The Loire Valley as You’ve Never Seen It – Between Two Pricked Ears
Seeing the Loire Valley between two pricked ears will be an experience to treasure forever. The history here is palpable at every turn, from the cobbled villages to the ancient forests to the castles that seem to appear like magic wherever you look!
Trip Highlights
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Trot-trotting through dreamy French countryside ripe with history
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Stopping for sunshine-filled picnics beside ancient crumbling castles
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Feeling the wind in your hair as you canter along the serene banks of the Loire River
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Snacking on homemade, jam-filled pastries
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Connecting deeply with your horse over six straight days in the saddle
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Spying wildlife and basking in birdsong as you ride through sun-dappled forests
Details
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Riding levels
Strong intermediate to advanced. All riders must be comfortable and confident at all gaits (including gallop) over varied terrain in English-style tack. Good physical fitness is essential as you’ll be riding for up to 6 hours each day. Because the riding route takes you from A to B each day, saddle fitness and overall health are very important.
NB: A supplement charge of €300 will apply for additional horse transport should you opt to discontinue riding during the week due to lack of fitness or unsuitable riding ability.
Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
French trail riding saddles (with a gel pad!) equipped with saddlebags and a poncho. Horses are ridden in ‘Myler’ bits - this style of bit is one of the kindest available. It spreads the rein pressure exerted by the rider over several different areas. Initially, it acts on the nose, poll and back of the jaw, with the mouthpiece ‘floating’. 1/3 of the total pressure will be felt in each of these three areas. Only if the rider continues to pull on the reins will the mouthpiece engage.
- Horse breed
You’ll be riding pure or cross-bred Paint, Arabian, Thoroughbred and warmblood horses varying in height from 15.3hh to 17hh. Most of the horses were bred at our host’s equestrian farm. The horses are level-headed, experienced trail horses that connect with all types of riders.
- Accommodation
Accommodation is in comfortable, clean two– to three-star French B&Bs and hotels with double or twin rooms, sometimes shared bathrooms and modest European-sized beds, so a single supplement is recommended if you prefer your own room and a double bed.
*Also note that some nights the group may be split between two accommodation locations, pending room availability, but you’ll always share dinner together.
- Pace
The pace varies depending on the trail, with long periods of walking and plenty of opportunities for trotting and cantering.
- Weight limit
A strict maximum of 90kg / 198lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests.
- Minimum age
16 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average, between 3 to 6 hours per day.
- When to go
June, July & August.
- Weather
The Loire Valley enjoys a favourable climate with four distinct seasons, warmed slightly by the river, and the ride takes place in summer.
July and August are the warmest months, averaging 25°C (77°F) by day and 12°C (54°F) at night, kept comfortable by a cool Atlantic breeze, with light but frequent rainfall.
By September, days cool to around 22°C (72°F) with slightly increased rain, though conditions generally remain pleasant.
- Languages
Instructions spoken in English.
Guides speak French, German and English.
Departure dates and prices
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2027
June 19 to 26, 2027
June 27 to July 4, 2027
August 28 to September 4, 2027
September 5 to 12, 2027
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
Things to know
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of €120 EUR
- All bookings and associated fees are charged in the currency of the ride.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Please note
Solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- All meals, wine with lunch
- Accommodation in shared rooms (unless a single supplement has been purchased) with shared bathroom
- Riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, translator
- Luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary
Excluded
- International and regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Transfers to and from the train station (€20 per person, round-trip)
- Drinks other than wine at lunch
- Any applicable entrance fees (approximately €100)
- Staff tips (€10 per person, per day)
Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
This holiday is all about the riding {the part we love most!}. Aside from the excursions mentioned in this itinerary, there is no scheduled time to explore your surroundings off the horse.
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Day 1: Arrival
Non-riding dayWoohoo, the day has finally come! You’re about to set off across the spectacular Loire Valley on your perfectly matched trail horse! Does it get any better than this, globetrotters?!
If you’re catching the transfer service your hosts offer, you’ll be picked up from Montrichard train station at 6:00pm and driven to your first night’s accommodation in Pontlevoy. You’ll have a group dinner with your French guides and hosts, and get a run-down of the week’s riding. Bring it ON!
