The Loire is famous for its chateaux with over 300 in total to discover. This easy paced, gentle walking holiday balances peaceful, off-the-beaten-track discoveries, with the splendour and opulence of some of the finest Renaissance chateaux in France. There's no tough climbing; the highest point is at just 150m but you're still rewarded with beautifully unspoilt landscapes and enchanting views at every turn.
You follow a circular route from Chaumont-sur-Loire along peaceful riverside tracks, passing quiet hamlets, before continuing alongside the River Cher through Montrichard, Chenonceaux and Montlouis. On your return you'll enjoy wonderful walks through open fields and sprawling vineyards - with opportunities for wine-tasting - and on to Leonardo da Vinci's bustling town of Amboise, before returning to Chaumont-sur-Loire. Along the way you'll take in some of France's most impressive chateaux: Chenonceau mesmerises with its iconic arches over the River Cher (be sure to taste the chateau's wine and enjoy a scenic riverside walk); the majestic Chateau d'Amboise is a former royal residence and also houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci; while Chateau de Chaumont is set in beautifully tended gardens which host the annual Festival des Jardins.
The places you'll stay in have been hand-picked for their superb locations, atmospheric charm, excellent cuisine and warm, friendly owners. As well as chateaux, the Loire prides itself on its delicious local cuisine and wine and we've included evening meals everywhere except in Amboise - given the fantastic variety of restaurants on your doorstep, we thought you'd appreciate us leaving the choice to you.
Mainly flat walking along riverside paths and through open fields and vineyards. Much of the route follows waymarked GRs. Good views with not too much effort!
Arrive at your riverside hotel in Chaumont where there's a lovely pool if you fancy a dip.
You stay at the Hostellerie du Chateau (breakfast and evening meal)
Today a 20-minute transfer takes you to Bourre, before walking alongside the River Cher. En route you have the opportunity to visit the Cave des Roches, an underground town previously sculpted in a limestone quarry, and La Magnanerie de Bourre, a troglodyte site and silk-worm farm in a lovely hillside setting. The route continues alongside the Cher to Montrichard, a bustling market town which has kept its French traditions, a perfect place to have lunch. The final section of the route takes you along the GR41 through Chissay-en-Touraine to Chenonceaux with its iconic chateau.
You stay at the Hotel La Roseraie (breakfast included)
Explore the superb Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous arches spanning across the river. It's the most romantic and beautiful of all the Renaissance chateaux and is associated with some famous names - rivals Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de'Medici (respectively mistress and widow of Henry II) and Mary, Queen of Scots who stayed here as the child bride of Francis II. After you visit you can taste the chateau's wines, hire a rowing boat (July-August), or take a pleasant riverside walk. Why not take the train to explore the lively city of Tours before coming back to relax with a swim in the hotel pool?
You stay at the Hotel La Roseraie (breakfast included)
You begin today with a transfer from Chenonceaux to Veretz-Montlouis. The route then takes you along the quiet back roads of the GR3, running parallel with the Loire. Leaving Montlouis you walk through the open fields and vineyards of the Loire region, with the opportunity to stop for wine tastings and perhaps take advantage of our wine-carrying service. The final stretch takes you beside the Loire River into the fascinating town of Amboise, providing you with numerous options for your rest day.
You stay at the Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys (breakfast included)
Amboise is filled with interest. It's well known for its Son et Lumiere display based at the massive chateau, which was turned by Charles VIII into a luxurious palace in the late 15th century. The town has bustling narrow streets, some excellent restaurants and attractive buildings. Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life at Clos Luce, now a museum with displays of models constructed from his original plans. there's a striking fountain (made in 1968 by Max Ernst) and fascinating stained glass, paintings and sculptures in the 12th century church of St-Denis.
You stay at the Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys (breakfast included)
Today's walk leads you out of Amboise heading south east along the GR3 trail towards the charming village of Souvigny-de-Touraine. The paths then flow through the fields and wineries of the Loire region (your last opportunity for a tasting or to purchase a few bottles). The final stretch follows part of the Camino de Santiago trail back to Chaumont-sur-Loire beside the river, with its impressive 15th century chateau.
You stay at the Hostellerie du Chateau (breakfast and evening meal)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am tomorrow) or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
This hotel is situated between the Loire river and the famous chateau itself, the Hostellerie du Chateau is a lovely, quirky hotel, that just oozes charm.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Ideally situated in the centre of Chenonceaux and just a 400m from the chateau, the Hotel La Roseraie, built in the 18th century offers comfortable rooms and a wonderful place to relax after a day walking or sightseeing with its garden and pool.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Located near the pedestrian area of Amboise, the Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise was built in the 17th century and was once a doctor's mansion. Renovated over the years it has still retained a number of original features.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
The Pavillon des Lys offers nine rooms spread out over the main building and in two small cottages on the hotel grounds, some of which have a view over the Chateau Royale d'Amboise and the Clos Luce.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room, Suite or Suite Terrasse.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Tours St Pierre des Corps train station at 12:58 and back to Tours St Pierre des Corps train station at 10:10.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Megan gave us all the details and prices for our Austrian Lakes holiday, including room upgrades and add on stays elsewhere. Very thorough.
So far the service and help we’ve received from Headwaters has been good. You could call us nervous travellers and we have been pleasantly surprised by their assistance and attention to detail. Still early day as we have booked well in advance. The staff have always been informative helpful and very pleasant to deal with.
Reservation process efficient with very helpful adviser.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 6 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
Continental breakfast and 2 evening meals
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 (we open again 9am tomorrow) or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
Continental breakfast and 2 evening meals
Other details
For people wanting to have bikes available for all 'rest days' these can be pre-booked for you (£60 per adult) and will be waiting at each hotel for you.
This holiday may be adapted into a 4 night version.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Tours St Pierre des Corps train station at 12:58 and back to Tours St Pierre des Corps train station at 10:10.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 (we open again 9am tomorrow) or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.