Cycle tour in Loire : From Orléans to Tours

Familiarize yourself with the area on your first stroll through downtown Orléans. A city with a rich heritage, marked by great historical figures such as Joan of Arc, means there's no shortage of places to visit.

Ride leisurely on the river banks surrounded by a lush vegetation to Cléry St André basilica, where the French King Louis XI is buried. You go further along the river to Meung-sur-Loire. This small medieval town was the residency of the archbishops of Orléans and inherited a nice collegiate church. Stop at the castle and stroll aroung the historic center before heading to your final destination of the day, Beaugency overlooked by its 11th century dungeon.

You continue your ride to Blois, enter chateau de Chambord’s magnificent forest and take a peek at the sculpted salamanders engraved on the walls of Loire’s most extravagant castle. You pass through quiet villages before getting back along the river and enjoying a wonderful view on Blois old town. Discover the charms of the chateau de Blois, which was the stage of many court plots. Look carefully at the spiral staircase and be amazed by this architectural marvel.

You cycle to Cheverny on small country roads lined with rape fields and vineyards. Cheverny castle is the one that inspired Hergé to draw Moulinsart castle in the comic book Tintin. It stands out thanks to its rich furniture.

Today you have the choice of two bike routes. if you like, stroll through the Chateau de Beauregard’s art gallery. You’ll find over 327 portraits of famous European leaders that forged history between 14th and 17th Century. Looking for something more active? Ride through vineyards before arriving in front of the Fougeres-sur-Bieve drawbridge. Your ride then takes you on a delightful route as you follow the toues, or traditional boats along the path from Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. The city is famous for its fairy tale castle as well as the International Garden Festival which displays over 30 themed gardens with a variety of garden art.

This stage is longer or shorter depending on where you're staying the night (+ 10Km or - 7Km).

Ride directly to the beautiful city of Amboise and let the medieval atmosphere of this city seduce you. Discover the architecture of the “château d’Amboise”, which is iconic of the transition period from Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Take time to discover this charming town, overlooked by a majestic Renaissance château reflecting in the river. Behind the castle gates, you'll plunge into the sumptuous world and intrigues of the Counts of Amboise. At the Clos Lucé manor house, marvel at the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last years in Amboise. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with medieval houses and manor houses, and stroll along the quays along the Loire River.

Let us guide you through the forest and along the river banks to the Renaissance masterpiece, the Chateau de Chenonceau on the Cher, a Loire château born of the whims of a favorite. You can also continue your ride to an underground city and a mushroom cellar near Bourré (+ 24 Km).

Today, you can choose between two wine routes to Tours. Both routes offer superb scenery and a pleasant drive! One takes you through the postcard-perfect vineyards of Vouvray, where you can stop off at the Vouvray cellars for a visit and wine tasting. The other route takes you through the white wine region of Montlouis-sur-Loire, where you can plan a visit to the Touraine aquarium at Lussault-sur-Loire, France's largest freshwater aquarium.

After breakfast, discover the charms and liveliness of old Tours, before leaving for your next destination or extend your stay on your own.