The Loire Valley as a World Heritage Site is stunning. The magnificent fluvial countryside of the Loire with so many castles, manor-houses and châteaux, built by the French kings and their aristocratic imitators is really outstanding? Amboise, Blois, Chenonceaux, Cheverny and Chambord are truly melodic names, which don’t make you forget the innumerable other castles. This cycle trip takes you to the heart of the „Garden of France“ as well as to its delicious cuisine.
Day 1: Arrival in Blois (Option: Cheverny 48 km- 30 miles with extra night)
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: Excursion to Chambord | 40 km (25 miles)
For your first bike excursion, follow the Loire river to the Domaine de Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic château of the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms. You can also explore its 5433-hectare (13425-acre) park, before setting off again along the country paths towards Blois.
Day 3: Blois - Amboise, ~40 km (25 miles)
This itinerary will guide you through the forest and vineyards of Mesland appellation until the Château of Chaumont sur Loire that proudly overlooks the Loire River before reaching the nice town of Amboise and its royal castle. Don’t miss to visit the Clos Lucé Manor, last home of Leonardo Da Vinci.
OPTION: Canoe trip on the „Loire„ river (approx. 1,5h).
Day 4: Amboise - Chenonceaux - Amboise, ~45 km (28 miles)
Bike through forest, vineyards and orchards until the famous château of Chenonceau elegantly straddling the Cher River, which was the scene of a rivalry of French history: Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. On little roads you go back to Amboise.
OPTION: Canoe trip on the „Cher„ river. Enjoy a canoe trip offering you an extraordinary point of view on the Château de Chenonceau (approx. 2h).
Day 5: Amboise - Tours, ~24 or 32 km (15 or 20 miles)
Ride along the wine fields of Montlouis and discover the numerous wine cellars where the white sparkling wine is produced. Ride on to the manor of Gabrielle d'Estrée, concubine of Henry IV. A bit further on the Chateau La Bourdaisière is on your way. The landlord will be pleased to present you its gardens with a number of medical plants. The stage finally ends in the elegant town Tour, famous for its medieval town center with lovely decorated half-timbered houses.
Day 6: Tours - round trip to Villandry Castle - Tours, ~39 km (24 miles)
The famous French gardens of Villandry Castle you should not miss at all. Discover the decorative vegetable gardens, the 'Garden of Love' as well as the 'Water Garden' and the 'Sun Garden'.
Day 7: Departure
You can take a train back to Blois or stay longer.
