Loire Valley Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Chinon, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Tours, Chenonceaux, and Amboise
Marvel at the grandeur of the region’s châteaux, each a testament to a bygone era
Stroll through vineyards and farmlands, soaking in the serene beauty of the French countryside
Savour the flavours of the Loire Valley, from its world-renowned wines to its local delicacies
Enjoy the ease of village-to-village hiking in France, with accommodations, luggage transfer, and detailed itineraries taken care of
One of the many highlights along the way, Chateau Amboise
Vineyards as far as the eye can see
Chateaux will be with you on every stage
Walking the path to Chenonceau
The valley of Loire River is one of the most astonishing places in France
Explore the places of medieval French nobility
From trimmed gardens to striking nature
The path leads you through the city of Tours
Pay a visit to the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci
Itinerary
It’s your first day in the enchanting town of Chinon, nestled along the banks of the Vienne River. As you arrive, the sight of the majestic Château de Chinon perched on the hill will take your breath away. Spend your day wandering the narrow, winding streets lined with half-timbered houses, soaking in the mediaeval charm. Don’t miss the chance to sample the region’s famous Cabernet Franc wines, a perfect introduction to the rich gastronomy of the Loire Valley.
Your journey from Chinon to Azay-le-Rideau takes you through the heart of the Loire Valley, with its verdant vineyards and sun-dappled fields. Choose to walk and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the French countryside or opt for a leisurely train ride. Upon arrival, the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, awaits. Its elegant turrets mirrored in the tranquil waters of the Indre River create a truly magical sight.
24.5 km; 260 m of elevation gain and 270 m of elevation loss
Today, you’ll traverse a picturesque landscape from Azay-le-Rideau to Villandry. The path meanders through lush vineyards and golden wheat fields, offering stunning views of the French countryside. In Villandry, the Château de Villandry and its world-renowned gardens await. The geometric precision of the gardens, with their vibrant blooms and manicured hedges, is a testament to the artistry of French landscape design.
12 km; 130 m of elevation gain and 120 m of elevation loss
Embark on a journey from Villandry to Tours, a city steeped in history and culture. As you walk, the landscape transitions from rural to urban, with the city’s skyline gradually appearing on the horizon. In Tours, explore the preserved mediaeval district, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the old town.
18 km; 30 m of elevation gain and 30 m of elevation loss
Your day begins with a train transfer to Chenonceaux, home to the Château de Chenonceau, also known as ‘the ladies’ château’. Marvel at its graceful arches spanning the Cher River and explore its beautifully furnished rooms. After your visit, embark on a scenic walk to Amboise, a town steeped in royal history. The path winds through verdant forests and along the banks of the Loire, offering stunning views of the river valley.
19 km; 120 m of elevation gain and 130 m of elevation loss
Enjoy a leisurely day in the charming town of Amboise. Visit the Château Royal d’Amboise, a symbol of the town’s royal past, and the Château du Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Stroll along the banks of the Loire River, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the local market, and sample local delicacies. This is a day to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of the Loire Valley.
As your journey in the Loire Valley comes to an end, take the time to bid farewell to the beautiful region. Enjoy a final stroll around Amboise, soaking in the last views of the châteaux and the river and reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your walking tour.
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
6x accommodation with breakfast in 3/4* hotels
Luggage transfer
Description
Imagine stepping into a living canvas, where the brush strokes of history and nature blend to create a masterpiece of breathtaking beauty and where every stone, every vineyard, and every château has a story to tell. Loire Valley Walking Tour is a seven-day sojourn that weaves through the heart of France along the most enchanting stretch of the Chateaux trail.
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a symphony of nature’s finest elements. Verdant vineyards, golden farmlands, and whispering forests form a mesmerising backdrop to the grand châteaux that punctuate the landscape, each a testament to the region’s rich heritage.
Whether it’s the mediaeval allure of Chinon, the Renaissance elegance of Azay-le-Rideau, the bustling city life of Tours, or the royal charm of Amboise, each day unveils a new chapter of discovery.
The hikes are mostly on flat terrain, following a well-trodden path. The first stage from Chinon to Azay-le-Rideau is the longest, but it’s possible to avoid it with a train ride. As you walk, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the French countryside, with its lush vineyards, golden wheat fields, and the majestic Loire River winding its way through the landscape.
At Walking Holidays France, we take care of all the details, from booking accommodations that offer a warm welcome after a day’s hike to providing a detailed handout with a day-by-day itinerary. We also deliver GPS navigation through a user-friendly app and local recommendations to enrich your experience.
Our inn-to-inn hiking experiences ensure that your luggage is transferred safely from one place to the next, allowing you to focus on the journey and the beauty surrounding you.
Are you ready to taste the wines nurtured by the Loire Valley’s fertile soil? Then lace up your boots, pack your spirit of adventure, and join us on the Loire Valley Walking Tour.
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.
Self-guided
HASSLE-FREE
TRUSTED BY MANY
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
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