Chateaux of the Loire Walk
Chateaux of the Loire Walk
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting Loire Valley with the "Chateaux of the Loire Walk." This self-guided adventure offers gentle, off-the-beaten-path walking routes through picturesque sunflower fields, lush forests, and sprawling vineyards, all while tracing the serene Loire and Cher rivers. Discover France's most exquisite chateaux, including Blois, Chambord, Amboise, and Chenonceau, each steeped in history and architectural grandeur. Delight in the charm of sleepy wine villages and the regal ambiance of Amboise, with its boutique-lined streets and stunning river views. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including the ivy-clad Auberge du Centre in Chitenay and the historic Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise. With all breakfasts and select evening meals included, savor the region's refined cuisine, featuring local produce and wines. This adventure promises a perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisurely walking, making it an ideal escape for those seeking both relaxation and discovery. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Blois
Location: Blois
Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Monarque
Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.You stay at Hotel Le Monarque
Day 2 : Blois / Chambord To Chitenay
Location: Chambord
Accommodation Name: Auberge du Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to Chambord, the largest Chateau of the Loire Valley. Then walk through the estate's forest before heading across open countryside via sleepy wine villages. Transfer in the afternoon to your hotel in Chitenay. Dinner is included for the next 2 nights.
You stay at Auberge du Centre (Breakfast and evening meal included)
Day 3 : At Chitenay
Location: Chitenay
Accommodation Name: Auberge du Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Enjoy to relax by the pool at the hotel.You stay at Auberge du Centre
Day 4 : Chitenay To Chenonceaux
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Roseraie
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 to Chenonceaux.You stay at Hotel de la Roseraie
Day 5 : At Chenonceaux
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Roseraie
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.You stat Hotel de la Roseraie
Day 6 : Chenonceaux To Amboise
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast
We take you from Chenonceaux to 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. Continue your walk alongside the Loire and you'll arrive in the bustling market town of Amboise.You stay at Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Day 7 : At Amboise
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.You stay at Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Day 8 : Leave Amboise
Location: Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Amboise after breakfast
What's Included
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All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
All breakfasts and 2 evening meals are included in the tour package.
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All accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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Transfers for Flight inclusive
Transfers are included for those who have booked the flight-inclusive package.
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Luggage transfers between hotels
Luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
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Walking transfers
Walking transfers are included as part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.
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Solo traveller supplement
A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is traveling on a departure date.
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Transfers for Land only
Transfers for land-only bookings are available on request at an additional cost.
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Opportunities to visit local Chateaux's and wine tasting venues
Opportunities to visit local Chateaux's and wine tasting venues are available but payable locally.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of the Loire Valley with stays at Hotel Le Monarque in Blois, Auberge du Centre in Chitenay, Hotel La Roseraie in Chenonceaux, and Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise in Amboise. Enjoy comfortable rooms, delightful dining options, and relaxing amenities like gardens and pools.
Food
All breakfasts and 2 evening meals are included The Loire prides itself on it's cuisine. It is refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound. Asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France, which demonstrates the quality of the produce. These all provide delicious accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Fish also features in abundance. With three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through the region, freshwater fish appear on most menus. 'Sandre' (pikeperch) and breme (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a beurre blanc sauce - made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar. The majority of the cheese found in the region is goat's cheese. We suggest trying Selles-sur-Cher from the neighbouring Blesois region. Desserts are often based on the fruit from the local orchards. They include 'tarte tatin', a yummy caramelised upside-down apple pie - the invention of two absent-minded sisters in their attempt to salvage a dessert they had dropped on the floor. The Loire is undoubtedly one of Europe's finest wine producing regions with many of the separate wine areas producing red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Distinctive whites include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray and Muscadet; for reds, try Chinin, Bourgueil and Saumur. Anjou is by far the most popular rose.
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Mode of Transport
This tour includes transfers for flight-inclusive packages, luggage transfers between hotels, and walking transfers. Enjoy the convenience of being transported to key locations, allowing you to focus on the scenic walks and exploration of the Loire Valley.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of walking routes can I expect on the Chateaux of the Loire Walk?
The Chateaux of the Loire Walk features gentle, off-the-beaten-track walking on relaxing flat routes through sunflower fields, forests, vineyards, and along the Loire and Cher rivers.
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Are there any meals included in the Chateaux of the Loire Walk tour?
Yes, all breakfasts and two evening meals are included in the tour.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Hotel Le Monarque in Blois, Auberge du Centre in Chitenay, Hotel La Roseraie in Chenonceaux, and Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise in Amboise. These accommodations offer amenities like free WiFi, private bathrooms, and some have swimming pools and gardens. ...more ...less
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
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Can I visit local chateaux and wine tasting venues during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to visit local chateaux and wine tasting venues, but these are payable locally.
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What are some of the highlights of the Chateaux of the Loire Walk?
Highlights include visiting France's finest chateaux such as Blois, Chambord, Amboise, and Chenonceau, as well as exploring sleepy wine villages and enjoying the boutique-lined streets and esplanades of regal Amboise.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Chateaux of the Loire Walk
8 Days Starting in Blois, France and ending in Amboise, France
Visiting: Blois, Chambord, Chitenay, Chenonceaux, Amboise
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07LO
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements