Château to Château à Pied
This easy walk through the Garden of France follows the limestone banks of the Loire. Turn inland through vineyards and flower-decked villages to take in some of the region’s most enchanting châteaux and their gardens.
Holiday Highlights
- Authentic French Auberges and hotels with some very good dining
- Château Chenonceau : the beautiful castle nicknamed the Chateau des Dames
- Clos Lucé: interactive museum of Leonardo de Vinci’s inventions
- Royal Château at Amboise
- Château Chaumont and its quirky international garden festival
- Château Cheverny, don’t miss feeding time of the hounds
- Tintin interactive museum at Château Cheverny
- Château Chambord: the most spectacular of the region
What's Included
Starting Days
Also available as a six night holiday, beginning any day except Saturday or Sunday. The eight night holiday begins on Wednesday or Saturday.
Itinerary & Hotels
1
Arrival Bourré day 1
- Summary
Settle in at your lovely hotel and maybe find time to relax by the pool or wander in the gardens before a typical French meal that evening.
- Hotel
Château de Vallagon
BourréIn an idyllic valley of the lovely Loir-et-Cher, Château de Vallagon is surrounded by famous Loire chateaux such as Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau. In 2005, the current Dutch owners bought this beautiful domaine and the surrounding properties. Today, with its 12 rooms and suites, Château de Vallagon is a charming three star hotel with a gastronomic restaurant where guests can enjoy an authentic French but modern cuisine. Chateau de Vallagon is surrounded by a park with fruit and nut trees. Fresh herbs and vegetables are grown in a 160 year old greenhouse and used by the Chef.
Facilities
- Restaurant
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Garden
- Terrace
- Salon
- TV lounge
- Free WiFi in bedrooms
Board
- Cuisine
Example Dishes
Les Entrées
- Cannellonis – homard – parmesan – herbes – mousse pleurotes
- Veau – thon – salade- mayonnaise – veau panée – pommes de terre
- Ecrevisses – œufs panés – épinards – mayonnaise pimentée
- Crème – pleurotes – lardons – herbes – croûtons – moutarde
- Boudin noir –crème betterave – st. Jacques – aceto balsamique
Les Viandes
- Ris de veau – médaillon de veau – cantharelles – sauce porto
- Coquelet – lentilles – carottes – lardons – herbes – betteraves
- Côte de porc – pommes de terre sucre – moutarde
- Faux filet – gratin – champignons de Bourré – sauce porto foie gras
Les Poissons
- Risotto du chef – légumes – champignons de Bourré – parmesan
- Thon grillé – crevettes grises – vinaigrette – haricots verts – fettuccine
- Homard – épinards – parmesan – pommes de terre – beurre blanc
- Bar filet – câpres – citronnelle – tomates – gnocchis – herbes – crème petits pois
2
Bourré to Chenonceaux day 2
- Summary
There’s time to relax and explore the surroundings before you follow the banks of the River Cher to Chenonceaux, where you’ll see the stunning château with its magnificent interior and gardens.
- Hotel
La Roseraie
ChenonceauxA typically French, 3 star hotel, only 400m from Château de Chenonceau, with large spacious rooms, very attentive staff and a good menu choice. Many famous people such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Truman,Churchill, Rockefeller have stayed in this 18th century building. Rooms are charming, comfortable and individually decorated.
Facilities
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Garden
- Terrace
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
Board
- Cuisine
Example menu
Les Entrées
- Snail in garlic butter
- Cream of corn
- Salad of purple cabbage with hot beef
- Custard tart of Duck Foie Gras
- Pastry on tomato and hot goat cheese
Les Plats
- Duck tenderloin with Mulled wine sauce
- Fillet of Carlet fish with butter and capers
- Kidney with blackcurrant
- Oxtail of Beef, crispy with wine sauce
6 mi
(10 km)3
Chenonceaux to Amboise day 3
- Summary
A shady walk through the Forêt d’Amboise will bring you out across farmland as you approach the town. Pass the manor house where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years and stay at the 4-star Pavillon des Lys. Eat in a delightful restaurant close to your hotel.
- Hotel
Le Pavillon des Lys
AmboiseLocated in the centre of the town of Amboise, Le Pavillon des Lys is a four star hotel, with 8 bedrooms and suites, within 5 minutes walking distance from the Château d'Amboise. Bedrooms are spacious and there is a garden and a terrace for the guests.
