Chateaux of the Loire Walk

Chateaux of the Loire Walk

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Chateaux of the Loire Walk

9 Days Starting in France and ending in Loire

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

W08LR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Leisurely

Age range:

8 to 99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Trekking, Walking

This tour is no longer available

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

  • Beautiful Loire and Cher rivers; majestic chateaux including Amboise, Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chaumont

  • Sleepy wine village of Chitenay; pretty Amboise with its boutique-lined streets

  • Wonderful relaxed walking on flat, riverside routes and through poppy fields and parkland

  • Hotels full of character with delicious regional cuisine and excellent wines

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Arrive At Chaumont
Meals Included: dinner


Arrive at your riverside hotel in Chaumont. *(Staying at Hostellerie du
Chateau, Half Board)*

Day 2 : Chaumont To Chitenay
Meals Included: 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 : At Chitenay
Meals Included: 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 : Chitenay To Chenonceaux
Meals Included: 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 : At Chenonceaux
Meals Included: 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 : Chenonceaux To Amboise
Meals Included: 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 : At Amboise
Meals Included: 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 : Amboise To Chaumont
Meals Included: 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 : Leave Chaumont
Meals Included: breakfast


LEAVE CHAUMONT

What's Included

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 4 dinners.

What's Not Included

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.

Accommodation

Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

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Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

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John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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