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 Villandry is especially 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 gallops through some of the old hunting preserves of the French nobility, and you follow tracks through bucolic farmland and vineyards. Staying in smaller hotels and manor houses contributes to the spirit of the adventure.
Arrival at hotel La Croix Blanche****, hotel de charme in front of Fontevraud Abbey. Briefing, dinner and night in La Croix Blanche.
AM – 2 hours riding
Departure on horseback toward Loire Valley. Ride through the gorgeous former troglodyte village of Souzay-Champigny on the Loire banks. Lunch in local restaurant in Parnay.
PM – 1 hour riding
E njoy a short ride on Loire banks toward Montsoreau where you’ll dismount to discover the royal abbey of Fontevraud where Alienor d’Aquitaine used to live. Admire its magnificent architecture which houses the former throne along with tombs of Richard Lionheart and Henry II Plantagenet.
Dinner and night in hotel La Croix Blanche
AM – 2 hours riding
Leave Fontevraud through the countryside and vineyards to reach beautiful castle of Brézé. You are welcomed by a wine-maker at La Giraudière cellar for a gourmet picnic and wine tasting of the estate.
PM – 1 hr riding
Enjoy a visit of Brézé and its spectacular troglodyte moat, unique in Europe. This castle belongs to the same De Colbert family since XVIIth, whose former ancestor used to be Louis XIVth’s banker. New departure on horseback by Saumur’s vineyards. End of the ride in front of Saumur castle with its spectacular view on Loire Valley.
Last dinner and night in hotel La Croix Blanche
AM – walking tour
Start the day by visiting Saumur castle, set on a rock overlooking the Loire valley, it used to be a perfect fortress. You will travel through history with its beautiful horse-riding staff exhibition. Wine tasting in famous Saumur vineyard followed by lunch in local restaurant.
PM – 1.5 hours riding
Ride thorugh the Chinonais region: vineyards and countryside. End the day with free time in Chinon. Its magnificent fortress set on a rock on the Vienne rive sheltered Henry II Plantagenet at the end of his life. This is also where mythical and historical meeting between Jeanne of Arc and Charles VII occurred. Follow with free time in Chinon fortress.
Dinner and night in lovely hotel de Chateau du Rivau****.
AM – walking tour
Begin the day by visiting lovely castle of Azay-le-Rideau and its gardens spanning the banks of the river Vienne. This castle is a symbol of Renaissance architecture perfectly maintained since Francois 1er era. Lunch in Azay le Rideau.
PM – 2 hours riding
Ride through Chinon forest, Touraine countryside and typical orchards before returning to Azay village.
Dinner and night in wonderful Chateau de Beauvois**** or Chateau de Gizeux
AM – 2.5 hours riding
Depart from Azay le Rideau from the head of the Loire and Cher and pass through orchards and Touraine forest before arriving at Villandry castle. Lunch in front of the castle
PM – walking tour
Last afternoon with the visit of majestic castle of Villandry and its fantastic “à la Française” gardens.
Last dinner and night in Chateau de Beauvois**** or Chateau de Gizeux
Departure after breakfast. Transfer (not included) to Tours Saint Pierre des Corps TGV station.
This itinerary is flexible. Changes may be made at the guides discretion based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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Our guide had great horses, a lot of knowledge of the history of the region, was very accommodating of our needs and even made it fun for my non-rider husband. And of course the scenery is amazing! Overall the trip was everything I could have wished for.
Magyar, 2025
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