Walking Holiday - Loire Valley (Tour code: 11702)
Chenonceaux
Highlights
Hike at your own pace (Self-guided), stopping when you see something truly remarkable or if you simply want to rest and recharge.
A detailed Road Book allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip! It boasts colour maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions!
Explore the town of Blois, built on a hill overlooking the Loire River and its Royal Chateau de Blois
Discover the famous Royal Chateau of Chambord boasting a double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle!
The Chateau of Cheverny, which was built in the first part of the 17th Century, is a prime example of classical style, distinguished by an extraordinarily symmetrical architecture!
Try some chocolate at Chocolaterie Marc Vauché, in the village of Bracieux, and you can also visit the museum.
Wine tasting at Les Caves Duhard in Amboise
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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, Amboise and Chenonceau! On your way you will walk along the Loire River and through many beautiful villages of the Loire Valley. The level of this hiking tour is quite casual so you can enjoy the beauty of the Valley while walking.
- ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
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Inclusions
Itinerary
Map Loire Valley Walking Tour
Average / Day Distance : 10.50 Km
Elevation gain : 81.00 Metres
Day 1 Blois
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 and restaurants. Since you are spending the night in Blois, do not forget to check if there is a Light and Sound show tonight at the Chateau (provided in English on Wednesdays!).
Overnight in Blois at Mercure Blois Centre
Day 2 Blois The Royal Château of Chambord Village of Bracieux
Distance 1 : 9 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 54 Metres
This morning, your 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 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 centrepiece 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.
Overnight in Bracieux at Hotel de la Bonnheure.
Day 3 Village of Bracieux The Château de Cheverny Ouchamps
Distance 1 : 14 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 85 Metres
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.
Overnight in Ouchamps at Hotel Le Relais des Landes.
Day 4 Ouchamps Chaumont sur Loire Amboise
Distance 1 : 9 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 35 Metres
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.
Overnight in Amboise at Hotel Clos d'Amboise.
Day 5 Amboise
Option 1 : 6 Km Option 2 : 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.
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.
Overnight in Amboise at Hotel Clos d'Amboise.
Day 6 Amboise Chateau of Chenonceau Chenonceaux
Distance 1 : 15 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 150 Metres
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!
Overnight in Chenonceaux at Auberge du Bon Laboureur.
Day 7 Chenonceau
Departure from Chenonceau.
You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure. Transfer back to Tours TGV station on your own.
Additional information
Our hotels or B&B provide amenities that are ideal for active vacations, located in easy walking distance to downtowns, restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritise family-owned, authentic accomodations over large chains. If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another hotel similar in category.
Blackout dates may apply during festive season.
Excluded
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- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
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