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This
riding tour leads you around and inside some of the
most famous Loire castles: Saumur, Abbaye de
Fontevraud and Chinnon.
Guided by local guides, you will enjoy the pleasure of riding in all
the beautiful landscapes of the Loire valley, and will have the
privilege to enter on horseback to the doors of the castles. This tour
give you the time and the pleasure to visit each castle: Sometimes with
a guided visit, other times including a garden festival, a horseshow, a
wine tasting or a visit on your own. This tour lets you taste and
experience the French "art de vivre" :
You will stay 3 nights in the same private castle, have dinner with the
owners, taste the gastronomy from the Heart of France in gourmet
restaurants, enjoy picnics with foie gras, and discover several shows in
castles at night. Tailor made, this luxury program is limited to
8riders.
 IT-LOESC-2
Included: 5 nights accommodations in
different private castles or manor houses, all meals with
wine, 2 riding days (4-6 hours per day), all entrance fees and evening
shows.
4 days/ 3 nights $ 1,475
Single:
+$465
-- based on € 1,025 / € 325
2008 Dates:
04/30-05/03
(#1)
05/11-05/14
(#4)
05/14-05/17
(#5)
06/08-06/11
(#4)
06/11-06/14
(#5)
06/22-06/25
(#1)
06/25-06/28
(#2)
07/13-07/16
(#4)
07/16-07/19
(#5)
09/07-09/10
(#1)
09/10-09/13
(#2)
10/05-10/08
(#1)
availability & reservation
IT-LOESC-2
... More Castles of the Loire
# 3 = 1 + 2 and # 6= 4 + 5:
6 days/ 6 nights $ 2,845
Single:
+$925
-- based on € 1,996 / €
645
05/11-05/17 (#6)
06/08-06/14 (#6)
06/22-06/28 (#3) 07/13-07/19
(#6)
08/07-08/13 (#3) 08/17-08/23
(#6)09/07-09/13 (#3)
Meeting: # 1,3: Blois
# 2: Amboise # 4,5,6: Saumur
Airport: Paris
Transfer: 15 minute taxi ride from Blois,
or Saumur (not included)
Shuttle service from Paris airport $335
per car (pay locally)
Level:
Good novice to good intermediate
according to the groups riding level ... for Itineraries 5:
Intermediate+
Tack:
English, one Western
Horses: French, Spanish and Anglo Arabian -- Itin. 4,5 and 6: Arabian
Pace : Moderate, long trots canters, 4-6 saddle hours per day
Min/Max Riders: 4-8
Small group supplement:
2-3 riders only:
+ ~$385 pp
(€ 295)
Note: entrance fees to the castles and wine with meals (limited)
are included.
#1 Castles of Chambord ...
#2 Castles of Chenonceau
#3 Chambord + Chenonceau
#4 Castles of Saumur
#5 Castles of Chinon
#6 Combo of Saumur + Chinon
... #6 = 5 riding days - staying in 5
different chateaux
Accommodations:
Accommodations are in private castles where the owners still live in
and will be your host; it is a very personal and authentic way with a
feel for the local culture - all of the located close to the castles
that are visited. They offer a breathtaking outlook over the Loire
Valley and its history of the 18th century Renaissance. You will
enjoy the magic of old-stoned dwellings, of hundred-year-old trees, and
of the Lords' authentic and cordial welcome...
Horses:
For these Loire trips we use a number of different breeds from
Selle Français, Spanish, to
Arabian and Carmarge. These horses
are quiet and generous. They are the dreamlike companions of your
emotions and discoveries. Excursions are coached by a state certificated
staff. You need to be able to maintain at least long posting trots and
canters.
Itinerary
1
Chambord - Villesavin - Beauregard - Chaumont-sur-Loire
(or Cheverny)
Day 1 Arrival at the chateau near Chambord - We
meet and have dinner together - briefing of the ride
Day 2 Chambord - Villesavin
After a good breakfast, we leave the château on horseback to Chambord
direct by the forest. We ride first in the countryside, then through the
forest of Boulogne - a good time of rising trot and canters. After 2
hours we enter in the parc of Chambord and have a good ride along the
old wall of Chambord. Then Charles IX trail bring us straight to the
Chambord castle. We leave the horses at the Maréchal de Saxe écuries
where they are watered and fed. We view the historical horseshow (45
minutes). After a lunch with local food, we leave at around 3:30 PM to
Villesavin. At 5.00 we visit Villesavin - a Renaissance castle which
tends towards a certain classicism. The simplicity of its façade is
dazzlingly graceful and harmonious. We leave at 6 PM to ride back to our
accommodation. Gourmet dinner at 8 PM with the owners.
