Description
Day 1 : Chambord, , the largest and most prestigious castle in the Loire Valley.
We meet at the barn in Courmemin at 8.30 am and introduce you to your guide, your horse and the other riders. You then leave for an unforgettable day discovering the largest and the most beautiful castle in the Loire valley. In the morning, you will ride across the Grande Sologne and its now well known forest to arrive in Bracieux where you will observe the XVIth century hall. After lunch on the banks of the river Nizeron, you will be back on horses for your last riding afternoon trhough the National Park of Chambord, the largest closed park in Europe. In the middle of the afternoon, you will see the castle rising among the trees, and that’s where you will say goodbye to your horses. Optionnal visit of this extraordinary castle built by François I. Car transfert to your hotel where we have dinner : Auberge du château à Tour en Sologne.
Day 2 : Cheverny, , the mansion on which Hergé modelled Captain Haddock’s country house, Marlinspike Hall.
Start from stables at 9 am. We ride out on the “Grande Sologne” tracks in the middle of hunting reserves where you may can see deers or wild boars. Arrival in Cheverny at 12:00 with lunch in its private beautiful forest or at a small local restaurant. Car transfert to the castle (duration : 3min) and optionnal visit of its gardens or main house. Meeting again with horses to cross this huge 2000 accres forest. Back in Courmemin at 6:00 pm. Free departure from 6:30 pm.
COMFORT AND ACCOMODATION
Time on horseback – 4 to 6 hours per day.
Equestrian level – Intermediate or confirmed riders at ease in all three gates.
Horses – Trail horses, Franches Montagnes and Franches Montagnes crosses. Educated using natural horsemanship, sure and sturdy, respectful and healthy in mind and spirit.
Tack – Trail and English saddles, saddle rugs with bags.
Guide – Ken leads this trail ride. He was born and bred in Sologne, is a full-time resident and knows all the nooks and crannies of this magnificent region by heart and his aim is always to help you discover it in the best conditions possible.
Accomodation & meals
In comfortable hotel**, in Twin room. The bed linen is provided such as towels.
Cold lunches are homemade: mixed salads, local cold meats, savoury tarts and breads, traditional goats cheese, seasonal deserts.
The three-course dinner is preceded by an apperitif and includes wine, cheese and coffee. All meals are taken in hotel restaurant and are made from local products. The goats’ cheeses and wines are made in France.
Please, notice on this trail that drinks are not included and have to be ordered on-site.
Single rooms are availible on request and depending on the availibily. The price for this option is 30 € / nuit.
Every rider travelling alone must agree to pay the supplement for a single room if we do not find another rider to share his/her room.
Options:
Single room + 30 € .
Transfert from the train station in Blois-Chambord.
Extra night before or after your ride. : 110 € (Single room), 80 € (Twin room)
Night excursion “Deer’s slab” during Septembre and Octobre : 50 €.
