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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

  • 3 itineraries available
  • Max 10 riders per group
  • Average of 3 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 3 itineraries:

  • Loire Castle Trail is a trail ride
  • Chambord to Chenonceaux Luxury Tour is a trail ride
  • Loire Luxury Weekend 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.

Chambord to Chenonceaux Luxury Tour Luxury accommodation.

Loire Luxury Weekend Luxury 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.

The meeting point for each ride is specified in the separate itineraries, but please check with us to be sure where you will need to meet!

Riders arriving by train can book a local taxi (available with advanced booking) to take them to the specified meeting point for their ride. No transfers will be organised by the hosts.

Testimonials

Kylene H., Nov. 13, 2023

I had so much fun. The horses were excellent. The tour guide was great. (Favourite memory?) Riding up to Château Chambord. I LOVED my horse Lili


Alison S., Sept. 28, 2023

It was just the perfect amount of serenity and adventure. The ride was beautiful and the history was enthralling. The food was top notch and all accommodations were outstanding. Every horse on this ride was very well trained, very well cared for and very easy to get along with. He (Ken) and his wife are attentive, appear genuinely interested in the riders. Both were jovial and were very detail oriented.


Arielle S., Aug. 11, 2023

Riding through the Loire Valley and arriving each day at a new chateau was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This ride was definitely a core memory! The accommodations and food during the trip far exceeded my expectations. The food especially should be highlighted more in the marketing for this trip, it was really good food, and the accommodations were very clean and comfortable.


Paige M., July 19, 2023

The holiday was wonderful! A great ride with a great guide and fun friends! To be honest, I am having a hard time picking a favorite memory. I really enjoyed the entire trip! The horses and hosts were great! I enjoyed riding the trails, visiting each chateaux, and all of the accommodations!


Nansi S., July 19, 2023

It was amazing. The scenery was beautiful and the horses were perfect. Our hosts took greatcare of us and made every day special.


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.

Guests are asked to arrive at the hotel in Maslives between the hours of 3-6 p.m. A welcome drink and orientation will be held together with your guide at 7 p.m. sharp. Dinner and overnight at the hotel La Clef des Chateaux***

Day 2 - Chambord

Riding: 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 14th century church of Sainte-Nicaise and your first castle - Chambord. This stunning castle and hunting lodge was built by Francis 1st in the 15Ith 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 will head back to La Clef des Chateaux*** for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 - Beauregard

Riding: 4 hours

Start the day by riding to Beauregard, a little XVth century castle where you will stop and enjoy your lunch. Along the way, you enjoy good canters and beautiful forest of Russy. Beauregard houses a famous gallery with 327 different portraits of historical characters, including Lapis Lazuli painting walls.

After spending about an hour here, you will have a gentle afternoon ride leaving the Sologne to enter Touraine region and reach the village of Ouchamps.

Dinner and night in Relais des Landes****

Dinner and overnight in Relais des Landes****.

Day 4 - Fougères sur Bièvre

Riding: 4 hours

Today you will start your ride through the countryside to reach Fougères village by the end of the morning. Built in 15th century by Pierre De Refuge, treasurer of king Louis XI, this gorgeous castle offers a Medieval-Renaissance mix of architecture, which is very unique in the Loire Valley. You'll have about an hour to visit on foot followed by lunch in front of the castle. The afternoon will be spent on horseback riding through the Touraine vineyards to reach Ouchamps where the horses will rest tonight.

Night and dinner in Relais des Landes**** again tonight.

Day 5 - Chaumont sur Loire

Riding: 4 hours

Leaving Ouchamps you will cross the Beuvron in Candé and reach the Loire banks with the majestic castle of Chaumont sur Loire watching over. Indeed, Chaumont sur Loire was built on the ruins of an old fortress by the count of Blois, the position ideal provide a high vantage point over the valley and to protect the castle from invasions. A lunch stop will be followed by a visit of the castle and its famous gardens (about an 1h 30mins). Discover the beautifully preserved stables and its circle riding arena. You will ride through the afternoon along the Loire banks to reach Mosnes.

Dinner and night in Domaine des Thomeaux*** or Clos d'Amboise****.

Day 6 - Clos Lucé

Riding: 4 hours

You start your day by visiting the magnificent Clos Lucé castle on foot. This gorgeous Renaissance mansion was the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci. It also houses Da Vinci's inventions museum. After your visit, you leave the Loire river behind you and ride through the Touraine countryside, heading south. Lunch will be in the lovely village of Souvigny followed by another ride to reach Cher river spanned by maybe one of the favorite castles of the region: Chenonceau.

Dinner and night in Domaine des Thomeaux*** or Clos d'Amboise****.

Day 7 - Chenonceau

Riding: 4 hours

Your final riding day starts with visiting the Chenonceau castle and gardens at opening time, avoiding the crowd (you will have around 1h 30mins to visit). You will ride along the "GR du Pays des Chateaux" and Cher riverbanks to enjoy the magnificent view of Chenonceau arches on horseback. Enjoy a country lunch in Chisseaux, before your last afternoon ride toward Montrichard and amazing views of the bastillon where you will end your ride around 6:00 PM.

Transfer back to Maslives for your last dinner and night in la Clef des Chateaux***.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

Enjoy your final breakfast before departing for your onward journey.

Accommodation

Charming 3 and 4 star hotels, sharing twin or double rooms (single supplement payable unless a sharer can be found) with high quality restaurants. Some hotels have swimming pools and/or spas.
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

April 25, 2025 - May 1, 2025

May 23, 2025 - May 29, 2025

May 30, 2025 - June 5, 2025

July 4, 2025 - July 10, 2025

July 20, 2025 - July 26, 2025

Sept. 1, 2025 - Sept. 7, 2025

Oct. 3, 2025 - Oct. 9, 2025

June 12, 2026 - June 19, 2026

June 29, 2026 - July 6, 2026

July 24, 2026 - July 31, 2026

Aug. 3, 2026 - Aug. 10, 2026

Aug. 31, 2026 - Sept. 7, 2026

Pricing

2025
Rider, sharing		 £1875 $2490 €2190
2026
Rider, Sharing		 £2135 $2830 €2490
Included 7 nights (2026) / 6 nights (2025) 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

2025 - Single Supplement £280 $375 €330
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement is payable unless a sharer is found
2026 - Single Supplement £385 $510 €450
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement is payable 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.

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Arrive at Chateau de La Borde****, 4 star hotel for a ride briefing and gourmet dinner. You are welcome to arrive between 15:00 & 18:00, you will meet your hosts for an aperitif at 19:00.

The nearest train station for arrival is Blois-Chambord.

Day 2 - Chambord

Riding: 3 hours

In the morning you meet the horses and start your ride from Chambord along the "Grand Canal" with its spectacular view of the chateau. Enjoy the beautiful sand paths of the Boulogne and Chambord forest before heading back to Chateau de Chambord on horseback.

After lunch at Chambord you take a walking visit of the chateau which is one of the largest and most magnificent of the Loire castles. It was ordered by Francis the 1st and completed in 1519.

Gourmet dinner and night at Chateau de la Borde**** as on the first night.

Day 3 - Beauregard - Cheverny

Riding: 3 hours

Ride through the Boulogne forest to enter the chateau of Beauregard through the front gate - an unforgettable experience! Visit the chateau with its famous "Gallerie des Illustres" which is intact since the 17th century. Enjoy a gourmet picnic with foie gras at Chateau Beauregard.

After lunch mount up and leave Beauregard behind to ride through countryside to the Cheverny region with its famous vineyards. Visit the Chateau de Cheverny with its gorgeous Renaissance furnitures before heading to Relais des Trois Chateaux**** or Relais de Landes**** for dinner and to overnight.

Day 4 - Fougeres - Chaumont sur Loire

Riding: 3 hours

Ride through the countryside of Sologne towards the well preserved chateau of Fougeres sur Bievre. This little castle is one of the rare examples which still has medieval inspirations. Visit the chateau before taking lunch in a restaurant in Fougeres sur Bievre.

After lunch it's a short ride through the Sologne-Touraine border towards the chateau of Chaumont sur Loire. Visit the chateau and its famous international garden festival.

Overnight and dinner at the charming manor Domaine des Thomeaux*** which also has a spa or Le Clos d'Amboise****.

Day 5 - Chaumont sur Loire - Amboise

Riding: 3 hours

Start your day on the banks of the Loire, just under Chaumont sur Loire castle and ride alongside the river with its beautiful biodiversity classified in UNESCO's World Inheritance. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Mosnes - a charming village "tourangeau".

Your final ride this afternoon is to Chateau Amboise with a special arrival through "La porte des Lions" which was the medieval king's gate! Here you say a fond farewell to your horses.

Gourmet dinner and overnight in hotel Chateau de Noizay*****.

