France’s Loire Valley (C)

Ride back into French history – and spend 7 amazing days in and around the most famous castles of the Loire.


Black horse head silhouette logo on a white background
Intermediate Advanced
Black calendar icon with white date squares and two top rings
April to October
Black analog clock icon with white hands and tick marks on a white background
7 or 8 Days
Black silhouette of an airplane tilted diagonally on a white background
Paris
Black location pin icon on a white background
France
Two black user silhouettes with a plus sign, indicating add contact or group
2-10 Members
Black bed icon with pillows and a blanket
Hotel
Black fork and knife icons on a white background
All as outlined in itinerary

Overview

  • Trip Details

    Ride back into French history – and spend 7 amazing days in and around the most famous castles of the Loire.


    Chambord, Beauregard, Cheverny, Blois, Chenonceau, Amboise… These wonderful Renaissance castles bring us into the very heart of French History.

    Your week of riding begins by riding in the favorite hunting forests of the Renaissance French kings, then takes you along the wonderful banks of the river Cher and finishes with the chestnut trees of the Amboise forest.  And all along the way you see these glorious chateaux and arrive and leave as the early French did – on horseback – this is a magnificent trip and truly a luxury experience not to be missed!


    2026 Dates: April 19-25, May 3-9 (FULL), May 10-16 (FULL), May 31-June 6 (FULL), June 21-27, July 12-18, July 19-25, Aug. 10-16 (FULL), Sept. 6-12 (FULL), Sept. 13-19 (FULL), Oct. 11-17 (FULL)

    2027 Dates:  April 11-17, May 2-8, May 23-29, June 13-19, July 18-24, Aug 8-14, Sept 5-11, Sept 12-18, Oct 3-9


    2026/2027 Rate: $4,785.00 USD or 3,990€ per person in a shared room  (Single Supplement:  $1,020.00 USD or 850€)


    Non rider sharing a room with a rider: $3,230.00 USD or 2690,00€


    NEW for 2027:  Budget Weeks:  What’s the difference?  3*** star hotels, no entry fees for tours, no wine/drinks included, non upscale dining.

    2027 Dates:  April 2-9, April 25-May 2, May 10-17, May 30-June 7, June 28-July 5, July 9-16, July 30-Aug. 6, Aug. 30-Sept. 6, Oct. 11-18

    2027 Rate:  $3,155.00 USD or 2490€ per person in a shared room  (Single Supplement:  $560.00 USD or 450€)


    See the video HERE!


    For more info on this ride, download the brochure HERE!

  • Itinerary

    Day 1: Arrival

    Check in at the 4-star Chateau de la Borde between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Enjoy an aperitif, a trail briefing with your guide, and dinner.


    Day 2: Château de Chambord (~3 hrs riding)

    Ride along the Grand Canal and through the Boulogne forest, culminating in a royal horseback entrance to Château de Chambord. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the château followed by a gourmet dinner back at Chateau de la Borde.


    Day 3: Beauregard & Cheverny (~3 hrs riding)

    Ride up the prestigious front path of Château de Beauregard for a guided tour and a foie gras picnic. In the afternoon, ride through vineyards to visit Château de Cheverny. Overnight and dinner at the 4-star Relais des 3 Chateaux.


    Day 4: Chaumont-sur-Loire (~3 hrs riding)

    Ride through the countryside to the Beuvron River for lunch in a local restaurant. Continue through Touraine to visit the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire and its famous international garden festival. Overnight at the 4-star Le Clos d’Amboise.


    Day 5: Amboise (~3 hrs riding)

    Ride along the Loire River banks to the charming village of Mosnes for lunch. In the afternoon, make a spectacular entrance to Château d’Amboise through the medieval king’s door. Enjoy a private guided tour of the château (Leonardo da Vinci’s burial site). Overnight at the 4-star Chateau de Noizay.


    Day 6: Chenonceau & Clos Lucé (~1.5 hrs riding)

    Visit the breathtaking Château de Chenonceau, followed by a final ride along the Cher River banks. After lunch in the château's Orangerie, enjoy a free afternoon walking tour in Amboise to visit Clos Lucé (da Vinci's last home) or shop. Final farewell drink and dinner at Chateau de Noizay.


    Day 7: Departure

    Enjoy a final breakfast before departing. (Nearest stations: Blois-Chambord for arrival, Saint Pierre des Corps for departure).


    Budget Loire Valley Châteaux Trail (8 Days / 7 Nights)

    Overview: A more riding-intensive and cost-effective alternative. Expect longer days in the saddle (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours daily), self-guided château tours, and comfortable 3- and 4-star hotel accommodations. (Note: Drinks and château entry fees are paid individually onsite).