Day 3:
Beauregard to Chaumont surLoire
After a good night sleep we enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the
18thcentury dinning room in front of the fireplace. Around 10 AM we
leave on horseback through forests paths in the Forest of Russy for a
one hour ride with trots. We enter in the castle of Beauregard by the
main entrance. Royal ! We visit the famous Galerie des Illustres which
displays the painting portrays of 320 great figures of the court and
high-ranking foreign characters gathered around the two portrays of the
King and the Queen. This long room has kept its beautiful old Delft
tiles and its ceiling painted with lapis-lazuli powder. We leave
Beauregard for a nice ride in Russy forest (trot, canter, gallops) to
our picnic with foie gras in the forest. Afternoon ride of 3 hours along
the Beuvron and the Loire to Chaumont sur Loire and his very famous
international garden festival which we visit. Evening dinner in a top
restaurant of Blois and night show in Blois castle. Night in our chateau
Day 4: Departure after breakfast
Itinerary 2
Chenonceau - Chateau de Nitray - Pagode de Chanteloup - Amboise
Day 1 Arrival at the chateau near Chenonceau -
We meet and have dinner together - briefing of the ride.
Day 2 Chenonceau to Nitray
After breakfast we leave at 9.30 AM on horseback for a first
marvelous ride to the south bank of the CherRiver, Discover Chenonceau
across the river. Arriving at 11:30 at Chenonceau, we leave the horses
and make our way to visit the Chenonceau castle and have lunch. Through
the very location and conception of the Chenonceau castle emerges a
feminine influence that makes it so peculiar. We leave around 2 PM for a
superb ride along the river Cher to Chateau de Nitray. We enter on
horseback and visit the outside of the castle's very fine renaissance
architecture, the rose gar-den, and the newly restored dove cot. We then
visit the caves and wine cellar and museum rounded off with wine
tasting. Evening gourmet dinner at our castle accommodation.
Day 3
Pagode de Chanteloup - Amboise
We leave around 10:00AM our castle to Pagode de Chanteloup for a 2 hour
ride in the countryside, vineyards, and the Amboise forest. A great
picnic with foie gras and cordial welcome wait for us in front of the
pagode. Only remaining vestige of the sumptuous castle built by the Duke
of Choiseul, minister of Louis XV after the model of Versailles. We
leave at 3:00 PM after the visit of the Pagode of Chanteloup for a short
ride through the forest and Amboise; ride in front of the last place of
Leonardo da Vinci: Le clos Lucé and arrive on horseback by the majestic
old enter of Amboise castle. Magic! We have a private guided visit of
the Amboise castle. Evening gourmet dinner outside in Château de Pray
and night show at Chenonceau - overnight in our chateau.
Day 4
Departure after breakfast |
see
slide show
Chambord
Chaumont sur Loire
Chateau de Chenonceau
Accommodations:
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Itinerary 4
Champigny - Brézé -
Montsoreau
- Fontevraud
Day 1 Arrival at the B&B au château near
Saumur. Diner and briefing in B&B castle.
Day 2 : Champigny cellar -
Chateau de Brézé
This morning we set off from our B&B, passing the
local vineyards and magnificent views of the Saumaur
château until we reach the Champigny troglodyte
(cave) cellar where we partake of an unforgettable
wine tasting. Represented are some of the most
illustrious labels from this great wine producing
region. Following the wine tasting we gather for a
gourmet lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the
afternoon we ride another two hours along the
Champigny vineyards and along the forest to Chateau
de Brézé –a Renaissance moated castle (restored).
Stop for a visit of the chateau. Gourmet dinner and
night at the B&B castle.
Day 3 : Chateau de
Montsoreau -Abaye de Fontevraud
Travelling through the scenic countryside of
vineyards, we ride this morning from our B&B to the
banks of the Loire River and the impressive Château
de Montsoreau. The 15th century Château of
Montsoreau, between Fontevraud and Saumur, has
preserved its fortress-like character. Lunch will
be on a barge on the Loire River in front of the
Chateau. In the afternoon, we carry on riding in
the vineyards and through the Fontevraud forest.
Descent, with a beautiful view, on the Abaye de
Fontevraud until we arrive at Abaye de Fontevraud,
one of the largest and best preserved medieval
abbeys of France
Day 4 Breakfast at B&B castle -
departure.
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Itinerary 5
Fontevraud - Chinon -
Ussé
- Azay le Rideau
Day1 Arrival at Abaye de Fontevraud
Hotel (inside the Abaye). Diner and briefing in
Abaye de Fontevraud Hotel
Day 2 : Abaye de Fontevraud
- Chinon
Today we first ride to Candes-Saint Martin, one of
the most beautiful villages in France. More
incredible vineyards and countryside vistas. Lunch
will be at a local restaurant on the Vienne River.
