Horseback Riding in France
JEWELS OF THE LOIRE - BEAULIEU TO VILLANDRY
(Formerly SAUMUR to VILLANDRY) |
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 gallops through some of the old hunting preserves of the French nobility, and you follow tracks through bucolic farmland and vineyards. Staying in smaller, private chateaux and manor houses contributes to the spirit of the adventure.
I have travelled extensively and I have to say that I was blown away by some of the places we stayed. The personal welcome by the hosts, the tours of their homes, the jaw-dropping beauty of the rooms were outstanding. I love history, so was enthralled to hear about historical events which took place there. It was as if the French Revolution was a few years ago. I appreciated very much the care and attention that (the guide) took to provide us with lodging that had character. The riding was very interesting as we passed through many different types of countryside, and a highlight was the wine tasting in a troglodyte cave. Another: cantering beside the river(s).
- Mary - Sept 2011
Thank you thousand times for you, your horses and the magnifique excursion!! I would like return one day.
- Chie - July 2011
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive from the TGV train station in Saumur to Château de Beaulieu at Saumur between 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Enjoy an aperitif and discussion of the week ahead which will start at 7:00 pm, followed by dinner at 7:30 pm. You will spend two nights here. |
| Day 2: | AM – Ride about two hours from Chateau de Beaulieu, along vineyards to Champigny troglodyte cellar, with magnificent views of the Chateau of Saumur. Arrive on horseback into the troglodyte cellar... an unforgettable experience! There will be a Champigny wine tasting in troglodyte cellar, followed by a gourmet lunch in a local restaurant.
PM – Continue riding in 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". Return to Chateau de Beaulieu by car for dinner and the night. |
| Day 3: | AM – Today ride to Chateau de Brézé by the vineyards, and picturesque countryside. Enjoy lunch in the old stables of Château de Brézé, followed by a guided visit of the château.
PM – In the afternoon continue on through vineyards and woods to Abbaye de Fontevraud. Arrive inside the Abbaye on horseback which is an unforgettable experience, and arranged specially for this group. Have a visit of the Abbaye with the tombs of Eleanor of Aquitane, Henry II of England, and their son, Richard the Lion Heart. Dinner and night at Domaine de Mestré at Fontevraud. |
| Day 4: | AM - Ride in French traditional countryside to Chateau de la Roche Martel, a private and historical chateau where you are welcomed by the owners for a picnic and visit.
PM – Travel through countryside and woods to the private Chateau de Ternay, with cordial welcome by Count and Countess of Ternay. Enjoy dinner and night in Chateau de Ternay. |
| Day 5: | AM - Ride in the Chinon forest to Chateau d'Ussé; the sleeping beauty chateau. Lunch in Ussé.
PM - About two hours ride to Azay le Rideau with unforgettable long canters along the Indre River, and through woods and orchards. Visit of the gardens of Château de la Chatonière followed by the night in a medieval hotel of Chinon. |
| Day 6: | AM – Today’s destination is Chateau de Villandry; ride through the French countryside and woods to Chateau Villandry, which is known for its famous gardens.
PM - Visit of the beautiful gardens of the chateau, followed by transfer to Chateau de Gizeux for dinner and overnight where you will be welcomed by the family of the chateau. |
| Day 7: | Departure from Chateau de Gizeux after breakfast. Transfer (not included) to Tours Saint Pierre des Corps TGV station. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Saumur |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 4 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-8 |
| Riding Per Day | 2 - 5 hours |
| Pace | Moderate to fast |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Mixed breeds |
| Weight Limit | 205 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | May 20-26, Sept 9-15 |
| 2012 Price | $2,935 |
| Single Supplement | $660 |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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