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 – Blois 76 km
Today’s route will pass through Montrichard in the Cher valley; you will cycle through beautiful little villages and arrive in Cheverny. Then you will follow Blois by Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire valley. Blois was the seat of royalty during many years and different art movements from various periods mark this town. Along with the castle this makes for an interesting day.
Day 7 Blois – Tours ca. 71 km
The last cycling day will be an unforgettable ride. You will follow the banks of the fascinating river Loire up to the royal castle of Amboise. In Amboise, do not miss the visit of Clos Lucé, famous house where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. Back to Tours along the Loire again.
Day 8 Departure
Your cycling trip in Loire Valley is unfortunately finished but you will bring back home a complete range of great memories.
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