Essential Europe Travel

Loire Valley Chateaux by bike

5 days 4 nights

All breakfasts a wine wasting lunch and 2 dinners
4 night accommodation
Fully equipped quality hybrid bike
Daily routes on detailed maps
Route notes and regional advice
Luggage transfers

Emergency phone call support 7 days a week

The Loire is the perfect region to discover by bike. Not only is it beautiful, and has a great infrastructure of flat un trafficked roads and cycling paths, but there is such an abundance of fantastic sites and towns to see, within an easy ride from each other, that it makes it easy to experience the richness of the region on two wheels. The only difficulty becomes having to choose which sites to spend the most time at, in order to be able to fill your eyes and your senses with as much of this "Playground of the Kings" as possible!

Day 1

Arrival in Tours

Our trip manager will transfer you to your first hotel upon your arrival. There you will receive your trip package, maps and route notes, and have your bike adjusted, before leaving you to explore Tours before your first dinner. The town's 12th century cathedral, with its gothic flamboyant facade is impressive, but also simply wander through old Tours, with its half-timbered houses and lively pubs and cafes.

Day 2

Tours to Azay le Rideau approx 35 km

Your ride will take you to the famous chateau and gardens of Villandry. This Renaissance castle is definitely overshadowed by the world-famous and exquisite gardens, considered by some to be the most beautiful in France. There are the water gardens, the ornamental flower gardens, the vegetable gardens, and the symbolic gardens. After taking time to visit, cycle on to Azay le Rideau, site of the chateau by the same name. Not one of the largest castles of the Loire, it is one of the prettiest, with the mix of Italian Renaissance style that was so popular, and the charm of a French castle on the water. Night in Azay le Rideau. Dinner on your own, but we'll provide a list of recommendations.

Day 3

Azay le Rideau to Loches approx 60 km

The ride today is pretty, following the bends of the River Indres all the way to Loches. In the midst of all the extravagent Renaissance architecture that dominates so many of the towns and sites in the Loire, it is almost refreshing to arrive at the formidable Medieval fortress of Loches, with its ramparts and impressive keep (36 metres high!) and Royal Lodge (where Joan of Arc came). Wander through and enjoy the collection of paintings and Flemish tapestries, as well as the beautiful view! Night in Loches with dinner included. Bon appetit !

Day 4

Loches to Amboise approx 55 km

Your final day's ride takes you to yet another extraordinary site: If Azay was "one of the prettiest", many consider Chenonceau The prettiest of the entire collection of chateau in the Loire. Known as the "ladies' chateau", the chateau was the home of the King's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, and then, after his death, was taken back over by his wife, Catherine de Medicis. The elegant structure spans the Cher river, and the gardens, furnishings, and rich history are definitely worth some time. After your visit there, ride on to the royal town of Amboise, famous not only for its chateau, but for the "Clos de Lucé" which was Leornardo Da Vinci's residence whilst he was in the service of the French King... Night in Amboise, with a list of restaurant suggestions.