Cycling in the Loire Valley from Blois to Saumur

Discover the charms of the old town and the Chateau of Blois, the scene of many court intrigues. Let yourself be enchanted by the perfume of power still wafting through the chateau in Catherine de Médicis' poison cabinet.

Start your ride by pedaling through Chateau de Chambord’s lush forest with massive trees. Take a peek at the stone bridge salamadenders engraved on the walls of Loire’s most extravagant castle. Leaving the castle, you can enjoy a bucolic jaunt to Neuvy, with its many ponds (+ 26 kms), or head more quickly to Bracieux. As you enjoy the shade from hundred-year-old tree, you’ll follow the trail along Crosson creek to the Chateau de Cheverny. The inspiration for Moulinsart Castle came from the Tintin comic books.

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.

Discover the charming old neighborhood in Tours boasting many half-timbered houses. Stroll around and visit Saint-Gatien cathedral, the Wilson bridge and Plumereau square.

You ride leisurely on the cycling path along the Loire to leave Tours and reach the castle of Villandry with its beautiful French gardens. You can make a detour to visit Langeais and its medieval castle (+22km). Enjoy the banks of the Loire Valley before riding up through forests towards the castle of Azay-le-Rideau.

You can either take a day off in Azay-le-Rideau to visit its castle, or you can explore the surrounding villages on beautiful country roads. You start by learning all about basketry in Villaines-les-Rochers and then pass by Saché and its castle, famous for having regularly hosted Honoré de Balzac. You then go down to Pont-de-Ruan, a village at the confluence of several rivers that flow into the Indre. You can visit the Maison du Meunier to discover the history of the mills in the village.

Cycle back on the « Loire à vélo » route and take the dike to get to the chateau d’Ussé which inspired Perrault's tale of Sleeping Beauty. You enter into Chinon overlooking the old town. Enjoy the labyrinth of medieval narrow streets when you ride down the Vienne River.

You can spend the day strolling through this medieval town and visit the fortress or explore the vineyards and surrounding hills. Make a stop at La Devinière, the home of Rabelais. Don’t forget to stop in one of the local wine cellars to taste the Chinon wines.

You drive first along the Vienne river and then along the Loire river passing by the beautiful white tufa villages of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau. You then continue on the hillsides to Fontevraud, which is worth a visit for its magnificent abbey housing the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Today's route alternates between troglodyte villages and vineyards. Then, you ride along the Loire up to the village of Souzay-Champigny where you in the heart of a magnificent troglodyte complex. At the end of this enchanting itinerary, you will discover the city of Saumur, its castle with impressive dungeons, and of course the Saumur's wines.

After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the old town of Saumur, capital of the equestrian art and a mecca for French gastronomy, but also the center of a rich wine-growing region. Discover its castle overlooking the town. You then leave for your next destination, or extend your stay on your own.