Day One
Fly into Tours and discover the magnificent Loire valley on horseback! The Loire is famous for it's breath taking castles, fine wines, vineyards and beautiful scenery. It is here where you'll find our superb riding centre where we offer lessons and hacks out and chateau visits for all levels of rider - adults and children from the age of 5. You will stay in a lovely B&B just 30km from Tours and 6km from the stables. If you want to extend your stay to 1 week we have a very nice self-catering Gite next to the stables.
We work with two B&B's in the local area. Both are traditional farmhouse style properties with free WiFi access in the rooms plus gardens and terrace. There is an outdoor swimming pool at one of the properties. The other B&B has the benefit of being within walking distance of the local shops.
The historic town of Saumur is located between the Loire and Thouet rivers. This stunning landscape is surrounded by the vineyards of Saumur itself, Chinon, Bourgueil, Coteaux du Layon are to name just a few which produce some of France's finest wines.
Day Two
After breakfast, you will begin your day with a private lesson for those who require one, or for the more experienced rider enjoy the stunning local scenery with a 2hr hack out. Our knowledgeable guide and rider will take you along off road tracks and through the apple orchards that introduce you to this region. There is the option to add a full day ride to the program with lunch included.
On this horse riding holiday you will be enjoying great riding through the Loire. This riding holiday is suitable for beginners to intermediate or experienced riders who want to enjoy a cultural and unique horse riding experience.
Day Three
After breakfast this morning you will have the chance to enjoy more riding through the Loire Valley. You will be taken on a second two hour ride where you will follow a different route in to the national park of Loire Anjou Touraine, in heart of the Loire Valley. There is the option to extend this to a full day ride to include wine tasting and chateau visits.
For non-riders Saumur is just a 40 minute train journey/drive away and offers a host of alternative activities; a boat ride along the River Loire, cycling, visiting wineries for tastings, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, hot air balloon rides, golfing or you can tour the other exquisite castles of the area. The choice is yours!
Day Four
Today is your final day of riding in the Loire Valley and you will be experiencing a special three hour hack which will take you into the heart of this magnificent countryside. You will ride through the forests and vineyards capturing the very essence that has made this region so popular with visitors.
The stables have a great variety of horses suitable for all ages, experiences and size, so finding your perfect match won't be a problem for us. Please note the riding programme is totally flexible and if you want more lessons or longer hacks out just ask, we can write something tailor made just for you.
For experienced riders we can offer a full day riding along side rivers and forests, apple orchards and vineyards. We can offer a picnic lunch near the park of "Chateau de Villandry", a beautiful castle famous for his French gardens. After lunch visit the gardens, alone or with your guide. During the afternoon you will continue with your horse through the Loire Valley and back to the stables. There is a supplement for this ride.
Day Five
After a wonderful trip, you will no doubt be ready to head home, but the memories of the beautiful Loire will stay with you forever. Bon voyage!
4 nights B&B accommodation, 3 wonderful rides out (7 hrs), private lesson (if required 1hr) from £495pp based on a minimum of 2 travelling. Single room supplement applies.
Transfers:
Transfers to and from Tours airport can be arranged and paid for directly.
Transfers to Langeais train station can be arranged and paid for directly. From here you can get the train to Saumur.
Transfers to and from Tours or St Pierre des Corps train station can be arranged and paid for directly.
Your Instructor:
The instructor that we use is trained by the Cadre Noir of Saumur and she is a qualified teacher. All lessons given at the riding school will be tailor made to suit the experience of the individual. Whatever level of skills you are you will benefit from the wide knowledge on offer. Whether its to improve your basic work method to school your horse, or to learn high school movements - your lessons will be tailored to your specific requirements.
Extra Information:
The local town is 4km from the B&B and stables. You need to get a taxi into town for evening meals. The cost is approximately €10.
This riding programme is completely flexible and we will tailor the riding itinerary to suit each individuals riding level. For complete beginners or nervous riders we can replace any of the hacks with lessons. For those travelling with small children their first riding session/lesson will consist of a 15 minute 'getting to know your pony' session - brushing and helping to tack up. This will be followed by a 45 minute lesson. If hacking is not suitable for your child they will have lessons instead.
The stables are closed on a Monday.
The Cadre Noir
You can't visit this region without taking a trip to the world renowned Cadre Noir (the National Riding School) which is prided for the quality and high standards of the horses. This prestigious academy has been passing on knowledge through its elite masters of riding for centuries, and it is this that you will be able to experience first hand. The Cadre Noir, currently numbering around forty three expert men and women, are the tutors who have dedicated their careers to horses, and mastering the art of riding, and their skill is world renowned.
The Cadre Noir is open all year round to the public and here you will witness the trainers riding and working with these marvellous horses. Their vast knowledge and carefully refined skills are world class. Afterwards you will have a guided tour of the excellent facilities which have long provided an integral base to these equestrian connoisseurs. This tour will also delve into the rich history belonging to both the Cadre Noir and their headquarters. The Cadre Noir also perform a spectacular show several times a month; these demonstrations include the famous aerial jumps, piaffe, passage and pirouettes. If you are lucky enough to be staying over this period then we can arrange for you to see this performance.
If you would prefer a 1 week riding holiday in the Loire Valley please click here.
Customer Feedback
"The horses picked for the riders were perfect, the school is neat and clean with the horses obviously loved, the routes chosen beautiful, absolutely perfect and great value for money. Overall Experience – 10 out of 10."
To read Equestrian Escapes reviews click on the link
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.