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Pays de la Loire

Overview

The Loire Valley comprises 800 square kilometres along the banks of the Loire River and is often referred to as the Garden of France due to its abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards and fields of artichoke and asparagus. The central part of the Loire Valley was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site …

Highlights

  • Ride up to the glorious chateaux of the Loire
  • Visit spectacular chateaux such as Cheverny & Chambord
  • Ride along the banks of the Loire and through forests
  • Enjoy the delicious local cheeses, wines and delicacies
  • Short breaks available and cyclists welcomed too

Essential Facts

  • 4 itineraries available
  • Max 10 riders per group
  • Average of 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg / 198 lbs / 14 st 2lbs

Description

The Loire Valley comprises 800 square kilometres along the banks of the Loire River and is often referred to as the Garden of France due to its abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards and fields of artichoke and asparagus. The central part of the Loire Valley was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its cultural landscape housing historic cities and villages along with great architectural monuments - its famed chateaux. There are more than 300 chateaux in the region, ranging from those built for defence in the 10th century, up to the splendour of those built half a millennium later.

Our partners for this ride base themselves in the region of Sologne where the notable chateaux within riding distance include Chambord, Villesavin, Beauregard, Chaumont sur Loire, Le Clos Luce, Chenonceau and Cheverny. Your lead guide, Ken, has competed in TREC and carriage driving, with a specialism in natural horsemanship techniques. He is also an equine physiotherapist so you can be assured of happy horses. Sophie, his partner, is responsible for the care and training of the horses and is also an instructor, TREC rider and natural horsemanship advocate. They breed many of their horses and are proud to offer multi-skilled, adaptable, well educated and respectful mounts to their guests. They breed Franches-Montagnes horses (Freiberger), which are renowned for their good temperaments but have also crossed some Arabian blood for increased stamina on long rides.

Trails are available from short weekends up to full week-long journeys. This region is not only known for its sensational architecture and magnificent scenery but is also home to delicious wine, beer, cheese and other local specialities - ride a horse, sip chilled AOC Sancerre or Cheverny wine and perhaps taste the 'Crottin de Chavignol' goats cheese in its home village!

Cyclists are also welcome to join the tours if accompanying a horse rider - we can provide bike rental, maps (paper or smartphone) and luggage transfer, following the same routes as their riding companions.

Horses & Riding

Tack

During these trails, you will ride in good-quality trekking or English-style saddles. These are generally well maintained and comfortable for long hours of riding. The bridles mostly have simple snaffle bits and each guest has their own personal saddle bags to keep things in during the day.

Horses

Your hosts breed Franches-Montagnes horses (Freiberger), which are renowned for their good temperaments, Some have been crossed with Arabians to introduce better stamina for long rides. The results are a selection of level-headed, multi-skilled, adaptable, well educated and respectful homebred horses that your hosts are proud to offer to their guests.

Riding

There are 4 itineraries:

  • Loire Castle Trail is a trail ride
  • Cher Valley Castles & Gastronomy Tour is a based ride
  • Loire Castle Short-Break is a trail ride
  • Loire Weekend Break is a based ride

Ages

Children from 12 years and older are accepted with their parents.

Health

Riders for these trails should have a good level of fitness and be able to spend the full day in the saddle. There are some sections of the trail where it may be necessary to dismount and walk with your horse over some of the more difficult terrains.

Weight

90kg / 198 lbs / 14 st 2lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfasts are taken at the hotels.

Lunches are cold and homemade including mixed salads, local meats, savoury tarts and bread, traditional cheeses etc. Sometimes lunch is eaten as a picnic and sometimes taken in local restaurants.

Dinners are three courses, usually provided by the hotels or at local restaurants and will include plenty of regional specialities.

Drinks are not included and can be paid for locally.

Accommodation

During these rides, you will stay in a selection of 2* and 3* hotels, in double/twin rooms. The exact accommodations will depend on the ride you have booked with some itineraries offering a higher standard of accommodation than others. On some rides, you will change accommodations every night and on others, you will be based from the same hotel, allowing you the luxury to fully unpack and become settled in your room.

Itineraries

Loire Castle Trail Standard accommodation.

