The Loire Valley “Castles Trek” (UNESCO)
per person
The Loire Valley is one of the most outstanding cultural landscapes inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. You will be amazed by the incredible architectural heritage of Orleans, Blois, and Tours or Nantes. You will experience the other role of the valley as a center of biological diversity and, of course, enjoy the world-class wines produced there. This classic independent walking tour leads you to explore some of the most exceptional castles in France. The Loire Valley has been celebrated by writers and artists in the 19th century inspiring the local community and authorities to be proactive in the preservation of its enchanting aesthetic qualities till this day. A diverse experience awaits you in the form of monuments, historic towns, rural landscapes, natural beauty, and French gastronomy.
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Destination
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Duration8/ (12) Days I Level: 2 (of 5)
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What is includedDetailed roadbook (itinerary description in English and detailed walking maps); Accommodation in 2* hotels incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms throughout); Luggage transfers; Emergency hotline;
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals and transfers.
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Best periodMarch, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Loire Valley castles. Self-guided walking holidays in France.
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Day 1: Blois
Your independent walking tour begins in the capital of Loir-et-Cher department in central France, Blois. Located between the rivers Orléans and Tours, the city invites you to contemplate its magnificent monumental architecture.
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Day 2: Blois to Chambord (17,5km; 4,30hrs)
The first day of your self-guided walking route follows the “Loire à vélo” (the Loire by bike) trail. It begins from the center of Blois near the railway station and takes you to two stunningly beautiful castles - Blois and Chambord. The overnight is in the small town of Chambord (accommodations there are very limited; in case of no options available (the case in general), 2 nights in Blois will be booked for the first 2 nights with organized transfers on Day 2 and Day 3 to rejoin the trail head at Chambord).
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Day 3: Chambord to Bracieux (16km; 4,30hrs)
After a healthy breakfast, it is worth visiting the Château de Chambord even if you did have a quick look at it the day before. It is one of the most recognizable and iconic castles in France, a fine example of French Renaissance architecture. The route planned for the day takes you to Bracieux and is a fine example of the sights the Loire Valley has to offer - unspoiled nature and beautiful vineyards.
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Day 4: Bracieux to Cheverny (19km; 5hrs)
The self-guided hiking tour has taken you to the charming hamlet of Bracieux, located in the heart of vineyards. You follow the route to “Les Ogonières” (the greenhouses) and cross a small lake called Le Grand Cotlereau. You have reached a curious stage which follows the old “Le chemin aux boeufs” used to transfer bullock herds from Limousin to Paris. After crossing the Cheverny forest you enter in the town of Cheverny.
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Day 5: Cheverny to Fougères (16km; 5hrs)
Today you explore the charming Château de Cheverny, a true gem of the Loire Valley. It has been a source of inspiration for numerous authors, including to Hergé, the creator of The Adventures of Tintin. You follow a trail from the church in the centre of Cheverny to Contres. You will encounter the Troussay castle, Clos du Sentier and Clos du Poira along the way, soaking into an atmosphere of castles and vineyards on your way to the town of Fougères where your next overnight will be.
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Day 6: Fougères to Thésée (20km; 5hrs)
The town of Fougères-sur-Bièvre welcomes you to explore its wonders in the morning, as you continue on your self-guided journey. The Middle-Ages castle, the church, and the wash-house are among the architectural curiosities deserving your attention before you depart on the trail to Thésée. You will have the opportunity to see the captivating Abbaye de Cornilly, a well-preserved genuine abbey built in the XI century. Don’t miss to contemplate the Gué-Pan castle before you reach the town of Thésée.
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Day 7: Thésée to Montrichard (16km; 4,30hrs)
On your last day on this self-guided hiking tour, you will have the chance to explore some physical remains from the Gallo-Roman times (II century) - “Bâtiments des Maselles”. A place of interest in this stage of the route is the “Champignonière des Roches”, do not hesitate to take the time for a visit. You part with the lovely Loire Valley with a visit of the delightful Vallagon castle just before you arrive at Montrichard.
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Day 8: Montrichard
Departure. Time to bid The Loire Valley farewell. Or extend the tour to a total of 12 days (check with us for itinerary and price). (* use the day to visit the nearby imposing Château de Chenonceau, one of the best-known châteaux of the Loire valley, spanning River Cher)
TOUR LOCATION
Price (this tour in on hold; check details with us)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: N/A
Solo traveler supplement (incl. sgl. room supplement): N/A
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of March and the end of October. Best airport is Tours. Other possible airports: Paris Orly and Paris Charles De Gaulle or Nantes.
Accommodation
2* hotels (en-suite rooms), incl. breakfast.
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