Day 1:Arrival in Blois, famous for its Royal Renaissance Chateau. Blois is a short train ride from Paris and has plenty to offer for your first night: pedestrian streets, 18th century stone bridge, Saint Louis Cathedral, shopping, restaurants… And since you’re spending the night in Blois, don’t forget to check if there is a Light & Sound show tonight (in English on Wednesdays!). Dinner on your own. Orientation by phone with our office at 6pm.

HI Garden Court-Blois

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Blois

The hotel is centrally located facing the Congress Centre "La Halle aux grains", the "Abbe Gregoire"...

Day 2 After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to one of the most recognizable Chateaux of France: Chateau of Chambord. You can visit the Chateau, walk around in the park, and then start your hike from Chambord to Bracieux through the forest! Stay in a charming 2* hotel in Bracieux, dinner included. (B,D) 10 km hiking.

Chateau de Chambord: it is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the castle. There are suggestions that Leonardo da Vinci may have designed the staircase, but this has not been confirmed.

Hotel de la Bonnheure

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Bracieux

Simple but pleasant 2 star hotel located just outside the Chambord forest in the village of Bracieux...

Day 3: Cheverny. This hike will take you to Cheverny, another famous town because of its Chateau. The present Château de Cheverny is an original jewel among the more famous monuments that stretch along the Loire Valley. In fact, Renaissance style did not find its place in Cheverny, which is built in the purest Louis XIII classical style, distinguished by an extraordinarily symmetrical architecture. But Cheverny is primarily known for being an inspiration to Herge, cartoonist and author of Tintin, who drew the castle in his comics as the Chateau de Moulinsart, home to Captain Haddock! Stay in 2* hotel in Cheverny, dinner included at your hotel. (B) 12km

Hotel St Hubert

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Cheverny

Béatrice and Francis Tisserand bid you a warm welcome to their Hôtel** Saint- Hubert. In the hunti...

Day 4 - Cheverny to Amboise: In the morning, we’ll transfer you to Les Montils where you will walk to Chaumont-sur-Loire, a village rich in history and a perfect place for walks along the riverbanks. Each year the International Garden Festival is held in the castle grounds. But Chaumont sur Loire is also known for its feudal castle dominating the valley. After your visit of Chaumont, you hike to Amboise, where you stay tonight. Amboise has a lot to offer and plenty to visit: The Royal Castle, which introduced Italian-style architecture in the 15h and 16th centuries; Clos Luce: last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where you can see some of his many projects in different fields…. Night in a nice and quiet 3* hotel, dinner on your own. (B) 18 km

Hotel Le Vinci

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Amboise

The Hotel Le Vinci is located just three minutes from the Chateau of Amboise and the historical town...

Day 5:Amboise to Chenonceau. Take a scenic walk to the Cher River and the famous Chateau de Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the 16th century on the Cher River, and then improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. It is known as the “Ladies’ Castle” because of the feud between Diane de Poitiers, Henri II mistress and Catherine de Medicis, his wife. Night and dinner in a 4* hotel with 1* Michelin restaurant! (B,D) 16km

Le Bon Laboureur

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Chenonceaux

Le Bon Laboureur is a charming hotel located just a stone's throw from the Chateau of Chenonceau, th...

Day 6: Chenonceau to Montlouis. Your last walk will take you on a nice itinerary following the River all the way to Montlouis-sur-Loire, known for its white sparkling wine. You will have the opportunity to stop in town or along the way in vineyards for tastings or information on wine-making! Night in 3* Chateau de la Bourdaisiere, dinner on your own. (B) 18 km.

Chateau de la Bourdasiere

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Montlouis sur Loire

The Chateau de la Bourdaisiere is a magnificent sixteenth-century castle offering spacious and refin...

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.You can take your time with breakfast. Additional nights can be arranged. Transfer back to Saint Pierre des Corps, Tours TGV station, is on your own. (B)