4-day bike tour through the castles of the Loire river Valley

First day of cycling, first kilometers and quickly you are captivated by this very special atmosphere in the Loire Valley which will not leave you for 4 days! 

Departing from Blois, follow a cycle path along the Loire before heading towards the Chambord area. Leaving the forest, the arrival is spectacular: the white and imposing silhouette of the castle, topped with its lanterns and chimneys stands in front of you. 

The interior of the castle has many surprises in store: an abundance of sculpted salamanders, no less than 60 rooms for free tours and, at the heart of the building, the famous double revolution staircase which leads to the roof terraces to offer a view panoramic view of the area.

You get back in the saddle to reach Cheverny, follow the shaded greenway which crosses the forest of Boulogne then, via small quiet roads, through orchards and vineyards, you reach Cheverny and its pretty, magnificently furnished castle which inspired Moulinsart to Hergé. A Tintin exhibition awaits you if you wish.

Take advantage of the freshness of the morning to get back on the road. For this second stage by bike you follow a relatively flat route on quiet roads and paths. The multiple landscapes of the Loire Valley unfold over the kilometers. In Chaumont-sur-Loire, take a break for lunch on the banks of the Loire then wander the paths of the International Garden Festival. Around a theme renewed each year, it welcomes the poetic and original creations of around thirty gardening artists from the four corners of the planet. 

Your route continues for 22 kilometers, along the river and on the wine hillside to Amboise. At the foot of the castle, in the medieval town, numerous terraces invite you to relax and taste Loire wines, in moderation!

Before setting off again on the roads by bike, you have the opportunity to visit the royal castle of Amboise. Built on a rocky promontory, it offers an exceptional panorama of the Loire Valley. The great moments of French history resonate in its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Leonardo da Vinci rests in his chapel. 

A few hundred meters from the Château d'Amboise you can visit the Clos Lucé manor where the Renaissance genius lived the last three years of his life. We discover his whole world there, including models of his famous inventions and a beautiful copy of the Mona Lisa!    

The route continues through the Amboise forest and along the banks of the Cher: you head towards the Château de Chenonceau, a jewel of the French Renaissance. Arriving by bike offers the opportunity for some beautiful photos of this unique monument in the world with its gallery bridge spanning the Cher. Nicknamed the “Château des Dames”, it was offered by Henry II to his favorite Diane de Poitiers. When the latter died, his widow Catherine de Médicis took it back from her rival in exchange for Chaumont... Women of power, they both contributed to making Chenonceau this elegant castle that we visit today.

You reach Tours by pedaling along the refreshing banks of the Cher. Needle dams, successions of small private castles, this very bucolic route is enchanting.

Tours has an exceptional heritage. In the heart of its always lively historic districts, don't miss the St Gatien cathedral and the half-timbered houses of Place Plumereau. Take the opportunity to taste local gastronomic specialties, rillons, rillettes, Saint Maure de Touraine…

End of your stay after breakfast.
Allow yourself a little more time to continue exploring the capital of Tours on foot and to do some souvenir shopping with the good local products from the merchants of Les Halles.