Chateaux of the Loire Walk
Start: France Finish: Loire
Duration: 8 Nights
Physical rating: Leisurely
Special diets catered: Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour Operator: Exodus
Age range: 8 to 99
Tour operated in: English
Prices From: $1754
Tour Overview
On this 8-night, self-guided holiday you'll enjoy wonderfully relaxed walking amidst the sublime architecture and picturesque landscapes of the famous Loire region. Your holiday begins in Chaumont from where you'll follow serene riverside tracks and meander through sleepy villages and hamlets towards the charming wine village of Chitenay, an ideal base from which to discover pretty Cheverny with its impressive 'Secrets of Moulinsart' art exhibition. After a transfer to Bourre, you'll keep the beautiful River Cher close, walking through Montrichard, Chenonceaux - with its iconic chateau on the banks of the Cher - and Montlouis before heading, via verdant fields and vineyards (be sure to enjoy a spot of wine-tasting!) to the medieval market town of Amboise. Explore the narrow, winding streets and take in the imposing Chateau d'Amboise, a royal residence and Da Vinci's final resting place, before returning to Chaumont where you'll experience yet another masterpiece - the Chateau de Chaumont which dates back to the 10th century and hosts the acclaimed International Garden Festival.
Highlights
Wonderful relaxed walking on flat, riverside routes and through poppy fields and parkland- Hotels full of character with delicious regional cuisine and excellent wines
- Sleepy wine village of Chitenay; pretty Amboise with its boutique-lined streets
- Beautiful Loire and Cher rivers; majestic chateaux including Amboise, Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chaumont
Itinerary
Day 1
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ARRIVE AT CHAUMONT
Meals: dinner
Arrive at your riverside hotel in Chaumont. *(Staying at Hostellerie du Chateau, Half Board)*
Day 2
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CHAUMONT TO CHITENAY
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Today's walk takes you alongside the River Beuvron into the sleepy village of Cande-sur-Beuvron before passing the Chateau de Frileuse on your way to Les Montils, a perfect place for a lunch stop. Heading out of town through open countryside, you arrive in the pretty hamlet of Seur, before crossing the river into Chitenay. Your hotel offers superb food; relax on the terrace overlooking the gardens and swimming pool and enjoy an aperitif before dinner. *(Staying at Auberge du Centre, Half Board)*
Day 3
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AT CHITENAY
Meals: breakfast, dinner
The sleepy wine village of Chitenay is ideally placed to visit many of the Loire's finest chateaux. We particularly recommend picture-postcard Cheverny which has one of the region's largest art collections including a permanent 'Secrets of Moulinsart' exhibition, and also, just 3km further on, lovely little Chateau de Troussay with its rich furnishings collection, elaborately decorated ceilings and attractive landscaped gardens. *(Staying at Auberge du Centre, Half Board)*
Day 4
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CHITENAY TO CHENONCEAUX
Meals: breakfast
Today a 20-minute transfer takes you to Bourre, where you'll begin your walk alongside the River Cher. You have the chance to visit the Caves des Roches - or 'mushroom caves' - on the way, a vast network of underground caves and tunnels which were formerly limestone mines. You'll also pass La Magnanerie de Bourre, the site of traditional cave dwellings and a silk-worm farm. Continue your walk alongside the River Cher to Montrichard, a traditional French town with its own riverside beach and a number of good restaurants to choose from for lunch, before heading along the GR41 through Chissay-en-Touraine to Chenonceaux. *(Staying at Hotel La Roseraie, Half Board)*
Day 5
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AT CHENONCEAUX
Meals: breakfast
Today you can marvel at the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the best-known of the Loire chateaux with its iconic arches over the river. This fairytale chateau has seen some famous figures from history, notably Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de'Medici - rivals for Henry II's affections - and Mary, Queen of Scots. The university city of Tours is an easy train ride away, home to a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants, along with popular shopping centres and quirky independent shops in the old quarter. *(Staying at Hotel La Roseraie, Half Board)*
Day 6
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CHENONCEAUX TO AMBOISE
Meals: breakfast
Take the train from Chenonceaux to Veretz-Montlouis and from there follow the back roads of the GR3 which run parallel to the River Loire. From Montlouis you'll walk through the Loire's sprawling vineyards, with the chance to stop and taste delicious wines on the way; don't forget - we'll carry any wine purchases for you! Continue your walk alongside the Loire and you'll arrive in the bustling market town of Amboise. *(Staying at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys, Breakfast only)*
Day 7
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AT AMBOISE
Meals: breakfast
Amboise has a charming mediaeval feel, with historical links to the French Royal Family and also connections to Leonardo da Vinci who spent his last few years at Clos Luce, now a museum which houses displays of some of the artist's original work. Da Vinci's tomb is housed in the majestic Chateau d'Amboise which also hosts the impressive Son et Lumiere display. Amboise offers plenty of restaurants and cafes in which to relax and sample the local wines and produce. *(Staying at Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys, Breakfast only)*
Day 8
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AMBOISE TO CHAUMONT
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Head south-east today, following the GR3 trail towards the village of Souvigny-de-Touraine, before sauntering through open fields and vineyards, perhaps stopping off for a final tasting! You'll then join the Camino de Santiago trail as you make your way back to riverside Chaumont. *(Staying at Hostellerie du Chateau, Half Board)*
Day 9
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LEAVE CHAUMONT
Meals: breakfast
LEAVE CHAUMONT
What's Included
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 4 dinners.
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Luggage transfers between hotels
What's Not Included
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Single supplements
Food
Continental breakfast and 4 evening meals. Standards of cooking in the Loire are consistently high. It’s civilised and refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound: asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France. These provide succulent accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Non-meat eaters have no need to feel left out though - with three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through, freshwater fish appear on most restaurant menus. /Sandre/ (pikeperch) and /brème/ (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a /beurre blanc/ sauce - the Loire fish dish, made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a deposit of 20% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 70 days before departure..
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Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
Travel, Your Way
Good reasons for travelling privately
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Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Increased safety during COVID
Spend the majority of time amongst your group to reduce exposure to others
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Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family