Loire Valley - UNESCO castles to castles
Self Guided Walking
An amazing walk among the great architectural treasures of the Loire Valley. Loire Valley (Vallee de La Loire in French) was added to the unique UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2000 due to its exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments – the Chateaux – and lands that have been cultivated and shaped by centuries of interaction between local populations and their physical environment, in particular the Loire itself. With cities such as Orleans, Blois, Tours or Nantes, the Loire Valley offers an incredible quality of architectural heritage. Also known as the Gardens of France, Loire Valley is a great place to enjoy biological diversity, endless well kept forests (such as Forest of Amboise) and last but not least, its world class wines. We have graded this walk as “easy” as the average walking time is 4 hours, without any major ascent or descent. The Loire Valley is noteworthy for the quality of its architectural heritage,in its world-famous castles, such as the Château of Amboise,Château of Chambord or Château of Chenonceaux (“Château des Dames”), three of the most exceptional castles in France with Versailles but there are also lots of small castles you will see during these walking holidays like Leonardo da Vinci's last home (Château du Clos Lucé).
Itinerary:
Day 1. Blois
Arrival in Blois and accommodation at the hotel. Located on the banks of the Loire River between Orleans and Tours, Blois is the capital of the Loir-et-Cher commune in central France. In 1986, Blois received the title "Ville d'art et d'histoire" from the Ministry of Culture, which is given to cities that improve and protect their heritage.
Day 2. Chambord - Bracieux
Taxi from Blois to Chambord. Without a doubt, you are in the heart of the Loire Valley - the land of castles. Chambord is a small town best known as the home of the Château de Chambord - the largest castle in the country's Loire Valley, and one of the most recognizable due to its very distinct French Renaissance architecture. You can visit the castle either the day before or today. The route continues towards Bracieux and passes the beautiful scenery of the Loire Valley and its famous vineyards.
Walking: 15.5 km, 4 h
Day 3. Bracieux - Cheverny
Bracieux is a pleasant little town at least in some vineyards. After you arrive at “Les Ogonières”, the road continues along a small lake - “Le Grand Cotlereau”. The road towards Cheverny is called "Le chemin aux boeufs" (The way of the cattle) - a very old road. After crossing the Cheverny forest you will arrive in the town (to visit the château, turn left before entering the town). Cheverny is located approximately 10 km southeast of Blois and is best known for its castle. It was used as a model in the Tintin books.
Walking: 18.5 km, 4 h 45 min
Day 4. Montrichard - Chenonceaux
Montrichard is dominated by the gorgeous ruined medieval castle, Château de Montrichard. The castle was constructed by Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, and rebuilt in the 12th century. Leaving the town you will go along Cher River. Follow the path to Chissay, Saint-Georges, Franceuil and Chenonceaux; places which combine history with culture and heritage. The entrance to the Chenonceaux castle looks like something out of a fairytale. You’ll see it 1km before you cross Cher River and enter the town.
Walking: 19.5 km, 5 h
Day 5. Chenonceaux - Amboise
Chenonceaux is situated on the right bank of the Cher River, about 26 km east of Tours. It is a small but beautiful village in the Touraine-Chenonceaux wine-growing area, right next to the Forest of Amboise. After visiting Chenonceaux castle, go to Civray-de-Touraine and follow the trail to Amboise through the forest. Enjoy the small lakes and idyllic clearings at every turn of the way.
Walking: 15 km, 4 h
Day 6. Chaumont - Blois
Transfer from Amboise to Chaumont by taxi. Chaumont-sur-Loire is a charming village on the banks of the Loire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chaumont-sur-Loire is known for its feudal castle which stands tall over the valley and the village. Walk along the Loire River, a peaceful and pleasant meander. After crossing the areas of Candé-sur-Beuvron and Chailles, you will pass through a stretch of vineyards. Take a break to admire the magical landscapes at sunset before you enter the city of Blois.
Walking: 24 km
Day 7. Blois
The late-Gothic Blois Cathedral and quaint cobbled streets are wonderful way to explore before finishing your French walking holiday through the Loire Valley. We can arrange extra nights anywhere on the itinerary, either during your trip or after you finish. We can also arrange a station or airport transfer
Minor price adjusting can occur due to meals plan and/or accommodation.
Recommended travel period of the year: spring - autumn