7 Days & 6 Nights

4.2

Loire Valley: The Châteaux Trail

Enjoy easy-going walking in the heart of the Loire; the ‘garden of France’
Historic Châteaux of Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, 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 £1,085.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Chinon

Located on the banks of the Vienne river in the heart of the Loire Valley, Chinon is easily accessible by train from Paris (approx.4 hours). Take some time to wander the cobbled streets which are lined with boutique shops, traditional boulangeries and patisseries as well as cosy cafés. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Château and its gardens. The ancient fortress dates back to the 11th century and was the preferred residence of Henry II of England and the meeting place of Joan of Arc and Charles VII.

Overnight Chinon

Accommodation

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.

Hôtel Diderot | Hotel

This simple, family-run hotel from the 17th Century offers a calm elegance in the city of Chinon. The Hôtel Diderot, with its courtyard garden and white limestone walls, is a 12-minute walk from Chinon Royal Fortress. To preserve the silence and the architecture of the building, the rooms do not have air conditioning but are fitted with high tech fans, shutters and thick limestone walls to keep the heat out.

Please note: some rooms are located on the first and second floor and the accommodation does not have a lift.

Hotel Le Plantagenêt | 3 Star | Hotel

This charming 19th-century house is located in Chinon, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park Loire-Anjou-Touraine and the Loire Valley. All rooms are equiped with air-conditioned, a satellite TV, a telephone, and a private bathroom with a bath or a shower. Guests can relax on the shadowed terrace, by the garden.

Hotel Le Lion d'Or | Hotel

Hotel Le Lion d'Or is located on the banks of the River Vienne in the medieval city of Chinon.

Day 2: Transfer to Saint-Benoit-la-Fôret and walk to Azay-le-Rideau 10 miles / 16.4 km

After a leisurely breakfast of buttery croissants, homemade jams and rich coffee, a short transfer (10 mins) will bring you to the trailhead. Enjoy the sound of the birds and the scents of the forest as you follow the GR3 trail through peaceful forests and countryside.

Arrive in Azay-le-Rideau with its spectacular Renaissance Château. Seemingly floating in the Indre river, its turreted façade is simply magnifique. Spend the evening enjoying a glass of local Saumur rouge over a decadent dinner fit for royalty.

Ascent/Descent: 99m / 129m

Overnight Azay le Rideau

Accommodation

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.

Hotel Biencourt | Hotel

With a few metre of the elegant Chateau Azay le Rideau, this 16th century property was formerly a school and real tennis courts. Only a stone’s throw from relaxing cafes, you’re never far from relaxing refreshment.

Day 3: Walk to Villandry 8.2 miles / 13.4 km

Leaving Azay-le-Rideau and the river Indre behind, follow a mixture of quiet country roads and trails through hamlets, forests, fields and vineyards. Enjoy a panoramic view over the confluence of the Loire and Cher rivers just before reaching Villandry – the perfect place to enjoy a picnic of crusty baguette and fresh ‘Selles-sur-Cher’ cheese. Arrive in Villandry, a small town mostly known for its magnificent Château and its unique gardens. With 6 distinct gardens of ponds, fountains, colourful flowers and vegetable patches, wandering the labyrinth of gardens is a true delight.

Ascent/Descent: 85m / 78m

Overnight Villandry

Accommodation

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.

Les Haut des Lys | Hotel

The friendly team at Haut des Lys are ready to welcome you to this highly rated 3* hotel. Relax in the peaceful sculpture garden, which features a hot tub - perfect for relaxing tired muscles after a day of walking!

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

Accommodation

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.

Please note: The owner of this lovely guest house is not able to carry heavy weight so if the room you have been allocated is on the second floor the suitcase will wait for you at reception.

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

Today starts with a transfer (30 mins) from Tours to the village of Chenonceaux. A visit to the famous Château is in order, known as the ‘Château des femmes’, the castle has been defined by a succession of women who painstakingly oversaw the building, design, embellishment, renovation and protection of this renaissance masterpiece. Particularly unique are its arches which span the river Cher. Follow a riverside path and then a forest path to the town of Amboise, your base for the next two nights.

Ascent/Descent: 80m / 85m

Overnight Amboise

Accommodation

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.

Manoir du Parc | Bed and breakfast

A parkside manor with relaxing gardens and pool, Manoir du Parc is only 10 minute walk from the Royal Chateau of Amboise. An easy evening stroll from the old town, traditionally furnished provide a good nights sleep.

Maison Hulotte | Bed and breakfast

Maison Hulotte is a Tuffeau stone mansion in the historic center of Amboise. It was completely renovated in 2021, with attention to detail, in a “French Family House” spirit. Large common areas are available to guests (dining room, living room, pottery studio with relaxation area and enclosed garden).

Day 6: Free Day in Amboise

Amboise is the jewel in the Loire’s crown. Its medieval charm and important place in history makes it a popular stop for visitors to the Loire. The main draw is of course its Château, the residence of French kings from the 15th to the 19th century, and also the last resting place of Leonardo Di Vinci, who was invited to live in Amboise by King Françoise. Other attractions include the Château du Clos Lucé, Da Vinci’s former residence, and the town’s twice weekly riverside market (Friday and Sunday). Or simply spend a day relaxing on a sunny terrace at the foot of the castle reflecting on a wonderful week of walking and discovery.

Overnight Amboise

Accommodation

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.

Manoir du Parc | Bed and breakfast

Manoir Saint Thomas | 4 Star | Hotel

Experience an unforgettable stay at a manor converted into a luxury hotel 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 best 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 on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

If you are looking to explore the Loire and its Châteaux away from the bus tours and large groups, then this itinerary is perfect for you. See all the highlights as well as experiencing quiet walking trails, where you have a real sense of getting off the beaten track. This tour is ideal for foodies; the gastronomy is a delight. The walking is rated easy-moderate, and although there are a couple of long days, you will be walking on mostly good, flat paths and trails. Stay in welcoming, high-quality 3* hotels and guesthouses.

Trip Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie

Accessible by Rail

Grade & Terrain

This tour is rated easy-moderate. You will be walking between 13.5 and 20 km each day, but the ascent/descent is negligible, making for quick progress. This allows for a short day of walking and plenty of time in the afternoon to explore the Châteaux and towns along the way. You will be walking on a combination of paved trails, forest paths, grassy paths and quiet country roads. At times you will be sharing wide paths with cyclists.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

6 nights accommodation in 3* hotels and high-quality guesthouses
6 breakfasts
Bag transfers as per the itinerary
Transfer on day 2 and day 5
Detailed information pack, route notes, maps and access to our navigation app
24/7 support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Chinon and from Amboise
Entrance into the Châteaux and other attractions
Dinners & Lunches
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before,during or after the holiday

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.