Accueil Discover In slow-tourism mode Horse riding: gallop through the loire valley countryside!
There’s nothing like a ride on horseback to plunge you into the heart of the Loire Valley landscapes! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, enjoy the freedom of the trails and let yourself be lulled by the sound of your horse’s hooves. Horse-trekking, a horse-drawn carriage ride or an organised tour, it’s up to you to choose the option that suits you best. The perfect way to reconnect with nature and explore the region’s cultural treasures in a whole new way!
HORSE RIDING ON THE EUROPEAN ROAD OF D’ARTAGNAN
SLOW TOURISM ON THE EUROPEAN ROAD OF D’ARTAGNAN
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The European Road of d’Artagnan is Europe’s 1st equestrian tourist and cultural route. With over 6,000 km of bridleways and signposted routes, it takes you across Europe to discover exceptional natural and cultural heritage. On horseback or even in a carriage, follow the forest paths along the banks of the royal river and take in the incredible panoramic views!
The European Road of d’Artagnan is a real must for riders from all over Europe and is well signposted in the Loire Valley. It features equestrian structures along the way, adapted to the reception of horses, starting with riding schools. Accommodation and restaurants are also available every 25 km or less along the route.
C. Mouton – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
THREE THEMED EQUESTRIAN ROUTES IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
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Of the six themed routes on the European Road of d’Artagnan, three cross the Loire Valley, covering almost 260 km. From Orléans to Valençay via Chambord, the Route Royale, which served Louis XIV, allows you to admire the landscapes of Sologne as well as a number of emblematic Loire châteaux. Beginning at Chambord, the Route des Cardinaux will take you in the footsteps of Richelieu and Mazarin to some of the region’s most famous towns and châteaux: Blois, Amboise and Azay-le-Rideau. It runs all the way down to Lupiac in the Gers, where d’Artagnan was born, while the Route de Pinerolo, which follows the same route in the Loire Valley, crosses the Alps to its end point in Italy!
ROUTES TO DISCOVER ON HORSEBACK
The Loire Valley is home to a number of other horse-riding circuits that will allow you to unwind surrounded by nature. Here are three that are well worth checking out!
- Starting at the Krouge horse farm – 24.5 km – 1 day. Almost halfway along the route, you come to the Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères in Ingrannes, home to some fantastic collections of rare trees and heather and a nature reserve for birds and insects.
- Around Montoire-sur-le-Loir – 27.9 km. Follow this route and discover the sights along the way: the troglodyte village of Trôo and its houses carved into the rock, Lavardin, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, with its fortress, Saint-Jacques-de-Guéret and its frescoed church. A programme that might just make you want to extend your trip!
- La Route des Châteaux – Starting at Thilouze – Finishing at Rigny-Ussé – 44 km. A 2-day trek crossing woods, plains, orchards, fords and charming villages. Don’t miss the Musée Balzac at Saché, the magnificent château at Azay-le-Rideau and the château at Rigny-Ussé.
HORSE RIDING IN THE BRENNE REGIONAL NATURE PARK
Do you know Brenne? If not, it’s high time you discovered it! With 3,000 lakes, landscapes of moorland, woodland and meadows, and exceptional flora and fauna, this Regional Nature Park nestling in the Berry region is the ideal setting for a horse ride.
There are a number of accessible routes, some of which can even be explored by horse-drawn carriage, to take right up close to the Brenne lakes. There are stops and visits along the way.
You will have a front-row seat to observe the rich biodiversity, admire the remarkable heritage constructions and meet the craftsmen and women who share their skills.
So, are you ready for an unforgettable adventure on horseback in the Loire Valley?
