Paris, the Loire Valley & the Saumur Horse Trials

For 2017 join us in France as we explore Paris, the Loire Valley and Saumur, home of the French National School of Equitation (and the Cadre Noir) and site of the Saumur CCI 3* Event. Our program will allow us time to enjoy the sights of Paris, visit some of the great chateau, including Chateau Chenonceau, perhaps the most romantic chateau in France and the gardens at chateau Azay-le-Rideau. There will be time to explore in the city of Tours and en route to Saumur visit the Abbey at Fontevraud, the most impressive and well restored medieval abbey I have seen anywhere.

Spend five nights in Saumur, a charming town in the Loire Valley, visit the Ecole Nationale d’Equitation, enjoy a performance and, of course take in the Saumur Horse Trials.

Our itinerary

Thursday, May 11: Depart for Paris

Depart the U.S. for Paris this evening.

Friday, May 12: Welcome to Paris

On arrival you can travel into central Paris by transfer coach, and to our hotel in the area of the Opera. This evening there will be a reception so that you can meet our other guests, followed by dinner. (R/D)

Saturday, May 13: Paris Sightseeing and Time to Enjoy

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Paris. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish. The Louvre, the Seine and the Left Bank are just a short walk. In the other direction you will find Blvd Hausmann, the Opera, some of the fine shops of Paris and other sights to be enjoyed.

Sunday, May 14: Free Day Paris,

Today is free to explore Pairs as you wish.

Monday, May 15: Depart for Orleans, Chambord and the Loire Valley

Depart for Orleans, where there will be time to explore and lunch. The house where Joan of Arc spent her time here is reconstructed and her statue dominates the Place du Martroi. Later this afternoon visit the chateau of Chambord, once a simple hunting lodge, it is now a renaissance masterpiece of 440 rooms.

Early this evening arrive in Tours and check in to the Hotel l’Univers, for two nights. It is a lovely 19th-c. hotel, in the classic style, with an excellent restaurant. It is a short walk to the old town square and to other restaurants and sights.

Tuesday, May 16: Chateau Chenonceaux and Tours

The most romantic and perhaps most beautiful chateau in France is Chenonceaux. Given by Henri II to his mistress, his Queen, Catherine had her moved to a lesser chateau on his death, and proceeded to expand Chenonceaux and it’s gardens. Later have time in Tours.

Wednesday, May 17: Chateau, Abbey & Saumur

Depart for Saumur, stopping first at the chateau Azay le Rideau a lovely chateau which harmonizes beautifully with the river and forest around it. Then to the wonderful old abbey at Fontevraud, burial place of Henry II, Richard the Lion Heart and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Later arrive in Saumur, one of the prettiest of the Loire Valley towns. Here we will be staying at the Hotel Anne d’Anjou in the town center. Enjoy dinner tonight at our hotel. (They have a wonderful restaurant in the Garden).

Thursday, May 18:

Visit the town and the Museum of the Horse this morning. After our local visits, transfer to the CCI-3 site for dressage. During our stay we look forward to attending a performance of the Cadre Noir.

Friday, May 19: Saumur Dressage

We hope to arrange a visit to the school of Equitation and to the stables during our stay. Also, we will be offering an optional dinner at one of the “cave restaurants”. This area is famous for the homes built into the limestone caves, the troglodyte dwellings.

Saturday, May 20: Saumur Cross Country

Early departure this morning, to be on hand for first horse starting on cross country. I look forward to visiting the marketplace and to some wonderful food outlets.

Sunday, May 21: Stadium Jumping & Prizes

We should be able to enjoy a lovely morning in town before going out to the venue for Stadium Jumping. We have arranged for a lunch today in a tent overlooking the course.

Returning to the Anne d’Anjou, you’ll have time to freshen up before our farewell reception and dinner.

Monday, May 22: Early departure for Paris and CDG Airport

We will have an early departure, planning to arrive at CDG by 10:00am. Please plan flights for 12:30pm or later.

Anticipated rates, per person: $2,895 twin or share basis; $3,795 single basis

Includes: 10 nights accommodations with breakfast daily; 2 receptions, 3 dinners with wine & coffee; sightseeing and admissions as outlined; admission to the Saumur Horse Trials with lunch on Sunday; transfers and transportation as outlined; services of Equestrian Tours host.