Facilities
- Very large beds
- Soundproof rooms
- Air-conditioning
- Television, radio, CD and DVD player, safe
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Terrace
Board
- Cuisine
The hotel has no restaurant. The meals are booked at the restaurant L'Alliance (2 minutes away).
Options at L'Alliance include...
Example Menu
Starters
Oysters au gratin Vouvray, Endive and smoked duck breast
Ballottine of duck foie gras and mallard, mango chutney with Szechuan pepperMains
Roast scallops, pumpkin puree, ravioli with chestnuts and dried bacon
Veal sweetbreads, mushrooms, truffle sauce and potatoesCheese platter & dessert of your choice
11 mi
(18 km)4
Amboise to Chaumont day 4
- Summary
After a little sightseeing, you’re transferred to Mosnes. From here the route leads along riverbanks and through leafy vineyards until you reach your hotel in Chaumont.
- Hotel
Hostellerie du Château
Chaumont- Sur -LoireL'Hostellerie du Château is situated in the charming village of Chaumont sur Loire, between Blois and Amboise in the center of the Grands Châteaux circuit of Chambord, Blois, Amboise, Chenonceaux. The hotel is on the edge of the Loire, at the foot of the feudal Chaumont castle which dominates the valley and the village and is renowned for its famous International Garden Festival.
The owners, Dominique Poignon and Pascal Delsériès and their team, use their savoir-faire to lend charm and comfort to their home in order to make your stay pleasant, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has 3 stars and 15 rooms, of which 3 are family rooms. In the summer, the meals are served on the terrace, and in the winter you can enjoy the heat from the fireplace in a dining room filled with character. During the summer months you can enjoy the swimming pool or spend a relaxing moment in the garden.
Facilities
- Three star accommodation
- Satellite TV
- Telephone
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- En suite with bath or shower
- Traditional cuisine
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Garden
- Terrace
Board
- Cuisine
The restaurant proposes traditional dishes prepared with local fresh seasonal products. The wine list is composed of various wines representing the local vintages: Touraine, Touraine Mesland, Touraine Amboise and Cheverny, as well as other vineyards from the Loire Valley which extend from Sancerre to Muscadet passing by Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil and other French vines.
Example Menu
Entrées
Tartare de Saumon aux Agrumes, Vinaigrette Acidulée
Corolle de Melon, Mousse de Jambon Sec, Gelée de Pineau des Charentes
Charlotte de Dinde et Caviar d’Aubergines, Brochette de Gambas au TandooriPlats
Filet de Dorade Poêlé, Beurre d’Orange, Tatin d’Endives
Emince d’Onglet de Veau aux Herbes, Légumes Confits au Curry
Magret de Canard, Sauce Cassis, Tian de Légumes
Desserts
Soupe de Fruits Rouges, Ecume de Basilic, Mouillettes de Pain d’Epices
Pêche Pochée à la Menthe, Nid de Meringue et Crème Chocolat
Fondant Chocolat, Praliné et Noisette, Glace Fromage Blanc
6 mi
(10 km)5
Chaumont to Candé sur Beuvron day 5
- Summary
Spend the morning visiting the famous château and gardens before walking to Candé and tonight’s comfortable hotel, with its excellent restaurant.
- Hotel
Auberge de Callière
Candé- sur -BeuvronA relaxing hotel set in pretty gardens with a gastronomic restaurant.
Facilities
- Terrace and garden
- Free WiFi
- Gourmet restaurant
- Bar
- Sound proofed rooms
Board
- Cuisine
5 mi
(8 km)6
Candé sur Beuvron to Chitenay day 6
- Summary
At Les Montils, pick up the ingredients for an al fresco lunch then head off through woodland, fields and a vintner’s yard to Chitenay and the delightful Auberge du Centre.
- Hotel
Auberge du centre
ChitenayThe Auberge du Centre, a three star hotel with 27 bedrooms, is located in the centre of Chitenay, a small, quiet village, typical of many in this Garden of France. The hotel, though not particularly large, occupies a prominent position on the high street and is swathed in Virginia creeper. Across the road is the white tufa stone church with its little avenue of pollarded trees shading the place de l’eglise. A small shop offers basic groceries, and the wherewithal for a picnic.
There is a pleasant comfortable bar to the front of the hotel and the restaurant runs through to the rear. There is private parking at the back of the hotel with storage and racks for Belle France bikes. The garden, home to red squirrels, has a couple of swings and enough hidey-holes amongst the colourful shrubs to keep children entertained in safety.
From all points on this crossroads, cycle routes are signposted to Cheverny (6 miles), Chaumont (11 miles) and Chambord (15 miles) which are three of the larger chateaux within relatively easy range, and other lesser known gems are even closer.
Facilities
- En suite bathroom
- Satellite television
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Garden
- Pleasant, easy cycle routes on the doorstep
- Pretty, tranquil village location
- Attractive garden terrace for al fresco dining
- Friendly staff, great for families
Board
- Cuisine
Monsieur Martinet is clearly proud of his hotel whose restaurant has an established reputation in the Blois catchment area. The food is carefully prepared and presented fairly elaborately in some cases. The menu offers a reasonable choice and children are catered for with simplified ‘grown up’ dishes (no nuggets in evidence). Local Loire wines are much in evidence on the wine list with some good value carafes on offer, especially those from Cheverny.
Example Menu
Les Entrées
Le croustillant de canard confit à la confiture d'oignons et son mesclun aux noix
L'assiette de saumon fumé à l'Auberge, salade de betterave rouge aux herbesLes Plats
Le médaillon de volaille de la ferme de la Faubonniére farcie aux pleurotes, sauce forestière écrasé de pommes de terre aux appétits
Le filet de Lieu "sous Anna", boulgour crémeux à l'estragon et tomate confite, beurre citronné
Les Fromages
La sélection de fromages de chèvre et son mesclunLes Desserts
L'opéra chocolat, crème de marron et glace aux grains de café
La tarte fine aux pommes, Sauce caramel, glace pain d'épices
10 mi
(16 km)7
Chitenay to Cour Cheverny day 7
- Summary
Today’s easy walk takes you through fields and woodland to the spectacular hunting château at Cheverny. Tonight’s hotel has an elegant dining room serving traditional French cuisine.
- Hotel
Hôtel Saint-Hubert
Cour ChevernySituated about 457m (1,500 ft.) from Château de Cheverny, at the entrance to the village Cheverny, this three star hotel was built in the 1950s in the provincial style. It does offer some family rooms. You are sure to receive a warm welcome by the owners Monsieur and Madame Tisserand in this charming and comfortable hotel.
Facilities
- Fully equipped rooms with a choice of shower or bath
- Satellite television
- Telephone
- WiFi
- Restaurant offering regional cuisine
Board
- Cuisine
Chef Carl Bigot offers you his regional gourmet specialities and game when in season.
Example Menu
Les Entrées
Cassolette d'Escargots de Bourgogne au Chablis et Crème d'Ail
Terrine de Lièvre Mariné à l'Armagnac
Tartare de Saint-Jacques et Thon Albacore en Sauce Basilic sur Petite Salade
Millefeuilles de Foie Gras de Canard Maison et Poires CaraméliséesLes Plats
Sauté de Chevreuil à La Royale, Pommes de Terre et Champignons
Filet de Saint-Pierre au Vin Blanc de Loire et Légumes du Soleil
Tête de Veau Roulée avec Langue et ses Légumes d'Hiver, Sauce Gribiche
Filet de Boeuf (origine Européenne) Façon Rossini, Tian de LégumesLes Desserts
Good choice dessert menu
7 mi
(10 km)8
Cour Cheverny to Chambord day 8
- Summary
Château Chambord is approached through vast parklands – a beautiful and fitting end to your exploration of the Loire. After your visit to the château, our rep will transfer you to Blois for your final night and a beautiful chambre d’hote and gourmet dinner in the l’Orangerie Chateau restaurant.
- Hotel
Maison du Carroir
BloisThis bed & breakfast in the heart of the Loire Valley offers a pleasant stay and friendly service from Mme Galland, who is extremely attentive. There are four large bedrooms, each with its own decor and atmosphere, as well as a pretty garden and terrace. Many of the most notable châteaux are only a short distance away.
Facilities
- En suite rooms
- TV
- Free Wifi
- Garden
- Terrace
Board
- Cuisine
A gourmet breakfast is served in the garden in summer, and around the fireplace in winter. Includes bread, local cheeses, homemade mini cakes, fruit, jams and fresh juice.
