Itinerary

Sunday

Rendezvous with The Wayfarers in Saumur for the short journey to our hotel, the Anne d'Anjou, situated on the banks of the Loire, and in the centre of this historic town, one of the Jewels of the Loire Valley. After our Introductory Talk and aperitif in the Hotel, we wander through the age-old streets to the Welcome Dinner in a charming Auberge in the Cathedral Square.
Overnight: Saumur

Monday

After a short transfer we take a gentle walk back along the river towards Saumur, taking in the elegant Romanesque Basilica of Cunault and stopping for lunch in an ancient limestone cave. We are served traditional « fouées » - warm hollow rolls filled with beans, mushrooms, butter and goat's cheese, before visiting the mushroom and snail farm. Then we walk to a famous winery where we sample the sparkling wines of Saumur and are met afterwards by a horse-drawn carriage which carries us back to the Hotel. We dine under the lit-up battlements of the Chateau.
Overnight: Saumur

Tuesday

This morning we transfer by bus to Montreuil-Bellay to start our walk. After crossing fields and woods, we arrive at the elegant castle of Breze for a picnic lunch and visit the mysterious and fascinating underground passageways. Then we stroll through forests and vineyards to Champigny and Souzay, a reputed wine-producing area, and finish our afternoon with a wine-tasting in a troglodyte cave. We transport you back to your hotel in Saumur to have dinner in the hotel restaurant under the Chateau.
Overnight: Saumur

Wednesday

We stroll through Saumur, equestrian capital of France, home of the French Cavalry and the renowned Cadre Noir. A meandering riverside path brings us to lunch in the village of Parnay, then we continue our walk along the Loire and walk into our next Hotel in the pretty village of Montsoreau, the 'Marine de Loire'. In the evening we take a short walk along the river to Candes St Martin at the confluence of the Vienne, Indre and Loire rivers, for dinner on board a traditional Loire 'gabarre' or barge, while we sail along gently, watching the sun set over the river.
Overnight: Montsoreau

Thursday

Following a hearty breakfast overlooking the Loire, our walk takes us past a soap factory and on to the magnificent 12th century Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, final resting place of Richard the Lion-Heart and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the only known mixed monk-and-nun community (historically ruled over by an Abbess of Royal blood). After a guided visit of the great Abbey and its grounds we lunch in the village. We then wend our way back to Montsoreau to play the ancient game of Boules de Fort with the local villagers, and back to the hotel. We have dinner in a wonderful gourmet restaurant, two minutes walk from the hotel.
Overnight: Montsoreau

Friday

We leave Montsoreau on foot for a gentle hike beside the River Vienne, passing the village of Candes with its 12th century church. We then travel on a traditional boat to the medieval city of Chinon, where we explore the massive medieval fortress, the historic meeting-place of Joan of Arc and Charles VII. A stroll through the cobblestone streets of Chinon, brings us to our lunch rendezvous. Our options for the afternoon are a visit to the charming privately-owned gardens of Chateau La Chatonniere or a free afternoon relaxing at our last hotel, the beautiful Chateau de Marcay, a restored 15th century chateau set in a glorious vineyard. After a relaxing swim in the lovely hotel pool, our gourmet Farewell Dinner is served on the terrace or in the splendid panelled dining-room of the Chateau.
Overnight: Marcay

Saturday

The Wayfarers will provide a transfer to the station in Tours, from where it is only a short train journey to Paris, that most romantic of cities.

More information from The Wayfarers:

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips