Cycle the Loire Valley (Original)

Bonjour! Welcome to Tours – the gateway to the Loire Valley beautifully situated between the Cher and Loire rivers. With no activities planned today, you are free to arrive at any time, but ensure you can make an important 6 pm welcome meeting with your group leader and fellow cyclists. Before then, Tours is free for you to explore. Why not head to the St-Gatien Cathedral, or the Hotel Gouin Museum, one of the rare renaissance buildings that stood the test of time, which houses a collection that traces the history of the region all the way to the Enlightenment Age. Cycling distance: No included riding today

This morning, you’ll transfer by vehicle or train (depending on group size) to hillside Blois – the beginning of your cycling adventure through the Loire Valley. Once arrived, complete a bicycle fitting, then take a leisurely ride along the banks of the serene Loire River on a dedicated bike-only path to the small riverside town of Saint-Dye-sur-Loire. Then, veer away from the river and ride along narrow roads to the palatial Chateau de Chambord. This beautiful palace, commissioned by Francois I and whose design was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, is a sight to behold, with a central structure adorned with multiple chimneys and sculpted capitals on its terraces. After you’ve explored the palace and its manicured gardens, cycle back on quiet roads and past flat pasture and return to Blois for the evening. Cycling distance: approx. 40km / 25 miles, mostly flat then undulating away from the river, with approx. 220m / 720ft of elevation gain.

This morning, consider the option of visiting another grand building: Chateau de Cheverny. If you would like to take a visit inside, please let your group leader know the day before, as earlier travel arrangements are necessary to take this optional visit. Your cycling begins by riding along the plateau and down to the Cher River, where you’ll arrive at Chateau de Chenonceau, and this one’s pretty special. The chateau is set over water, spanning the Cher River, with its gardens to one side of the banks. You will have included entry to explore this beautiful building, admiring the perfect gardens, classic features and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s true fairy tale stuff. After your visit, cycle through the Amboise Forest, re-joining the Loire River at your stop for the evening: the delightful riverside town of Amboise. If you want to see some more chateaux, why not head to Chateau du Clos Luce, the place where Leonardo de Vinci spent the last three years of his life. It is currently a small museum, with grounds that show some working models of his designs and is within walking (or cycling) distance of the main town. Cycling distance: approx. 53km / 33 miles, mostly flat with a couple of small downhill sections, with approx. 350m / 1150ft of elevation gain.

Continue to hug the Loire River as it gently makes it way downstream to the Vouvray vineyards. This wine region is almost exclusively dedicated to chenin blanc, and with its naturally high acidity, the wines produced here age very well. Stop in for a vineyard visit, then continue cycling on to Tours, cutting across the river on your way to the Chateau de Villandry – arguably the Loire Valley’s most famous chateau. Wander through the vast gardens of perfectly curated gardens and the beautiful U-shaped castle. With time to explore, be sure to stop and smell the roses in these beautiful surroundings. Cycling distance: approx. 48km / 30 miles, mostly flat, with approx. 270m / 880ft of elevation gain.

Be ready for a longer - but not overly challenging - day of cycling (approximately 60 kilometres). Begin your ride from Villandry along the banks of Loire River to the final included chateau visit – the Château d'Ussé that Charles Perrault took as inspiration for his castle in the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Afterwards, continue cycling downstream through two beautifully classic French villages – Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau – both perched on the riverside. Finish the cycle today in Saumur, where you can explore the cobblestoned streets, visit a sparkling wine cellar, or try out one of the fine-dining options in the medieval centre. Today’s ride is mostly flat, but be sure to enjoy a restful evening before another cycling day tomorrow. Cycling distance: approx. 60km / 37 miles, mostly flat, with approx. 280m / 900ft of elevation gain.

Continue your ride down France’s longest river – the Loire. Ride from Saumur alongside the river for around 20 kilometres, then head inland to Brissac-Quince, home to the tallest chateau in all of France. From here, descend gently towards the Loire River and to tonight’s destination: the beautiful and historically significant city of Angers. This evening, perhaps gather your cycling group together for dinner – tonight is definitely cause for celebration. Cycling distance: approx. 55km / 34 miles, mostly flat with a couple of small inclines, with approx. 430m / 1400ft of elevation gain.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. However, if you wish to spend more time in Angers, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Cycling distance: No included riding today