Country Walks & Villages Holiday: June 8 - 15, 2019
Join us in Trôo for a week of gorgeous morning walks on trails, towpaths, and country roads through the verdant valley of the Loir River and along it's picturesque hillsides dotted with vineyards, caves, and castles. Your afternoons are free to wander select villages of historic interest, fabulous gardens, and majestic monuments at your own pace. Stay in the beautiful Château de la Voûte with breakfast and delicious home-cooked rustic dinners included.
Christine Goursat has resided in Trôo since 1978 and is a member of the Randonneurs de la France hiking association. She loves to explore the French countryside and has selected her favorite country walks with Holiday Director Kate Kilbourne for our daily excursions. Christine speaks English and will be delighted to share her knowledge of the countryside and villages of the Loire Valley.
Must be capable of walking 3 hours on moderate terrain (including trails, footpaths, paved roads, and up and down steps)
Typical Schedule
Subject to change depending on weather, desires of group, or other unforseen circumstances.
Saturday
Arrival at Vendôme train station -- van pick up, check in at the Château de la Voûte
Saturday night
Welcome wine and cheese soirée on the terrace at the Cave Yuccas
Sunday
8:30 - 9:30 am: breakfast
10:00 - 1:00 pm: guided walk in and around Trôo
1:00 - 2:30 pm: lunch Aux Iles on an island in the Loir River
2:30 - 5:30 pm: free exploration of Trôo, time for wandering, visiting the church of St. Jaques with its 12th c. frescoes, sketching and painting, etc.
6:30 pm: dinner at Château de la Voûte
Monday
8:30 - 9:30 am: breakfast
10:00 - 12:00 pm: guided walk in Sougé
12:00 - 13:00 pm wine cellar visit and tasting at Domaine LELAIS
1:00 - 2:30 pm: lunch at Restaurant de la Gare in Bessé-sur-Braye
2:30 - 5:30 pm: free exploration of the Château de Courtanvaux, time for wandering the grounds, touring the interior, sketching and painting, etc.
6:30 pm: dinner at Château de la Voûte
Tuesday
8:30 - 9:30 am: breakfast
10:00 - 1:00 pm: guided walk in Ruillée
1:00 - 2:30 pm: lunch at Hotel de France in La Chartre
2:30 - 5:00 pm: free exploration of La Chartre, time for wandering, shopping for antiques, sketching and painting, etc.
5:00 - 6:00 pm wine cellar visit and tasting at Domaine de Gigou
6:30 pm: dinner at Château de la Voûte
Wednesday
8:30 - 9:30 am: breakfast
10:00 - 1:00 pm: guided walk in Couture-sur-Loir
1:00 - 2:30 pm: lunch at Le Marescot in Montoire-sur-le-Loir and explore Wednesday market
2:30 - 5:30 pm: free exploration of Lavardin, time for wandering, visiting castle ruins, the church with 12th c. frescoes, cave houses, sketching and painting, etc.
6:30 pm: dinner at Château de la Voûte
Thursday
8:30 - 9:00 am: breakfast
10:30 - 1:00 pm: guided walk of extensive grounds at the Domaine de Chaumont
1:00 - 2:30 pm: lunch at restaurant within the domaine
2:30 - 5:30 pm: free exploration of Château de Chaumont, time for wandering the château interior, the sculpture park, extensive gardens, sketching and painting, etc.
6:30 pm: dinner at Château de la Voûte
Friday
8:30 - 9:00 am: breakfast
10:00 - 1:00 pm: guided walk in Vendôme and explore the Friday farmer's market
1:00 - 2:30 pm: lunch at Capodoce turkish restaurant on market square
2:30 - 5:30 pm: free exploration of Vendôme, time for wandering, visiting the flamboyant gothic church, the castle ruins, sketching and painting, etc.
7:30 pm: Farewell gastronomic dinner at Le Cheval Blanc
Saturday
Check out of Château de la Voûte and van transport to Vendôme train station
Week of June 8 - 15, 2019:
Country Walks & Villages
English spoken
Included in Holiday
-
6 days of guided walks and free exploration
-
7 nights lodging in Le Château de la Voûte
-
All breakfasts & dinners
-
Van transport to and from Vendome TGV station
-
Local van excursions
-
Welcome wine and cheese soirée
-
Farewell 3 course haute cuisine dinner at Le Cheval Blanc -- wine not included
Not Included
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Air fare
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Travel insurance
-
Medical insurance
-
Train fare
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Walking equipment (must bring your own gear: comfortable shoes, walking stick, warm clothing, windbreaker, rain gear, water bottle, backpack, etc.)
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Lunches - pay your own way
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Wine with Farewell dinner
Cost
The cost for the 7 night holiday, inclusive of everything listed under "Included in Holiday", varies according to whether you prefer a single room or are planning to share a double. Accommodation is in the extraordinary Château de la Voûte. Visit the Lodging page for more details.
Double Room: 2250 euros
Per person
Single Room: 2600 euros
Per person
20% Discount for early registration
before Dec. 31, 2018