This trail ride through the unique landscape of the Loire and Cher, with its vast forests and hunting grounds, is like a journey back in time to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. There is hardly a village or a stretch of land here where you won't find one of the famous castles. You to ride from one highlight to the next via Chenonceaux, Chaumont, Cheverny and Chambord, for example. Some of the overnight stays are just like in the days of knights and noblemen: from farm inns at countryside to time-honored country estates and small hotels. Treat yourself to a picnic and dinner and enjoy the delicious French cuisine! A second guide accompanies the tour, who will explain the history of the castles in English, French and sometimes German and will be happy to answer any questions you may have, in addition to the actual castle tours. But the Loire-valley offers even more for the rider: mild climate and fertile countryside allow the cultivation of wine and roses. The poplar avenues are reflected in the rivers, while the trees and pastures conceal monasteries, cathedrals and castles. Seeing and being amazed is the top priority in this region, so you too will discover its charm. On this trail ride, you will also enjoy fast gallops and trotting routes on enduring, noble Arabian horses and Anglo-Arabs.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Montrichard. In the afternoon, transfer to your accommodation at Hotel Ecole, a former post station in Pontlevoy. Over dinner with your guide, you can get to know your fellow riders and discuss the tour.

Day 2: After breakfast, get to know the horses and to ride to the small castle of Fougères sur Bièvre with its mighty walls, bay windows and fortified towers, the ideal place for a culinary break. In the late afternoon, you will visit the famous hunting lodge Château de Cheverny. The impressive castle is still the center of French hunting on horseback (Chasse à Courre). Unlike the other castles, Cheverny did not live through the passionate Renaissance, as evidenced by its elegant but rather cool exterior and symmetrical layout. The interior gives an excellent impression of the high living culture of the period in which it was built. This stately castle has been owned by the same family for over 6 centuries and also has its own botanical garden.
Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: In the morning, to ride you cycle through the forest of Cheverny, between forest paths and wild moors, where you may be lucky enough to spot deer, roe deer and hares. Stop for a picnic at the Chateau de Villesavin. It dates back to the 16th century and was built by the same French and Italian masters and craftsmen who built the great royal residences. It has survived four centuries in almost perfect condition. After lunch, take time to visit the castle. Free afternoon at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: After breakfast to ride you will travel to Chambord, where you will have a picnic. Chambord is the largest of the Loire castles. It is an incomparable architectural feat with its double-turn central staircase, a marvel of elegance, in the heart of a vast 5,440-hectare nature reserve where deer are king. After lunch, visit the castle. Through the forest of Bracieux, you return to the Chateau de Villesavin in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: You to ride through the forest to the Chateau de Beauregard, where you will have a picnic. The former hunting lodge of Chambord, built on the orders of François I, has always been known for its famous Gallery of Portraits. The monumental work of three generations houses 327 portraits of famous personalities, a remarkable lapis lazuli ceiling (worth seven times as much as gold) and an exceptional floor covering of 5600 Delft earthenware tiles. After visiting the castle, you will set off on horseback to village Cande-sur-Beuvron. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day 6: Along the Loire to ride to Chaumont (UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is famous for the Château de Chaumont, which towers majestically over the valley and the village. After a picnic lunch in front of this imposing back , you will visit this magnificent building. Built at the end of the 15th century, it combines both Gothic and Renaissance architectural features. Also worth seeing are the 19th century stables, which were considered the most luxurious in Europe at the time. Through the forest of Sudais to ride you reach your accommodation in the middle of nature at the foot of the Château de Chaumont.

Day 7: Strengthened by breakfast to ride you head to the picturesque castle of Chenonceau. This architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance was originally a watermill and was later converted into one of the most beautiful French châteaux. Its two-storey gallery with reception rooms spans the Cher. Picnic in front of this beautiful back and then there is plenty of time to visit this magnificent château. In the afternoon, you will leave the banks of the Cher and reach your starting point in Pontlevoy. Over dinner together, you can choose your personal favorite castle and reflect on the eventful week. 

Day 8: Departure after breakfast. A transfer to the train station in Montrichard is possible.

Subject to change !

Accomodation
Accommodation is in middle-class hotels with shower/WC.

Saddle & Tack: English bridle and trekking saddles.

Experience: 3-5 years of regular riding required. You should be able to ride other horses in all gaits without instruction. Max. 90 kg. rider: 5-10.

Horses: Endurance trekking horses, including Anglo-Arabians.