Family bike trip to the Chateaux of the Loire valley

From BLOIS to BRACIEUX 27km 60m

You leave Blois easily by following the secured route dedicated to cyclists. After a few kilometers of riding your bike, you enter the majestic forest of Chambord from where rises sometimes through autumn fog the stag of a deer. At the end of the large alley, the castle and its 282 chimneys are extravagant and sumptuous. The sculpted salamanders watch you before heading back through centuries-old trees that welcome you under their refreshing shade and whisper royal stories. Arrived at Bracieux, do not miss a little stop at the Vauché chocolate factory that you can then enjoy under the old “halles” market place once used as the last village stage before the arrival of the King in Chambord.

From BRACIEUX to CHITENAY 26km 50m

The Sologne area reveals itself little by little, at first shy between the forests and the streams with the castle of Villesavin, it ends up giving to you its secrets of childhood and to delight yours in you living, for the pleasure of the eyes the castle of Cheverny. You imagine Hergé the author of Tintin comics book, lost in the contemplation of what will become for him and so many others the castle of Moulinsart which will shelter the numerous adventures of Tintin and Snowy. In the gardens of the chateau you hear in the distance, the yelp of the dogs eager to leave for a frantic part of hunting in the neighboring wood where the family, owner of the castle for 6 generations, has taken his ease.

• For a few more km 36km 58m

  You ride to the chateau of Fougères on this longer option.

From CHITENAY to CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE 20km 40m

Your path takes you through the countryside and forests of Blois where you can see the castle of Beauregard, the former hunting reserve of Francis I. Then you join the Beuvron, this small river in a green and flowery surroundings, which leads you quietly under the chirping of the birds to the Loire river. You let yourself be guided by some gabares, flat-bottomed boats typical of the region, to the village and castle of Chaumont sur Loire. The castle watches from the top of its promontory the birds that come to nest on the sand islands of the Loire river. You are captivated as much by its architectural romanticism as by the sweet scent that emerges from its internationally known gardens.

From CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE to BLOIS 28km 100m

You ride up the Loire until reaching the peaceful Cosson and its beautifully wooded cycle path which offers a quiet retreat for local families and friends riding for a short afternoon ride. Before entering Chailles, a surprise awaits you: the castle and farm of Villelouet. Its closed courtyard and especially its unusual chapel Troubadour make it an original gem, especially since this castle of the seventeenth century is built on the ruins of an even older castle. You end up joining the Loire river which offers from its left bank a breathtaking view of the city of Blois half-timbered houses with Tuffeau stones (sort of local limestone) and slate roofs.