Cher Valley Castles & Gastronomy Tour Luxury accommodation.

Loire Castle Short-Break Standard accommodation.

Loire Weekend Break Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

There are plenty of opportunities to visit the castles and gardens that you ride to each day. Visits are optional and entrance fees payable locally, so you can just visit the ones which interest you, or you can visit them all.

Non-riders who are cyclists and wish to hire a bike and meet up with the riders along the way can be accommodated. Please enquire.

Travel

The best way to reach the riding centre is to arrive by train at Blois Chambord Station, which is about 1.5-2 hours from Paris. You can either fly to Paris or take a train through the Channel Tunnel and then board a local service to Chambord. The trains are very reliable and easy to book.

Depending on your chosen itinerary, the meeting point for your ride will either be at a hotel or at the riding centre. Please check with us to be sure where you will need to meet!

Transfers from the train station at set times are available at an additional cost or there is a local taxi service which is available with advance booking.

Testimonials

Manuel R., Aug. 30, 2022

Ken was very nice and made the trip a great experience. My horse was excellent. It was very sensitive and was extremely enjoyable to ride. The equipment was great.


Barbara F., May 30, 2022

It was fantastic! Absolutely perfect and what we had been hoping for and looking forward to, for the last two years!


Diana, May 30, 2022

This holiday was excellent. Ken and Sophie are outstanding hosts. They listened to my concerns about getting a saddle that fitted my long legs and matched me with the perfect saddle on the perfect horse. We spent wonderful long days riding through the beautiful French countryside, stopping for delicious picnic lunches and visiting stunning chateaux along the way. The horses were beautifully trained and bombproof but enjoyed their long trots and canters. For me this was the perfect holiday!


Maria B., Sept. 17, 2021

Amazing, a world class riding holiday. Fantastic environments, landscape and castles, very nice horses, lovely food and wine and the best possible service.


Chelsea B., March 24, 2020

Just like the other two trips we've taken with Far and Ride, this one in Val de Loire was also amazing! Great horses, guides, hosts, food and accommodation! Crystal and I are already planning for another 2020 or 2021 trip. Thank you for everything!


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival earlier evening - transfers from the train station of Blois-Chambord (additional cost) are usually scheduled around 6 - 6.30pm. Dinner and overnight in Courmemin.

Day 2 - Chambord

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Set off on your first ride across the Sologne with its beautiful lakes and forests. After lunch on the banks of the Beuvron in Bracieux, you'll ride to the little XIVth century church of Sainte-Nicaise and your first castle - Chambord. This huge hunting lodge was built by Francois 1st in the XVIth century and is now a French heritage jewel. There is time to visit the castle before remounting the horses to ride to Villesavin castle - here the horses spend the night and you transfer to a hotel in Tour en Sologne for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 - Beauregard

Riding: 4 hours

Start the day by visiting Villesavin castle where the horses have stayed. This small Renaissance castle was once the seat of the Chambord bailiff. Mount your horses and ride to the small XVth century castle of Beauregard for lunch. This castle houses a famous gallery with 327 different portraits of historical characters and walls painted with Lapis Lazuli. After your visit, you ride out of Sologne and into the Touraine region to the village of Ouchamps. Dinner and overnight in Relai des Landes.

Day 4 - Chaumont sur Loire

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Leave Ouchamps and cross the Beuvron in Cande to reach the banks of the Loire river and the majestic castle of Chaumont Sur Loire. The castle was built on the ruins of an old fortress under the orders of the Count of Blois to protect his castle from invasions. After lunch you visit this castle and its famous gardens where you can admire the beautiful stables and circular riding arena. During the afternoon, ride along the banks of the Loire to reach Mosnes. Dinner and overnight in hotel Domaine des Thomeaux.

Day 5 - Le Clos Luce

Riding: 4 hours

Before mounting up this morning, you will take a short drive to visit Le Clos Luce, a gorgeous Renaissance mansion that was the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci - it also houses the Da Vinci Inventions Museum. After your visit, you will continue riding along the Loire banks and for lunch today you stop in Montrichard forest for a tasty picnic. In the afternoon you leave the Loire river and head south to another valley river which is spanned by your guide's favourite castle - Chenonceau. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Chenonceau.

