dossier

Chateaux of the Loire Taster Walk

CHÂTEAUX OF THE LOIRE WALK  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Hostellerie du Château ***
Chaumont   Days 1+4

This hotel is situated between the Loire river and the famous château itself, the Hostellerie du Château is a lovely, quirky hotel, that just oozes charm. The bedrooms also reflect the theme of times gone by, but they are well equipped for the demands of the 21C guest, as they all have telephone, satellite tv and hairdryer. The dining room, with its wooden beams and grand fireplace, adds to the overall antequated atmosphere.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1  Arrive in Chaumont

We pick you up at Blois station and take you (20 mins) to Chaumont where the lovely riverside Hostellerie du Château oozes real medieval charm – beamed dining room, minstral gallery, grand fireplace. There’s a lovely pool if you fancy a dip after your journey.

Day 2  Chaumont to Blois  17km/11mi or 22km/14mi

Lots of wildlife - herons, hen harriers, roe deer - this morning as you cross the Loire and head north following the course of the Cisse to the pretty C13 Abbaye de la Guiche. Lunch in Coulanges – the C12 church is worth a detour . From here it’s a delightful stroll through the Royal Forest of Blois until you reach your hotel opposite the famous château.

Hotel de France et Guise  **
Blois   Day 2

The Hotel de France et Guise is opposite the Château de Blois in the town centre. Your stay is on a bed & breakfast basis as there are so many restaurants in walking distance. The hotel has an air of grandeur with chateau style decoration in the hall and breakfast room.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 3  Blois to Chitenay  17km/10mi

You leave Blois via the shady banks of the river Cosson and enter the Forest of Russy - look out for nut hatches, woodpeckers and tree creepers. Lunch in the village of Celettes where you must visit the stunning C15 Château de Beauregard – set in impressive parkland, this gem is an absolute must! Of  particular note is its rare C16 kitchen, portrait gallery and recently restored Gallerie des Illustres featuring 327 portraits of different kings, queens and politicians. Your final stretch takes you on through acres of well-tended vineyards – lots of places to pop in for a spot of tasting – and poppy fields to the elegant village of Chitenay. Our ivy-clad hotel here has a pleasant garden terrace – an ideal setting for pre-dinner aperitifs!

Auberge du Centre  **
Chitenay   Day 3

This charming ivy-clad hotel is right in the centre of the pretty village of Chitenay, run by the affable Gilles Martinet and his team. Most of the hotels 27 rooms have been recently modernised and Breakaway rooms are all en-suite (with bath) and feature satellite tv (including CNN) and telephone. The hotel has a pleasant terrace overlooking its gardens, which are a real treat on a summers day, as well as an attractive sitting area inside, complete with wooden beams and comfy chairs. There is a car park behind the hotel, or on road parking available at the front of the building. There is also a public car park opposite the hotel. All non - secure.

Day 4  Chitenay  to Chaumont  18km/11mi

You’ll follow the peaceful river Beauvron past the C14 Château Fay and on through the pretty hamlets of Seur , Les Montils and sleepy Cande-sur-Beauvron. There’s a pretty riverside park if you fancy a picnic lunch before continuing along the shady banks of the Loire into Chaumont. The impressive C15 château, once owned by Catherine de Medici, hosts the International Garden Festival each year and, on selected summer dates, stays open until midnight – as your hotel is just a few metres away, getting home isn’t a problem!

Day 5  Leave Chaumont

For people wanting to have bikes available for all ‘rest-days’ these can be pre-booked for you ($128 per adult and $64 per child per stay) and will be waiting at each hotel for you.

WALKING DETAILS

Mainly flat walking along riverside paths and through open fields and vineyards. Much of the route follows waymarked GRs. Good views with not too much effort!

For extra nights we recommend Blois, Chaumont or Paris.