Loire Valley: The Châteaux Trail

7 Days & 6 Nights

4.1

Loire Valley: The Châteaux Trail

Enjoy easy-going walking in the heart of the Loire Valley, the ‘Garden of France’
Historic and fairy-tale châteaux of Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Amboise and Chenonceaux
The Loire, one of Europe's most scenic rivers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Indulge in classic French cuisine; confit de canard and a dry white wine, such as Sancerre
At the end of your day's walk relax in carefully selected charming hotels and guesthouses

Discover the magnificent Loire Valley on foot and visit its historic and opulent chateaux. Once the famous hunting ground of France’s nobility, the Loire is brimming with fascinating relics of a bygone time and this is reflected in it's architecture, historic towns and villages. This classic destination and it's river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there is a laid back pace of life. As you walk along peaceful trails each place on your itinerary has its own appeal; medieval Chinon, charming Amboise and Tours with its extraordinary cultural heritage. Spend your evenings enjoying exceptional local cuisine such as marinated duck, warm goat’s cheese salad and sweet tarte tatin. Enjoy a glass of locally-produced wine and toast to another fantastic day of exploration while soaking up the French culture and atmosphere that make the Loire one of France’s most loved regions.

From $1,635.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Chinon Day 2: Transfer to Saint-Benoit-la-Fôret and walk to Azay-le-Rideau 10 miles / 16.4 km Day 3: Walk to Villandry 8.2 miles / 13.4 km Day 4: Walk to Tours 13.2 miles / 21.2 km

Walk to the pretty town of Savonniéres, located on the banks of the Cher. From here, the trail follows the river as it meanders its way to Tours. The path is flat and open, allowing far-reaching views of the surrounding Loire valley. Sandwiched between the Cher and Loire rivers, Tours is dominated by an impressive Gothic Cathedral and a lovely, car-free centre lined with half-timbered houses. Another attraction is the indoor market, also known as the ‘Ventre de Tours’ (belly of Tours), this is a great place to get closer to French gastronomic culture, and to partake in the great French market tradition.

Ascent/Descent: 51m / 53m

Overnight Tours

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Maison Jules | Guest House

Luxury guesthouse La Maison Jules is set in a charming 19th century mansion with garden, in the historic heart of Tour. Entirely renovated the guest house offers a peaceful haven a few meters away from the train station and the cathedral, combining the elegance of its century and contemporary comfort. The house has five guest rooms, all individually decorated and distributed over two floors, accessed by an antique staircase.

Guests are welcome to relax in the living room with its large fireplace and comfortable seats and sofa. The dining room is decorated in a warm and modern style; on its large table, guests and families will share their breakfast together. It is also possible to have breakfast on the outdoor terrace or in the garden.

Hotel du Cygne | 3 Star | Hotel

The hotel is located in the heart of an 18th century residence (18 rooms on 3 different floors no elevator). It is in the centre of the historic centre of the Vieux Tours, between Rue Colbert (where the best restaurants are located) and Rue de la Scellerie (quartier des Antiquaires), near the Cathedral, the Fine Arts Museum, the castle and the banks of the Loire with its taverns!

Le Grand Hotel de Tours | 4 Star | Hotel

The Grand Hotel's imposing building with 105 rooms stands in the centre of Tours; Rooms have been renovated and redecorated in a contemporary style inspired by the 1930s. Comfortable and spacious, they offer a bathroom with a shower and/or bathtub, a toilet and a hair dryer. What it lacks in charm it makes up for in location right by the train station and the bus terminal, which are in the town centre.

Day 5: Transfer to Chenonceaux, walk to Amboise 13.3 miles / 21.5 km Day 6: Free Day in Amboise Day 7: Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

The reviews for this tour up until December 2019, are based on a previous itinerary. As of December 2019, changes have been made to the itinerary.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.