Horseback Riding in France

Jewels of the Loire – Chambord to Chenonceau

Overview

France is ideally suited for riding tours and is the country where the idea got its start and is most highly developed. Horseback riding in Chenonceau is particularly well-suited, as the countryside in many places is most attractive and comparatively unspoiled.

Rights-of-way have been well maintained so that horsemen can usually find appropriate trails and there is very little necessity to take paved roads. Spectacular castles, walled towns and ancient monasteries are everywhere. Each region has a unique character with its own history, cuisine, wine, architecture and topography. French food and wine are justly famous and you will have every opportunity to savor them with appetites made keener by a day in the saddle.

In the centuries before the French Revolution the Loire Valley was the scene of an unprecedented flowering of culture where French kings and nobles vied with one another to build the most magnificent structures and to decorate them exquisitely. There are wonderful opportunities for canters through some of the old hunting preserves of the French nobility, and you follow tracks through picturesque countryside of bucolic farmland and vineyards. The accommodations and food are wonderful, the trails and scenery unforgettable, and the opportunity to do it all on horseback makes this truly unique experience.

You will be staying at four different chateaux during the ride.

Whether dining in a local restaurant or chateau, meals will be a sampling of wonderful French cuisine and wines.

  • Overview:
    The mixed breed horses used on this ride are well suited to their environment. These hardy Arab, Selle Francais, Thoroughbred, French Trotter and Spanish cross horses stand 14-15.5 hh. They are chosen for their temperament, hardiness and comfort. Saddle pads with small pockets are used. English saddles are used along with a few trekking saddles.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Hardy mixed breeds
  • Trip Pace:
    moderate
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    205 lbs

Blois

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Hotel le Relais de Chambord near Cheverny by 6:30 pm. Enjoy an aperitif and discussion of the week ahead precisely at 7:00pm, followed by dinner at 8:00pm.

Day 2

Ride for about 3 hours this morning through the countryside and Boulogne forest, arriving at Château de Chambord for lunch in the stable of the chateau.
PM – Enjoy a visit of this very special chateau. Dinner and overnight back at Relais de Chambord.

Day 3

AM – Ride to Château de Beauregard by the Boulogne forest where you have the unforgettable experience of riding into the front entrance of the chateau. The ride lasts about 3 hours. Enjoy a visit of the chateau followed by a picnic lunch.
PM – Continue on to Château Cheverny through the countryside and Cheverny vineyards where you will have a visit of the chateau. The afternoon ride is about 1.5 hrs. Dinner and overnight at Relais des Landes.

Day 4

Ride for about 2 hours and 15 min in the country side of Sologne to medieval chateau of Fourgeres sur Bievre for a visit of the chateau and lunch. In the afternoon you ride in through the coutryside to Cande on Beuvron, then follow the Loire river to renaissance chateau of Chaumont sur Loire, the ride is about 3 hours. Visit this chateau or garden festival. Spend the night in the charming Hostellerie du Chateau on the bank of the Loire river.

Day 5

Ride for about 2.5 hours to Amboise along the Loire river, through the Touraine countryside. Have lunch in a restaurant in the charming village of Mosnes.
In the afternoon ride for approximately 2.5 hours to chateau d’Amboise, experience a special arrival on horseback through “la porte des Lions,” the medieval king’s door! Have a private guided visit of this historical chateau, where Leonardi da Vinci is buried. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and night at Hotel le Choiseul, located along the Loire in Amboise.

Day 6

Visit Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and its exhibitions. Free time and lunch in the charming old center of Amboise. Then visit the fantastic Chateau de Chenonceau and its gardens, with a gourmet dinner and night at the Hotel le Choiseul.

Day 7

Departure after breakfast at Hotel le Choiseul.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and changes may occur at the guide's discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
May 5, 2024
May 11, 2024
Jun 9, 2024
Jun 15, 2024
Jun 16, 2024
Jun 22, 2024
Jul 7, 2024
Jul 13, 2024
Aug 4, 2024
Aug 10, 2024
Sep 8, 2024
Sep 14, 2024
Sep 29, 2024
Oct 5, 2024
Oct 6, 2024
Oct 12, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $4,095
  • Pricing Variation
  • $4,435Trip price with 4 riders
  • $4,760Trip price with 3 riders
  • $5,425Trip price with 2 riders
  • Single Supplement
  • $1,075
Additional Pricing Information:
Prices are based on the dollar/euro exchange and are subject to change. Ride price is set, guaranteed, and final at the time deposit is paid.


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Contact Megan Barrett

It was a wonderful experience, not only for the horses and riding, which was excellent, but for the journey to heart of the Loire, including such wonderful experiences of the local people, history and culture. Our guide was wonderful in every way. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and certainly hope to do another ride one day with him. Thank you for a most memorable holiday and experience.

Helen