Horse riding in France

The Loire Valley - Chateaux de la Loire

From Amboise to Saumur

Tourism > France > Equestrian holidays > Horse riding > The Chateaux de la Loire - From Chenonceau to Saumur

Ref : Equ 08-2

This valley has attracted kings of France by its natural heritage. They did build extravagant houses still beautifully preserved, including castles and manor houses open to visitors. We will have the opportunity during this trip to visit the castles of Chenonceau, Amboise, the Bourdaisière, Villandry, Azay le Rideau and Fontevraud Abbey, where are Henry Plantagenet and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. We will finish our trip in Saumur where is the national riding school.

Nota : This description is indicative. The routes and accommodation may change a little without decreasing the quality. 

Day 1: Arrival of the riders at the Amboise train station by 6pm. The riders will walk to the La Brèche hotel which is close to the station.

Day 2: From Amboise to  Chenonceau

Departure from the hotel by 9am, visit of the castle of AMBOISE or CLOS LUCE according to the possibilities. The 15th century is the gold century of the castle of Amboise which is constantly enlarged and embellished by the kings. The city is also famous for Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence: the Clos Lucé. Departure on horseback by 10:30am. We will cross the Amboise forest, this magnificent forest, hunting area chosen by the kings, which will perhaps allow us to get a glimpse at deers and boars. Picnic at the castle of CHENONCEAU (16th century) and visit of the castle. Chenonceau, known as the « castle of the ladies », was occupied for more than 400 years by the kings’ legitimate wives as well as by their favourites. Afternoon walk along the river Cher to reach our destination for the night. Meal and night at the hotel.

Day 3: Towards Tours

Starting at 10am. We left the Loire river for the Cher Valley. We picnic and visit the castle of La Bourdaisière (XVI century). Built according to the desire of Francis I., for his mistress Marie Gaudin, it demonstrates the important role of women in the history of France. In the afternoon, we ride along the Cher river to reach Tours where we spend the night in a downtown hotel.

Day 4: From Tours to Azay le rideau

Starting at 10am. We will be escorted by police on horseback from the city of Tours for the trip. Picnic and visit of the castle of Villandry. This is one of the last great chateaux built on the banks of the Loire river during the Renaissance (1536). It has also one of the most beautiful gardens in France. We then leave the Loire river to reach Azay Le rideaux in the banks of the Indre river. Dinner and overnight in hotel in town

Day 5: From Azay le Rideau to Chinon

After visiting the castle of Azay le Rideau (XV century). Its architecture has a perfect blend of traditional elements and features borrowed from Italian art. Around 11am we take the direction of Castle USSE. Ancient fortress that inspired Charles Perrault to write the tale of The Sleeping Beauty. Picnic and visit of the castle before riding in south direction, through the forest towards Chinon. We will spend the night in a hotel in town.

Day 6: From Chinon to Turquant

We will leave following the Chinon Indre River, until the picnic stop near the Abbey of Fontevraud. Visit of the abbey. It is one of the largest monastic complexes remaining in France. The building contains the tombs of the Plantagenets. We will have 2 hours of horse to reach Turquant, on the banks of the Loire river. Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 7: From Turquant to Saumur

We take the direction of Saumur by wooded and hilly landscape. The picnic will be held at Saumur. It becomes a luxurious castle-palace. In the afternoon we cross Saumur and a short step we arrive at about the national riding school. Meals and overnight at hotel in Saumur.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast for the Saumur train station.

Evazio

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