Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Name: Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

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7 Days Excluding Flights

7 Days from

USD 3600

5.0/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

18+

Trip Code :

TLV

Carbon Footprint :

8.5kg CO2e per person per day

Discover regal estates and fine wines in the glamorous Garden of France

Enjoy a walking escape in the Loire Valley, where lavish royal residences meet some of the best winemakers on the planet. During our adventure, we stay in a fabulous chateau near Tours and an elegant country manor in the village of Beaumont-en-Véron – both offering the perfect base for a full immersion in the Garden of France.We stop at majestic castles, including Amboise (the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci) and Chenonceau, a Renaissance marvel spanning the Cher river. We also tour picturesque vineyards, meeting expert producers and sampling their fine wines.

Highlights

Discover the Loire Valley highlights on foot, including picturesque vineyards and palaces
Tour several lavish châteaux, including Leonardo da Vinci’s magnificent Chenonceau
Explore celebrated vineyards to meet the producers and sample their drinks at source
Meet members of the Loire wine brotherhoods, practically unrivalled in their knowledge of the local wines
Stay in a Renaissance-style château and 17th-century country manor house

Key Information

Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels)
Five days with walking
Low altitude throughout
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: France

What's Included

All breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner and three wine tastings
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Tourist taxes
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Approximately four to six hours of walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths, some rocky sections

Day 2

8 km / 5 miles

Day 3

9 km / 5.6 miles

Day 4

7 km / 4.3 miles

Day 5

7 km / 4.3 miles

Day 6

7 km / 4.3 miles

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

TLV - Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Tours Beaumont-en-Véron

We start at our chateau just outside Tours. This characterful university town is the gateway to the Loire Valley and the perfect starting point for our adventure. Before the welcome dinner, our guide will hold a meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

Accommodation: Château de la Bourdaisière (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

This morning we set off for our hike direct from our chateau heading towards Vouvray. The route meanders through medieval villages, including Montlouis, renowned for its exceptional AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) wine, and through vineyards that line the Loire River. Upon arrival in Vouvray, we visit wine cellars forged from local tufa stone and meet members of the Loire wine brotherhoods – communities of wine enthusiasts, who will generously share the history and cultural importance of wine in the region.

Accommodation: Château de la Bourdaisière (or similar)

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Ascent: 492ft (150m); Descent: 492ft (150m); Activity hours: 3

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

We start our day with a 25-minute transfer to the magnificent Château de Chenonceau. Known as the Ladies’ Castle since the 16th century, Chenonceau is the most visited private monument in France. This Renaissance masterpiece comprises a long, covered gallery that rests on the arches of a bridge and contains a large collection of tapestries and paintings by European masters from the 16^th to 18^th centuries, including Tintoretto, Rubens and Clouet.

After exploring the chateau, we take a circular walk along the river Cher, leaving the crowds as we pass through meadows and forests.

Accommodation: Château de la Bourdaisière (or similar)

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 328ft (100m); Activity hours: 2hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

After a 25 minute transfer we visit the impressive Château Royal d’Amboise this morning, sure to be one of the highlights of our trip. A former palace to the kings of France and the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, this Unesco-protected castle is testament to European history and represents the French ‘art of living’ as well as having spectacular views of the Loire Valley. There is then free time to either explore the town of Amboise or have the option to visit Chateau du Clos Lucé, the impressive home of Leonardo da Vinci, for the last three years of his life.

After lunch, we take an afternoon hike through the Amboise Forest and along the Loire River, before transferring one hour, to our second accommodation in Beaumont-en-Véron. On our way, we stop in the village of Bourgueil to see the vineyards and sample the local produce.

Accommodation: Manoir de la Giraudière (or similar)

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 328ft (100m); Activity hours: 2

Meals included: Breakfast

Today will be devoted to the discovery of the wonderful Saumur-Champigny vineyards. In the morning, we take a 30-minute transfer to the Unesco town of Saumur, surrounded by the Anjou vineyards. We embark on a guided walk of the town, marvelling at medieval architecture and discovering the royal history of the area.

