Daily itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Relais de Chambord
Arrive at the prestigious Relais de Chambord, where a warm welcome awaits. Enjoy a briefing session followed by a gourmet dinner, setting the tone for a delightful stay. Spend the night in the luxurious surroundings of Relais de Chambord.
Day 2: Chambord exploration
Embark on a captivating three-hour horse ride from Chambord, tracing the scenic "Grand Canal" with panoramic views of the magnificent Château. Traverse the charming sand paths of Boulogne and Chambord forests, returning to the Château on horseback for a regal experience. Indulge in lunch at Chambord. Engage in a walking tour exploring the grandeur of Château de Chambord, the largest and most splendid of the Loire Valley castles, commissioned by Francis the 1st and completed in 1519. Conclude the day with a gourmet dinner and a restful night at Relais de Chambord.
Day 3: Beauregard - Cheverny
Begin a one-and-a-half-hour ride to Chateau de Beauregard through the enchanting Boulogne forest. Enter the chateau through its front gate for an unforgettable experience. Explore the chateau, including its well-preserved "Gallerie des illustres" dating back to the 17th century. Enjoy a gourmet picnic with foie gras in the chateau.
Continue the horseback journey for another one and a half hours, departing Beauregard through the countryside to reach the Cheverny region and its renowned vineyards. Explore Château de Cheverny and its splendid Renaissance furnishings. Dine and spend the night at Relais des trois châteaux in Cheverny.
Day 4: Fougères - Chaumont sur Loire
Enjoy a two-hour ride through the Sologne countryside to the well-preserved Chateau de Fougères sur Bièvre. Explore the medieval-inspired castle and have lunch at a charming restaurant in Fougères sur Bièvre. Experience a shorter ride of about one hour through the Sologne-Touraine border towards Château de Chaumont sur Loire. Visit the château and its renowned international garden festival. Relax and dine at the charming manor Domaine des Thomeaux, where you can also enjoy its spa facilities.
Day 5: Chaumont sur Loire - Amboise
Begin the day riding along the Loire banks under the Chaumont sur Loire castle. Follow the river, discovering its UNESCO-listed biodiversity. Lunch in the charming village of Mosnes. Conclude the journey with a two-hour ride to Chateau d'Amboise, entering through the medieval king’s gate, "La Porte des Lions". The ride concludes, and you enjoy a gourmet dinner and a restful night at Hotel Le Choiseul along the Loire River in Amboise.
Day 6: Cultural exploration in Amboise
Commence the day with a private visit to Amboise Château, offering panoramic views of the Loire Valley and believed to be the burial place of Leonardo Da Vinci. Enjoy free time in Amboise's old center or explore Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last residence. Lunch in Amboise. Conclude the week with a visit to Château de Chenonceau, marveling at its gardens, exquisite furnishings, and iconic arches over the River Cher. Indulge in a final gourmet dinner and spend the night at Hotel Le Choiseul.
Day 7: Departure
Savor a leisurely breakfast at Hotel Le Choiseul before your departure.
About the tour
Indulge in the epitome of French refinement as you embark on a horseback journey through the Loire Valley, known for its exquisite châteaux. Travel on horseback from one magnificent castle to another, savoring the artistry of French "la dolce vita" or the "Art de vivre." Immerse yourself in a week-long equestrian adventure, where each night is spent in superb accommodations, offering a taste of French elegance from the 16 and 17th centuries.
Delight your palate with the pinnacle of gourmet French cuisine and wine, experiencing the finest aspects of French refinement against the backdrop of the Loire Valley's cultural richness. This trail invites you to discover the essence of the region, where every castle visit becomes a refined exploration into the heart of French artistry and sophistication.
- Horseback exploration of the renowned Castles of the Loire Valley
- Immerse yourself in the French "la dolce vita" or the "Art de vivre" through exquisite gourmet cuisine and wines
- Stay in century-old castles or charming manors for a truly authentic experience
Pre-arrival preparation
If you have not been in the saddle for an extended period, Dharma Consulting recommends getting back on the horse three or four times before your trip. This will help train your muscles for an extended duration on horseback. Take the opportunity to review your equestrian skills, including posting trot, maintaining balance on stirrups, and using gentle hands. This pre-trip preparation ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable riding experience during your adventure.
Important note
This tour requires an intermediate to experienced level of riding proficiency. Riders should feel comfortable in all three gaits (walk, posting trot - mandatory, canter) while adopting a forward seat on diverse terrains and open spaces. It is essential to possess the ability to control the horse's speed and direction without exerting undue pressure on their mouth. As the itinerary includes about three hours a day of riding, extended trots, and canters, a reasonable level of fitness is necessary.
If, at any point, the guide determines that these criteria are not adequately met, participants will not be permitted to continue on horseback. Instead, they will have the opportunity to enjoy accommodations, gourmet meals, and scheduled visits without the riding component.