Day 1 Tours
Arrival in Tours. Time to get a first impression of this beautiful town between the Loire and the Cher River.
Day 2 Tours – Chinon 61 km
You will leave the city along the riverside of the Loire. A few kilometres further, you arrive at the famous gardens of Villandry Castle. From the little roads parallel to the Loire, you have a nice view of the wilder sides of the Loire River. Passing among fields you will arrive at Sleeping Beauty’s castle, in Ussé. You then cycle up to Chinon, dominated by the ruins of the castle of Charles the VIIth. During the 12th century, King Henry the 2nd of England fell in love with this beautiful town, located on the side of the river Vienne.
Day 3 Chinon – Fontevraud – Chinon 55 or 69 km
Today, you will cycle from Chinon to Fontevraud, one of the largest abbeys in France, which was built during the 12th century under the protection of the Plantagenets’ family. Henry the 2nd, Richard the Lionheart as well as Aliénor from Aquitaine are buried here. On your way back to Chinon, you will cycle among the vineyards of Anjou.
Day 4 Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau 36 km
From Chinon to Azay le Rideau, you will cycle through nice forests. On your arrival in Azay le Rideau you will be struck by the charms of the Indre Valley: romantic riversides, beautiful houses made of stone, and the amazing castle described as a jewel by the french writer Honoré de Balzac.
Day 5 Azay-le-Rideau – Chenonceaux 59 km
You will leave the Indre Valley in order to follow the Cher Valley. Passing through Montbazon, and Bléré, nice little towns. Followed by the famous castle of Chenonceau called « Château des Dames ». Maybe behind a door or during a walk in the magnificent gardens you will meet the ghosts of Catherine de Medicis or Diane de Poitiers.
Day 6 Chenonceaux – Cour Cheverny 41 km
Today’s cycling day leads via Montrichard in the valley of the Cher further over the plateau through small, dreamy villages past the castle of Cheverny towards Blois. Don’t miss a visit to the Château de Cheverny and its magnificent, colorful gardens.
Day 7 Cour-Cheverny – Blois 35 km
You leave Cour-Cheverny and cycle in the direction of Chambord, where you should take a longer break to visit this beautiful castle and its park. Then you cycle a few kilometers further and arrive in Blois.Blois was the royal seat during many decades and is characterized by the different art styles of the different eras.
Day 8 Blois – Amboise 45 km
The cycling day promises to be another wonderfu experience. The ride leads through the valley of the Loire, again and again with magnificent views of the fascinating river to the Château d’Amboise. A royal castle with an eventful past. Leonardo da Vinci also spent his last years here and his mansion can also be visited.
Day 9 Amboise – Tours 26 km
Continue along the banks of the Loire River to Tours.
Day 10 Departure
It’s time to say goodbye. A bientôt
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