Loire Valley by bike from Blois to Angers: 8 sporty days

Arrival in Blois. Bike-free day. Take advantage of this moment to stroll through the historic districts, from the banks of the Loire to the panoramic terraces of the Bishop's Gardens. Don't miss a visit to the Royal Castle and, at nightfall, let yourself be enchanted by the splendid sound and light show in the courtyard of the castle.

Overnight in Blois

From Blois, following the cycle path that runs alongside the Loire, you reach the Loire village of Saint-Dyé. Then, head towards the Domain of Chambord, with its forest and its castle, a masterpiece of the Renaissance. Take time to visit its many rooms and climb the famous double-revolution staircase leading to the superb roof terraces.
You return to Blois by picturesque roads crossing the AOC Cheverny vineyards, fields and meadows.
Two extensions are possible: a detour through the Sologne forest and through the Cheverny Castle.

Overnight in Blois

Follow an itinerary of small country roads and shaded cycle paths along the Loire à Vélo. Along the way, take time to visit the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. The castle overlooking the Loire harmoniously combines fortified and Renaissance architecture. In its park takes place every year the International Garden Festival where around thirty artists present poetic, original and unexpected landscape creations. Not to be missed!
After this stop, continue your cycle route towards Amboise.
The Royal Castle and the Clos Lucé Manor, which was the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, bear witness to the city's rich past. The medieval streets, small shops, wine cellars and numerous restaurants complete the charm of this small town of character.

Overnight in Amboise

Start the day by cycling to Chenonceaux and its magnificent Renaissance Château. From the banks of the Loire to the Amboise forest, crossing fields and vineyards, you reach the banks of the Cher. As you approach Chenonceau, let yourself be amazed by the breathtaking view of the castle and its famous gallery bridge.
The ride continues to Tours via the cycle path along the Cher.
In Tours, stroll through the historic districts, discover the St Gatien cathedral, take a sit at one of the many terraces on Place Plumereau to admire the half-timbered houses, taste the regional specialties, Sainte Maure de Touraine, rillettes and rillons or nougat from Tours.

Overnight in Tours

The cycling adventure continues for several kilometers on a cycle path along the Cher. You'll have the opportunity to observe the toues cabanées, traditional boats of the Loire navy. On the way you cross the charming village of Savonnières then Villandry, its castle with its remarkable gardens and its famous Ornamental Vegetable Garden. Continue the route with a loop along the banks of the Loire and the former Cher riverbed, passing through Langeais, then end the stage on quiet country roads to Azay-le-Rideau, a small town famous for its elegant castle.

Overnight in Azay-le-Rideau

Follow the banks of the Indre river to Bréhémont, a former Loire port with monumental quays, then cycle along the Loire embankments to Ussé and its castle, inspiring that of "Sleeping Beauty". In Chinon, discover the Royal Fortress and the medieval streets of the city. After a break, get back on your bike and continue the stage through the Véron bocage, a protected natural area, then follow the Loire to explore the beautiful villages of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, before crossing the Saumur Champigny vineyard and the troglodytes particularly notable here.

Overnight in Saumur

Get on your bike for one last stage. Leave Saumur along the banks of the Loire and pass in front of the cellars of the great wine houses of Saumur.Then, pedal along the river on quiet little roads dotted with a succession of charming villages with their beautiful churches, their tuffeau houses and their small ports where the traditional boats of the Loire navy anchor. A spectacular cycling route!

At the gates of Angers, two options :
• Cross the chain ferry of the Authion river, and enter the Slate Quarries Park (parc des Ardoisières).The site of this former slate quarry, now returned to nature, offers an exceptional and unusual setting for the last few kilometres of cycling of the day.
• Or continue along the banks of the Loire for a ride mainly on a cycle path, punctuated by charming gardens overlooking the river, small villages and meadows. In Bouchemaine admire the beautiful bourgeois houses on the waterfront before continuing on the cycle path along the Maine.

Spectacular arrival in Angers at the foot of the massive fortress, marking the end of the journey.

Overnight in Angers

Bike free-day. End of the trip in Angers after breakfast.
Take advantage of this last day to visit the old city of the dukes of Anjou by walking through its historic and dynamic center. Don't miss the Castle which houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a treasure from the Middle Ages.