Chateaux of the Loire Valley

The Loire is easy to access from Paris with a direct train in only 2 hours. Arrive into Orleans and check-in to your centrally located hotel before spending the afternoon exploring this beautiful towns historic centre or stroll over Loire on one of its 5 bridges.

This morning you will start your ride down this majestic river. A cycle through villages, vineyards and bright sunflowers give you a taste of the Loire Valley as you hug the Loire veloroute. As you cycle along the river, there are plenty of points to stop for a coffee, take in the majesty of one of the famous chateaux or even enjoy an afternoon glass of crisp white wine. Cycle paths will lead you to your first stop in Beaugency.

Today's route will take you along quiet lanes before stopping at the famous Chateau Chambord. This magnificent 16th-century chateau took fifteen years to build and is Europe's largest walled estate. Take a look inside and discover the magnificent rooms and its incredible double revolving staircase. The real gem of the chateau though is its gardens. After 14 years of historical research into what the gardens looked like in the 16th century, not to mention the €3.5 million spent on it, the gardens are a sight to behold. You can have a sneak preview of the gardens here.

Next, its time to cycle to Blois, the capital of Loir-et-Cher department. Explore this beautiful historic town, located on the banks of the Loire river. It was home to French Kings during the renaissance period.

Today you will cycle through the Pays des Chateau (Land of Castles) to Amboise, a fascinating medieval town. Leonardo da Vinci lived here for his final three years and his tomb now lays in Chateau d'Amboise, which is central to the town. It formally belonged to Catherine de Medici, the Queen of France between 1547-1559.

You will explore another chateau today as around the halfway point is the Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire. You'll feel as though you've stepped into a castle straight from a fairy-tale with its high walls and drawbridge.

If you happen to be visiting between April and October you'll be in for a treat as the gardens of this chateau play host to the International Garden Festival.

If you would prefer to ride a shorter distance today, just let us know and we can provide you with an equally scenic 40km route from Blois to Amboise.

You have two choices today on your way to Tours. Either ride the short route of 30km along the river to Tours or head south and visit Chenonceau Chateau. In our opinion, the extra 20km's are well worth it.

Once you arrive in Tours you can explore and wander around its old town and marvel at sites including the cathedral, Saint-Gatien, with its flamboyant Gothic facade and 12th-century towers.

You will stay in the centre of Tours this evening with many restaurants nearby.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for your homeward travel. If you prefer to spend more time in the Loire, we can easily extend your trip towards Angers.