Castle tours & horseback riding in France

By: Pablo Imberti Posted: 03/07/2020

On this occasion, we invite you to discover on horseback a country with a special charm – France – where you will enjoy amazing routes through vineyards and castles and, of course, one of the most exquisite cuisines in the world.

France has a long equestrian tradition and, to define equestrian tourism, they have coined the term, "randonnée", which was actually the original definition of "horse riding".

The whole country is connected by an extraordinary network of equestrian routes, including trails, and endless opportunities to relax, have fun and experience French culture on horseback.

Ride to some of the most well-known chateaux in the Loire valley or join a horseback tour around the French vineyards! It's a beautiful country and when you ride through it, it becomes magical.

Horse riding holidays in France

Equestrian tourism in France offers a wide range of possibilities and each region has something to discover.

France is immensely popular for its magic trails in Loire, where they offer riding tours around the magnificent Renaissance castles of the region, allowing you free time to go sightseeing. A very good option to explore these castle routes on horseback in France is Cheval & Châteaux.

If you are looking for some peacefulness and relaxation, you can visit Castelnaud-la-Chapelle with views over the confluence of the Dordogne and Céou Rivers, characterized by its terraces, which can be reached by climbing narrow and steep streets. A village with an extraordinarily rich heritage and that really deserves a visit. You can explore it on horseback with Touraine Cheval.

In France, you also have to see Burgundy, in the heart of Morvan Regional Natural Park, a French pride. It has a total area of 281,400 hectares and it is a wild and rolling granitic massif, with beautiful vegetation and surrounded by lakes Les Settons, Pannecière, Chaumeçon, Saint-Agnan, Chamboux and Le Crescent.

Local experts in Equestrian Tourism services, Sommant Horse Team, can show you this particular paradise like no one else.

Cheval & Châteaux

They are located in the Loire region.
On their tours you will see the most famous castles of this area. You will enjoy the pleasure of riding in beautiful parks, forests and vineyards, on the Banks of the Loire, the Cher and the Vienne rivers, staying in some very exclusive places.

Cheval & Châteaux makes you live a life of luxury: you will be accommodated in castles you never imagined visiting. You’ll enjoy picnics with foie gras, explore incredible historical and glamourous sites and taste the best cuisine from the heart of France.

They have a wide range of alternatives for your horse riding holidays – all levels of riders. As an example of their offer, in this article we will describe two of their programs.

Chenonceau, Nitray, Pagode de Chanteloup, Amboise

This tour is developed for an intermediate level, that is, a rider who can deal with all paces, reasonably well. A rider that doesn’t frequently ride but may have ridden in the past or rides in an indoor arena once a week.

In this program, you ride from the banks of the Cher River to the chestnut trees of the Amboise forest, and from the feminine beauty of the Chenonceau Castle to the political history of the Amboise Castle.

The riding pace is moderate and the tour comprises 2 riding days of 4 hours per day in the saddle. Their horses are mixed breed horses, trained for the trails of this ride.

Ride briefing

Day 1: Arrival at Château de l’Isle near Chenonceau.

Dinner and accommodation at Château de l’Isle.

Day 2: Chateau de Chenonceau - Chateau de Nitray.

In the morning 1 hour riding.

• Château de l'Isle - Chenonceau on horseback. Visit of the chateau and gardens of Chenonceau.
• Lunch in chateau of Chenonceau.

In the afternoon 3 hours riding.

• Chenonceau – chateau of Nitray with ride along Cher River.
• Guided visit of the caves, cellar and wine museum – wine tasting. Dinner and accommodation in Château de l’Isle.

Day 3: Pagode de Chanteloup - Chateau d'Amboise.

In the morning about 2 hours on horseback.

• Visit of the Château de l'Isle - Pagode de Chanteloup and ride along the Cher River and in Amboise forest.
• Visit of the Pagode de Chanteloup and old fashioned outdoor games. Picnic with foie gras in the gardens of the Pagode.

In the afternoon about 1 hour on horseback.

• Pagode de Chanteloup – chateau d’Amboise on horseback. Guided visit of the chateau d’Amboise.
• Gastronomic dinner and night in fantastic chateau de Pray at Amboise.

Day 4: Breakfast – Departure.

Saumur, Montsoreau, Fontevraud, Brézé, Chinon, Ussé, Villandry

This program is aimed at experienced riders, who can ride different types of horses, at all paces. Riders that can ride for long days with more than 6 hours in the saddle per day. They must be confident with difficult terrains and enjoy a fast gallop. They must also be physically fit and used to challenging jumps in the middle of the trails.

The program starts in Saumur, vineyards, troglodyte’s caves and castles. Trails will take you on a journey through the French history - Plantagenet, Alienor of Aquitaine, Valois and Jane of Arc.

You are welcomed by French aristocrats in their château, you ride in wonderful sceneries: vineyards, forests, rivers Loire, Vienne, Indre, orchards… And the trip ends by the wonderful chateau de Villandry and its famous gardens.

The riding pace is fast. It comprises 5 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle. Their horses are mixed breed horses, well-trained for group trail rides.

Ride briefing

Day 1: Arrival from TGV station of Saumur to chateau de Beaulieu en Saumur.

• Dinner and briefing of the tour at the chateau de Beaulieu.

Day 2: Champigny Cellar - Chateau de Montsoreau.

In the morning about 2 hours on horseback.

• Beginning of the ride to Champigny troglodyte cellar from chateau de Beaulieu by the vineyards, with a magnificent view on chateau of Saumur.
• Champigny wine tasting in troglodyte cellar according to the season – Gourmet lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon about 2 hours on horseback.

• Ride in the Champigny vineyards, and along Loire river to chateau de Montsoreau, which inspired well-known French writer Alexandre Dumas for his book “La dame de Montsoreau”.
• Dinner and night at Chateau de Beaulieu.

Day 3: Chateau de Brézé - Abbaye de Fontevraud.

In the morning, about 2 hours on horseback

• Beginning of the ride to Chateau de Brézé by the vineyards, and countryside.
• Lunch in old stables of château de Brézé and guided visit of château de Brézé.

In the afternoon, about 2 hours on horseback

• Ride in the vineyards, countryside and woods to Abbaye de Fontevraud.
• Visit of Abbaye de Fontevraud. Dinner and night at Domaine de Mestré at Fontevraud.

Day 4: Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chateau de Ternay.

In the morning, about 2 hours on horseback

• Ride in French traditional countryside to Chateau de la Roche Martel, a private and historical chateau where you are welcomed by the owners for a picnic and a visit.

In the afternoon, about 2 hours on horseback

• Ride in the countryside and woods to private chateau de Ternay, cordially welcomed by count and countess of Ternay. Dinner and night in chateau de Ternay.

Day 5: Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau.

In the morning, about 2 hours on horseback

• Beginning of the ride to Chateau d’Ussé from Chinon forest. Ride in Chinon forest.
• Arriving to Chateau d’Ussé the sleeping beauty Chateau. Lunch in Ussé.

In the afternoon, about 2 hours on horseback

• Ride and long canters to Azay le Rideau, along Indre River, woods and orchards.
• Transfer to Chinon. Free visit of Chinon. Night in medieval hotel in Chinon.

Day 6: Azay le Rideau – Villandry.

In the morning, about 2h 30 on horseback

• Ride to chateau de Villandry and his famous gardens by the countryside, vineyards, and woods.
• Lunch in chateau de Villandry.

In the afternoon

• Visit of the wonderful gardens and chateau de Villandry.
• Transfer to Chateau de Gizeux.
• Dinner and night in chateau de Gizeux.

Day 7: Breakfast and departure.

Besides these two riding programs, they have many tour options and, within them, several castles where you can stay. Please, go to their web site: https://www.cheval-et-chateaux.com/

Touraine Cheval

They are located in the lovely city of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, between Langeais and Azay le Rideau. It’s near Tours and Chinon, which enables easy access.