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Day 2: Cheverny Castle
5 to 6 hours in the saddleThings start with a bang today, with not one but TWO castles (or should we say châteaus) in your sights. After meeting your horses, you’ll ride to Fougères sur Bièvre, a late 15th-century fortified castle that’s small but packed with battlements, a keep and a parapet walk.
After lunch at its foot, you’ll carry on your ride to the magnificently furnished Cheverny Castle, lovingly maintained by the same family for more than 600 years, then head to your hotel in the Cheverny area for dinner and some well-earned rest.
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Day 3: Château de Chambord
3 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast you’ll ride through the Cheverny forest, where you might spot deer and hares if you’re lucky! You’ll stop for a picnic at Villesavin Castle and have time to explore inside. The afternoon is yours to relax at your hotel in the Bracieux area, or visit the nearby chocolate factory for a tasting.
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Day 4: Chambord Castle
3 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast you’ll ride to the largest castle in the Loire, Chambord Castle, with a famous double-revolution staircase, set in a vast nature reserve where deer are king. After lunch, you’ll step inside and revel at the bespoke interior, then ride back through the Bracieux forest to Villesavin before heading to your hotel in the Bracieux area.
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Day 5: Beauregard Castle
5 to 6 hours in the saddleThe morning brings yet another delicious French breakfast (pastries, croissants, cheese!) and yet another serene forest ride, where the timelessness of the landscape and the history-filled itinerary will have you feeling like part of an Aristocratic hunting party – who knows, you might even spot a deer flitting away through the trees!
Today’s picnic lunch is set in the former hunting farm of Chambord, on the lawns surrounding Beauregard Castle. You’ll step inside the castle and walk through the gallery of 327 portraits before getting back in the saddle to ride to the village of Candé-sur-Beuvron, where more French hospitality awaits to sate your hunger and lull you to sleep.
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Day 6: Chaumont-sur-Loire
3 hours in the saddleToday, after breakfast, you’ll ride along the Loire River to Chaumont-sur-Loire, a charming UNESCO World Heritage village dominated by its feudal castle. You’ll picnic where you leave the horses, then have the afternoon free to visit the château, including its 19th-century stables, once the most luxurious in Europe. Your hotel sits at the foot of the château.
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Day 7: Château d’Amboise
3 to 4 hours in the saddleYou’ll have breakfast and be in the saddle by 10am, crossing back over the hillside to head towards Amboise, a beautiful town on the banks of the Loire. On your way you’ll pass swathes of vineyards and crops, before picnicking in the grounds of Château d’Amboise, a 15th-century castle famous as the residence of Charles VIII and the location of Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb! Charles VIII wasn’t the only ruler to live in this luxurious castle, and you’ll hear plenty of juicy stories from centuries past before riding on.
After passing through Amboise Forest, you’ll say farewell to your horses. The afternoon is yours to visit Château de Chenonceau, the ‘Château des Dames’, before your final night in Pontlevoy.
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Day 8: Departure
Non-riding dayToday you’ll bid adieu to your trusty steeds and be transported to Montrichard Train Station, where you can farewell your fellow globetrotters and travel onwards as per your plans.
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Non-Riders
Should you wish to join this holiday as a non-rider, you will require your own car to transport yourself to the lunch and accommodation locations each day. Having a car will also afford you the freedom to enjoy your own sightseeing throughout the day, before meeting up with the riders. The non-rider price includes all meals and accommodation.
Transfer information
A transfer service is available from Montrichard Train Station on the first and last days of the itinerary for €20 per person round trip (to be paid in cash upon arrival). We recommend guests fly into Paris International Airport a day or two prior to the start of the ride. From there you can catch the train south to Montrichard (you’ll have to change at St-Pierre-des-Corps in Tours) which will take approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. You’ll need to meet the transfer at 6pm out the front of the Montrichard Train Station. On the last day, you can book your train tickets anytime from 9.30am.
Please note
Self drive to Pontlevoy is also an option as you stay in the same accommodation place on the first and last evenings of the ride.
