Day 1
Riding: No riding.
Arrival at Montrichard train station in time for group transfer, strictly at 6.30 pm, to the hotel you will be spending the night in. Those arriving by car are welcome to arrive in Pontlevoy earlier in the afternoon and can spend some time resting or exploring the town.
Dinner and overnight at l'Auberge de l'Ecole in Pontlevoy (or similar hotel nearby).
Day 2
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Following breakfast, it will be time for a short briefing and an introduction to the horses. The morning will see you riding toward the village of Fougères-sur-Bièvre where a tasty lunch awaits you at the foot of the village's fortified castle. The structure was built in the late 15th century. In the afternoon you will head toward the beautifully furnished chateau of Cheverny - which will also welcome you to visit within its walls. The castle has been owned by the same family for seven centuries.
Dinner and overnight will be at the hotel l'Agriculture in Tour de Sologne (or similar).
Day 3
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
In the morning, you will meet your horses and ride toward Chambord where you will enjoy a tasty picnic lunch. Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire area. Its architectural achievements are unmatched in this region; a wonder of elegance in the heart of an extensive natural forest reserve spanning approx. 13,850 acres. In the afternoon you will have a chance to visit the castle before riding on to the Villesavin castle (16th century), which has been very well preserved through the centuries.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel de Cygne (or similar) in Bracieux.
Day 4
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Today you will ride through the forest of Chambord to the castle of Beauregard where you can enjoy your picnic. The castle was built under King François I and was a former hunting lodge of Chambord. Beauregard has always been famous thanks to its gallery of 327 portraits of well-known characters from the French courts amongst other remarkable qualities. You will be able to visit the castle before riding on to Candé-dur-Beuvron.
Dinner and overnight at l'Hostellerie di Chateux in Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Day 5
Riding: 3 - 5 hours
Today you will enjoy a leisurely morning ride along the banks of the Loire river, heading towards the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire. This charming place has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status and is well known for its feudal fortress, constructed in the late 15th century, which overlooks the village and the whole valley below. Following a picnic lunch close to the castle, there will then be time for a visit in the afternoon. The castle was the subject of an argument between Queen Catherine de Médicis and her rival Diane de Poitiers, mistress of King Henri II. A feature not to be missed is the grand stables, built in the 19th century and considered at the time to be the most luxurious in all of Europe. In the afternoon you will enjoy a short ride across the Sudais forest in order to reach your overnight stop.
Dinner and overnight at L'Hostellerie du Château in Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Day 6
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
The ride today takes you further along the Loire river and past one of its many small beaches. You will then turn up the hill, through vineyards and over fields of cereal crop. Eventually, you will reach Amboise where you will eat today's picnic and can visit the castle. The 15th century was a time of great wealth for Amboise with the kings Louis XI, Charles VIII and François I all adding to the embellishment of the castle and its surrounding village. In the afternoon, you will cross the forest of Amboise to reach Saint Martin le Beau where your host family, which manages the hotel and the family restaurant, receives you to taste their wines typical of Touraine and Montlouis.
Dinner and overnight at hotel le Pigeonnier in Saint Martin le Beau.
Day 7
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
After breakfast, you will head down into the Cher Valley, where you will be able to enjoy some long canters along the river. Eventually, you will reach the magnificent castle of Chenonceau built on the Cher river. Named "Château des Dames" (Castle of the Ladies) it was originally built at the beginning of the 16th century by Catherine Briçonnet. The castle has been famously held and refurbished by many great French female personalities including Diane de Poitier (mistress of King Henri II), Catherine de Médicis (Queen and widow of Henri II), Louise de Lorraine, Madame Dupin and Madame Pelouze. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the grounds and a short visit of the castle. In the early afternoon, you will leave the banks of the Cher to arrive for the evening in the town of Pontlevoy.
Dinner and overnight at l'Auberge de l'Ecole in Pontlevoy (or similar hotel nearby).
Day 8
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast, you will be transferred together to the train station for your onward travel or to make your way home. (later transfers will not be possible).
* Please note that this is an example itinerary and riding days may be adjusted to accommodate changes in weather, security, technical criteria and other unforeseeable circumstances, at your guides discretion.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.