Azay-le-Rideau, Loire Valley
The Loire Valley region of France is home to some
of Europe's most stunning chateaux, and beautiful riverside
paths, both of which can be appreciated on our Walking
and Sightseeing holidays. The Loire, and its tributaries
the Cher and Indre wind through a backdrop of vineyards and
lush forests, scattered with fascinating medieval towns and
fabulous chateaux. Highlights include Villandry with
its formal gardens, the historic tapestries of Azay-le-Rideau
and Chenonceau Chateau whose graceful arches span the
River Cher.
The historic town of Azay-le-Rideau, complete with its
fairytale chateau epitomises the
charm and history of the Loire
Valley.
- Walking along the Loire and
Cher Valleys
- Fascinating visits to celebrated
chateaux
- Two-centre option with Paris City Break
Detailed information
| Classic Walking
& Sightseeing Programme Details |
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On these holidays there is a choice of two guided walks of varying difficulty each day.
ITINERARY
Day 1: arrival day |
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Day 2: enjoy circular walks through the gently rolling
countryside around Azay-le-Rideau, perhaps passing
the 'hidden gem' of La Chatonniere Chateau.
Day 3: delightful riverside walks beside the River
Cher lead to the superb gardens and elegant
chateau at Chenonceau, whose elegant arches span
the river.
Day 4: take the train to Chinon, an historic town
famous for its connections with Joan d'Arc, to visit
the Royal Fortress and follow shady trails through
the surrounding forests.
Day 5: free day - maybe take the local train to Tours
to visit its fine medieval streets and excellent
museums, or explore historic Azay-le-Rideau and its
flamboyant chateau.
Day 6: marvel at the extraordinary 16th century
gardens at Villandry, built across tiers of fountains
and cascades, and then walk through the woods and
fields above the Loire Valley.
Day 7: visit the fascinating troglodyte village at
Villaines-les-Rochers before following part of the GR46
long-distance path back to Azay-le-Rideau.
Day 8: departure day |
Please Note: The above programme should give you a good feel for the walks
at this resort but is subject to change. Each year we listen carefully to the
views of our guests and make improvements to our walking programmes. Further information
will be sent to you prior to your holiday; however the final selection of walks
will be made by your walking leaders.
Local transport to and from walks:
Local transport is not included in the cost of your holiday.
Please allow €85 (approx £67) per week for transport,
excluding your free day. Payable locally in Euros.
Sightseeing admissions: (payable locally): allow €40 (approx £29) per week
Maps
Your Leaders will of course carry all the necessary maps needed for the walks.
However if you would like one for your own personal enjoyment then the best general
purpose map is IGN 1:100,000 (Series Verte) sheet 26 'Orleans and Tours' as this
covers the majority of the walks. Maps can be obtained by mail order from The
Map Shop, Tel: 01684 593146. Alternatively all the maps can be bought from
local shops and tourist offices.
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| Footpath information |
|
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Easier Walks: 4½ to 7 miles and up to 300ft of ascent in a day. |
 |
Harder Walks: 5½ to 11 miles and up to 600ft of ascent in a day. |
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| Dates and prices |
|
| Sat 25 April 2009 |
£745 |
£645 |
| Sat 2, 9, 16, 30 May 2009 |
£745 |
£645 |
| Sat 12, 19, 26 September 2009 |
£745 |
£645 |
| Sat 3 October 2009 |
£745 |
£645 |
Double room for sole supplement supplement: £23 per night
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| Climate Information |
|
| April |
15°C |
5°C |
| May |
18°C |
8°C |
| June |
22°C |
11°C |
| September |
22°C |
11°C |
| October |
17°C |
8°C |
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| Travel to resort |
|
Journey by train - If you book this holiday 'with
rail' you will take the Eurostar to Lille, and then TGV to Tours station. Coach transfer to Azay-le-Rideau is 30mins.
Latest HF Holidays Train Information - updated 22/10/2008 (provisional)
SNFC Eurostar / TGV
St Pancras International - Lille-St Pierre
Out 10:00 - 17:12
Return 11:05 - 14:20
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Making your own travel arrangements
By Air: The nearest airport is at Tours which is served by Ryanair flights from London Stansted (see www.ryanair.com).
The nearest major airports are Paris Orly and Paris Charles de Gaulle. If you are making the journey from Paris to Azay-le-Rideau independently then you usually need to head to Paris Montparnasse station (some trains also depart from Paris Austerlitz). From either airport the easiest option is to take an Air France bus which run straight to Montparnasse station.
By Rail: There are good connections to Tours from London St Pancras, either via Lille or Paris - see www.eurostar.com. There are two stations in Tours; one in the city centre and one called St Pierre Des Corps, which is in the outskirts and is served by TGV services.
Transfer from Tours :
 Our Airport Hoppa service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per person for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options. Transfers must be pre-booked no later than 5 weeks before departure - we will then confirm all the details approximately 3 weeks before your holiday.
From Tours Airport or St Pierre des Corps station
- by hoppa transfer
- train £25 single
- airport £30 single
- by HF Holidays' coach £10 single*
*The HF Holidays’ coach leaves from St Pierre des Corps station and is timed to connect with the above trains.
By Rail: Use the branch line from Tours to Azay-le-Rideau. There are currently 8 trains per day with the journey taking 25 mins. The station at Azay-le-Rideau is 1 mile from the hotel so you may want to complete your journey by taxi.
By Road: Azay-le-Rideau is around 150-200 miles from the channel ports of Caen, St Malo, Le Havre or Cherbourg and a little further from Calais and Boulogne. Parking is
available at the hotel.
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| What the holiday includes |
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- Return economy class rail travel - 'with rail' option.
- Station transfers - 'with rail' option.
- 7 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms.
- Half Board - Breakfast & evening meals.
- Services of 2 HF Holidays' leaders.
- 5 guided walks or sightseeing visits.
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| Other walking holiday ideas |
|
Enjoy sightseeing and a relaxed exploration of the countryside on a Loire
Valley Explorer Tour, visiting many fascinating and beautiful sites.
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