    Day 1: Arrival

    Arrive at Hotel La Clef des Châteaux from 6:30 PM. Meet the team for a briefing and aperitif at 7:00 PM, followed by dinner.


    Day 2: Chambord (~3.5 hrs riding)

    Enjoy a brisk morning ride through the Sologne region and the walled bridle paths of the Chambord National Estate. Take a self-guided tour of the Renaissance marvel before heading to Mont-près-Chambord. Overnight at Hotel La Clef des Châteaux.


    Day 3: Beauregard (~4 hrs riding)

    Ride from Tour-en-Sologne to Château de Beauregard for lunch and a self-guided tour of its lapis lazuli ceilings and Portrait Gallery. Cross into the Touraine region with varied landscapes. Overnight at the 4-star Relais des Landes.


    Day 4: Fougères-sur-Bièvre (~4 hrs riding)

    Ride to the perfectly preserved 15th-century Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre. Enjoy a self-guided tour and lunch before an afternoon ride back through local vineyards and forests. Overnight at Relais des Landes.


    Day 5: Chaumont-sur-Loire (~4 hrs riding)

    Cross the Beuvron River to reach the UNESCO World Heritage banks of the Loire River. Enjoy lunch, explore the medieval fortress of Chaumont-sur-Loire, and view its world-renowned Garden Festival. Overnight at Domaine des Thomeaux or Clos d'Amboise.


    Day 6: Amboise (~3.5 hrs riding)

    Start with free time in Amboise to visit the royal château, Clos Lucé, or stroll the old town. Rejoin the horses to ride southeast from the Loire to the Cher River toward Château de Chenonceau. Overnight at Domaine des Thomeaux or Clos d'Amboise.


    Day 7: Chenonceau (~3.5 hrs riding)

    Take a morning self-guided tour of the "Ladies' Château" of Chenonceau at opening time. Ride along the beautiful Cher River banks to Saint-Georges for lunch, then return to Chenonceau to conclude the ride. Transfer back to Maslives for a farewell drink and overnight at La Clef des Châteaux.


    Day 8: Departure

    Depart at your leisure following breakfast.

  • What's Included

    • 6 nights accommodation 5 days of riding 
    • All meals 2 glasses of wine with dinner and 1 with lunch 
    • Tours of all the chateaux including 1 full day of tours 
    • Guiding services on the trail rides 
    • Horse and all tack 
    • All local taxes

  • What's Not Included

    • Airfare
    • Travel Insurance
    • Alcoholic beverages other than outlined
    • Airport/Train Station transfers
    • Gratuities for the riding staff at the end of the stay

Reviews

Vanessa W.

Wow! I started the trip with a couple of days in Paris. Riding in the Loire Valley did not disappoint. It hit all the marks. The accommodations, the food, and the horses exceeded my expectations. We rode through the beautiful countryside, passing and visiting chateaus. A dream come true for sure.


Henriette G.

If you have any interest at all in French (royal) history this is the way to do it: Really nice accommodation, delicious French food (and wine), beautiful scenery in the Loire valley – and the horses!!!! Add to that visiting some of the most interesting and grand castles in this part of France and you can’t ask for anything else.


Well worth the splurge!


Nancy T.

I thought this trip would be great but I had no idea HOW great. Our group was amazing, the places we stayed were “over the top”, great food and vistas everywhere we went!


Best riding trip of my life! Thank you!


David G.

We both had a great time!….Ken is the best at matching horses to people and is a seasoned horseman. His knowledge of the area and local riding is unsurpassed. We enjoyed the group and enjoy riding with people who know what they are doing. I would definitely recommend this ride.


Gretchen S.

Bonjour! Our week of riding could not have been better! We had a knowledgeable guide, responsive horses, exquisitely beautiful scenery, gorgeous and comfortable hotels/chateaux, and last but not least delightful company and delicious dinners (except one). This trip even surpassed our Spain rides at every level!

From   $4,785  per person

Checked checkbox icon in a rounded square outline

Free Cancellation

Cancel your booking within the allowed period and receive a full refund.

Credit card icon with black outline on a white background

Reserve Now and Pay Later

Secure your spot today and pay closer to your departure date.

Black shield icon with a check mark inside

Secure Payment

All transactions are protected with safe and encrypted payment processing.

FAQ's

  • What is included in the tour price?

    Tour prices typically include accommodation, guided activities, transportation during the trip, and some meals. Exact inclusions may vary depending on the itinerary.

  • Can I customize my itinerary?

    Yes. Most of our trips can be tailored to match your interests, schedule, and travel style. Just let us know your preferences and we’ll help design the perfect adventure.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities.

  • How many people are in a tour group?

    Group sizes are usually small to ensure a more personal and immersive experience. The exact number may vary depending on the expedition.