Following our lunch break we ride along the South
bank of the majestic Vienne River and take in the
beautiful view to Chinon located in the center of
the Loire Valley. Visit of to Château de Chinon.
Gourmet dinner and night at the Abaye de Fontevraud
Hotel. (3 hours riding)
Day 3 : Chateau
d'Ussé -Chateau d'Azay le Rideau
This morning we ride about two and a half hours,
traveling to Chateaussé from the Chinon forest.
Stop at Chateau d'Ussé for a visit. The best view of
the entire magnificent castle is either from the
bridge right before the castle or from the banks of
the Loire itself.. Lunch in Ussé. Ride along the
Indre River, the forest and countryside until we
arrive at the doors of the fairytale castle Chateau
d'Azay le Rideau. The castle is a mixture of two
great styles -- French and Italian Renaissance, and
deserves its status as a national monument. Visit
of Chateau d'Azay le Rideau. Dinner in a gourmet
restaurant and night at Abaye de Fontevraud Hotel.
Day 4 Breakfast at at Abaye de
Fontevraud Hotel and departure.
------------------------------------
if combining Option Four and Five:
Day 4: Saumur is home
to the Cadre Noir, the École Nationale d'Equitation
(National School of Horsemanship The troop was
founded in 1828, and gets its name from the black
uniforms that are still used today. Ride
with an ex ecuyer of Cadre Noir (extra). Transfer
to Abaye de Fontevraud Hotel (inside the Abaye).
Diner and briefing at Abaye de Fontevraud Hotel. |
Menu samples
Lunch :
assiette cavalière - blancs de volailles à la crème d'estragon,
gratin de pomme de terre - fromage - dessert - wine and coffee -
Dinner : menu du terroir -Terrine de Carpe de Sologne sur
un coulis de vin rouge de Cheverny - Navarin d'agneau de la ferme de "la
Faubonnière" et sa garniture - l'assiette de fromage de chèvre -
feuilleté de pommes caramélisées aux saveurs du terroir et sa glace pain
d'épices - wine -coffee |
Itinerary #
6
Day 1 Arrival and transfer (not included)
from TGV station of Saumur to château de Beaulieu at
Saumur. Dinner and briefing at château de Beaulieu.
Day 2 : Champigny cellar - Montsoreau -
Abbaye de Fontevraud
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
Beginning of the ride to Champigny troglodyte cellar
from chateau de Beaulieu by the vineyards, with a
magnificent view on chateau of Saumur. Arriving on
horseback into the troglodyte cellar ... an
unforgettable experience !
Champigny wine testing in troglodyte cellar -
Gourmet lunch in a local restaurant. PM - about 3
hours on horseback.
Ride in the Champigny vineyards, and along Loire
river to chateau de Montsoreau, and then Abbaye de
Fontevraud. Magical arriving on horseback inside
Abaye de Fontevraud. Possibility to visit Abaye de
Fontevraud.Dinner in Domaine de Mestré.Night in
Domaine de Mestré at Fontevraud l'Abbaye.
Day 3 : Fontevraud l'Abbaye - chateau de
Brézé - Chateau de Ternay
AM - about 2 hours on horseback. Beginning of the
ride to Chateau de Brézé from Domaine de Mestré by
the vineyards, and country side. Lunch in château de
Brézé. PM - about 3 hours on horseback
Ride in the vineyards, country side and woods to
chateau de Ternay a family chateau where we will
stay for night. Count and countess of Ternay will
welcome us and make visit the chateau to us. Dinner
at Chateau de Ternay.
Day 4 : Chateau de Ternay - Chinon
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
Beginning of the ride by the private woods of
chateau de Ternay.Ride along chateau de la Mothe
Chandeniers which was devastated during the French
revolution. Lunch on the way.
PM- about 2 hours on horseback
Beautiful ride in country-side along some private
chateaux and along Vienne river. Discover of Chinon
where Jane of Arc met Charles VII " le gentil
dauphin" by the south bank of the river. Night in
Hotel Gargantua a XIV hotel in medieval city of
Chinon. Free visit and dinner in Chinon, the
splendid medieval city of François Rabelais (a very
well-known french writer ok XIV century).
Day 5 : Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau
AM - about 2h30 hours on horseback.
Beginning of the ride to Chateau d'Ussé from Chinon
forest - Ride in the Chinon forest. Arriving to
Chateau d'Ussé the sleeping beauty Chateau. Lunch in
Ussé.
PM - about 3 hours on horseback
Ride to Azay le Rideau - unforgettable long canters
along Indre river, forest and in countryside.
Arriving to Manor de La Rémonière a spectacular
chateau in front of Chateau d'Azay le Rideau. Dinner
in Manor de la Remonière. Magical atmosphere and
view at night on chateau d'Azay le Rideau from the
terrace of the Manor
Day 6 : Azay le Rideau - Villandry-
AM - about 3h30 hours on horseback.
