Bike Tour along the Castles of the Loire

Day 1: Individual arrival in Tours

Arrival in Tours, the historic centre of Touraine. The holy St. Martin was bishop here and Karl Martell defeated the Moors in 732, close to Tours. Right into the 16th century, the town was visited regularly by the King and his court. After damage from the war, the medieval town centre was carefully rebuilt, including the mighty cathedral as focal point. Reserved rental bicycles are parked at the hotel ready for you.

Day 2: Tours – Chinon, approx. 55 km

Starting in Tours, you first cycle to Savonnières. Afterwards, you go on to Villandy Castle, an impressive castle from the Renaissance. Along the Loire, your next château is to be found in Langeais, which closely resembles a medieval castle. Its furniture from the 16th century is almost entirely intact. Next, you soon leave the banks of the Loire to pass Château d´ Ussé and cycle on to Chinon, which is strikingly surrounded by majestic fortifications.

Day 3: Trip to Fontevraud l'Abbaye, approx. 55 km

Today, you cycle along the Vienne to where it joins the Loire in Montsoreau. The Montsoreau castle is particularly worthy of a visit. You soon reach Saumur, with its white tuff-stone houses and the raised majestic castle, also known as Perle des Anjou. Away from the river, the route continues to Fontevraud, the largest monastic complex in Europe. Past the house where the great writer Francois Rabelais was born and through the valley you return to Chinon.

Day 4: Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau, approx. 40 km

You have enough time to visit the Chinon´s fortifications, in which Jeanne d´Arc, played a significant role. Your cycle tour takes you through old vineyards to Crissay. The village counts as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its old tuff-stone houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. You go on to reach the small town of Azay-le-Rideau on the Indre river. Right in the middle of the water is the castle, a Renaissance building famous for its interior architecture.

Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau – Chenonceau, approx. 60 km

You will be enchanted with the romantic river landscape of the Indre today, which accompanies you all the way to the small, pretty town of Montbazon. The route continues along the Chers to Bléré, a small market town, and then to Chenonceaux, which is home to one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Women frequently determined the fate of this estate, which is why it is nicknamed the Ladies´ Castle.

Day 6: Chenonceau – Blois, approx. 50 / 80 km

If you choose the shorter route, you cycle along the Loire through the pleasant countryside of Touraine and past Chaumont Castle. On the longer route, the medieval Montrichard awaits you with its falconry; Cheverny, which is considered to be the most beautiful Renaissance building in the Loire Valley; Villesavin and finally Chambord, the biggest castle of all and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The destination in both routes is Blois and its royal castle.

Day 7: Blois – Tours, approx. 45 km + train journey or approx. 75 km

The route takes you along the river at a leisurely pace through this ancient cultural landscape. Of particular note are the apartments built directly into the limestone rock, and which are still lived in today. Amboise castle was at one time the seat of royal rule and once acted as home to Leonardo da Vinci. You now continue through the Vouvray area, with its vineyards famous for the Chenin Blanc grape, back to Tours. If you would like to shorten the last stage, you can take the train from Amboise to Tours (not included).

Day 8: Individual departure or extension of stay

Your tour along the castles of the Loire Valley ends after breakfast with individual departures back home. We are happy to extend your holiday in Tours if you wish.

Not included:

• City or visitor's tax (if payable)
• Train ride Amboise – Tours, approx. 6 € per person excl. bike

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

Types of rental bikes

• 21-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with free-wheel (men’s bikes from 1.80 m)
• Electric bike

Fittings

Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, bike lock, pump, repair kit