After, we transfer to the starting point for our hike through the vineyards and countryside near Souzay-Champigny. We visit a wine producer during the hike and sample their AOP Saumur-Champigny wine, before returning to Souzay-Champigny, where we have time to visit ancient troglodyte dwellings and a local mushroom producer.

Accommodation: Manoir de la Giraudière (or similar)

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Ascent: 656ft (200m); Descent: 656ft (200m); Activity hours: 2

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

On our final full day in the Loire Valley, we take a 30-minute transfer to Château de Villandry, whose gardens have dazzled visitors since the 1920s. With a history stretching to the 11th century, the gardens have undergone many transformations but acquired their current Renaissance form in the early 1900s, replacing the English garden style employed in the mid-1800s.

We have free time to explore the extensive estate and castle independently, before coming together for our last hike of the week, this time along the banks of the Cher. After lunch we take a short transfer towards the village of Azay le Rideau where we also have time to explore the castle. We return to Beaumont-en-Véron, stopping on our way in the historic city of Chinon.

Accommodation: Manoir de la Giraudière (or similar)

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 328ft (100m); Activity hours: 2

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore more of the Loire Valley, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Beaumont-en-Véron.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

The walking pace is leisurely and there is plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views. The Loire Valley is naturally hilly (making it the perfect place to cultivate grapes), so you should expect some ascents/descents during the walks. The shortest walk is 4.4mi (7km) and longest is 6.2mi (10km), with the greatest elevation gain (656ft/200m) on Day 5. The distances mentioned on the itinerary do not include walks in and around the chateaux/gardens that we visit.

The terrain and type of path/track will vary from paved tracks (which are occasionally rocky) to tarmac. All walks take between three and five hours, including lunch stops, and require a moderate level of fitness and good balance.

All walks are optional. If you would prefer to sit one out, our tour leader can provide suggestions for other activities.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Château de la Bourdaisière, 25 Rue de la Bourdaisière, 37270 Montlouis-sur-Loire
Phone: +33 2 47 45 16 31
Recommended arrival time: We meet at 5pm for a welcome briefing and dinner

Getting to the start hotel

There are direct trains, which take about one hour, from Paris Montparnasse station to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps railway station, near Tours. There are also direct trains from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), but these are irregular so taking the metro to Montparnasse may be a quicker option. More detailed instructions on reaching the start hotel are provided in your Final Joining Instructions. We provide one group arrival transfer from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps railway station. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Departure transfer

There is one group transfer from the end hotel to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps railway station for your onward travel. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your departure time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Tours
Location end: Beaumont-en-Véron

Vaccinations and Health

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Food & Drink

Six breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner and three wine tastings are included.

Our included lunches will be taken during the hikes, either as a picnic or in local cafés/restaurants, while the included dinner is at the château restaurant/at a traditional restaurant in Tours. For lunches not included, there will be an opportunity to visit a boulangerie (bakery) for freshly baked goods to take with you on the walks. For dinners not included, it’s possible to dine at the accommodation or venture to a restaurant in Tours or Chinon.

Vegetarians can be fairly easily accommodated in this area of France (particularly in Tours); however, vegans may find the variety of dishes available is rather limited. Larger supermarkets can provide gluten-free bread and baked goods but this is less common in local bakeries.

Weather

The Loire Valley experiences fairly mild temperatures between May and October. Daily temperatures in May-June and September-October rarely exceed 18C (64F); however, the summer months of July and August can experience much warmer temperatures (an average of around 26C/79F). Rainfall is common throughout the year, so be sure to pack waterproofs.

While the weather is less predictable outside summer, it can be a more favourable time as you miss the crowds of July-August. Some of the gardens at the Château de Villandry are planted twice during the year so they are at their finest throughout the visitor season (March-November).

TRIP

TLV - Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Château and Country Manor House

Immerse yourself in the history and regal character of the Loire Valley with the accommodation on this trip, which is split between a historic château and a manor house.

