Cycling in the Loire Valley - Le Pays des Chateaux

6 days / 5 nights

5 Breakfasts included

Day 1: Arrival in Blois

Arrival on your own to Blois. If you have time, take a walk in the city which is known for its bright facades and blue rooftops. Also worth a visit is the royal Chateau de Blois where several French kings have resided. The castle is a perfect example of the development of French architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

Accommodation in Blois

Day 2: Blois - To Amboise – 43 km, +265 m/-295 m

43 km, +265 m/-295 m

Breakfast

From Blois you follow the Loire's southern riverbank. In rolling landscape with vineyards you cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Cycle back along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire. High up lies the elegant castle Chaumont-sur-Loire surrounded by beautiful gardens. You are now in the historic region of Touraine. Visit a winemaker and taste wine from the local sauvignon blanc grape. Enjoy the magnificent Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once lived. There are some hilly sections along the stage.

Accommodation in Amboise

Day 3: Amboise - To Chenonceau – 14 or 41 km, +315 m/-316 m

14 or 41 km, +315 m/-316 m

Breakfast

Via Montlouise sur Loire to the famous Château de Chenonceau. It was this castle that King Henri II promised his mistress Diane de Poitiers but which was sabotaged by the queen, Catherine de Medici. Finish in charming Chenonceaux, which lies by the Cher river. You can choose between two cycling routes; a direct one or one that takes you on a beautiful path along the Loire and Cher river valleys with the opportunity to visit castles and villages along the way.

Accommodation in Chenonceau or Bléré

Day 4: Chenonceau - To Chitenay – 35 km, +298 m/-264 m

35 km, +298 m/-264 m

Breakfast

You leave the Cher valley behind you and continue to the Touraine area via the castle Gué Péan and the medieval castle Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th-century architecture. You stay overnight at a charming country hotel with a wonderful garden.

Accommodation in Chitenay

Day 5: Chitenay - To Blois – 50 km, +178 m/-200 m

50 km, +178 m/-200 m

Breakfast

During this last cycling day you have the opportunity to discover the famous and magnificently furnished Château Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its 440 rooms, built during François I's reign. Thereafter you return to Blois with its hilly streets around the castle of Blois. A fairy-tale end to a memorable cycling trip!

Accommodation in Blois

Day 6: Departure from Blois

Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast. Feel free to book an extra night to have time to explore the beautiful city of Blois.