Day 6 - Chenonceau

Riding: 3 hours

This morning you will be able to visit Chenonceau castle and gardens. After lunch, you will enjoy a short ride along the GR du Pays des Chateaux for a back-to-nature afternoon amongst the huge forests of Touraine before riding back to Ouchamps. Dinner and overnight at Relais des Landes.

Day 7 - Cheverny

Riding: 4 hours

Ride out of Touraine and back into the region of Sologne to discover Cheverny castle - the mansion on which Herge modelled Captain Haddock's country house, Marlinspike Hall. There will be some free time to visit before re-mounting to ride through the game breeding parks where you may spot deer or wild boar. You'll be back at the stables for c. 6 pm and your train can depart from c. 7.30 pm. 

Transfers to/from Chambord train station are possible for an extra cost (payable locally).

Experience Experienced

Riders should be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter in open countryside on a forward-going and responsive horse. We would recommend having some previous trail riding experience in order to make the most of this trip.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

March 31, 2023 - April 6, 2023

May 5, 2023 - May 11, 2023

June 9, 2023 - June 15, 2023

June 30, 2023 - July 6, 2023

Sept. 15, 2023 - Sept. 21, 2023

Oct. 13, 2023 - Oct. 19, 2023

Pricing

2023
Rider; Sharing		 £1570 $1975 €1840
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until lunch on departure day, 6 days of riding as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport or local station transfers, drinks, entrance fees to museums and castles, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Extra Hotel Night (shared room) £86 $108 €100 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Per person, half board sharing a twin room
2023 - Extra Hotel Night (single room) £128 $161 €150 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Half board in a single room
2023 - Single Supplement £280 $350 €330
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement is payable unless a sharer is found
2023 - Train Station Transfer €40
Paid locally
Train station transfers are per car, payable locally.
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.

Day 1 - Loire Valley - Château of Chaumont

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Meeting at 8:30 AM at the hotel ready to ride. You will then transfer to meet the horses where you will start your first day of riding toward Chaumont castle. You will admire its beautiful banks, before reaching the castle for lunch. Classified in the UNESCO program, the former Medieval fortress of Chaumont is now a magnificent Renaissance castle overlooking the Loire Valley. Optional visit (about 1h30) following your riding afternoon via l'Ile de la Folie and its little green paths. Dinner and night in Domaine des Thomeaux***

Day 2 - Montrichard forest - Troglodyte cave and wine tasting

Riding: 4 hours

On your second day, you start travelling toward the South East to cross the Montrichard forest. You will enjoy its large sand paths for great trotting and cantering. After having lunch in the heart of the forest, you will leave the Loire Valley to reach the Cher Valley. Cher Valley is known for its beautiful white stone houses and its gently rolling landscape. Your ride ends in Bourré village where your horses will rest. It's now time to enjoy a visit to a troglodyte cave (dug into rocks) where you will learn everything about its history. Your visit will end with a traditional wine and local products tasting in the cave. Car transfer to the restaurant for dinner and night in Domaine des Thomeaux***

Day 3 - Aiguegige Abbaye - Chateau of Montpoupon

Riding: 4 hours

Your third day will take you across the Cher river to reach the Touraine/Indre limit and pays Lochois. You will have lunch at the Aiguevive Abbaye, XIth century vestige, and then get back in the saddle to ride toward the lovely Montpoupon castle in the mid-afternoon. The horses will have a rest here while you will be able to enjoy this little elegant Renaissance castle with its rich amazon collection (about 1h). Night and dinner in Domaine des Thomeaux***

Day 4 - Cher Valley - Chateau of Chenonceau

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

You will mount up at around 9:00 AM this morning, heading West toward the famous Chenonceau castle. Lunch near the banks of the river Cher is followed by an optional visit (about 1h30) to the castle. Chenonceau, often considered the "rock-star" of the Loire Valley, will conquer you with its gorgeous furniture, its lovely gardens and its famous arches over the Cher river. You will be able to admire them one last time before leaving your horses and returning to the hotel. Night and dinner in Domaine des Thomeaux***

Day 5 - Amboise Forest - Chateau of Amboise

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Already it's your last day in the Loire Valley. On the way to meet your horses, you will have the chance to stop at the magnificent royal castle of Amboise for a visit. You will appreciate the beauty and the energy of this former Medieval royal village overlooked by its castle. You will have lunch on the Loire banks before getting back in the saddle to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of this region one last time. You will finish in Rilly at the end of the afternoon. Departure at around 06:30 pm, after a traditional french aperitive (you train should depart 7.30pm or later).

