Adventure (ballooning, cycling, horse riding)
Take the high road
Once you’ve tired of all those chateaus, why not take a ride in a Hot Air Balloon…..see the world from a helicopter or travel in style in a Light Air Craft. Prefer faster?….hire the latest model Ferrari, here’s our pick….Seeing Tours from above can be breathtaking, there are numerous companies that provide these exhilarating experiences.
The forest of the Touraine are also wonderful for horse riding and there are a number of great schools listed below; boating is a little difficult as the Loire is quite a treacherous river, don't walk out on the sand dunes near the bank as they can quickly sink. However, there are a few traditional 'bateaus' for a scenic cruise down the Loire.
Up, Up Up and Away
What a great way to surprise your loved one? Glently gliding over the chateaux of the Loire Valley. An opportunity to see and experience the treasures of the Loire. You trip starts at Chateau Chenonceau and continues over the lovely town of Blois, then Chateau Chaumont and the historic Azay-le-Rideau and the world famous gardens of Villandry. You can choose this special trip any day of the week. Your professional pilots are also backed by a team of safety engineer specialists.
Whether your want to surprise, propose or simply enjoy the countryside prices start at 185€ (165€ Monday-Wednesday) and 155€ for a child.
All the pilots speak English so you won’t confuse your Chenonceaux to your Chaumont!
The Loire Valley has mild summers however should weather conditions prohibit flying your tickets can be re-scheduled or refunded.
Le Cadre Noir Samur
The most prestigious riding school in France. For those who love horses this is a must. Numerous shows and horse riding academy for the advanced rider. Their musicals and spectacles are scheduled for: 23,23, 24 May 'Le Printemps des écuyers'. 11 and 12 July "Les Festivals) and the musical 8, 10 and 11 October at Saumur. Presentation Days in 2009 - April : 9, 16 & 21 & May : 2, 9, 14 & 28
June : 4, 11, 18 & 25 & July : 2, 23 and 30
August : 27 : September : 3, 10 & 24 & October : 1. Entry adults 16€ and children 9
www.cadrenoir.fr
Saumur
Information about Cycling around the Loire
At this link below you will find routes to plan your cycling routes. You can choose solo routes or go with a group and have your accommodation and meals catered for. The Summer months of the Loire are normally calm and not too hot. If you prefer however something shorter, say 1-2 days we can plan your accommodation and ensure bikes are awaiting you at your hotel for . Just let us know your requirements.
www.loire-a-velo.fr
Canoe around Chenonceau
What a way to see the chateau. Admire the engineering skills of building a chateau across a river. This part of the Cher is one of the prettiest spots in the Loire Valley. From 16 euros pp. Learn more at the link below.
www.canoe-company.fr
Canoe dans le Val de Cher t: 33 (0)6 37 018 992
Traditional 'bateau' on the Loire Valley
Operates from 1 June to mid October. The afternoons of Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
You can call monsieur for more precise times. Mobile: 06 67 65 78 95
Le Mans
Since 1923 there's been the 24-hour Race of Endurance. 165 Drivers in 55 teams racing around the clock. You have to be an enthusiast to watch the whole race. Usually held beginning of June and then's another race in early October. The official site is listed below for details.
Tidbit: Le Mans was the first race where the champagne was sprayed rather than consumed by the drivers!
www.lemans.org
La Grenadiere
While more a pony club and training school, they do offer lessons by the hour for groups (20 euros) and 1/2 hour pony rides for children for 8 euros during the school holiday period.
Only 10 mins from the centre of Tours, the grounds are situated high above a hill overlooking the Loire River. They have a wonderful stable horses and ponies for all levels.
www.lagrenadiere.com
85, rue Tonnelle 73530 Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire t: 02 47 41 58 32