Loire Valley Walking Tour
Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, the Loire Valley offers so many chateaux, mansions, churches, and abbeys that a visitor can't possibly see it all in one trip!
On this walking tour starting from Blois you will travel past the picturesque city of Amboise. Visit numerous castles and historical sites including the famous chateaux de Blois, Chambord, Chaumont and many more. On your way you will walk along the Loire river and through many beautiful villages of the Loire Valley.
The level of this hiking tour is quite casual so you can enjoy the beauty of the Valley while walking.
Region : Loire
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Hiking
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Walking
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in Blois
Arrival in Blois, famous for its Royal Renaissance Chateau. Blois is a short train ride from Paris and has plenty to offer for your first night: pedestrian streets, 18th century stone bridge, Saint Louis Cathedral, shopping, restaurants. Since you are spending the night in Blois, do not forget to check if there is a Light and Sound show tonight (in English on Wednesdays!).
Accommodation : Mercure Blois Centre - "Blois"
Day 2 : From Blois to Bracieux
Distance 1 : 6 Miles - 9 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 54 Meters
This morning, our local guide will meet you at your hotel where you will have your orientation meeting. Then we will transfer you to one of the most recognizable Chateaux in France: Chateau de Chambord. You can visit the Chateau, walk around in the park, and then start your hike from Chambord to Bracieux through the forest. Stay in a charming hotel in Bracieux.
Chateau de Chambord: is one of the most recognizable castles in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the castle. There are suggestions that Leonardo da Vinci may have designed the staircase, but this has not been confirmed.
Accommodation : Hotel de la Bonnheure - "Bracieux"
Day 3 : On to Ouchamps via Chateau de Cheverny
Distance 1 : 9 Miles - 14 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 85 Meters
This hike will take you to Cheverny, another famous town because of its Chateau. The Chateau de Cheverny is an original jewel among the more famous monuments that stretch along the Loire Valley. The Renaissance style did not find its place in Cheverny, which is built in the purest Louis XIII style, distinguished by an extraordinarily symmetrical architecture.
Cheverny is primarily known for being an inspiration to Hergé, cartoonist and author of Tintin, who drew the castle in his comics as the Chateau de Moulinsart, home to Captain Haddock.
We transfer you at 3pm to your hotel in Ouchamps.
Accommodation : Le Relais des Landes - "Ouchamps"
Day 4 : On to Amboise via Chateau de Chaumont and the Loire River
Distance 1 : 6 Miles - 9 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 35 Meters
In the morning, start your hike from the hotel and cross Chaumont sur Loire village rich in history and a perfect place for walking along the riverbanks. Each year the International Garden Festival is held in the castle park. Chaumont sur Loire is also known for its feudal castle dominating the valley.
After your visit of Chaumont, we will transfer you to Amboise, where you will stay tonight. Amboise has a lot to offer and plenty to visit: The Royal Castle, which introduced Italian-style architecture in the 15h and 16th centuries; Clos Luce: last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where you can see some of his many projects in different fields.
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Day 5 : Loop walk around Amboise
Option 1 : 4 Miles - 6 Km
Option 2 : 6 Miles - 10 Km
You have 2 hiking possibilities today to discover Amboise in details. Amboise has a lot to offer and plenty to visit: The Royal Castle, which introduced Italian-style architecture in the 15h and 16th centuries; Clos Luce: last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where you can see some of his many projects in different fields.
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Day 6 : Amboise to Chenonceau
Distance 1 : 9 Miles - 15 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 150 Meters
Start walking in the forest of Amboise and through farm villages. Then continue your walk to the Cher River and the famous Chateau of Chenonceau, built by Henry II in the 16th century over the Cher River; and then improved by Catherine de Medicis.
A gourmet dinner awaits you at your hotel tonight!
Accommodation : Le Bon Laboureur - "Chenonceaux"
Day 7 : Departure Day
Departure after breakfast, you can take your time. Additional nights can be arranged. Transfer back to Saint Pierre des Corps, Tours TGV station, is on your own.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
The hotel Mercure Blois Centre, completely renovated, is located in the heart of the chateaux of the Loire. It is ideally located, facing the river Loire and 5 minutes away from the city centre, the Royal castle and House of Magic. Enjoy our spacious rooms with contemporary design. You have access to the Spa from 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week. Our restaurant, le Quai St-Jean, provides regional and refined cuisine. Paying enclosed private car park according to availability.
Day : 2
Simple but pleasant 2 star hotel located just outside the Chambord forest in the village of Bracieux. Recommended by cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this basic hotel provides a perfect stop over between Chambord and Cheverny.
Day : 3
In the middle of the Loire Valley, le Relais des Landes is the ideal resting place for visiting the favourite region of Kings and Queens of France, its castles and its vineyards. This XVIIth century manor house in the middle of a 14 ha park in blossom surroundings and planted with trees, will allow you to appreciate the charm of a house with a lot of character and the pleasure of its covered and heated swimming pool located in the border of a forest. You will appreciate each of our 28 bedrooms with their personal touch, all fitted with modern conveniences.
Day : 4, 5
This is a sumptuous 17th century house converted into a charming hotel in 2003 and upgraded into a luxury hotel in 2011 retaining its character. Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise**** is located in the very heart of the Royal City of Amboise, in the authentic and picturesque historic part of the city that contains Francois 1er chateau, and further on, Leonardo da Vinci's residence, the Clos Lucé.
Day : 6
Le Bon Laboureur is a charming hotel located just a stone's throw from the Chateau of Chenonceau, the most gracious of the Loire Valley Chateaux. Although the clatter of horse hooves and of carriage or stagecoach wheels no longer sound in the Bon Laboureur courtyard, Antoine Jeudi has successfully preserved the atmosphere of his house by retaining its charm and simultaneously endowing it with comfortable rooms, pleasant lounges, and a highly-reputed gastronomic restaurant.
Accessories
INCLUDED
GPS are included on most of our tours since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Click below to see activities per trip version.
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Option 1: 9 Miles - 14 Km Elevation gain 1 : 85 Meters
Option 1: 6 Miles - 9 Km Elevation gain 1 : 35 Meters
Option 1: 4 Miles - 6 Km
Option 2: 6 Miles - 10 Km
Option 1: 9 Miles - 15 Km Elevation gain 1 : 150 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 3 dinners included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Arrival is Blois which is accessible by train from Paris. Departure from Amboise/St Pierre des Corp by train to Paris. Train from Paris. 1hour 40 minutes to Blois, 1 hour return.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1190 € | 350 € | 1840 € |
Activities
| Category | Activity | Price |
| Wine tasting | Caves Duhard | Included |
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| GPS | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Services available
| Services available | |
| Luggage transfer | |
| On a 2-person basis | 155 €/pers |
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions