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Renaissance Castles of the Loire
Loire
France
An exploration of the famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Visit Chambord, Chenonceau, Saumur and Chinon. The ride is designed for people looking for a relaxed getaway with plenty of time to sightsee, take pictures and be spoilt by the French cuisine. Overnights are at exquisite castles and manor houses with charm and history.
This riding tour leads you around and inside some of the most famous Loire castles with private tours away from the tourist crowds. Guided by local guides, you will enjoy the pleasure of riding in all the beautiful landscapes of the Loire valley, and will have the privilege to enter on horseback to the doors of the castles. This tour gives you the time and the pleasure to visit each castle: Sometimes with a guided visit, other times including a garden festival, a horse show, a wine tasting or a visit on your own. Taste and experience the French "art de vivre"!
You will stay 6 nights in private castles, have dinner with the owners, taste the gastronomy from the Heart of France in gourmet restaurants, enjoy picnics with foie gras, and discover several shows in castles at night. Tailor made, this luxury program is limited to eight riders.
Chose from 2 different 7-day itineraries:
# 3: Chambord and Chenonceau - 4 riding days
# 6: Saumur, Abbaye de Fontevraud, Chinon - 5 riding days
There are also shorter 3 night getaways: # 4 Samur & #5 Chinon (Tour Code: IT-LOESC-2)
On the shorter trips you will stay 3 nights in the same private castle, have dinner with the owners, taste the gastronomy from the Heart of France in gourmet restaurants, enjoy picnics with foie gras, and discover several shows in castles at night. Tailor made, this luxury program is limited to eight riders. The combination of the shorter itineraries will let you experience excellent riding with overnights at two wonderful castle accommodations.
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Meeting:
# 3: Blois
# 6: Saumur
Airport:
Paris
Transfer:
Take a taxi (about 15 minutes) from Blois or Samur train stations (depending on your itinerary #).
Charles De Gaule or Paris Orly Airports by shuttle (not included-pay locally)
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
Accommodations in private castle or manor house, all meals with wine (limited), (4 or 5 riding days, 4-6 hours per day), all entrance fees and evening shows.
Packages and Options
Click here for updated current rates.
| B | 2009 | 7 day trip, AP Itin 3 Chambord, Chenonceau - 4 riding days | 7d / 6n | €2075 | $2905 |
| Single supplement | €740 | $1040 |
| A | 2009 | 7 day trip, AP Itin 6 Saumur, Chinon - 5 riding days | 7d / 6n | €2075 | $2905 |
| Single supplement | €740 | $1040 |
Rates Note:
Entrance fees to the castles and wine with meals (limited) are included.
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Private transfer from Paris per car (max 8) one way ~
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
250
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$350
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Arriving by train: From Paris Austerlitz train station- there are departures to Blois and Saumur almost every hour. Travel time from Austerlitz is approx. 1 ½ to 2 hrs. It is a 15 minute taxi ride from Blois or Saumur train stations (arrival station depends on your itinerary #) . Please take taxi on your own upon arrival.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| A |
2009
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05/10
- 05/16
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| B |
2009
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05/31
- 06/06
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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06/21
- 06/27
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2009
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07/12
- 07/18
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
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07/19
- 07/25
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| B |
2009
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08/05
- 08/11
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/16
- 08/22
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7d / 6n
|
5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| B |
2009
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09/06
- 09/12
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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09/20
- 09/26
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| B |
2009
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10/04
- 10/10
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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10/11
- 10/17
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7d / 6n
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5
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Shuttle service from Paris airport (pay locally).
Seven Day Itinerary #6
Saumur, Abbaye de Fontevraud, Chinon - 5 riding days
Day 1: Arrival and transfer (not included) from Saumur train station to Château de Beaulieu at Saumur. Dinner and briefing at the castle.
Day 2 : Champigny cellar - Montsoreau - Abbaye de Fontevraud
AM - 2 hours on horseback
We start the ride from the Chateau de Beaulieu through vineyards with a magnificent view of Chateau Saumur to the Champigny Troglodyte cellars. The arrival on horseback to the troglodyte cellars is an unforgettable experience ! Here we will have some wine tasting followed by a gourmet lunch in a local restaurant.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback.
We ride inside the Champigny vineyards and then along Loire river to Chateau de Montsoreau, which inspired wellknown french writer Alexandre Dumas for his book "la dame de Montsoreau". Dinner and night in Chateau de Beaulieu.
Day 3 Chateau de Brézé - Abbaye de Fontevraud
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
We ride through the vineyards and the countryside to Chateau de Brézé, where we will stop for lunch in the old stables of Chateau de Brézé. After lunch a guided visit of the chateau.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
Again we ride through the vineyards and through the gorgeous countryside and forests until we reach the Abbaye de Fontevraud. A magical entrance on horseback to the abbey. If we have time we will visit the abbey inside. Dinner and overnight is inside or near the Abbaye.
