Discover the castles in the Loire Valley
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Discover the magic and centuries of history of the Loire Valley, known as the "Garden of France", on a journey that will take you through the incredible castles of ancient royalty, fortresses and magnificent vineyards. In addition, it will be the perfect opportunity to delight you with its incomparable and exquisite gastronomy.
- Admire the beautiful Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Chinon, Amboise and Chenonceau castles.
- Tour the Sentier de Grande Randonnee 3 – GR3, from Chinon to Amboise.
- Stroll along the banks of the River Cher until you reach Leonardo da Vinci's former residence in Amboise.
- Enjoy delicious local cuisine and premium wines.
- Walk along rural trails and in beautiful medieval cities.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Chinon
This magical tour will start right in the heart of the Loire Valley in Chinon, a beautiful town on the banks of the River Vienne. There you can stroll through its charming cobblestoned streets, discover the cosy cafes, boutique shops and authentic bakeries and pastry shops.
You will also have the possibility to discover a place full of history: its castle dating back to the 11th century, the preferred residence of Henry II and the favourite meeting point of Joan of Arc and Charles VII.
You will also have the possibility to discover a place full of history: its castle dating back to the 11th century, the preferred residence of Henry II and the favourite meeting point of Joan of Arc and Charles VII.
Overnight in Chinon
Hotel Diderot
Located just a 12-minute walk from the Chinon Royal Fortress, this 17th-century hotel is characterized by its beautiful garden and white limestone walls that isolate the heat and keep the rooms cool.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Chinon to Azay-le-Rideau 10,1 miles | 16,4 km
After a delicious and traditional French breakfast, we will take you to Saint-Benoit-la-Feret, where you will start your tour of the GR3 trail. This will be a path on which you will be accompanied by the relaxing sound of birds and the characteristic aromas of the forest.
Azay-le-Rideau will welcome you with incredible views of its magnificent Renaissance castle that gives the feeling of floating on the river.
Spend a pleasant evening enjoying an exquisite dinner accompanied by a glass of Saumur wine.
Azay-le-Rideau will welcome you with incredible views of its magnificent Renaissance castle that gives the feeling of floating on the river.
Spend a pleasant evening enjoying an exquisite dinner accompanied by a glass of Saumur wine.
Overnight in Azay-le-Rideau
Hôtel de Biencourt
An old 16th-century school was renovated to give life to this charming hotel. Its location, a few metres from Azay-le-Rideau Castle, is perfect for walking and relaxing in one of the cafes that are very close to there.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Azay-le-Rideau to Villandry 8,3 miles | 13,4 km
The paths that will take you to Villandry cross beautiful forests, small villages, large fields and traditional vineyards.
Arriving at your destination, you can stop to enjoy an authentic local baguette and fresh cheese, then discover the magnificent Chateau de Villandry and its splendid gardens that feature fountains, ponds, immense fields of colourful flowers and orchards.
Arriving at your destination, you can stop to enjoy an authentic local baguette and fresh cheese, then discover the magnificent Chateau de Villandry and its splendid gardens that feature fountains, ponds, immense fields of colourful flowers and orchards.
Overnight in Villandry
Les Haut des Lys
Located just 400 metres from Villandry Castle, this beautiful hotel features a large garden and a hot tub, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
The rooms offer garden views and satellite TV.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms offer garden views and satellite TV.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Villandry to Tours 13 miles | 21 km
The day will start with a pleasant walk to the village of Savonnieres, located on the banks of the River Cher. From there, you will follow a flat and open path that will give you an excellent perspective of the Loire Valley, until you reach Tours, located between the Cher and Loire rivers.
The first thing you'll see when you arrive in Tours will be its extraordinary Gothic cathedral. Afterwards you can observe the characteristic wooden houses and visit the traditional market "Ventre de Tours", an ideal place to discover the best of French gastronomy.