Touraine Cheval was created in 2011 by Jessica Londe, Touraine Cheval is a centre specializing in leisure riding and well-being, which means that they do not practice competition. They therefore focus their teaching and actions on the pleasure and well-being of riders and horses.

Their goal is to introduce horse riding in a natural setting, where people can feel free to discover an endearing animal. They are three qualified instructors, and their horses are carefully selected for their kindness, good character and, above all, the security they bring to riders.

Since 2016, they have worked as Touraine Cheval and provide riding instruction services with riding lessons and equestrian tourism programs which include rides by the hour, full-day tours or multi-day treks.

Since we love riding for days on end and as equestrian tourism enthusiasts, in this article we will put our emphasis on these alternatives. Here is a brief description of some of their programs.

"Au Fil de La Loire" Weekend

Ride through beautiful trails on the first day, towards the Château de Villandry, through the surrounding orchards, filled with fruit scents.

Visit the Touraine countryside until you discover this marvellous castle with magnificent gardens.

In the afternoon, weather permitting, a short stop to bathe with horses in the Cher River, and stroll along the Loire.

After you come back in the evening, you will sleep in a charming guest room, where a delicious typically French meal will be served.

The next day, you head to Azay le Rideau to taste the wines of Château de L'unée, a tourist cellar that offers all types of wine, white (Touraine), rosé, red (Chinon), sparkling wines, fresh and light wines that appeal to all mouths.

The return takes place through the vineyards and the forest. And after that, you will leave feeling happy for having seen this beautiful corner of France on horseback.

Three unforgettable days of Vineyards and Castles

On the first day, you follow the beautiful trails of the Vignobles de Bourgueil, along the Loire. A must here - a stop in the middle of the vineyards, and wine tasting!

In the evening, you sleep in a charming guesthouse, where a swimming pool will await you for lounging. Dinner will be served at the table d'hôtes, where you can share your experiences of the day with other riders.

The next day, head for the Château de Gizeux, where the landscapes will be very varied, among forests, countryside and vineyards. On arrival, you can visit this magnificent castle, a visit guided by the owners of the Castle. An aperitif will be offered, and dinner will be served. You spend the night in the castle.

A generous breakfast awaits you in the lounge for your last day.

You will leave on horseback heading for the rolling hills between Loire and its forests, through desolate and charming trails with the visit of the Langeais Castle.

The Royal Week Ride

Eight exceptional days in the company of horses where you can discover this magnificent region, with its wines, its castles and its gastronomy.

You will be staying in a high-end guesthouse or chateau, with a swimming pool for certain accommodation, and will taste meals typical of their country and their region.

Many activities are planned, such as visits to castles, wine tastings in unusual cellars, an evening of stories and legends, and many more.

Questions riders frequently ask

There is no problem to take a ride with them as a beginner, their horses are calm, friendly and well-trained, and their instructors are highly qualified.

All the explanations and safety rules are given to you at the start of the ride, and a state-certified instructor accompanies you all along to guide you.

I want to take a tour, what should I do?
You just have to call them or send them an email to proceed with the reservation, at your convenience depending on their availability. They don’t work with Tour Operators.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, they lend helmets for free.

Are you open all year round for rides?
Yes, they can offer you rides all year round, they only close on Monday.

If we come in a group and the levels are mixed, how does it work?
So that everyone is safe, they will always adapt to the lowest level. So, if there are beginners and experienced riders in the same group, they will have to go for a beginner level ride, and experienced riders will not be able to gallop.

Learn more about them, their work, their adults’ association and equine therapy, their horses and rides, on their web site: https://tourainecheval.com/language/en/welcome

Sommant Horse Team

They are situated in Burgundy, in the heart of Morvan Regional Natural Park. Trail riding, horses and friendliness are much more than just a profession, they are their passion.