Day 4 :Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chateau de Ternay
AM - about 2 hours on horseback.
This morning we ride in french traditional countryside to Chateau de la Roche Martel, a private and historical chateau where we are welcomed by the owners for a picnic and visit.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback.
Ride in the countryside and woods to private chateau de Ternay. A cordial welcome by count and countess of Ternay - Dinner and night in chateau de Ternay.
Day 5 : Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau
AM - about 2 hours on horseback.
Throught the forest of Chinon on soft trails we ride to Chateau d'Ussé - the sleeping beauty catles. Lunch in Ussé.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
Unforgettable long canters along the Indre River and on cool forest trails we reach Azay le Rideau. Night in a medieval hotel of Chinon.
Day 6 : Azay le Rideau - Villandry
AM - about 2.5 hours on horseback.
In the morning we ride to the Chateau de Villandry and the most wonderful gardens of the Loire, where we will have an exquisite lunch.
In the afternoon we visit the famous gardens and the castle.
We return by car to Chinon, where Jane of Arc met Charles VII "le gentil dauphin", on the south bank of the river. Free time for shopping or visit the chateau of Chinon. Dinner and overnight in Chinon.
Day 7: Breakfast and departure. Departure by taxi (transfer is not included) to the train station for your trip back to Paris (TGV - Tours Saint Pierre des Corps train station- need a reservation).
please note this itinerary is only suitable for riders able to do long canters
Seven Day Itinerary #3
Itinerary #3 = combination of 2 shorter itineraries: Chambord (#1) + free day on Day 4 + Chenonceau (#2)
Chambord and Chenonceau - 4 riding days
Day 1 Arrival at the Chateau des Grotteaux for 3 nights- We meet and have dinner together - briefing of the ride
Day 2 Beauregard - Chaumont sur Loire or Cheverny
In the morning- about 2 hours on horseback. After a good night sleep we enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the 18th century dinning room in front of the fireplace. Around 10 AM we leave on horseback through forests paths in the Forest of Russy for a one hour ride with trots. We enter in the castle of Beauregard by the main entrance. an unforgetable experience! We visit the famous Galerie des Illustres, intact since the 17th century, which displays the painting portrays of 320 great figures of the court and high-ranking foreign characters gathered around the two portrays of the King and the Queen. This long room has kept its beautiful old Delft tiles and its ceiling painted with lapis-lazuli powder. We leave Beauregard for a nice ride in Russy forest (trot, canter, gallops) to our picnic with foie gras in the forest.
After lunch - about 2 or 3 hours on horseback.We continue our ride through the countryside and along riverbanks or Cheverny vinyards. Our destination is either Château Chaumont or Château Cheverny. We will visit the Chaumont garden festival or tour Château de Cheverny. Gourmet dinner and overnnight at the chateau.
Day 3 Chambord - Villesavin
In the morning we ride for about 2 hours on horseback. After a good breakfast, we leave the château on horseback towards Chambord. We ride first in the countryside, then through the forest of Boulogne - a good time of rising trot and canters. As we enter the park of Chambord we have a good ride along the old wall of Chambord. Then the Charles IX trail brings us straight to the Chambord castle. We leave the horses at the Maréchal de Saxe écuries where they are watered and fed. We will see a horseshow or visit the Château de Chambord.
After a lunch with local food, about 2 hours on horseback. We ride through the Boulogne Forest towards Villesavin - a Renaissance castle which tends towards a certain classicism. The simplicity of its façade is dazzlingly graceful and harmonious. We have a guided visit of the castle and afterwards dinner in a gourmet restaurant and a night show in château de Blois. Accomodation back at the chateau.
Day 4: Moving day and free time for sightseeing. Afternoon arrival at the Chateau de l’Isle near Chenonceau for 3 nights - Dinner and trip briefing. The chateau is located in the middle of a 14 acres park along the Cher River, this is a Tourangelle authentic home of the 18th century. The welcome is friendly, simple and warm. We will enjoy the comfort of the pretty and cozy rooms, the quality of the various dishes that will be crafted for us by the well known Chef, and the exceptional scenery in the middle of the Tourraine wine region.
Day 5 Chenonceau to Nitray
After breakfast we leave at 9.30 AM on horseback for a first marvelous ride to the north bank of the Cher River, Discover Chenonceau across the river. Arriving at 11:30 at Chenonceau, we leave the horses and make our way to visit the Chenonceau castle and have lunch. Through the very location and conception of the Chenonceau castle emerges a feminine influence that makes it so peculiar. We leave around 2 PM for a superb ride along the river Cher to Chateau de Nitray. We enter on horseback and visit the outside of the castle's very fine renaissance architecture, the rose garden, and the newly restored dove cot. We then visit the caves and wine cellar and museum rounded off with wine tasting. Evening gourmet dinner at our castle accommodation.
