France-Loire, the most beautiful castles: cheverny – chambord – beauregard – chenonceau

Day 1: Pontlevoy

ITALY / PARIS / PONTLEVOY (-/-/D)
This trekking adventure will take you back in time, to when these paths were traveled on horseback by nobles and their caravans. The route follows the Loire River, which stretches over 1,000 km and is the longest river in France, as well as its tributary, the Cher. These lands are mainly covered in beautiful forests and vineyards that line the river for most of its course.
You will feel fully immersed in the Renaissance; these enchanting places—perfect for the construction of magnificent castles, monasteries, and cathedrals—are truly magical. On this trek, we will discover:
Cheverny, one of the most visited castles, renowned for the beauty of its interiors
Chambord, the largest and also among the most visited, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Beauregard, famous for its “Gallery of the Illustrious”
Chaumont, also known as Langon, another UNESCO site
Chenonceau, known for its spectacular moat and the fascinating stories of its noble inhabitants
A wonderful horseback holiday, enhanced by comfortable hotels, refined cuisine, and fine wines. Let yourself be charmed by this romantic and elegant experience.

Plan your flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport. From there, take a train to Montrichard station. Transfer to the Hotel Restaurant “L’Auberge de l’Ecole” in Pontlevoy (or similar) is to be arranged independently, or on request for €20 (payable locally). Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2:

PONTLEVOY / BRACIEUX (B/L/D)
After the introduction and horse assignment, we set off toward Fougères-sur-Bièvre, where we’ll have lunch at the small fortified castle from the late 15th century, featuring a surrounding wall. In the late afternoon, we visit the beautifully furnished Château de Cheverny. This stately property has belonged to the same family for over six centuries. From the botanical park and the exquisite interiors to the Tintin exhibition and forest park, the owners invite you to discover a truly unique and vibrant heritage. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3:

BRACIEUX (B/L/D)
In the morning, we ride through the Cheverny forest along wooded trails and heathlands, where deer, roe deer, and hares might be spotted if luck is on our side. Picnic lunch at Château de Villesavin, a 16th-century castle built by the same Italian and French craftsmen who constructed the royal residences. The castle has survived nearly intact for over four centuries. After lunch, we visit the château. Free afternoon at the hotel with swimming pool. Optional visit to the Bracieux chocolate factory or tasting.

Day 4:

BRACIEUX (B/L/D)
Departure for Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley, a spectacular example of Renaissance elegance surrounded by forest. Picnic lunch, then continue to Villesavin Castle, from the 16th century and in excellent condition. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or B&B.

Day 5:

BRACIEUX / CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE (B/L/D)
We ride to the Château de Beauregard, built during the reign of Francis I, known for its remarkable gallery of 327 portraits of historical figures. Picnic lunch and visit to the castle before continuing to Candé-sur-Beuvron. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel or B&B.

Day 6:

CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE (B/L/D)
We ride along the Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire, a charming UNESCO World Heritage village known for its beautiful 15th-century castle overlooking the valley. Picnic lunch beside the château and an afternoon visit, including the splendid 19th-century stables—once considered the most luxurious in Europe. Back in the saddle through the Sudais forest to reach our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel or B&B.

Day 7:

CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE / PONTLEVOY (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we follow the river trail, perfect for long gallops, arriving at the spectacular Château de Chenonceau, one of the most iconic Loire castles. Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, it is also called “the Ladies’ Castle” and later embellished by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Picnic lunch and visit of the château. In the afternoon, we leave the Cher River and head toward Pontlevoy for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8:

PONTLEVOY / PARIS / ITALY (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to Montrichard train station independently (or on request for €20, payable locally). From there, each participant continues individually to the airport.

Note:
The itinerary described is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control.

Legend:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°

DETAILS
DURATION: 8 days / 7 nights
DIFFICULTY: °°° (Intermediate/Advanced)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels and B&Bs
EQUIPMENT: JMS trekking saddles with saddle pads equipped with saddlebags
HORSES: Crossbreeds of Arabian, Thoroughbred, and Warmblood
PACE: Approx. 5–6 hours per day in the saddle – riders must be confident at walk, trot, and canter, including sustained canters for several minutes. Must be comfortable riding in open spaces and capable of managing the horse independently.
WHAT TO BRING: Riding apparel, helmet, water bottle
MINIMUM AGE: 16 years
TYPE: Itinerant horseback trek with hotel and B&B accommodations

ACCOMMODATION:
Nights in hotels or B&Bs (or similar):
Night 1 & 7: Hotel Restaurant “L’Auberge de l’Ecole”, Pontlevoy (or similar)
Nights 2, 3, 4: Hotel du Cygne in Bracieux (or similar)
Nights 5 & 6: Hotel Restaurant “L'Hostellerie du Château”, Chaumont-sur-Loire (or similar)
Board: Full board with water, coffee, and wine included at meals. Picnic lunches with a rich and varied buffet. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES from Italy (min. 1 participant):
June 21 to June 28
June 29 to July 6
August 23 to August 30
August 31 to September 7
Additional dates available on request from May to September.

PARTICIPANTS: Min. 5 / Max. 10