Loire Valley Cycle

Make your way to Blois and your hotel. Dependent on your arrival time we recommend taking a walk around the town, which is known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere. Worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and 17th century.

After collecting your bike from the bike shop, you set out following a quiet road through the forest and vineyards of the Touraine Mesland appellation until you reach the Chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire, proudly overlooking the river. It is worthwhile stopping here, and the grounds are usually open to the public. The Chateau itself is famous for its luxurious stables, and there is often free wine tasting at the base of the driveway. Continue on the Loire à Vélo cycling trail through the countryside and vineyards before arriving at picturesque Amboise on the south bank of the Loire. On arrival you can explore the royal château, where the greatest kings of France and Leonardo Da Vinci lived. Overnight in Amboise. Elevation +200m/656ft, -211m/692ft

Leave the Loire banks for a while to reach the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses and famous for its fine and elegant white wines. On the way you can admire superb Renaissance private châteaux such as château de Valmer, remarkable for its Italian and vegetable gardens, and the beautiful château de Jallanges. Stop along the way to visit a local wine producer and sample a glass of Vouvray! Return to Amboise for your overnight stay. Elevation +-360m/1181ft

This stage through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire will take you to the Cher valley and the famous chateau of Chenonceau, straddling the Cher River. The chateau was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history, between Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers‘s garden, then through Catherine de Medici’s. Relax in the shade of one of the huge park trees and enjoy the rhythm of the river murmuring these tales. Overnight in the charming town of Chenonceaux on the banks of the Cher river. Elevation +166m/545ft, -154m/505ft

Ride along the peaceful Cher river banks to the medieval town of Montrichard. You then leave the Cher Valley behind and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Overnight in a charming rural inn in Chitenay this evening with the standard and superior options, in Cour-Cheverny with the deluxe upgrade option. Elevation to Chitenay (40km) +197m/464ft, -179m/587ft Elevation to Cour Cheverny (53km) +236m/774ft, 218m/715ft

Today offers the possibility to visit the Château of Beauregard, famous for its Portrait Gallery. Then continue cycling to the rich and mysterious ‘Sologne’ with its magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroads and small private châteaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves. Return to your hotel in Chitenay or Cheverny in the evening. Elevation +-299m/981ft

During this last stage you will discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château of Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis I of France. Overnight in Blois. Elevation from Cour Cheverny (40km) +246m/807ft, -263m/863ft Elevation from Chitenay (50km) +297m/974ft, -313m/1027ft

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.