Day 6 Pagode de Chanteloup - Amboise
AM about 2.5 hrs on horseback.
We leave around 10:00AM our castle to Pagode de Chanteloup for a 2 hour ride in the countryside, vineyards, and the Amboise forest. A great picnic with foie gras and cordial welcome wait for us in front of the pagode. Only remaining vestige of the sumptuous castle built by the Duke of Choiseul, minister of Louis XV after the model of Versailles. We leave at 3:00 PM after the visit of the Pagode of Chanteloup for a short ride through the forest and Amboise; ride in front of the last place of Leonardo da Vinci: Le clos Lucé and arrive on horseback by the majestic old enter of Amboise castle. Magic! We have a private guided visit of the Amboise castle. Evening gourmet dinner outside in Château de Pray and night show at Chenonceau - overnight in our chateau.
Day 7 Departure after breakfast.
Programs may be changed according to seasons and weather.
Shorter Trip Options Renaissance Castles Getaway (IT-LOESC-2):
Itinerary 1
Chambord - Beauregard - Chaumont-sur-Loire (or Cheverny)-Villesavin
Day 1 Arrival at the wonderfull Chateau des Grotteaux near Chambord where we will spend all 3 nights- We meet and have dinner together - briefing of the ride.
Day 2 Beauregard - Chaumont sur Loire or Cheverny
In the morning- about 2 hours on horseback. After a good night sleep we enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the 18thcentury dinning room in front of the fireplace. Around 10 AM we leave on horseback through forests paths in the Forest of Russy for a one hour ride with trots. We enter in the castle of Beauregard by the main entrance. an unforgetable experience! We visit the famous Galerie des Illustres, intact since the 17th century, which displays the painting portrays of 320 great figures of the court and high-ranking foreign characters gathered around the two portrays of the King and the Queen. This long room has kept its beautiful old Delft tiles and its ceiling painted with lapis-lazuli powder. We leave Beauregard for a nice ride in Russy forest (trot, canter, gallops) to our picnic with foie gras in the forest.
After lunch - about 2 or 3 hours on horseback.We continue our ride through the countryside and along riverbanks or Cheverny vinyards. Our destination is either Château Chaumont or Château Cheverny. We will visit the Chaumont garden festival or tour Château de Cheverny.Gourmet dinner and overnnight at the chateau.
Day 3 Chambord - Villesavin
In the morning we ride for about 2 hours on horseback. After a good breakfast, we leave the château on horseback towards Chambord. We ride first in the countryside, then through the forest of Boulogne - a good time of rising trot and canters. As we enter the park of Chambord we have a good ride along the old wall of Chambord. Then the Charles IX trail brings us straight to the Chambord castle. We leave the horses at the Maréchal de Saxe écuries where they are watered and fed. We will see a horseshow or visit the Château de Chambord.
After a lunch with local food, about 2 hours on horseback. We ride through the Boulogne Forest towards Villesavin - a Renaissance castle which tends towards a certain classicism. The simplicity of its façade is dazzlingly graceful and harmonious. We have a guided visit of the castle and afterwards dinner in a gourmet restaurant and a night show in château de Blois. Accomodation at the chateau.
Day 4: Departure after breakfast.
Itinerary 2
Chenonceau-Chateau de Nitray- Pagode de Chanteloup-Amboise
Day 1 Arrival at the Chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau where we spend all three nights. We meet and have dinner together - briefing of the ride.
Day 2 Chenonceau to Nitray
After breakfast we leave at 9.30 AM on horseback for a first marvelous ride to the north bank of the CherRiver, Discover Chenonceau across the river. Arriving at 11:30 at Chenonceau, we leave the horses and make our way to visit the Chenonceau castle and have lunch. Through the very location and conception of the Chenonceau castle emerges a feminine influence that makes it so peculiar. We leave around 2 PM for a superb ride along the river Cher to Chateau de Nitray. We enter on horseback and visit the outside of the castle's very fine renaissance architecture, the rose gar-den, and the newly restored dove cot. We then visit the caves and wine cellar and museum rounded off with wine tasting. Evening gourmet dinner at our castle accommodation.
Day 3 Pagode de Chanteloup - Amboise
We leave around 10:00AM our castle to Pagode de Chanteloup for a 2 hour ride in the countryside, vineyards, and the Amboise forest. A great picnic with foie gras and cordial welcome wait for us in front of the pagode. Only remaining vestige of the sumptuous castle built by the Duke of Choiseul, minister of Louis XV after the model of Versailles. We leave at 3:00 PM after the visit of the Pagode of Chanteloup for a short ride through the forest and Amboise; ride in front of the last place of Leonardo da Vinci: Le clos Lucé and arrive on horseback by the majestic old enter of Amboise castle. Magic! We have a private guided visit of the Amboise castle. Evening gourmet dinner outside in Château de Pray and night show at Chenonceau - overnight in our chateau.