Food
You’ll be served continental breakfasts at your accommodation – think fresh bread and French pastries. Lunches are a buffet prepared by your guides, complete with wine, coffee and water. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy three-course dinners at either your accommodation or a local restaurant (wine not included), and as dinners are often set menus, it’s important to notify us of any dietary requirements in advance.
Reviews
Rachel R
Caroline K
Mireya C
Briana T
Tracy V
Kylie R
Erin B
Susan P
Barbara F
Dorrie F
Alexandra D
Tara B
Janet B
Micheala B
Theresa M
15 reviews
Rachel R
‘This ride exceeded all of my expectations. From the guides, to the horses, to the chateaux, scenery, and FOOD. I’ve never been on a trip where I burst into happy tears during and after numerous times. The only downside is I’m afraid my next adventure won’t hold a candle to this one!!!! 10/10 must do.’
Caroline K
‘this was an amazing trip. well planned out with rides & walks round the chateaus. All the horses were lovely & well cared for. The guides were amazing & the food at lunch time was lovely.
Loved this trip.’
Mireya C
‘Definitively a trip to remember! The scenery is beautiful, the team is caring and well organized, the horses are perfect, the food is delicious and there is spare time to sightsee around spectacular castles.’
Briana T
‘My horse holiday through France with Globetrotting was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I knew going into the trip that it would be special, but I don’t think I realized just how much it would stay with me afterward. It was genuinely life-changing and one of those experiences I know I’ll continue to talk about and remember for the rest of my life.
There is something almost impossible to describe about experiencing the French countryside from horseback. Riding through beautiful fields and villages, seeing these incredible historic châteaux come into view from the saddle, and then stopping to have lunch in the French countryside with a château nearby felt completely surreal. Those were the moments when I would look around and think, “I cannot believe this is my life right now.”
What made the trip so special was that it was so much more than simply a riding vacation. It was the horses, the scenery, the history, the people, the food, and the feeling of being completely immersed in the experience. You weren’t just visiting the Loire Valley and its châteaux—you were experiencing them in a way that very few people ever get to.
I came home with such an appreciation for horse holidays that I have recommended them to practically everyone I know. Even weeks later, I find myself telling people about the trip and saying, “You have to do something like this at least once in your life.”
For anyone considering booking with Globetrotting: do it. There are vacations you enjoy, and then there are experiences that become part of your life story. This was absolutely the latter for me. I will forever be grateful for the memories, the horses, the beautiful French countryside, and those unforgettable days spent riding from château to château.
Without question, this was a trip of a lifetime—and hopefully not my last horse holiday.’
Tracy V
‘The ride was terrific with wonderful chateaus each day and fantastic lunches. The horses were quick and sturdy on their feet that knew their job. What lovely scenery we rode through! Sunflowers, corn and wheat fields forever!. Lots of space for long canters.’
Kylie R
‘Magali and Christian were absolutely amazing! I would repeat this trip a million times more just to be able to receive the amazing hospitality and care from them! Their horses were very safe, and I felt comfortable knowing Magali was so experienced and knowledgeable. The highlights were definitely cantering through the forests and up to the castle!’
Erin B
‘The Loire Valley and Castles ride was an experience that I’ll never forget! We got to ride back in history and canter right up to some pretty spectacular châteaux, and I learnt a lot about French history. The pacing of the trip was perfect—a great balance of riding and downtime, with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop, as well as to rest and relax. The accommodations and food were superb, and I loved my horse for the week, Charly, who was very sweet and responsive. The guides and other Globetrotters were all very nice, and I would love to do a similar ride again!’
Susan P
‘What a fantastic ride! Riding to a chateau was truly something special. The French countryside is stunning, and the horses were fearless and well-trained, navigating through villages, past cars, bikes, and people without a care—even when we encountered massive tractors in the fields. My horse, an albino cross Lipizzaner/Freisian named DJoser (pronounced JoeZair with a French accent!), was very sure-footed and had a lovely canter. Our guides took exceptional care of us, demonstrating remarkable knowledge, a great sense of humour, and a genuine attention to the horses. The food, accommodation, and camaraderie with a wonderful group of ladies created an unforgettable experience that I will never forget.’
