Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
On this 8-night, self-guided holiday you'll enjoy wonderfully relaxed walking amidst the sublime architecture and picturesque landscapes of the famous Loire region.
Your holiday begins in Chaumont from where you'll follow serene riverside tracks and meander through sleepy villages and hamlets towards the charming wine village of Chitenay, an ideal base from which to discover pretty Cheverny with its impressive 'Secrets of Moulinsart' art exhibition. After a transfer to Bourre, you'll keep the beautiful River Cher close, walking through Montrichard, Chenonceaux - with its iconic chateau on the banks of the Cher - and Montlouis before heading, via verdant fields and vineyards (be sure to enjoy a spot of wine-tasting!) to the medieval market town of Amboise. Explore the narrow, winding streets and take in the imposing Chateau d'Amboise, a royal residence and Da Vinci's final resting place, before returning to Chaumont where you'll experience yet another masterpiece - the Chateau de Chaumont which dates back to the 10th century and hosts the acclaimed International Garden Festival.
We've hand-picked friendly, welcoming hotels for your holiday, full of character and in some of the Loire's finest locations. You can expect mouth-watering food and wine, with meals included everywhere except Amboise where there's a wonderful selection of restaurants for you to choose from.
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.
You stay at Hostellerie du Chateau.
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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.
The bedrooms also reflect the theme of times gone by, but they are well- equipped for the demands of the 21st century guest, as they all have telephone, satellite TV and hairdryer.
The dining room, with its wooden beams and grand fireplace, adds to the overall antiquated atmosphere.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Today's walk takes you alongside the River Beuvron into the sleepy village of Cande-sur-Beuvron before passing the Chateau de Frileuse on your way to Les Montils, a perfect place for a lunch stop. Heading out of town through open countryside, you arrive in the pretty hamlet of Seur, before crossing the river into Chitenay. Your hotel offers superb food; relax on the terrace overlooking the gardens and swimming pool and enjoy an aperitif before dinner.
You stay at Auberge du Centre.
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Tucked away in the elegant little village of Chitenay is the lovely ivy-clad Auberge du Centre, run by the charming Martinet family. Dinner is served either in the pretty dining room, or on the terrace.
The hotel has a pleasant terrace overlooking its pretty gardens and swimming pool (pool towels are provided; ask at reception), which are a real treat on a summer's day, as well as an attractive sitting area inside, complete with wooden beams and comfy chairs.
Access to the Spa area is payable locally at 15€ per person per day. Access is free to those staying in a 'Balneo' room.
The sleepy wine village of Chitenay is ideally placed to visit many of the Loire's finest chateaux. We particularly recommend picture-postcard Cheverny which has one of the region's largest art collections including a permanent 'Secrets of Moulinsart' exhibition, and also, just 3km further on, lovely little Chateau de Troussay with its rich furnishings collection, elaborately decorated ceilings and attractive landscaped gardens.
Today a 20-minute transfer takes you to Bourre, where you'll begin your walk alongside the River Cher. You have the chance to visit the Caves des Roches - or 'mushroom caves' - on the way, a vast network of underground caves and tunnels which were formerly limestone mines. You'll also pass La Magnanerie de Bourre, the site of traditional cave dwellings and a silk-worm farm. Continue your walk alongside the River Cher to Montrichard, a traditional French town with its own riverside beach and a number of good restaurants to choose from for lunch, before heading along the GR41 through Chissay-en-Touraine to Chenonceaux.
You stay at Hotel La Roseraie.
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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.
Today you can marvel at the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the best-known of the Loire chateaux with its iconic arches over the river. This fairytale chateau has seen some famous figures from history, notably Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de'Medici - rivals for Henry II's affections - and Mary, Queen of Scots. The university city of Tours is an easy train ride away, home to a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants, along with popular shopping centres and quirky independent shops in the old quarter.
We take you from Chenonceaux to Veretz-Montlouis and from there follow the back roads of the GR3 which run parallel to the River Loire. From Montlouis you'll walk through the Loire's sprawling vineyards, with the chance to stop and taste delicious wines on the way; don't forget - we'll carry any wine purchases for you! Continue your walk alongside the Loire and you'll arrive in the bustling market town of Amboise.
You stay at Hotel Le Clos d or Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys.
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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.
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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.
Located in the heart of Amboise we have left evenings free for you to choose from one of the many restaurants on offer.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room, Suite or Suite Terrasse.
Amboise has a charming mediaeval feel, with historical links to the French Royal Family and also connections to Leonardo da Vinci who spent his last few years at Clos Luce, now a museum which houses displays of some of the artist's original work. Da Vinci's tomb is housed in the majestic Chateau d'Amboise which also hosts the impressive Son et Lumiere display. Amboise offers plenty of restaurants and cafes in which to relax and sample the local wines and produce.
Head south-east today, following the GR3 trail towards the village of Souvigny-de-Touraine, before sauntering through open fields and vineyards, perhaps stopping off for a final tasting! You'll then join the Camino de Santiago trail as you make your way back to riverside Chaumont.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Senat, Paris.
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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.
The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.
Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.
Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.
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 our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
