Classic Loire Valley by Bike

Arrive Blois and make your own way to your hotel. If you arrive early you can take a walk around the town which is known for its pale stone facades and slate roofs. Its pedestrian streets gracefully preserve a serene atmosphere of lost centuries. Worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, once the residence of several French kings and counts and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

From Blois you will follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you'll cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron then continue along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire river. High on the bank is the elegant chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire, surrounded by beautiful gardens. En route you can visit a wine grower and taste the local wines. Take your time and enjoy the grandeur of the châteaux Royal d'Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. The cycle for today involves some short climbs along the way. Overnight in Amboise. 204m ascent, 209m descent

Today you will cycle via Montlouis sur Loire to the charming town of Chenonceaux, on the banks of the Cher river. Here you'll find the famous Château de Chenonceau which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. The chateau was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, and later recovered, after his death, by his widow Queen Catherine de Medici. There are two cycle routes to choose from: one is a direct route while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Loire and Cher River valleys with options to visit chateaux and villages en route. Overnight in Chenonceaux. 126m ascent, 129m descent

Today you will leave the Cher Valley behind and enter the Sologne area, passing the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th century architecture. Tonight’s accommodation is a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden in Chitenay. 169m ascent, 146m descent

On your last cycle stage you can discover the famous and sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny with its gardens and English style park, before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis I. You then return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding its castle. 136m ascent, 153m descent

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Blois. We recommend extending your stay to take the time visiting the beautiful city of Blois - please ask for our rates.