Loire Valley (Vallee de La Loire in French) was added to the unique UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2000. When delivering its decision, the comittee said that the area was “an exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments – the Chateaux – and lands that have been cultivated and shaped by centuries of interaction between local populations and their physical environment, in particular the Loire itself. With cities such as Orleans, Blois, Tours or Nantes, the Loire Valley offers an incredible quality of architectural heritage. Also known as the Gardens of France, Loire Valley is a great place to enjoy biological diversity, endless well kept forests (such as Forest of Amboise) and last but not least, its world class wines. We have graded this walk as “easy” as the average walking time is 4 hours, without any major ascent or descent.

We have decided to focus this trip on a more specific area of the Loire Valley: Le Val de Loire, and more specifically Touraine. With so much natural, cultural and gastronomic wealth, it is no wonder the local motto is still Here, living is an art! Chateau of Amboise or Chateau of Chenonceaux are amongst the most famous castles of the Loire Valley indeed, but there are also lots of small castles you will see during these walking holidays. All these castles were built or re-built during the Renaissance time, thanks to the local soft, friable and porous calcite rock called tuffeau, an easy-to-sharpe material. As a result, Touraine is full of underground quarries that were then transformed into troglodytic dwellings or caves ideal for storing wine, cheese, growing mushrooms and more. Between La Loire and one of its affluent Le Cher, Touraine also holds home to some of the finest wines in France. The walking holidays we have designed for you will bring you through colourful vineyards where you will have a few chances to stop by for wine tasting in local producers cellars.

DAY 1 – To Amboise

After your flight to Nantes or Paris, you will be pre-booked in our selected hotel, Logis de France, in the historical part of town – close to all facilities and only 5 minutes walk from the Castle. This picturesque town, with is white-washed buildings, is in the magnificent Loire valley. Definitely worth a visit! You could spend more time here and visit the magnificent Chateau d’Amboise, Clos Luce (the house of Leonardo da Vinci), or the Pagoda of Chanteloup – all within a short taxi ride (10min) or by bus in the summer!

DAY 2 – Thebe to Montrichard (4H, 16 KM)

From the Gallo-Roman ruins of Thebe, our way leads to Bourre via the Castle of Gu-Pan and Monthou-sur-Cher. Vineyards and troglodytic dwellings will be part of the landscape. You will continue your journey towards the medieval town of Montrichard with its castle overlooking the cobble streets and Le Cher.

Town: Shops, ATM, Internet, Pharmacy, Bars, Restaurants. Accomodation: 2* Hotel Logis de France, in the heart of the medieval town, at the foot of the castle and nearby river Le Cher. Meals: Half board – 3 courses Menu du Terroir dinner and buffet breakfast.

DAY 3 – Montrichard to Chissay-en-Touraine (2H, 8 KM)

For this second day, we offer you a short walk so you can enjoy visiting Montrichard, its castle and the Monmousseau Cellars, Touraine longest wine underground galleries. Then, an easy walk along Le Cher and through vineyards will bring you to Chissay-en-Touraine. Here, you are booked in a 4* castle!

Town: Bar & restaurant, shops. Accomodation: 4* stunning XVIth century Castle, with swimming pool. Meals: 3 courses dinner and buffet breakfast.