11 mi
(18 km)
Route & Location
Customise Your Holiday
6 NIGHT OPTION
The six night holiday begins in Amboise (day 3) and walking starts from there the following morning. Please call for pricing.
Customer Reviews
5 out of 5 rating based on 9 reviews
- Service (5/5): Lorna was fantastic, very helpful, always returning messages promply.
Clive in France was superb guide, friendly, always willing to accomodate us, informative.
Yes would highly recommend Belle FranceProduct (4/5): Great trip, good walking route, paths were describe clearly. Love accomodations and restaurants. - Service (5/5): The service was very personal and professional
30th July 2017
Product (5/5): Loved this walking holiday and will recommend it to friends - Service (5/5): Belle France were very helpful from start to finish. Lorna was very easy to deal with when booking holiday and when we needed a bit of help while we were away. Robin, who was the local rep in France, was charming. He met us off the train on a very hot day with bottles of water which was very much appreciated. All transfers worked very well.
4th July 2017
Product (5/5): Lovely area. All hotels were very good and very different which made them interesting. Walk was easy to follow in nice countryside - does not have the spectacular factor of some parts of France - mainly riverside or in woods - all flat but very attractive. Route notes were mostly excellent with a few minor errors but easily sorted by looking at the maps so never a problem. Chateaux are beautiful - loved them all. If I had any criticism - which is our failing and not Belle France's, is that the food was so amazing and so rich that it all got a bit much. We could have done with a couple of breaks from gourmet eating during the week and had the option of doing our own thing. Saying that the meal at the Orangerie in Blois was fantastic. - Service (5/5): Great from start to finish - our rep in France, Robin, was particularly helpful and offered the hat off his head, literally. Hotels and food were all terrific. Our only minor commwnt is that some of the maps may need to be reviewed for accuracy, clairy and consistency. Having said that, we didnt get lost so all good in the end.
18th June 2017
Product (5/5): Excellent - Service (5/5): Bell France arranged all perfectly! No problems. Our greeter and luggage handler, Robin was very helpful. Staff at most lodges were great. Beautiful country. Good food.
13th June 2017
Product (5/5): good lodging, great food, great food presentation, pleasant hikes through th ecountry side. fun - Service (5/5): very good
28th April 2017
Belle France: Thank you for your feedback, we are in the process of enlarging our maps in the route books for clarity and simplification... but we are also considering adding a large map to give an overview of the route,
as we do for many of our holidays. I am sorry that we did not put one in your pack and we would have course sent you a map if you had requested this.
I am glad that you found our English rep Robin helpful and we do hope that you will consider another holiday with us next year.
Kind regards
Lorna
Lorna
26th June 2017
Product (4/5): good time representative great got lost a couple times would have liked a big map to show me where I was - Service (5/5): The service from Belle France was exceptional in every way. My wife & I have travelled extensively in the last 5 years since our retirement but have never experienced such a level of service and professionalism.
18th October 2016
Product (5/5): The Chateau to Chateau walk was a most memorable and wonderful experience. The hotels were tops the villages and scenery out of this world and our accommodation at Blois was OMG brilliant - Service (5/5): Fantastic company to deal with that put together a wonderful holiday with extra days added at both ends with ease and courtesy. This is an excellent company that gives the customer what they want and more. Would more than happily recommend them to anyone. Their attention to every detail has to be admired. Lorna the rep is excellent.
3rd June 2015
Belle France: Thanks very much for the lovely review and we look forward to booking another fantastic holiday for you in the future.
Lorna
3rd June 2015Product (5/5): Wonderful hotels from the best Chateau to the best of hotels to the best of B & B giving you a taste of the different levels of accommodation France has to offer. The food was excellent or better and we have just had the most amazing holiday. - Service (5/5): Local agent was 1st class, helpful in every way and made the holiday one to recommend and be repeated.
5th March 2015
Belle France: Yes we very much agree, our English rep in this region is wonderful and we are lucky to have him on our team. We are glad you liked the mix of hotels, walks and good hearty food. Look forward to booking for you again in 2015.
Lorna
13th March 2015Product (5/5): Hotels very comfortable, food excellent. Perfect after walking from hotel to hotel and building up an appetite.
Pricing & Enquiry
Pricing
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5 out of 5
28th June 2018
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