*An extra night of accommodation can be booked for you at an additional charge.

Accommodation

All nights will be spent in twin, double or single rooms at a lovely 3* spa hotel in Amboise.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Riders should be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter in open countryside on a forward-going and responsive horse. We would recommend having some previous trail riding experience in order to make the most of this trip.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

July 10, 2023 - July 14, 2023

July 17, 2023 - July 21, 2023

July 24, 2023 - July 28, 2023

Aug. 7, 2023 - Aug. 11, 2023

Aug. 14, 2023 - Aug. 18, 2023

Aug. 21, 2023 - Aug. 25, 2023

Pricing

2023
Rider; sharing a twin/double room		 £1020 $1285 €1195
Included 4 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from lunch on arrival day until lunch on departure day, 5 days of riding as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport or local station transfers, drinks, entrance fees to museums and castles, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Extra Night (double/twin room) £94 $118 €110
Paid to Far and Ride
Per person; sharing a twin or double room (with dinner and breakfast)
2023 - Extra Night (single room) £137 $172 €160
Paid to Far and Ride
Ssingle room (with dinner and breakfast)
2022 - Single Supplement (4 nights) £137 $172 €160
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable unless a room sharer is found.
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.

Day 1 - Chambord

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

* Please note that you will need to have arrived before 8.30 am on Day 1 of this ride. We recommend taking an early morning train from Paris or arriving the night before and staying at a hotel nearby. Extra nights of accommodation can be organised for you if required (additional costs apply).

Meet the team and your horses at the stables before setting off riding at c. 9.30 am. You will head off across the Sologne and the beautiful lakes and forests of the region. Stop for lunch on the banks of the Beuvron in Bracieux near the little XIVth century church of Sainte Nicaise. After lunch, you reach your first castle - Chambord. This huge hunting lodge was built by Francoise the Ist in the XVIth century and is now one of France's main heritage jewels. Optional visit (1.5hrs) and then ride onto Villesavin castle where the horses stay overnight. Transfer to your hotel in Tour en Sologne.

Day 2 - Beauregard

Riding: 4 hours

Start the day by visiting Villesavin castle where the horses spent the night - this small Renaissance castle was once the seat of power for the bailiff of Chambord. Mount up and ride to Beauregard for lunch. The XVth century Beauregard houses a famous gallery with 327 portraits of historical characters, as well as Lapis Lazuli painted walls. After visiting the castle you remount and leave the Sologne region behind to enter the Touraine and the village of Ouchamps. Dinner and night in Relais des Landes.

Day 3 - Chaumont Sur Loire

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Leave Ouchamps to cross the Beuvron in Cande and reach the banks of the Loire and the majestic castle of Chaumont sur Loire. Chaumont Sur Loire was built on the ruins of an old fortress on the orders of the count of Blois to protect his castle from invasions. After lunch, you can visit the castle and gardens and admire the beautiful stables and circular riding arena. In the afternoon you ride along the Loire to reach Mosnes where you overnight in Domaine des Thomeaux.

Day 4 - Le Clos Luce

Riding: 4 hours

Before mounting up this morning, you will take a short drive to visit Le Clos Luce, a gorgeous Renaissance mansion that was the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci - it also houses the Da Vinci Inventions Museum. After your visit, you will ride through Montrichard forest where you will stop in a beautiful place for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon you will remount and head south away from the Loire and into another valley, ending at your guide's favourite castle - Chenonceau. There may be some time to visit the castle before your departure at 7 pm. (We recommend adding an extra night of accommodation so you don't have to depart straight after this, but you can take a train this evening if you prefer - trains should depart 7.30pm or later).

