Day 1 Arrival
Departure from Tours, Capital of Touraine. Before beginning your cycling tour, do not forget to visit this beautiful city with its gothic cathedral, and old quarters.
Day 2 Tours – Montsoreau 65 km
You will leave the city along the riverside of the Loire. A few kilometres further, you arrive at the famous gardens of Villandry Castle. From the little roads parallel to the Loire, you have a nice view of the wilder sides of the Loire River. Passing among fields you will arrive at Sleeping Beauty’s castle, in Ussé. You then cycle up to Montsoreau.
Day 3 Montsoreau – Saumur – Fontevraud – Montsoreau 33 km
Today, you will cycle from Montsoreau, by Saumur, to Fontevraud, one of the largest abbeys in France, which was built during the 12th century under the protection of the Plantagenets’ family. Henry the 2nd, Richard the Lionheart as well as Aliénor from Aquitaine are buried here. On your way back to Montsoreau, you will cycle among the vineyards of Anjou.
Day 4 Montsoreau – Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau 57 km
From Chinon to Azay le Rideau, you will cycle through nice forests. On your arrival in Azay le Rideau you will be struck by the charms of the Indre Valley: romantic riversides, beautiful houses made of stone, and the amazing castle described as a jewel by the french writer Honoré de Balzac.
Day 5 Azay-le-Rideau – Chenonceaux 59 km
You will leave the Indre Valley in order to follow the Cher Valley. Passing through Montbazon, and Bléré, nice little towns. Followed by the famous castle of Chenonceau called « Château des Dames ». Maybe behind a door or during a walk in the magnificent gardens you will meet the ghosts of Catherine de Medicis or Diane de Poitiers.
Day 6 Chenonceaux – Amboise 18 km
Today’s route will lead you to the royal castle of Amboise. In Amboise, do not miss the visit of Clos Lucé, famous house where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life.
Day 7 Amboise – Tours 31 km
The last cycling day will be an unforgettable ride. You will follow the banks of the fascinating river Loire back to Tours. On your way back, you will see troglodyte houses.
Day 8 Departure
Your cycling trip in Loire Valley is unfortunately finished but you will bring back home a complete range of great memories.
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