Ride Overview
Seven days of pure happiness, 4.5 on horseback in the Loire valley. We start by Saumur, vineyards, troglodytes caves, castles. We are going on great history tour of the Plantagenets, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Valois, Joan of Arc.
We are welcomed by French aristocrats in their château, and we ride in wonderful countryside: famous Loire vineyards, forests and rivers: Loire, Vienne, Indre …
And we finish by the wonderful chateau de Villandry and its famous gardens.
2023 Dates: September 24-30 (FULL), Oct. 1-7 (FULL)
2023 Rate: $3,815.00 USD per person in a shared room (Single Supplement: $790.00 USD)
2024 Dates: June 9-15, Sept. 30-Oct. 6
2024 Rate: $4,125.00 USD per person in a shared room (Single Supplement: $895.00 USD)
Non rider sharing a room: $3,405.00 USD (2023), $3,870.00 USD (2024)
***Note: There is a small group supplement as follows, we are happy to advise on the size of the group at any time.
2 people: $980.00 USD per person (2023), $1,240.00 USD per person (2024)
3 people: $425.00 USD per person (2023), $620.00 USD per person (2024)
4 people: $230.00 USD per person (2023), $335.00 USD per person (2024)
Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- 4.5 days of riding
- All meals
- Wine with meals
- Horse and all tack
- Guiding services
- Luggage transfers
- Visits as outlined in the itinerary
- All local taxes
Not Included
- Airfare
- Visits not outlined in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Transfers to/from the train station
- Gratuities for the team at the end of the stay
Day 1
Arrival from train station of Saumur to Domaine de Mestré, the farm of Abbaye de Fontevraud from XIIème century, and owned by a very traditional French family.
Briefing, diner and night at Domaine de Mestré.
Day 2: Champigny cellar - Chateau de Montsoreau
Champigny cellar - Chateau de Montsoreau
Today we begin the ride to Champigny troglodyte cellar from chateau de Beaulieu by the vineyards, with a magnificent view on chateau of Saumur. Arriving on horseback into the troglodyte cellar… an unforgettable experience !
Enjoy Champigny wine tasting in a troglodyte cellar according the season - Gourmet lunch in a local restaurant.
Ride in and through the Champigny vineyards, and along the Loire River to chateau de Montsoreau, which inspired well known French writer Alexandre Dumas for his book "la dame de Montsoreau".
Dinner and night at Domaine de Mestré.
Day 3: Chateau de Brézé - Abbaye de Fontevraud
Chateau de Brézé - Abbaye de Fontevraud
After breakfast, begin the ride to Chateau de Brézé by the vineyards, and countryside. Lunch in old stables of château de Brézé. After lunch enjoy a guided visit of château de Brézé.
Ride in the vineyards, countryside and woods to Abbaye de Fontevraud. A highlight of the trip is the magical arrival inside the Abbaye on horseback – just like stepping back in time 400 years.
Visit and tour of Abbaye de Fontevraud.
Dinner and night at Domaine de Mestré at Fontevraud.
Day 4: Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chateau de Ternay
Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chateau de Ternay
Today we will ride in traditional French countryside and make our way to Chateau de la Roche Martel, a private and historical chateau where we are welcome by the owners for a picnic and visit.
After lunch, we will continue to ride in the countryside and woods to the private chateau de Ternay, where we will have a cordial welcome by count and countess of Ternay.
Dinner and night in chateau de Ternay.
Day 5: Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau
Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau
A wonderful day as we ride to Chateau d'Ussé from Chinon forest, we continue by riding in the Chinon forest and arrive to Chateau d'Ussé the sleeping beauty Chateau. (this is the chateau that inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty)
After lunch in Ussé, we will continue our ride to Azay le Rideau - unforgettable long canters along the Indre river, woods and orchards. We will then have a visit and tour of château de la Chatonière.
Free time to visit Chinon. Night in medieval hotel of Chinon.
Day 6: Azay le Rideau - Villandry
Azay le Rideau - Villandry
Ride to the chateau de Villandry and its famous gardens, known the world over for their layout and fertile offerings. Afterward, relax and ride through the countryside, vineyards, and woods of the property.
Lunch in chateau de Villandry. Afterward, visit the wonderful gardens and chateau de Villandry.
Transfer to Chateau de Gizeux. Dinner and night in chateau de Gizeux.
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Transfer (not included) to TGV Tours Saint Pierre des Corps station. (we will be glad to assist you in making a reservation)
Carleton H.
This trip – Just FAB!
Our Loire Valley trip was wonderful on all fronts: amazing scenery, stunning châteaux, wonderful food, fantastic horses that perfectly matched our ability and preferences, and an engaging and knowledgeable guide. I cannot say enough good things about this trip!
Stacey Adams was also so proactive in helping us understand the changing requirements of traveling during COVID, that we really had no worries at all. Everyone should take this trip – you won’t regret it a moment!