Tours: Château de la Bourdaisière (nights 1-3)

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

This Renaissance-style château outside the city has extensive grounds comprising landscaped gardens, a large orchard with more than 100 fruit tree varieties, and a dahlia garden created by renowned landscape architect Louis Benech. The 26 stately rooms and apartments were renovated by owner Prince Louis Albert de Broglie (aka the Prince Gardener), while other hotel amenities include a large, heated swimming pool and tennis courts.

Beaumont-en-Véron: Manoir de la Giraudière (nights 4-6)

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Stay in a 17th-century manor house just 3.7mi (6km) from Chinon and its medieval fortress. Situated within a Regional Nature Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and overlooking a vineyard, the hotel has 24 rooms with period furniture plus an outside seating space where the group can gather. It‘s also about a five-minute walk along country lanes to the Vienne River, where bird life flourishes and a peaceful moment or two can be enjoyed.

TRIP

TLV - Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Nawal C

Reviewed May 2024

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

It was well planned. I liked the type and length of walks. It was balanced with the Chateaux visits and winery tours.

Most Inspirational Moment

I liked visiting the different Chateaux and learning about the history. It was a tight and well run schedule.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yannis is a great tour leader. Always available for questions or requests. He was inclusive of the diverse group and helpful in any way possible. He went over and beyond helping me plan my travels after the trip ended, as well as checking on me. I hope to join another tour led by him.in the future!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Visiting the beautiful estates and gardens. Hearing about French history in an interactive way. The vineyards and countryside paths were great as well.

Anne S

Reviewed May 2024

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

The delightful birds singing in the woodlands. The many different chateaux showing different styles of decorations and gardens. Staying at Chateau la Bourdaisiere was a great highlight.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was wonderful to dine in small villages and local restaurants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jannie was a joyful leader who gave so much knowledge and enthusiasm for this beautiful area. He had certainly researched the routes, villages and restaurants thoroughly. I’d love to travel with him again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A great itinerary which showed us a many aspects of the Loire. Chateaux, wines, beautiful woodland hikes and dining in excellent restaurants.

Victoria C

Reviewed April 2024

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Wonderful, varied trip with great people – fantastically thoughtful and professional guide

Most Inspirational Moment

A fascinating array of castles ,walks, troglodyte houses, wine tastings, and restaurants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, patient good humored and kind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wine tasting gave a thorough introduction to local wine production and varieties of wines available.

Read All Reviews

Sunday Sunday

20 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025

Saturday Saturday

26 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 3600 Book with USD 900 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 863

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

11 May 2025 11 May 2025

Saturday Saturday

17 May 2025 17 May 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3600 Book with USD 900 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 863

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

22 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025

Saturday Saturday

28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 3600 Book with USD 900 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 863

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

17 Aug 2025 17 Aug 2025

Saturday Saturday

23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3600 Book with USD 900 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 863

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

07 Sep 2025 07 Sep 2025

Saturday Saturday

13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3600 Book with USD 900 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 863

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

21 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025

Saturday Saturday

27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 3600 Book with USD 900 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 863

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026

Saturday Saturday

25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 945

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

10 May 2026 10 May 2026

Saturday Saturday

16 May 2026 16 May 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 945

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026

Saturday Saturday

27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 945

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026

Saturday Saturday

22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 945

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

06 Sep 2026 06 Sep 2026

Saturday Saturday

12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 945

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026

Saturday Saturday

26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 945

Availability

View Trip Notes

The Adventure Begins Here

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Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

5.0/5 from

7 Days Excluding Flights

7 Days from

USD 3600

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Discover regal estates and fine wines in the glamorous Garden of France

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Tours Beaumont-en-Véron

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Departure transfer

Vaccinations and Health

France

Visa

France

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Château and Country Manor House

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

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Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Discover regal estates and fine wines in the glamorous Garden of France

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Tours Beaumont-en-Véron

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Departure transfer

Vaccinations and Health

France

Visa

France

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Château and Country Manor House

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

You may also like

Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

Walk The Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice

The Adventure Begins Here

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux