Horseback Riding in France
JEWELS OF THE LOIRE - CHEVERNY TO CHENONCEAU |
France is ideally suited for riding tours and is the country where the idea got its start and is most highly developed. 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 canters through some of the old hunting preserves of the French nobility, and you follow tracks through picturesque countryside of bucolic farmland and vineyards. The accommodations and food are wonderful, the trails and scenery unforgettable, and the opportunity to do it all on horseback makes this truly unique experience.
It was a wonderful experience, not only for the horses and riding, which was excellent, but for the journey to heart of the Loire, including such wonderful experiences of the local people, history and culture. Our guide was wonderful in every way. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and certainly hope to do another ride one day with (this guide). Thank you for a most memorable holiday and experience.
- Helen - Sept 2011
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive at Château du Breuil near Cheverny by 6:30 pm. Enjoy and aperitif and discussion of the week ahead precisely at 7:00 pm, followed by dinner at 8:00 pm. You will stay in this lovely setting for 3 nights |
| Day 2: | AM – Ride to Château de Beauregard by the Russy forest where you have the unforgettable experience of riding into the front entrance of the chateau. Enjoy a visit of the chateau followed by a picnic lunch.
PM – Continue on to Château Cheverny through the countryside and Cheverny vineyards where you will have a visit of the chateau. Transfer to Château du Breuil for a gourmet dinner and overnight. |
| Day 3: | Ride for about 3 hours this morning through the countryside and Boulogne forest, arriving at Château de Chambord for lunch in the stable of the chateau.
PM – Enjoy a horse show after lunch followed by a visit of this very special chateau. Tonight, another wonderful dinner at Château du Breuil. There will be a Night Show in Château de Blois or Chambord in season. |
| Day 4: | After breakfast at Château du Breuil, a free day in Blois, or where you prefer. Transfer to Château de I’Isle near Chenonceau at 6:00 pm. There will be a briefing followed by dinner and night at Château de I’Isle.
Departure after breakfast for riders doing the four day itinerary only. |
| Day 5: | AM – A short ride from Château de I’Isle to Chenonceau for a visit of the château and gardens. Lunch in Château Chenonceau.
PM – Visit of the caves, cellar and wine museum with wine tasting. Return to Château de I’Isle for dinner and overnight. |
| Day 6: | AM – Ride about two hours from Château de I’Isle along the Cher River and in Amboise forest to Pagode de Chanteloup. Visit of the Pagode old fashioned outdoor games. Picnic with foie gras in the gardens of the Pagode.
PM – Ride on to Château d’Amboise where you will have a guided visit of the chateau. Enjoy a wonderful dinner in fantastic Château de Pray of Amboise and special night show at Château de Chenonceau in season. Overnight at Château de I’Isle. |
| Day 7: | Departure after breakfast at Château de l'Isle. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Blois |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 4 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-8 |
| Riding Per Day | 2 - 4 1/2 hours |
| Pace | Moderate |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Mixed breeds |
| Weight Limit | 205 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | June 24-30 (FULL), July 8-14 (FULL), Aug 19-25, Oct 7-13
A 4 day 3 night itinerary is also possible these weeks. |
| 2012 Price | $2,935 |
| Single Supplement | $905 |
| Transfers | At riders expense |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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