Chateaux of the Loire Walk
Chateaux of the Loire Walk
Chateaux of the Loire Walk
9 Days Starting and ending in France
Visiting: France
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W08LR
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This 8 night walking holiday takes you along riverside trails, through sleepy hamlets and beside vineyards, stopping on route to visit some of the finest chateaux of the Loire Valley including Chenonceau, Amboise, Cheverny and Chaumont.
Itinerary
Arrive at your riverside hotel in Chaumont.
Day 2: Chaumont to Chitenay 19km/11.5m/4hr
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.
Day 3: At Chitenay
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.
Day 4: Chitenay to Chenonceaux 15km/9.5m/3hr
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.
Day 5: At Chenonceaux
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.
Day 6: Chenonceaux to Amboise 18km/11mi/4hr
We take you 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.
Day 7: At Amboise
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.
Day 8: Amboise to Chaumont 21km/13.5m/4hr
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.
Day 9: Leave Chaumont
Meals
Continental breakfast and 4 evening meals
Accommodation
Hostellerie du Chateau (3 star)
This hotel is situated between the Loire river and the famous chateau itself, the Hostellerie du Chateau is a lovely, quirky hotel, that just oozes charm. The bedrooms also reflect the theme of times gone by, but they are well- equipped for the demands of the 21st century guest, as they all have telephone, satellite TV and hairdryer. The dining room, with its wooden beams and grand fireplace, adds to the overall antiquated atmosphere.
Auberge du Centre (3 star)
Tucked away in the elegant little village of Chitenay is the lovely ivy-clad Auberge du Centre, run by the charming Martinet family. Dinner is served either in the pretty dining room, or on the terrace. The hotel has a pleasant terrace overlooking its pretty gardens and swimming pool (pool towels are provided; ask at reception), which are a real treat on a summer's day, as well as an attractive sitting area inside, complete with wooden beams and comfy chairs. Access to the Spa area is payable locally at 15 per person per day. Access is free to those staying in a 'Balneo' room.
Hotel La Roseraie (3 star)
Ideally situated in the centre of Chenonceaux and just a 400m from the chateau, the Hotel La Roseraie, built in the 18th century offers comfortable rooms and a wonderful place to relax after a day walking or sightseeing with its garden and pool.
Hotel Le Clos d (4 star)
Located near the pedestrian area of Amboise, the Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise was built in the 17th century and was once a doctor's mansion. Renovated over the years it has still retained a number of original features.
Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys (4 star)
The Pavillon des Lys offers nine rooms spread out over the main building and in two small cottages on the hotel grounds, some of which have a view over the Chateau Royale d'Amboise and the Clos Luce. Located in the heart of Amboise we have left evenings free for you to choose from one of the many restaurants on offer.
Single Supplement
Add 312 for sole occupancy of a double room.
Travel
British Airways Heathrow to Paris CDG 07:15/09:35 then rail Paris Charles de Gaulle to Tours St Pierre des Corps 11:19/12:58 and transfer to hotel 35 minutes. Return: Transfer to station 40 minutes then rail Tours St Pierre des Corps to Paris Charles de Gaulle via Marne-la-Valle 10:54/13:02 then British Airways Paris CDG to Heathrow 16:35/16:55.
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Headwater requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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