Day 4 Departure after breakfast
Itinerary 4
Saumur - Brézé - Montsoreau - Fontevraud
Day 1 Arrival at the TGV train station Saumur. Take a taxi to the château de Beaulieu near Saumur where we will spend 2 nights. Diner and briefing at the chateau.
Day 2 : Champigny cellar -Chateau de Montsoreau
This morning we set off from our B&B, passing the local vineyards and magnificent views of the Saumaur château until we reach the Champigny troglodyte (cave) cellar where we partake of an unforgettable wine tasting. Represented are some of the most illustrious labels from this great wine producing region. Following the wine tasting we gather for a gourmet lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon we ride another two hours along the Champigny vineyards and along the forest to chateau de Montsoreau, which inspired wellknown french writer Alexandre Dumas for his book "la dame de Montsoreau". Dinner and night at château de Beaulieu.
Day 3 : Chateau de Brézé -Abaye de Fontevraud
Travelling through the scenic countryside of vineyards, we ride this morning from our B&B towards chateau de Brézé. Lunch will be in the old stables of chateau de Brézé. We then have a guided visit of the chateau. In the afternoon, we carry on riding for about another 2 hours in the vineyards and through the Fontevraud forest. Descent, with a beautiful view, of the Abaye until we arrive at Abaye de Fontevraud, one of the largest and best preserved medieval abbeys of France. Dinner and overnight inside or near the Abbaye.
Day 4 Breakfast at B&B castle and departure.
Itinerary 5
Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau - Villandry
Day 1: Arrival at a Medieval hotel in Chinon where we spend all 3 nights. Allow time to tour this splendid mediaval city of François Rabelais (a very well-known french writer of XIV century), and the chateau where Jane of Arc reconized "the gentil dolphin". Dinner and briefing in Chinon.
Day 2 : Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau
This morning we ride about two hours, traveling to Chateau d'Ussé from the Chinon forest. Stop at Chateau d'Ussé, the "sleeping beauty" chateau, for a visit. The best view of the entire magnificent castle is either from the bridge right before the castle or from the banks of the Loire itself. Lunch in Ussé.
After lunch, about 3 hours on horseback. We ride to Azay le Rideau with unforgettable long canters along the Indre river, forest and orchards. Dinner and night at the medieval hotel of Chinon.
Day 3 : Chateau d'Azay le Rideau- Villandry-
This morning we ride for about 2 and a half hours on horseback. We ride through the countryside, vinyards and woods to chateau de Villandry and its very famous gardens. Lunch at chateau de Villandry.
We tour the beautiful gardens andc hateau de Villandry. We return by car to Chinon. Free time for shopping or visit the chateau de Chinon. Dinner and night in Chinon.
Day 4 Breakfast and departure.
Transfer (not included) to TGV Tours Saint Pierre des Corps station (need a reservation).
Program may be changed a little according to the season and
weather conditions.
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ITINERARY 1
Chambord Villesavin
Beauregard Chaumont sur Loire
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ITINERARY 1 (b)
Chambord Villesavin
Beauregard Cheverny
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ITINERARY 2
Chenonceau Nitray
Pagode de Chanteloup Amboise
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ITINERARY 4
Saumur Brézé
Abaye de Fontevraud Montsoreau
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ITINERARY 5
Fontevraud Chinon Ussé Azay le Rideau |
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Meeting:
# 3: Blois
# 6: Saumur
Airport:
Paris
Train station:
Itin. # 3 Arrive: Blois, Departure: Amboise.
Itin. # 6: Arrive: Saumur.
Transfer:
Take a taxi (about 15 minutes) from Blois or Samur train stations (depending on your itinerary #). Charles De Gaule or Paris Orly Airports by shuttle (not included-pay locally) Arriving by train: From Paris Austerlitz train station- there are departures to Blois and Saumur almost every hour. Travel time from Austerlitz is approx. 1 ½ to 2 hrs. It is a 15 minute taxi ride from Blois or Saumur train stations (arrival station depends on your itinerary #) . Please take taxi on your own upon arrival.
Passport and Visa Requirements: Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport NoteFranc. more
Mild most of the year. The Loire is often the line of demarcation in France's weather, between the Northern climate and the Southern. It is a climate considered the most pleasant of northern France, with warmer winters and, more generally, fewer extremes in temperatures, rarely exceeding 38 °C (100 °F).
The general atmosphere is relaxed during your ride. Please bring some smart casual clothes for dinner.
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