The Loire by bike - Deluxe

CHAMBORD

Welcome to Chambord! Make the most of the end of the day to visit the Château de Chambord. Its gigantism is such that it always comes as a surprise. Take an interest in its architecture. It emanates a light that is both reassuring and impressive. The visit is of course optional but you should not miss this jewel of the Renaissance.

At the end of the day, enjoy the tranquility of this magical place in the middle of the forest.

From CHAMBORD to ONZAIN 44km 175m

You get on your bike to leave the Château de Chambord and reach the Loire and the royal town of Blois. The river’s left bank offers you a unique view of the city of Blois with its houses set with Tuffeau stones and slate roofs.

You cycle towards Onzain, a town listed as a World Heritage Site since 2000.

If you still have a little time, the castle of Chaumont sur Loire and its sumptuous gardens is a site worth visiting.

From CHAMBORD to ONZAIN 57km 201m

You leave Chambord for Cheverny and its famous castle. In 1922, it was the first castle to be opened to the public. The visitor can thus appreciate all the splendor and delights of Château life. Enjoy the Botanical Park and the splendid interiors of the Château. And don’t miss the 3D visit to the Museum “Les secrets de Moulinsart” based on the Tintin comic.

You then take the road to Onzain, a town listed as a World Heritage Site since 2000. Last highlight of the day, the Château de Chaumont sur Loire and its sumptuous gardens.

From ONZAIN to AMBOISE 22km 116m

The bike itinerary offers you a stroll on two wheels on the banks of the Loire then between the vineyards.

On the Loire by bike route, this day has been thought to be shorter to allow you to take full advantage of two major castles in the valley. In the morning, garden lovers stop at the Chaumont sur Loire estate to enjoy the international garden festival, a rather original annual event.

A few kilometers of  cycling further, you enter the royal city of Amboise. Amboise is the city of Leonardo da Vinci and his castle, Clos Lucé, his final resting place. More imposing, the royal castle testifies to a defensive past of the city by its strategic position, dominating the river. This city of character offers beautiful walks through its narrow streets or on the quays.

FROM AMBOISE, CHENONCEAUX LOOP 37km 217m

Leave the Loire riverbanks behind and head south. When you arrive in Chenonceaux, take the time to enjoy its famous eponymous castle built in 1513, one of the most beautiful in the Loire Valley. One of its original features is its atypical construction on the Cher river which makes it similar to a bridge. Head back to the royal city of Amboise.

• For a few more km 61km 318m

  After your visit to the Chenonceau castle, enjoy a few more kilometers on your way to the authentic medieval town of Montrichard. There is even a beach in the summer if you want to take a dip. Return to Amboise by small country roads.

From AMBOISE to MONTBAZON 45km 182m

You leave Amboise on the Loire by bike route to reach the slopes of Montlouis. You will enjoy a refreshing stop near the water fountain in the Place de la Mairie de Montlouis. You have the choice of enlivening your break on the wine bar terrace presenting local winegrowers or a renowned pastry shop.

Continuing your route west, you take the Indre by bike. This peaceful greenway takes you to Montbazon. Take the time to visit the stronghold of the terrible Count of Anjou, Foulques Nerra, which dominates the Indre valley from the top of its spur.

From MONTBAZON to TOURS 55km 258m

From Montbazon, you pedal on the Indre by bike to reach the Loire river. Your route takes the small road of the mills then, on an island in the middle of the Indre, let yourself be surprised by the castle of Azay le Rideau. A subtle alliance of French traditions and innovative decorations from Italy, it is an icon of the new art of building in the Val-de-Loire in the 16th century. Its landscaped park, designed in the second half of the 19th century, gives it a genuine natural setting.

You leave Azay-le-Rideau on the banks of the Indre. Through the vineyards and the forest, you reach the Château de Villandry. It is a plunge into the very heart of the 16th century. End of stage in Tours. Take the time to discover this beautiful town in the Loire Valley.

TOURS

End of stay after breakfast.

You make the most of your morning in Tours to visit the CCCOD contemporary art creation center or the museum of Compagnonnage. Or simply relax at the guinguette de Tours, a bar on the banks of the Loire, a popular place for Tourangeaux. Finally, make a small detour to the Halles market or the flower market on Boulevard Béranger.