Horse riding holiday in the Sologne: what to see and do

The Sologne and the neighbouring châteaux have a long history with horses: hunting with hounds, carriage driving, princely stables, then federation sport at Lamotte-Beuvron. From Romorantin-Lanthenay, 5 outings by car let you explore it without bringing your own horse. The cottage does not take horses in any case: it has no stables and no paddock.

Where can you see an equestrian show near the Sologne?

At Chambord, 43 min (40 km) from Romorantin. The estate stages "Chambord, l'histoire à cheval" in the Maréchal de Saxe stables.

Created in 2025 by stunt rider Mario Luraschi and narrated by Jean Dujardin, the show lasts 45 minutes and combines stunts, haute école dressage and video projection. The 2026 season runs from 4 April to 27 September, then from 17 October to 1 November. Performance days and tickets are on the Domaine de Chambord website. Our guide to a cottage near Château de Chambord helps you plan the day.

Which châteaux should horse lovers visit?

Three châteaux have equestrian heritage on show: Villesavin for carriages, Cheverny for hunting with hounds, Chaumont-sur-Loire for its stables.

• Château de Villesavin, 34 min (34 km): a museum of horse-drawn carriages and children's carriages. The château is open from 1 March to 15 November.
• Château de Cheverny, 31 min (29 km): the kennels house a pack of about a hundred tricolour Anglo-French hounds, part of a hunting tradition that is still alive. The estate is open every day of the year.
• Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 58 min (55 km): the stables designed in 1877 by architect Paul-Ernest Sanson, built to be the most modern in Europe in their day.

Villesavin and Cheverny are close to each other and fit into one day. Chaumont deserves a trip of its own.

Can you watch a competition at the Parc équestre fédéral?

Yes, during the events held in Lamotte-Beuvron, 43 min (41 km) away. The Parc équestre fédéral is the headquarters of the French Equestrian Federation.

The main events take place in spring and summer: the Grand Tournoi in May (horse-ball, pony games, mounted archery, paddock polo), then the Generali Open de France in July, with the pony and club championships. Check dates and public access on the showground's calendar. If you are coming to compete, read our guide to rider accommodation near Lamotte-Beuvron instead.

Where can you go horse riding in the Sologne?

At a trail riding centre, by booking ahead. Rides are guided and groups are small, so call several days in advance.

In Cheverny, Écurie de la Colinière is listed by the regional tourism bodies and English is spoken. It offers rides by the hour, treks of one or several days in groups of 3 to 8 riders, carriage rides and pony rides for children. For other addresses, the Sologne tourist office keeps an up-to-date list of trail riding providers.

• State your real level: the centre picks the horse and the route to match.
• Ask about the minimum age for children and what is lent (helmet, boots).
• Bring long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel.
• In summer, book a morning ride: heat and insects bother the horses less.

Why stay in Romorantin for a horse-themed holiday?

Because the town sits between the châteaux around Blois and Lamotte-Beuvron: all 5 outings in this guide are less than an hour from the house.

The cottage sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, with a fitted kitchen, free private parking, an enclosed garden and a terrace with a barbecue. Pets are welcome and the town centre is a 5 to 10 minute walk away. Details are on the cottage page, and other visits on the surroundings page.

A useful reminder: the house accommodates people, not horses. If you travel with your own horse, you need livery or a dedicated equestrian gîte.