châteaux along with other activities.
Our partnerships with luxury estates and châteaux, along with trusted touring partners, grant us exclusive access to first-class accommodations and activities to craft the journey of your dreams. Tell us about it, and we will turn it into a reality : Contact us for a Tailor-Made journey.
When you reach out through our booking or contact form, our team will provide you with a comprehensive brochure of your chosen journey. This booklet includes the full itinerary, details about accommodations, rates, and available departure dates (along with many pictures to give you a glimpse of the ride!).
If the journey aligns with your wishes and you would like to join, we will send you a detailed form to complete. This helps us understand your riding level, background, and experience, ensuring you meet the required skill level for the ride. This step not only prioritizes safety but also guarantees an enjoyable experience for the entire riding group.
Once our team and riding guide confirm your suitability, you can secure your saddle by paying a 50% deposit.
For your convenience, this can be easily completed via our secure payment link or through a traditional bank transfer.
Just an hour away from the busy streets of Paris, lie exquisite treasures waiting to be discovered: The Loire Valley Castles.
From François I, Leonardo da Vinci to Catherine de Médici, the French Royalty chose it for its expansive forests, abundant wildlife, and its proximity to Paris. From beginners to experienced riders, we invite you to discover this unique architectural and artistic heritage like French Royalty used to: On horseback.
The Loire Valley Castles on Horseback is an immersive journey that guides you through the most beautiful Renaissance castles in the world, to experience the Royal « Art de vivre à la française » for a few days.
Ride from the iconic Château de Chambord to the majestic Château de Chenonceau, savor the best of French gastronomy, sleep in luxury châteaux, while discovering the former Royal estate & its secrets :
A unique blend of horse-riding, gastronomy, and culture.
Week-end Getaway Itinerary
☽ P.M – At 2 p.m., your driver and guide will collect you and the other guests from your location in Paris, and drive you to your accommodation for the next 2 nights - Château des Grotteaux or La Borde en Sologne - located in the heart of the Loire Valley, about a 2h15 journey.
Your accommodation awaits you in the 17th Century Château des Grotteaux, located in a verdant setting, on the right bank of the Cosson River. Vicomte Gaël welcomes you with a tour of his sumptuous Château. Upon some rest, we invite you to meet the horses in the gardens before transfering to the charming town of Blois for dinner on a terrace overlooking the Loire River.
☽ Night at Le Château des Grotteaux or La Borde en Sologne
☼ A.M – Start your day with a generous buffet breakfast, featuring only homemade and local products. Then, meet your horses in the garden and begin preparations. Start your ride through the forest massif of Boulogne, towards the stunning 16th cent. Château de Chambord - 3h Ride. Settle in to savor delicious french cuisine while admiring the wonderful view offered by the restaurant’s terrace.
☽ P.M – Upon lunch, your guide will lead you on a 1h30 tour through the most spectacular Château de La Loire : Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece set within a vast 12,000-acre estate. With its extravagant architecture and polished gardens, Chambord is a striking symbol of French royal ambition. Then, we will head to the Domaine du Portail, for a vineyard tour and tasting led by the Maître de chai. Transfer back to the Château des Grotteaux for a restful evening and dinner in Blois.
☽ Night at Le Château des Grotteaux or La Borde en Sologne
☼ A.M – Upon breakfast, meet your horses in the garden and begin preparations.
*Thank you for having your luggage ready for transfer to your next accommodation*
Today’s ride takes you through vineyards, fields, and forests to the elegant 16th-century Château de Beauregard, where a delightful picnic lunch awaits in its gardens, shaded by centuries-old trees - 3h ride.
☽ P.M – Upon lunch, we invite you to discover freely François I’s hunting lodge and its impressive collection of 300 portraits of notable French and European figures. In the afternoon, ride towards your next accommodation: L’Auberge de la Caillère - 2h30 Ride. Upon settling into your rooms, enjoy apéritif on the terrace before savoring dinner at the bistronomic table of l’Auberge.
☽ Dinner & Night at L’Auberge de la Caillère
☼ A.M – *Thank you for having your luggage ready for transfer to Paris in the afternoon*
Upon breakfast, a 15-minute drive will take you to the starting point of the ride. Today’s trail will take us through the picturesque countryside of the Loire Valley, walking through villages, cantering through hay fields and by rivers, towards the majestic Château de Chenonceau - 4h Ride.
☽ P.M – Upon your arrival, savor lunch in the Château’s stunning restaurant “L’orangerie du Château”. In the afternoon, a bilingual historian guide will be guiding you for 1h30 through one of the most sumptuous French Castles - also known as the Queen’s Castle - A 16th Century marvel. By 4:30 p.m, our driver will take you back to your hotel/location in Paris - 2.5 hours drive depending on traffic and your location in Paris.
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What our riders say
Optional activities
Vineyard visit & Wine tastings
Explore the renowned vineyards of the Loire Valley, France’s third-largest wine region. This exclusive experience takes you on a journey through the heart of this renowned terroir, where you’ll meet passionate local winemakers, discover their time-honored techniques and indulge in tastings of the valley’s emblematic wines, from crisp Muscadets to rich Cabernet Francs.
HoT-Air Balloon ride
As the sun sets, hop on on a hot-air ballon ride above the majestic Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Float peacefully over the region’s iconic landscapes and villages while capturing breathtaking aerial views of this renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. Please note that the feasibility of this activity depends on various weather factors.
Canoë-Kayak on the Loire
Embark on a serene adventure along the waters of the Loire River by canoe or kayak. Glide past picturesque villages, historic château de Chenonceau, and lush vineyards that line the riverbanks, taking in the region’s unparalleled beauty from a unique and fun perspective.
Accommodations
Our carefully-curated accommodations are more than just places to rest; they are living testimonies to the tales of royalty and nobility that once graced these lands.
Nestled on the River banks, surrounded by verdant forest massifs, or offering incomparable views on the Château de Chambord, each accommodation offers a different, equally enchanting charm, inviting you to experience the regal manners of Queens and Kings. Behind their ancient walls, you will find the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity – a delicate dance where antique tapestries meet contemporary comforts.
With tastefully designed rooms, rejuvenating wellness spas, and Michelin-starred restaurants, the Châteaux Hotels subtly blend luxury, historical richness, and artistic heritage for your nights to be as enchanting as your days.
CHÂTEAU LA BORDE EN SOLOGNE
Grand, Luxury & Wellness
CHÂTEAUX DES GROTTEAUX
Intimacy, Elegance & Warmth
AUBERGE DE LA CAILLÈRE
Authentic, Friendly & Contemporary
The Loire Valley
Experience the unparalleled charm of the Loire Valley – a French treasure boasting rolling hills, expansive vineyards, charming villages, and a collection of over 300 Châteaux. Home to Europe’s longest river, the Loire, and witness of French history from the Middle Ages, the Loire Valley is home to the greatest Renaissance châteaux in the world.
The Loire Valley Castles on Horseback invites you to step back in time and be transported to a fairy-tale setting, where majestic castles and lush vineyards complement each other in one of the most magnificent sceneries. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, the paramount legacy of French Kings and prepare to be captivated by the epitome of royal French elegance along with passionate historian and local guides.
Our tailor-made journeys offer the opportunity to ride to Château de Chenonceau, Beauregard, Cheverny, Amboise, and the iconic Chambord – a testament to France’s grandeur and pinnacle of the Renaissance, which took a century to complete. Experience your dream adventure come to life as we craft a Tailor-Made Journey to the Loire Valley. Share with us your preferences for royal treasures you wish to discover, and we will turn your dream adventure to life.
About this ride
Frequently asked questions
A GLIMPSE INTO THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES TOUR
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