Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans, the “City of Art and History” liberated in 1429 by Joan of Arc from the English siege.
Day 2: Orléans > Beaugency or Tavers, ~26 km
Longing the wild river banks for a stage in calm and serenity through the charming and very flowered city of Beaugency.
Day 3: Beaugency or Tavers > Blois, ~45 km
Leave Beaugency by the river banks passing via the prestigious château of Chambord: the widest Château of the Loire Valley masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Then, follow the direction of Blois which presents a rich historical heritage with the château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the middle Ages to the 17th century.
Day 4: Blois > Amboise, ~40 km
Follow the small countryside routes until the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire River, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau from 15th -16th century. Few streets further on, is the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci: Manorhouse of ‘Clos Lucé’.
Day 5: Amboise > Tours, ~30 km oder 53 km via Chenonceau
Ride through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars that offer sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau of la Bourdaisière, birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favourite of King Henri IV. Continue to the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses.
Day 6: Tours > Azay-le-Rideau, ~44 km
A bike path leads you along the dreamy Cher River to Villandry castle whose gardens are the most beautiful of all castles in the Loire valley. Then you'll ride to the Indre River and discover Azay-le-Rideau and its Renaissance castle from the 16th century.
Day 7: Azay-le-Rideau > Chinon, ~35 km
You'll ride back to the Loire River and arrive at Langeais and its big castle of the 15th century. Its rooms have original furniture of that time. You'll continue along the Loire River on a very nice path before you'll discover the next castle in Ussé. Finally, the medieval town of Chinon awaits you for a stay on Vienne River. There are a lot of wine cellars that invite you to taste the good red wines which Rabelais already appreciated very much!
Day 8: Chinon > Saumur, ~36-48 km
You always continue along the Loire River before you make a detour to the Fontevraud Abbey where you'll find the tombs of King Henry II of England and that of King Richard I of England and their French wives. The gothic cloister and especially the Romanesque kitchen are also worth a visit. From the abbey you will ride on little roads to Saumur whose castle dominates the Loire valley.
Day 9: Saumur > Angers, ~58 km
The Loire River conducts you to Angers. We recommend to visit the old town and particularly the Norman castle where you can admire the very famous tapestry of the Apocalypse (14th century).
Day 10: Angers > St.-Florent-le-Vieil or Ancenis, ~50 km/65 km
From the heart of the vineyards of Anjou you will follow the slopes of the Loire River to Aubance and Layon. Continue along the banks of the Loire until you come to Chalonnes, where Loire and Layon run together. And finally you will arrive in St.-Florent-le-Vieil, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 11: St.-Florent-le-Vieil or Ancenis > Nantes, ~55 km/40 km
Continue along the Loire river banks where you can enjoy the different natural landscapes and observe the wild animals and birds. Enjoy a peaceful ride until Champtoceaux, in its magnificent setting marking the boundary between Anjou and Brittany. Proceed to Nantes: a very dynamic city offering a large choice of visits and where you can enjoy a sight-seeing through the numerous pedestrian streets.
Day 12: Nantes > Saint Brévin, ~58 km
Leave the city via a small boat to cross the river and continue on the cycling path of ‘Loire à vélo’. Further on, you will follow a narrow canal for a peaceful moment along marshlands and countryside to finish at the estuary of the Loire river in St Brevin les Pins: a seaside resort which offer a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and Pine trees forest. This is an ideal place to relax after long day biking.
Day 13: Saint Brévin > Le Croisic, ~53 km
From the estuary of the River Loire you will ride to the wild sea coast of Le Croisic. The opportunity to discover the famous salterns of the medieval town of Guérande should not be missed.
Day 14: Alas! Departure
You’ll get back to Orléans individually by train.