Family cycling trip from Blois to Amboise. On the cycling paths „Loire à Vélo„ and signposted itineraries, our short stages bring you through the most prestigious chateaux: from Blois to the Chateau de Chambord, until the medieval city of Amboise, the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci. Follow the peaceful Loire River banks and ride through the enchanting Sologne Forest dotted with hidden treasures up to the Château de Cheveny / Captain Haddock's Marlinspike! For sure your children will appreciate the Natural Bathing Pool near Chambord.
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Discover the charming town of Blois, as you stroll along its paved streets punctuated with staircases, and the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.
Day 2: Blois > Bracieux, ~30 km
This route leads you to the prestigious Chambord estate and château, a true masterpiece of French Renaissance style, boasting no less than 440 rooms and built during the reign of Francis I. Then stop over in Bracieux, a pretty little Sologne village which has preserved its magnificent 16th-century covered market.
Day 3: Excursion 'Baignade Naturelle du Grand Chambord' and Cheverny , ~29 km
A bike excursion to the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments, which gave Hergé the inspiration for Captain Haddock's Marlinspike.Then proceed towards a brand new Natural Bathing Pool! An astonishing open-air and organic swimming pool where you can rest and enjoy the surrounding wilderness (from June 25 to end of August).
Day 4: Bracieux > Chitenay, ~33 km
Enjoy a ride along the small routes of Sologne, between forests and ponds, offering the opportunity to admire beautiful and tiny manorhouses such as château de Troussay, a charming Renaissance manor. Don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Cour Cheverny Blanc (adultes only) !
Day 5: Chitenay > Chaumont-sur-Loire, ~28 km
Cross the vineyards of Cheverny to reach the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Then cycle towards the Loire river banks and reach Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose 15th-century château proudly dominates the town and the river. Don't miss the extraordinary „Festival des Jardins„ garden festival between late May and mid-October!
Day 6: Chaumont-sur-Loire > Amboise, ~23 km
For your last cycling day, follow the 'Loire à Vélo' cycling tracks before arriving in the charming town of Amboise with its royal château, where the greatest kings of France lived. Do not miss to visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, sheltering an astonishing collection of models representing the fabulous inventions of this Renaissance genius.
Day 7: departure
Your bike tour ends after breakfast.