Barbara F
‘The Loire Valley & Castle ride in France is definitely a fun adventure with lots of opportunities to gallop past vineyards and through open fields of beautiful sunflowers and corn. Walking and trotting through quaint little villages and exploring the depths of thick forests always brought us to a moment where we would take a mid-day break for a picnic lunch on the grounds of some magnificent castle that we could tour while our horses patiently waited for our return. Our boutique hotels were very welcoming and the evening dinners were beautifully presented. I couldn’t think of a better way to explore the Loire Valley than on horseback with Globetrotting.’
Dorrie F
‘The Loire Valley & Castles ride in France was an absolute delight! The transfers between the airport, accommodations, and riding destinations went smoothly. The accommodations were charming and even nicer than expected. The daily picnics were outstanding, with freshly baked baguettes – OMG! The horses were excellent – I rode a mare named Samantha who was responsive, pretty bombproof, and quite fast. She had quirks but I enjoyed her spirit. The guides provided exceptional service, knowledge, and hospitality. Standout moments were galloping through the woods near Amboise and visiting the stunning Villesavin chateau. I would definitely recommend this ride!’
Alexandra D
‘The Loire Valley was beautiful to trek through on horseback. To ride in the forests of a chateau where kings once rode is just magical. I don’t think I’ll ever forget seeing castles between the ears of a horse! I rode a paint called Davidson, who was a perfect match for me! Very easy on the mouth, he could go fast and stop well with minimal aids. My favourite part of the experience was when we would reach a castle after hours trekking through the French countryside. All of a sudden, the trees would part to reveal a magnificent chateau. Unforgettable and incredibly satisfying!’
Tara B
‘This ride was so magical. From riding through sunflower fields to ancient forests, every day was a new adventure! The history of the area is incredible, and I enjoyed learning about it each day from both David and the chateau visits. Cantering along the river flats while the church bell rang as we approached Chaumont-sur-Loire was incredible – I won’t be forgetting it any time soon! And riding along the front of the Chateau de Chambord was a ‘pinch me’ moment for sure. The days were long, but worth it – we had a sense of achievement at the end of the week! The horses were amazing, and so loved and well cared for. I rode Taram, a big draft cross. He was an absolute star – forward and confident, and responsive to my aids. I highly recommend this ride to any keen horse rider!’
Janet B
‘The guides took great care of us and the horses, and the food was unbelievable! The chateaux were amazing and due to a fire hazard, we had to ride through the town of Amboise. It was like we were on parade – people came out to film and greet us! I loved it. But the best part was the camaraderie of the group. We were 4 Americans, 2 Aussies, 2 Belgians and 1 Finnish friend, plus our French crew of 3. Unbelievably fun and supportive.
Kate and the Globetrotting team kept us constantly in the loop as we waited over 2 years to make this ride. I always felt I could reach out and ask anything. The response was so quick. I love that they have personally vetted the rides and can give specific information as needed. This was my second ride with them and it won’t be my last.’
Micheala B
‘This was our first Globetrotting experience in France and it exceeded expectations. The horses, guides, castles, food and wine were spectacular. I got to ride Davidson and my dad rode Baboo. I was totally pleased with Davidson and enjoyed every minute riding him. The horses lived together as a herd and were so reliable, responsive and friendly with each other. The tack was immaculate and there’s nothing our guides wouldn’t have done for us if asked. Cantering along a field of sunflowers, or down the driveway of a large estate, and of course through the forests was amazing. Riding up to the front of Chambord Castle to get a photo was just surreal. I highly recommend this ride!’
Theresa M
‘The ride, the horses, the guides, and the logistics exceeded my expectations in almost every way. That’s hard to do when it has been a bucket list adventure for 20 years! From the moment we mounted to the moment we dismounted was an adventure. I loved that we moved from field to forest to town to castle grounds every day. The midday breaks to walk around amazing castles, well, what can I say? It was more than I ever could have hoped for!’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