Ride to chateau de Villandry and his most wonderful
gardens of the castle of the Loire by the country
side, vineyards, and forest. - Lunch in chateau de
Villandry.
PM - visit of the wonderful gardens of chateau de
Villandry.Return by car to Azay le Rideau. Free
shopping or visit of chateau of Azay le Rideau.
Dinner in Azay le Rideau. Night in Manor de la
Rémonière.
Day 7 Breakfast at Manor de la Rémonière and
departure. Posibility of visit chateau d'Azay le
Rideau.Transfer (not included) to TGV Tours Saint
Pierre des Corps station. (you need a reservation).
Program may be changed a little according to the
season and weather conditions.
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ITINERARY 1
·
Chambord · Villesavin
· Beauregard · Chaumont
sur Loire |
ITINERARY 1 (b)
Chambord · Villesavin
· Beauregard · Cheverny |
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ITINERARY 2
·
Chenonceau · Nitray
· Pagode de Chanteloup · Amboise |
ITINERARY 4
· Saumur
· Brézé
· Abaye de Fontevraud · Montsoreau |
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ITINERARY 5
·
Fontevraud · Chinon
· Ussé · Azay le Rideau |
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Castle of the Loire Valley :
CHENONCEAU
Through the very location and conception of the Chenonceau
castle emerges a feminine influence that makes it so peculiar.
It was built between 1512 and 1521 by Catherine Briçonnet,
Thomas Bohier's wife. In 1547, Henri 2nd offered Chenonceau to
his favourite, Diane de Poitiers. She tastefully decided the
building of the bridge that steps over the Cher river. When
Henri 2nd died, Catherine of Medicis took her revenge by forcing
Diane to dispose of Chenonceau in exchange of Chaumont. She
arranged the design of the surrounding park and of the
double-floored gallery upon the bridge. She put on lavish
entertainments that used to marvel her contemporary.
The ladies Chateau today belongs to the family Menier.
Castle of the Loire Valley : PAGODE
DE CHANTELOUP
The Pagode is the only remaining vestige of the sumptuous
castle. It stands at the edge of the forest of Amboise and was
built by the Duke of Choiseul, minister of Louis 15th. Its
architecture was patterned on Versailles and it still evokes
today the former atmosphere of the large castle, abandoned and
destroyed in 1823 by real estate agents. Exiled at Mrs du
Barry's instigation, Choiseul made of Chanteloup a true
intellectual and artistic center. He decided its construction
between 1775 and 1778 following the Chinese inspiration in vogue
at that time. The Pagode of Chanteloup thus brings out an
original charm to the Loire valley .
Castle of the Loire Valley : NITRAY
Nitray stands as an exceptional 15th and 16th century
architectural set. It's been a great wine domain since the 15th
century. After having visited the wine and spirit house, you can
attend a demonstration of champanization in the old way. You can
also discover a display of the professions from the period in
the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin (museum of wine and
vineyard).The harmony of its Renaissance façade rises above a
43hectares landscape park designed during the 1st Empire. Its
recentlyrestored pigeon house is one of the most imposing in the
Touraine area.
Castle of the Loire Valley : AMBOISE
In the 15th century, Amboise used to enjoy its golden age.
Charles 7th who had spent his childhood in the castle restored
it with a whole team of Italian artists, architects, sculptors
and decorators that he had brought back from his journey.
This is the starting point of the Italian influence over French
art. Later belonging to Gaston d‚Orléans, the outside
fortifications were razed to the ground during one of the
numerous rebellions against the King. Grant lacking, the main
part of the castle was destroyed by Roger Ducos, a member of
Napoleon Directory. Nowadays, you can admire the imposing
vestiges of a past glory from its terrace which overlooks the
River Loire
Itinerary 1
- Option b
Chambord · Villesavin · Beauregard · Cheverny
Day 1 : Arrival at the château near
Chambord castle. Dinner and accommodation in B&B
castle.
Day 2 : Chambord - Villesavin AM (about 3
hours on horseback). Lunch in Chambord in the
Stables of the Maréchal de Saxe, Horse show, Visit
of the Chambord castle. PM (about 3 hours on
horseback) Chambord - Villesavin. Visit and toast at
the castle. Dinner and accommodation in B&B castle.
Day 3 : Beauregard - Cheverny AM (about 2
hours on horseback) B&B. Guided visit of the château
de Beauregard Picnic with foie gras PM (about 2
hours on horseback). Guided visit of the château and
garden Accommodation in B&B castle Dinner, party and
show.
Day 4 : Breakfast at B&B au château -
Departure Program may be changed according seasons
and weather
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