All year round, they offer you a complete range of equestrian tours and trails, more or less sporty depending on the destination. Accompanied by their expert guides or self-guided, you can explore them knowing that each of them has been carefully checked and planned.

Their horse riding holiday destinations, week or longer rides, expand every year.

In France, Le Morvan and its Grand Tour, Burgundy of the Grand Crus, but also the Masiff Cévenol and the Florac route; Brittany, with a beautiful scape into the Côtes d'Armor; Normandy with a ride from the north of the Cotentin peninsula to the sand of the bay of Mont Saint Michel; Alsace, of course, with a crossing of Alsace from the south to the north; Auvergne with a "discovery" ride from the volcanoes of Auvergne to the mountains of the Cantal; The Drôme and the Vaucluse; The Lot and the Quercy blanc with the Chateaux de la Loire.

They are also present in Spain with a spring week in Catalonia, and in Italy with a ride that takes you from sea to sea, through Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.

Since they have so many offers, in this article we will only describe some of them so as to give an overview about them and their rides.

Burgundy Vineyards

A superb horse riding option in the Burgundy vineyards, 4 days on horseback to discover both a unique architectural heritage and an exemplary production and recognized as such throughout the world.

Apart from exploring this horseback route, this is the right time to refuel your cellar or take the time to taste and taste high quality wines.

You leave on Thursday morning from Corcelles les Monts, a small village located above the Burgundy vineyards, to dive very quickly into Fixin, Corton and Gevrey Chambertin through hidden trails.

After a short tasting break in the heart of Gevrey, you ride to the essential to reach Vosne Romanée, crossing the internationally respected vineyards of Romanée Conti, Les Bourgeois, Brulés and Richebourg.

A small tasting session north of Vosne Romanée and you settle for the evening and night near Agencourt, a small village near Nuits Saint Georges.

The next day, you leave the Cotes de Nuits to join the Cotes de Beaune. Pernand Vergelesses, Savigny les Beaune and Pommard will be the three locations where you will test the productions.

Overnight in Pommard and the next day, you gradually leave the Cotes de Beaune to join the Cote Chalonnaise: Auxey Duresses, Gamay and Saint Aubin await you. Overnight stay and dinner in Santenay.

The last day, which is often the day of reckless spending, you go from cellar to cellar on a territory where the wine combines both an undeniable quality and an attractive price, these are the Odds Chalonnaise, Mercurey and Rully – you will love them!

Horseback route in Brittany: Côtes D'Armor

Its people are as welcoming with the riders as they can be with their big-hearted Bretons. Their culture is much related to horses.

Celtic influences are everywhere and the region is characterized by stunning open landscapes, perfect for long rides.

Its trails go through amazing scenery, the paths are very varied and riders will skirt the rocky coasts. You can visit the ports and even cross the many bays when the tide is favourable to you.

Horses, born and bred here, are enduring, strong and efficient in these routes. Suitable for long gallops on the beaches, they can cross rocks if necessary and behave like postmen in the city, around these terrains.

From July 6 to 12 every year, the departure is from the banks of the Rance (near Dinan and Saint Malo) and ends in Paimpol (and its cliffs).

The stages are Pleslin Trigavou, Saint Cast, Erquy, Hillion, Binic, Lanloup, Plourivo via the Bay of Saint Brieuc, Saint Jacut de la Mer and the possible crossing of the Bay of Saint Jacut, an area of gorgeous beaches and castles.

The seaside and coasts of Brittany are riding paradises much loved by riders who have been there and who have not.

The riding level required is to be comfortable and independent at all three basic gaits; to be in good shape and able to stay firm in the saddle in all terrains.

An assistance vehicle provides hot lunches and luggage transport during the whole trip. Overnight stays in small hotels and guest rooms, with basic comforts.

For further information, all their equestrian routes are described on their web site: https://eng.sommanthorseteam-equitation.com/index.php

/ Photos: https://www.cheval-et-chateaux.com, https://tourainecheval.com/language/fr/home and https://eng.sommanthorseteam-equitation.com/index.php /

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.

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