THE LOIRE RIVER VALLEY RIDE n.2
AN EXCLUSIVE RIDE FROM CHENONCEAU TO SAUMUR
(8 riders)

May 2-9, 2010

Be treated like royalty as you ride across Touraine,
once the playground of the French aristocracy!

Crisscrossed by rivers, Touraine sits regally at the heart of the Loire Valley with chateaux galore. This ride will take you through History as well as incredibly picturesque countryside. Starting with one of the most treasured Renaissance buildings of France, the exquisite chateau of Chenonceau that straddles the Cher river, the ride progresses westwards over rolling terrain, farmland, woodlands, lush forests, carefully tendered vineyards and through charming villages, many classified as France’s most beautiful. By-passing the city of Tours to the South, on the way you will visit the chateau of Villandry, famous for its magnificent gardens, the chateau d'Ussé that inspired the story of the Sleeping Beauty, the graceful chateau of Azay le Rideau described by Honoré de Balzac as a "faceted diamond set in the Indre (river)", the royal fortress of Chinon, the Abbaye of Fontevraud (optional)...before reaching Saumur, the capital of the horse!

Stay in a succession of stylish B&Bs, a chateau, and small hotels, all chosen for their comfort and welcoming hosts. As for the horses, a fine selection of impeccably mannered and well trained Anglo Arabs, Arab cross-breeds and Selles Francais, will be carefully chosen for you. The wonderful sandy terrain of the region allows for many exhilarating canters. This is medium to fast paced ride!

Logistics

Sunday, May 2
Late morning, originating out of Paris, meet at the train station of Chenonceaux at a pre- set time to be determined. Transfer to the charming Prieuré de la Chaise, your home for the next two nights. The afternoon will be spent visiting the Chateau of Chenonceau.
Dinner and overnight: Prieuré de la Chaise

Monday, May 3
Meet and attribution of the horses. For your first day in the saddle get accustomed to your mount with a relaxed ride following the Cher river to/ and through the National Forest of Montrichard. After a picnic lunch and rest, return to the Prieuré along the left bank of the Cher river. Dinner and overnight: Prieuré de la Chaise

Tuesday, May 4
Leaving the Prieuré de la Chaise, ride past Chenonceau, and follow the left bank of the Cher to the Chateau de Nitray where a picnic lunch will be waiting for us. Visit of the gardens and wine tasting before lunch. After a short rest, we resume our ride to the Domaine de la Tortiniere south of Tours. Dinner and overnight Domaine de la Tortiniere (4*)

Wednesday, May 5
This morning ride through attractive hamlets and farmland to the chateau of Villandry. Stop for lunch and visit of the Rennaissance gardens of Villandry famous for its Kitchen and Herb gardens.
Afternoon, resume the ride through forested areas and vineyards until Azay le Rideau where we stop for the night. Visit of the chateau of Azay le Rideau. Dinner and overnight: Hotel des Châteaux.

Thursday, May 6
After breakfast, continuation of our ride through the Loire-Anjou-Touraine National Park to the shores of the Loire River and the chateau d'Ussé, also known as the Castle of the Sleeping Beauty, where we stop for lunch and visit the chateau. Afternoon, ride to the delightful medieval town of Chinon with its fortified Castle overlooking the Vienne river. Leaving the horses nearby and after visiting the town, short drive (15mn) to your home for the next two nights: the Domaine de Mestre near Fontevraud. Tonight dinner will be in the enchanting village of Candes-sur-Martin. Overnight: Domaine de Mestre

Friday, May 7
Rejoining with our horses near Chinon, today's ride takes us along the Vienne river through a forest to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the largest historic monastic sites in Europe. After our picnic lunch and visit (optional), short ride towards Turquant, a unique village of troglodyte dwellings, where we leave our horses for the night. Overnight and dinner: Domaine de Mestre.

Saturday, May 8
Half-day ride (18 km) from the picturesque village of Turquant to Saumur, the capital of the Horse, which we traverse on horseback!

We say goodbye to our horses!

The afternoon will be devoted to a private visit of the "Ecole Nationale d'Equitation" France's National Horse Riding School where the world renown "Cadre Noir" is based. Overnight and dinner: Hotel des Terrasses

Sunday, May 9
After a leisurely breakfast, according to your travel plans, transfer to Saumur train station for your return to Paris... unless you intend to spend a few more days in this magical part of France!

End of services
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Getting There
Train from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Chenonceaux. Discuss with Christine to set timing.

Horses
Anglo Arabs, Arab cross-breeds, Selles Francais, between 14,2hh / 16hh. They are responsive, well schooled and mannered. Many are ridden with a hackamore.

Tack
All-purpose trekking saddles mostly made by Forrestier that are extremely comfortable.

Experience
It is important to have previous riding experience over varied terrain and to control a horse in any given circumstance. No beginners (this can be a fast ride at times).

Hours of riding
From 3 to 6 hours in the saddle a day.

Weight limit
210 lbs / 95 Kg.

COST
2,600 Euros* per person sharing, on the basis of 8 riders (400 Euros single supplement)

Includes: 7 nights/ 6 days of riding, accommodation on full board unless otherwise specified, wine with meals, vehicle back up, local transfers, horses and all riding equipment, visits of certain chateaux.

Excludes: International/domestic flights, train fares, personal medical / travel insurance (compulsory), items of a personal nature such as drinks outside of meals, laundry, telephone calls, and tips.

* Due to the volatility of the US dollar this ride is priced in Euros, conversion into US Dollars will be made according to the rate of exchange at the time of payment.

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