Chateaux of the Loire Walk, France

<p>Hugely popular since its introduction, this easy-paced, gentle walking holiday balances peaceful, out-of-the-way discoveries with the splendour and opulence of some of the finest Renaissance châteaux in France. There’s no tough climbing – the highest point is at just 150m – but you are still rewarded with beautifully unspoilt landscapes and enchanting views at every turn.<br><br> Following a triangular route, you’ll first head north crossing the majestic Loire river and on through the royal forest of Blois. It’s then down through vineyards and poppy fields to the elegant village of Chitenay and back via the peaceful hamlets of Seur and Les Montils. Highlights en route include some of the Loire’s most famous châteaux: Blois, formerly known as “Versailles of the Renaissance”, has developed around its massive château, which has enjoyed a long connection with royalty and nobility. The fairytale château of Chambord, set in the heart of the huge Forêt de Boulogne, reflects the lavish and ostentatious tastes of its original owner, King François I. And the white stone façade of Cheverny, one of the most perfect examples of French architecture, houses one of the largest art collections in the region.<br><br> The places you’ll stay in have been hand-picked for their superb locations, atmospheric charm, excellent cuisine and warm, friendly owners. We’ve included evening meals everywhere except in Blois - with so many restaurants on your doorstep, we thought you’d appreciate having a choice.</p><p><strong>Detailed Itinerary:</strong></p><p><strong>Day 1 - Arrive in Chaumont</strong><br>We collect you at Blois station and take you (20 mins) to Chaumont where the lovely riverside Hostellerie du Chateau oozes real mediaeval charm - beamed dining room, minstral gallery, grand fireplace. There's a lovely pool if you fancy a dip after your journey.<br><br><strong>Day 2 - Chaumont to Blois</strong> 17km/11mi or 22km/14mi<br>Masses of wildlife - herons, hen harriers, roe deer - this morning as you cross the Loire and head north following the course of the Cisse to the pretty C13 Abbaye de la Guiche. Lunch in Coulanges - the C12 church is worth a detour. From here it's a delightful stroll through the Royal Forest of Blois until you reach your hotel opposite the famous chateau. <br><br><strong>Day 3 - At Blois</strong><br>The small town of Blois sits on a small hill overlooking the Loire, and is very easy to explore on foot: C16 chateau, Museum of Fine Arts, C17 St Vincent de Paul church and Maison de Magie - House of Magic - are all worthy of a visit. Or you can take a river trip on an original flat-bottomed toue sailing boat and view the town from the water. If you want to explore further afield, local buses run from Blois to the chateaux of Chambord and Cheverny, or you can take the train (20 mins) into Amboise. <br><br><strong>Day 4 - Blois to Chitenay</strong> 17km/10mi<br>You leave Blois via the shady banks of the river Cosson and enter the Forest of Russy - look out for nut hatches, woodpeckers and tree creepers. Lunch in the village of Celettes where you must visit the stunning C15 Chateau de Beauregard - set in impressive parkland, this gem is an absolute must! Of particular note is its rare C16 kitchen, portrait gallery and recently restored Gallerie des Illustres featuring 327 portraits of different kings, queens and politicians. Your final stretch takes you on through acres of well-tended vineyards - lots of places to pop in for a spot of tasting - and poppy fields to the elegant village of Chitenay. Our ivy-clad hotel here has a pleasant garden terrace - an ideal setting for pre-dinner aperitifs!</p><p><strong>Day 5 - At Chitenay</strong><br>The sleepy wine village of Chitenay is ideally placed to visit many of the Loire chateaux. We particularly recommend picture-postcard Cheverny - it has one of the largest art collections including a permanent 'Secrets of Moulinsart' exhibition - and, just 3kms further on, lovely little Chateau de Troussay with its elaborately decorated ceilings and rich furnishings collection. <br><br><strong>Day 6 - Chitenay to Chaumont</strong> 18km/11mi<br>You'll follow the peaceful river Beauvron past the C14 Chateau Fay and on through the pretty hamlets of Seur, Les Montils and sleepy Cande-sur-Beauvron. There's a pretty riverside park if you fancy a picnic lunch before continuing along the shady banks of the Loire into Chaumont. The impressive C15 chateau, once owned by Catherine de Medici, hosts the International Garden Festival each year and, on selected summer dates, stays open until midnight - as your hotel is just a few metres away, getting home isn't a problem! <br><br><strong>Day 7 - Leave Chaumont</strong><br><br><strong>Is this trip for you? </strong><br>This 1 Boot independent walking holiday (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System) will appeal to couples and families or anyone that is arranging a walking holiday for the first time. This easy paced walk starts out on the banks of the majestic Loire visiting great royal chateaux including Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise and Blois. <br><br></p>