Week-end "A Day, a Castle" Short

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Upscale

Ideally situated, among all the most famous chateaux of the Loire, our team offers a large program of horseback riding tours in France to make you discover the wonders of the Loire Valley and visit the Loire castles.

Each day follows the same pattern: riding out from the stables in the morning, picnic lunch at the castle, optional visit and return to the stables every night.

The following castles compose this program :
- Cheverny, the mansion on which Hergé modelled Captain Haddock’s country house, Marlinspike Hall;
- Chambord, the biggest and most prestigious castle in the Loire Valley;
- Villesavin, "the Chambord building site "; the Chambord baillif’s seat in the sixteenth century.

Historic routes

Sophie G. is the provider and guide of this trip

5.0 10 reviews

The provider speaks: English

Sophie always loved education and horse behavior. She has graduated in La Cense horsemanship teaching program in 2014. She found her passion in TREC and even won the silver medal in European Championship. From 2012 to 2014 she followed special formation in Animal Communication that she uses everyday with our horses. She is in charge of the technic and pedagogic content in our guides teaching program, along with our breeding activities. Rigorous, friendly and organized, she will do everything to make your trip unforgettable.

Tour highlights

Discover the Castles of the Loire Valley

The most beautiful and prestigious castles in the Loire Valley on horseback.

Route details

Setting off from the stables at 9:30 AM, you embark on a horseback expedition along the trails of Grande Sologne. These paths traverse expansive hunting reserves where the possibility of encountering wildlife like deer and wild boars adds to the adventure.

You enjoy your lunch next to Cheverny castle and then have a free visit (about 1h30).
Cheverny is the mansion on which Hergé modeled Captain Haddock’s country house : Marlinspike Hall. You will appreciate its rich Renaissance furnitures or its hunting dogs pack.

Reuniting with your horses, you traverse the extensive Cheverny forest spanning 2000 hectares, reaching Courmemin by 6:00 PM.

The total riding time amounts to approximately 4 hours.

Difficulty

Moderate

Tour provider's comments

This tour includes all paces from walking to cantering and offers regular long canters.
The riders have to be autonomous and comfortable in all three paces in outdoors in English saddle.

3h30 to 4h30 riding per day.

Accommodation

Comfort

Upscale

Hotel

1 night

In comfortable hotel ***, in Twin room.

Single rooms are available on request.
Notice: Single room extra is charged for every single rider if we don’t find another rider to share a room on the same tour.

Nights and dinners in hotel La Clef des Chateaux*** in Maslives.

Cold lunches are gourmet picnic: sandwiches, desserts and water.
The three-course diners are made of typical french cuisine.

This hotel provides swimming pool in warm season.

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place

Centre-Val de Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Arrondissement de Romorantin-Lanthenay, Courmemin, La Cufelière

Tour conditions

Included

accommodation (Twin);
dinners in hotel La Clef des Chateaux***;
cold lunches (gourmet picnic: sandwiches, desserts and water);
guide;

Extras

extra night with dinner and breakfast : 90.00 €/pers (Twin), 140,00 €/pers (Single) comm excluded;
single room extra (according to availability) : +50.00 €/night comm excluded;
lodging upgrading available on request (4-stars hotels);
taxi transfers : About 40/45€ from Blois-Chambord station to La Clef des Chateaux (D-1) and 80/90€ to Courmemin (D1);
drinks;
monuments entrance fee;

Group size

up to 10 tourists

Duration

2 days

1 night

It's important to know

60 days before the departure : 30% of total cost (deposit lost)
From 60 to 30 days before the departure : 50% of total cost
Less than 30 days before the departure : 100% of total cost

If, on the first day of the ride, the guide does not feel the riders have adequately met the guidelines, they will not be able to continue by horseback and have to follow the tour by their own means (taxis or private car) to reach every step. No refund will be issued in the event they are not able to ride to these guidelines.

Tour reviews

5.0

Based on 10 reviews

A
Anne-Sophie

14 Nov, 2023

about provider

An absolutely fantastic camping trip. Sophie and Ken pay attention to the smallest details both in the organization and in the comfort of the riders and their horses. The latter are very kind and reliable, comfortable in the hooves and attentive to their rider. The route is varied; from the banks of the Loire to the forest, passing through fields, charming villages or royal entrances to castles on horseback! Ken, positive, patient and caring, is passionate about history and happy to share his knowledge and love of the region. As for Sophie, she greets us morning and evening with a big smile and tells us what we need to do for "our" horses. This trek is the perfect balance between the number of hours spent on horseback, exploring the castles and returning to the magnificent Domaine des Thomeaux where muscle recovery is fast thanks to the spa and massage! Moreover, I was very lucky to have a group of endless kindness and togetherness. I will never forget this week! Thank you so much 🌿

14 Nov, 2023
M
Mala

10 Oct, 2023

about provider

Where do I start? This was my dream adventure - my number one spot on my wish list, and it did not disappoint! I could write a book about how amazing this trip was and how wonderful Ken and Sophie were! EVERYTHING was perfect. Guys run an amazing operation with the utmost attention to every detail. The incredible logistics in creating this adventure are mind boggling, but Ken and Sophie pull it off perfectly. The hotels, dinners, picnics and itineraries were flawless! Our hosts were kind, friendly and professional. And then there were the horses. Absolutely AMAZING creatures..... and 100% credit to Ken and Sophie! Not only do they raise these horses, but they train them to be incredible partners. They are in perfect condition, plus responsive and intelligent. If I could bring home sweet Danenerys, I would in a heartbeat. Ken and Sophie take great care of their riders and horses. Their bond is evident. I highly recommend this adventure to experienced riders. We traveled almost 100 miles in 6 days and every step was a dream come true! Thank you Ken and Sophie and their beautiful horses. I will be back.

10 Oct, 2023
S
Sonia

5 Sep, 2023

about provider

Great camping trip! Ken and Sophie exemplify kindness and generosity. The horses are wonderful, in good spirits, and the hike was marked by memorable moments. I highly recommend it!

5 Sep, 2023