Loire Valley Self Guided Walking Tour

Tour Dates: March – October

Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, the Loire Valley offers so many chateaux, mansions, churches, and abbeys that a visitor can’t possibly see it all in one trip!
On this walking tour starting from Blois you will travel past the picturesque city of Amboise. Visit numerous castles and historical sites including the famous chateaux de Blois, Chambord, Chaumont and many more. On your way you will walk along the Loire river and through many beautiful villages of the Loire Valley.

2024 Price: €1750 Euros pp double occupancy

Single Supplement: €450 Euros
Price Includes:
  • 6 nights of accommodation in charming hotels with private shower and/or bath
  • Daily breakfast at each hotel, 3 dinners included
  • Orientation in person with our local guide
  • Detailed Road Book, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
  • Guidance Application for your phone (phone not provided)
  • All luggage transfers
  • Comprehensive trip literature
  • Technical and emergency support available at all times

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Tour Difficulty

The level of this hiking tour is quite casual so you can enjoy the beauty of the Valley while walking.
Average / Day : Distance : 10.50 Km / 6.67 Miles – Elevation gain : 81Meters

Tour Highlights

  • Visits to Chateaux, mansions & abbeys
  • Excellent gastronomy and wine tasting

Itinerary

Day 1- Arrive in Blois

Arrival in Blois, famous for its Royal Renaissance Chateau. Blois is a short train ride from Paris and has plenty to offer for your first night: pedestrian streets, 18th century stone bridge, Saint Louis Cathedral, shopping, restaurants. Since you are spending the night in Blois, do not forget to check if there is a Light and Sound show tonight (in English on Wednesdays!).

Meals : Breakfast on your own, lunch on your own, dinner on your own.

Day 2 – Blois to Bracieux

Distance: 6 Miles – 9 Km Elevation gain 1 : 54 Meters

This morning, our local guide will meet you at your hotel where you will have your orientation meeting. Then we will transfer you to one of the most recognizable Chateaux in France: Chateau de Chambord. You can visit the Chateau, walk around in the park, and then start your hike from Chambord to Bracieux through the forest. Stay in a charming hotel in Bracieux.

Chateau de Chambord: is one of the most recognizable castles in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the castle. There are suggestions that Leonardo da Vinci may have designed the staircase, but this has not been confirmed.

Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner included.

Day 3 – On to Ouchamps Via Chateau De Cheverny

Distance: 9 Miles – 14 Km Elevation gain: 85 Meters

This hike will take you to Cheverny, another famous town because of its Chateau. The Chateau de Cheverny is an original jewel among the more famous monuments that stretch along the Loire Valley. The Renaissance style did not find its place in Cheverny, which is built in the purest Louis XIII style, distinguished by an extraordinarily symmetrical architecture.

Cheverny is primarily known for being an inspiration to Hergé, cartoonist and author of Tintin, who drew the castle in his comics as the Chateau de Moulinsart, home to Captain Haddock.

We transfer you at 3pm to your hotel in Ouchamps.

Meals: Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner included.

Day 4 – On to Amboise Via Chateau De Chaumont and the Loire River

Distance: 6 Miles – 9 Km Elevation gain: 35 Meters

In the morning, start your hike from the hotel and cross Chaumont sur Loire village rich in history and a perfect place for walking along the riverbanks. Each year the International Garden Festival is held in the castle park. Chaumont sur Loire is also known for its feudal castle dominating the valley.

After your visit of Chaumont, we will transfer you to Amboise, where you will stay tonight. Amboise has a lot to offer and plenty to visit: The Royal Castle, which introduced Italian-style architecture in the 15h and 16th centuries; Clos Luce: last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where you can see some of his many projects in different fields.

Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.

Day 5 – Loop Walk Around Amboise

Option 1: 4 Miles – 6 Km  Option 2: 6 Miles – 10 Km 

You have 2 hiking possibilities today to discover Amboise in details. Amboise has a lot to offer and plenty to visit: The Royal Castle, which introduced Italian-style architecture in the 15h and 16th centuries; Clos Luce: last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where you can see some of his many projects in different fields.

Caves Ambacia – Amboise, Wine Tasting- (Included)  This evening a wine tasting is included in Amboise with a local wine maker. He keeps some aged bottles of wine; you might find you birthday bottle there! The wine tasting comes with local cheese.

Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own. Evening wine tasting included.

Day 6 – Amboise To Chenonceau

Distance: 9 Miles – 15 Km Elevation gain: 150 Meters

Start walking in the forest of Amboise and through farm villages. Then continue your walk to the Cher River and the famous Chateau of Chenonceau, built by Henry II in the 16th century over the Cher River; and then improved by Catherine de Medicis.

A gourmet dinner awaits you at your hotel tonight!

Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner included.

Day 7 – Departure Day

Departure after breakfast, you can take your time. Additional nights can be arranged. Transfer back to Saint Pierre des Corps, Tours TGV station, is on your own.

Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.

2023-11-20T18:04:27+00:00

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