Accommodation

You stay in 2 or 3 hotels with private bathrooms. Most of these hotels also have swimming pools, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Riders should be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter in open countryside on a forward-going and responsive horse. We would recommend having some previous trail riding experience in order to make the most of this trip.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

April 1, 2023 - April 4, 2023

May 6, 2023 - May 9, 2023

June 10, 2023 - June 13, 2023

July 1, 2023 - July 4, 2023

July 1, 2023 - July 4, 2023

Aug. 5, 2023 - Aug. 8, 2023

Aug. 5, 2023 - Aug. 8, 2023

Sept. 16, 2023 - Sept. 19, 2023

Oct. 14, 2023 - Oct. 17, 2023

Pricing

2023
Rider; Sharing		 £935 $1175 €1095
Included 3 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from lunch on arrival day until lunch on departure day, 4 days of riding as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport or local station transfers, drinks, entrance fees to museums and castles, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Extra Hotel Night; Arrival day (shared room) £77 $97 €90 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Per person; sharing a twin (with dinner and breakfast)
2023 - Extra Hotel Night; Arrival Day (single room) £128 $161 €150 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Single room (with dinner and breakfast)
2023 - Extra Hotel Night; Departure day (shared room) £94 $118 €110 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Per person; sharing a twin (with dinner and breakfast)
2023 - Extra Hotel Night; Departure Day (single room) £137 $172 €160
Paid to Far and Ride
Single room (with dinner and breakfast)
2023 - Single Supplement £141 $177 €165
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable unless a sharer is found.
2023 - Train Station Transfer €40
Paid locally
Transfers from the train station are per car, payable locally.
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.

Day 1

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

* Please note that you will need to have arrived by 8:30 am on Day 1 of this ride. We recommend taking an early morning train from Paris or arriving the night before and staying at a hotel nearby. Extra nights of accommodation can be organised for you if required (additional costs apply).

The itinerary will be fairly flexible depending on your preferences and what is available at the time of your visit. Generally speaking, each morning you will ride to a castle, where you can stop for a picnic lunch and have the option to visit the castle on foot before riding back to your guesthouse for dinner in the evening. 

On a 2 night/3 day stay, three of the following castles will be visited, whilst on a 1 night/2 day stay, two of the following castles:

- Cheverny: the mansion on which Herge modelled Captain Haddock's country house, Marlinspike Hall.
- Chambord: the biggest and most prestigious castle in the Loire valley
- Villesavin: the Chambord bailiff's seat in the sixteenth century
- Le Moulin: a magnificent and little known, miniature private castle, home to the Strawberry Museum

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

On the final day, you will ride to visit a different castle that you have not had a chance to see yet. At the end of the day, you return to the stables at around 6:30 pm and your train can depart from around 7:30 pm. For those who wish, we can book an additional nights accommodation (at extra cost) if you wish to depart at a more leisurely time the next morning.

Accommodation

You will spend the night at a comfortable 3* hotel.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Riders should be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter in open countryside on a forward-going and responsive horse. We would recommend having some previous trail riding experience in order to make the most of this trip.
Minimum group size 3
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

April 8, 2023 - April 10, 2023

April 22, 2023 - April 23, 2023

April 29, 2023 - May 1, 2023

May 13, 2023 - May 14, 2023

May 27, 2023 - May 29, 2023

June 3, 2023 - June 4, 2023

June 24, 2023 - June 25, 2023

Sept. 23, 2023 - Sept. 24, 2023

Oct. 7, 2023 - Oct. 8, 2023

Oct. 21, 2023 - Oct. 22, 2023

Pricing

2023
3 days/2 night programme, sharing		 £445 $560 €525
2023
2 days/1 night programme, sharing		 £295 $375 €350
Included Accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from lunch on arrival day until lunch on departure day, riding as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport or local station transfers, drinks, entrance fees to museums and castles, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Extra Hotel Night (shared room) £86 $108 €100 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Sharing a Twin/Double room (with dinner and breakfast)
2023 - Extra Hotel Night (single room) £128 $161 €150 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Single room (with dinner and breakfast)
2023 - Set-time Train Station Transfers €40
Paid locally
Transfers from the train station at set times are per car, payable locally.
2023 - Single Supplement £34 $43 €40 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room, unless a sharer is found.
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.