Along the Loire valley from Blois to Angers

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.

2 route options

Stroll inside the château de Beauregard with its gallery of 327 portraits of famous European leaders that forged history between the 14th and the 17th century. Or choose to ride through vineyards before arriving in front of the drawbridge of Fougères-sur-Bièvre stronghold. Follow the toues (traditional boats) along the Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. This place is famous for its fairy-tale castle but also for its International Garden Festival which displays talented creations. 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.

Start your day with an excursion to Chenonceaux. Let us guide you through the forest and along the banks to the Renaissance masterpiece, Chateau de Chenonceau on the Cher, a Loire château born of the whims of a favorite. Follow the Cher river to Tours.

You wind your way along cycle paths along the Loire to the Château de Villandry and its gardens. A detour is also possible to visit Langeais and its château (+22kms). Enjoy the banks of the Loire before heading up through the forests to the chateau of Azay-le-Rideau. Return to the Loire by bike and take the dike to reach the Chateau d'Ussé, which inspired Perrault's tale of the Sleeping Beauty. You enter Chinon overlooking the town. Admire the maze of narrow medieval streets as you descend to the Vienne River.

You continue to ride along the Vienne River and enjoy the view on the wild Loire banks. You arrive in the gorgeous small village of Candes-Saint-Martin built with freestone. You can stop to admire the XIIth century foundation church. Keep on to Montsoreau which is one of the “Loveliest Villages in France” built around its castle. From there, you have the option to keep on the hills to Fontevraud which is worth visiting for its magnificent abbey which shelters the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine (+12 km RT). Otherwise ride straight to Saumur. On your way you admire the cave house villages and stop to taste Saumur wines in the numerous wine cellars. Discover Saumur and its castle with impressive dungeons at the end of this idyllic ride.

This stage is the opportunity to take full advantage of the region's rich heritage. In Trèves stands a 30 meter high keep, the last vestige of a fortress built in the 15th century! Before arriving in Gennes, you pass through a forest and alongside a pond: this is one of the most beautiful picnic areas on the Loire route. After Gennes, the stage is wild, offering views of the many islands that dot this stretch of river. You cross the Loire and Loiret at Les Ponts-de-Cé and continue to the confluence with the Maine, which you follow leisurely upstream to Angers. Don't miss a visit to the château, which houses the priceless treasure of the Apocalypse Tapestry.

After breakfast, you can explore the lively city of Angers before heading off to your next destination or extend your stay on your own.