Walking past châteaux & vineyards, France
West of Tours, the Loire and its many tributaries meander through the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park, an area of vineyards, rolling farmland, hunting forests and limestone cliffs where magnificent châteaux await discovery.
From £755pp (from £940pp incl rail) based on 2 people sharing
Crowning these picturesque landscapes are some of the Loire’s most splendid châteaux, from elegant Renaissance palaces such as that of Azay-le-Rideau to sturdy fortresses like that of Chinon. As the walking, accessible to all, is relaxed and leisurely, you have time to visit both these châteaux on this holiday, as well as the château at Ussé, the abbey at Fontevraud and other places of interest such as vineyards and mushroom caves (pay locally in all cases).
Accommodation:
Hotel de Biencourt, Azay-le-Rideau This charming hotel, parts of which are a former school, dates from the 18th century and is located in the centre of Azay-le-Rideau close to the château. Run by Monsieur and Madame Fargues, it has more of a 'guesthouse' feel, built around a peaceful, flower-filled courtyard where breakfast can be taken. The comfortable rustic-style rooms are individually decorated with parquet flooring.
Le Clos d'Ussé, Ussé Although the rooms are rather simple, the welcome here from the Duchemin family is warm and genuine, and there is a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.
Hotel de France, Chinon This hotel is a beautifully renovated, 16th century building complete with stylish, comfortable rooms. The hotel is well-located in the central medieval quarter of the town.
La Croix Blanche, Fontevraud A former coaching inn situated in the centre of the village and opposite the famous abbey. The hotel has a formal dining room and a friendly brasserie, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
Traveller Reviews of This Trip
All the hotels made us most welcome on arrival. Special thanks to Camille at reception at Hotel de France who gave me her own copy of an English language book as I had finished my other book. We also thought Hotel La Croix Blanche deserved a higher star rating. We enjoyed all the holiday and the warm weather was a bonus for us. We particularly enjoyed Fontevraud and our visit to the Abbey. This was our third Inntravel walking holiday and on this occasion we wanted an 'easier' grading. Once again, Inntravel has provided us with a memorable experience, with just the right balance between challenge and relaxation. Mrs BC Baxter, Bognor Regis, 24/05/2011
There were several highlights - for such a well-known and popular area you had planned walks through some very quiet and picturesque countryside. One of the best walks we have done! Mrs A, Worcestershire, 14/06/2010
Let me say what a wonderful trip we had. We have been with you maybe 15 times in the last 20 years or so, and this was amongst the best. Mr B, Middlesex, 23/07/2008
For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Walking past châteaux & vineyards
What price includes
- 7 nights' B&B
- 5 dinners & 3 picnics
- Visit some of the region’s most romantic châteaux
- Pause for wine-tastings
- Route notes and maps
- Luggage transported
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Hotel de Biencourt, Azay-le-Rideau
St Pierre des Corps
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Taxis to the hotel can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get there:
Train from London to St Pierre des Corps (via Paris/Lille)
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
La Croix Blanche, Fontevraud
St Pierre des Corps
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
Taxis to the railway station can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get back:
Train from St Pierre des Corps to London (via Paris/lille)