Day 6 - Clos Luce and Chenonceau

Riding: 2 hours

You start your last day with a lovely ride on the banks of the Cher and it's amazing view on Chenonceau Chateau's famous arches. You will then enjoy a visit of the castle and it's glorious interiors followed by lunch in the Orangerie.

In the afternoon you will have free time to wander in Amboise to visit the lovely chateau of Clos Luce, the last home of Leornardo daVinci or perhaps the gift shops in the old town. Say farewell to your guide and then enjoy a last gourmet dinner and night at hotel Chateau de Noizay*****.

A final gourmet dinner and overnight at the Hotel le Choiseuil as the previous night.

Day 7 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast at your hotel you're free to depart (transfers not included). Your nearest train stations for departure are Amboise or Saint Pierre des Corps.

Accommodation

6 nights in luxurious hotels close to the castles you'll be visiting. Comfortable refined twin/double rooms with private bathrooms. Single rooms available on request.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be at least an intermediate rider, comfortable in all paces in the outdoors. You should be able to rise to the trot, take a forward seat in canter, have soft hands and ride in good balance. There are no fast gallops but some lovely long canters.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

May 4, 2025 - May 10, 2025

May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025

June 22, 2025 - June 28, 2025

July 13, 2025 - July 19, 2025

Aug. 3, 2025 - Aug. 9, 2025

Sept. 7, 2025 - Sept. 13, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025 - Sept. 20, 2025

Oct. 12, 2025 - Oct. 18, 2025

Oct. 19, 2025 - Oct. 25, 2025

April 19, 2026 - April 25, 2026

May 3, 2026 - May 9, 2026

May 10, 2026 - May 16, 2026

May 31, 2026 - June 6, 2026

June 21, 2026 - June 27, 2026

July 12, 2026 - July 18, 2026

July 19, 2026 - July 25, 2026

Aug. 10, 2026 - Aug. 16, 2026

Sept. 6, 2026 - Sept. 12, 2026

Sept. 13, 2026 - Sept. 19, 2026

Oct. 11, 2026 - Oct. 17, 2026

Pricing

2025
Rider, Sharing		 £3190 $4230 €3720
2026
Rider, Sharing		 £3420 $4535 €3990
Included 6 nights twin/double room accommodation in charming hotels, all gourmet meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, 2 glasses of wine per meal, 5 days of riding, all castle visits as described, professional guides.
Not included Flights/trains, airport/railway station transfers, additional drinks, personal expenses, tips, insurance.

Extras

2025 - Single Supplement £680 $905 €795
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room.
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 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Arrival to hotel, Chateau de La Borde, by 6 pm in time for a ride briefing and gourmet dinner. You will spend the night at Chateau de La Borde****

Day 2 - Chateau Chambord

Riding: 3 hours

Meet the horses and start your ride from Chambord along the Grand Canal with its spectacular view of the magnificent Château. You will enjoy the beautiful sandy paths of Boulogne and the Chambord forest estate before coming back to Château de Chambord on horseback as the Royals would have once done!

Enjoy lunch in Chambord. Followed by a visit of the Chateau on foot. Chambord is the largest and the most magnificent of all Loire Valley castles, ordered by Francis the 1st and finished in 1519.

this evening you will enjoy another gourmet dinner and night at Chateau de La Borde****

Day 3 - Chateaux Beauregard & Cheverny

Riding: 3 hours

After breakfast today you will meet the horses and begin the ride to chateau de Beauregard through the Boulogne forest. You have the privilege to enter by the front gate of the chateau: truly an unforgettable experience! You will have some free time to visit of chateau de Beauregard on foot and its famous "Gallerie des illustres" which has remained intact since the 17th century. A tasty gourmet picnic will be set up for you in chateau de Beauregard when you are done.

After lunch you will leave the chateau of Beauregard on horseback heading through the countryside to reach Cheverny region and its famous vineyards. On arrival you will have time to visit the Château de Cheverny and its gorgeous Renaissance furnitures.
A final gourmet dinner and night in Chateau de La Borde****

Day 4 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

Breakfast in La Borde followed by your free departure. Transfers (not included) for Blois-Chambord train station.

Accommodation

You will spend the night at a magnificent 4* 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 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

May 16, 2025 - May 19, 2025

June 27, 2025 - June 27, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025 - Oct. 13, 2025

Pricing

2025
rider; sharing		 £1705 $2260 €1990
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.
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.