The first thing you'll see when you arrive in Tours will be its extraordinary Gothic cathedral. Afterwards you can observe the characteristic wooden houses and visit the traditional market "Ventre de Tours", an ideal place to discover the best of French gastronomy.
Overnight in Tours
La Maison Jules
Located in the centre of Tours, this luxurious 19th-century mansion features five comfortable and beautiful rooms.
You can relax on one of the sofas in the spacious living room with a nice fireplace.
In the morning, you will have the possibility to share a delicious breakfast at the large dining table, on the terrace or in the garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
You can relax on one of the sofas in the spacious living room with a nice fireplace.
In the morning, you will have the possibility to share a delicious breakfast at the large dining table, on the terrace or in the garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Tours to Amboise 13,3 miles | 21,5 km
After a 30-minute transfer to Chenonceaux, you'll visit the exceptional Chateau Chenonceau, famous for its arches across the River Cher.
This beautiful construction is also known as the "Ladies' Castle", as it was the women who inhabited there that carefully monitored the building, its design, decoration, renovation and the protection of this renaissance jewel.
Later, you will continue the route on a forest path to the city of Amboise where you will spend the night.
This beautiful construction is also known as the "Ladies' Castle", as it was the women who inhabited there that carefully monitored the building, its design, decoration, renovation and the protection of this renaissance jewel.
Later, you will continue the route on a forest path to the city of Amboise where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Amboise
Manoir du Parc
Just ten minutes walking from Amboise Castle, you will find this magnificent mansion that has gardens and a swimming pool, a perfect combination to help relax after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Enjoy your day in Amboise
Amboise is the ideal city to finish this magical tour of the Loire Valley. Its beauty and medieval charm will leave you with an unforgettable memory of this trip.
You begin by discovering its charming castle, the residence of the French kings from the 15th to the 19th century, and famous for having been Leonardo da Vinci's last resting place, after receiving an invitation from the French King.
Later you will also be able to visit the Chateau du Clos Luce, da Vinci's last abode and tour the traditional riverside market that operates on Fridays and Sundays.
You begin by discovering its charming castle, the residence of the French kings from the 15th to the 19th century, and famous for having been Leonardo da Vinci's last resting place, after receiving an invitation from the French King.
Later you will also be able to visit the Chateau du Clos Luce, da Vinci's last abode and tour the traditional riverside market that operates on Fridays and Sundays.
Overnight in Amboise
Manoir du Parc
Just ten minutes walking from Amboise Castle, you will find this magnificent mansion that has gardens and a swimming pool, a perfect combination to help relax after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Amboise
After breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to the Loire Valley. From Amboise, you can go by train to the various French airports, or perhaps continue your journey through the magnificent France.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To get to the starting point of this walking holiday through the Loire Valley, the best option is to take a flight to Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris.
From there, you can go by high-speed train to Saint Pierre des Corps (2 hours) and from there take a local train to Chinon (1h 30m).
When you've finished your journey, from Amboise you can head by train to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
From there, you can go by high-speed train to Saint Pierre des Corps (2 hours) and from there take a local train to Chinon (1h 30m).
When you've finished your journey, from Amboise you can head by train to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of low difficulty. Daily routes have a distance ranging from 13.5 to 20 km (8.4 to 12.4 miles). Ascents and descents are minimal, which makes the route more agile. You'll walk on rural trails and paved paths and, on some occasions, share paths with cyclists.
During the afternoons, you will have time to get to know the cities and castles.
What if I can't complete one of the stages?
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to the next property.
What kind of equipment do I need?
The detailed information will be sent to you once you make the reservation. In it you will find a specific list of items, among which are good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a backpack.
How far in advance should I book?
We suggest you book once you have decided your plans in order to ensure the best accommodation options.
Is there a minimum age for this walking trip?
We recommend that the minimum age of the traveller be 5 years old.
Do I need to take out health insurance?
Yes, this is a requirement when you book with us. It's important that this insurance covers your activities, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
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