Cycling In The Loire Valley

We start our tour in the tiny village of Chenonceaux, home to one of the most famous and beautiful chateau in France.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Having had a chance to familiarise ourselves with our bikes, we start by exploring the area around Chenonceaux. There is the opportunity to cycle east of the village to Montrichard where we can taste the local wines of the Cher region, or visit the 17th century château of Gue Pean, a gentle introductory ride. Alternatively, you can just follow the local backroads through small, quiet villages. In the afternoon you may like to tour the large Monmousseau winery or visit the Mushroom Museum or a troglodyte dwelling. (Optional rides approx. 30km to 45km cycling depending upon option chosen).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Following the River Cher, we pass through the village of Chissay. We cycle through the tranquil forest and several pretty villages to our overnight stop at Amboise. On arrival you may choose to visit Clos Lucé, the house where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last 3 years and now a museum dedicated to his life and work and the Royal chateau on the banks of the Loire. (Approx 25km or 40 km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

A longer days’ cycling on cross country routes via St Martin-le-Beau and Nitray to Cormery, a town famous for its macaroons, and then along the River Indre, with optional visits to Pont-de-Ruan and Sache, home of Balzac and now the site of an excellent museum of literature. (Approx. 54km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We spend the day in Azay, where we can visit the château and walk in its gardens along the banks of the River Indre. For those wanting to explore further, south-east of Azay is the troglodyte village of Villaines-les- Rochers, now famous for its willow basketweaving. Or north of Azay is Villandry, with its beautifully recreated Renaissance garden, one of the finest in the whole of France. (Optional rides approx. 38km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

South-west of Azay, en-route to Chinon and situated between the banks of the Loire and the Forest of Chinon, is the Château d'Ussé – a truly romantic château and reputedly the setting for the fairy tale 'Sleeping Beauty'. On the north bank of the river are the vineyards of Bourgeuil, famous for their velvety red wines. A variety of routes to Chinon are possible, depending on your preferences. (Approx. 35km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we suggest you walk through the cobbled streets of the old town of Chinon and up to the château, where Joan of Arc identified the Dauphin, or cycle the circular 'Wine Route' of Chinon southeast along the River Vienne experiencing the famous Chinon vineyards as you go. Alternatively, you can take a westerly direction and visit Fontevraud Abbey, which houses the tombs of the Plantagenet Kings including Henry II and Richard the Lionheart. (Optional rides approx. 43km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The tour ends in Chinon this morning after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast