Loire Valley – Castles of the Loire

Today you make your way to Blois which is easier reached by train from Paris. On arrival make your way to your hotel. If you have arrived early take a walk around the hillside town which is known for its light facades and blue roofs. The Late Gothic cathedral is impressive as it towers over the pedestrian cobbled streets which gracefully preserve the serene atmosphere of lost centuries. It is also worth a visit to the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings, and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17^th century.

Today your cycling adventure begins as you cycle from Blois on the southern bank of the Loire. Passing between rolling hills with many vineyards you cycle to Cande‐sur‐Beuvron. Then you cycle back along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire. Now you see high on the bank the elegant castle of Chaumont‐sur‐Loire which is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Now you are in the historic region of the Touraine. Maybe visit a wine producer and taste a local sauvignon blanc. Soon you arrive at Amboise where you can enjoy the grandeur of the Château Amboise and the Clos‐Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed.

Today you shall visit one of the most impressive Chateau at Chenonceau. The famous “Château de Chenonceau” straddles the Cher River in five very distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, which was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médici. There are two cycle routes to choose from today, one is direct while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Loire and Cher River valleys with options to visit chateaux and villages during the ride. You shall end in the charming town of Chenonceaux, settled on the banks of the Cher river.

Today you leave behind the Cher Valley and enter again the Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of the traditional 15th Century architecture. Your night’s accommodation is a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden.

A lovely cycle route today along with more wonderful quiet country roads common to this area. During this last stage of the cycle, you have the opportunity to discover the famous, sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny. Explore the Chateau and gardens, visit the hunting dogs. After you visit we set off again by bike towards the prestigious Château de Chambord with its 440 rooms which were built during the reign of Francis the 1st. We return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding the Blois castle. They are a perfect fairytale ending to a memorable bike ride. If you did not have time to explore Blois when you arrived now take the opportunity to visit its treasures.

Say goodbye to Blois for you return home or onward journey.