Loire Cycling Tour from Blois to Saumur 

Arrival in Blois

Discover the charming town of Blois, as you stroll along its paved streets punctuated with staircases, and the château

Blois – Cheverny (or Chitenay) | 42 km (or 55 km)

Leave the charming town of Blois following the Loire river and its cycling paths to Dyé sur Loire before proceeding through the beautiful forest of Domain de Chambord where the château is situated. A true masterpiece of French Renaissance style boasting no less than 440 rooms and built during the reign of François I. Continue to the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments, which gave Hergé the inspiration for Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike

Cheverny (or Chitenay) – Amboise | 58 km (or 50 km)

Cross the vineyards of Cheverny to reach the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local architecture of the 15th century. Then cycle towards the Loire river banks in Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose 15th-century château proudly dominates the town and the river. Don’t miss the extraordinary 'Festival des Jardins' garden festival between late May and mid-October! Continue on the ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycling tracks before arriving at the charming town of Amboise with its royal château, where the greatest kings of France lived

Amboise – Tours (via Chenonceaux) | 51 km

Ride to the famous Château de Chenonceau, straddling the Cher river, which was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Then cross the vineyards of Montlouis following the “Loire à Vélo” cycling tracks and discover the numerous cellars producing the region’s famous sweet white and sparkling wines. You reach the city of Tours to discover the old neighbourhood with its typical half-timbered houses

Tours – Chinon | 57 km

Along the “Loire a Vélo” cycling paths, this stage takes you via the famous French classical gardens of Villandry to Langeais and its 15th century château which was built as a fortress. Then ride towards the chateau of Ussé, whose many turrets, pinnacles and dormer windows inspired Perrault to write his famous fairytale ‘Sleeping Beauty‘. Stay in the beautiful city of Chinon, where you have the possibility to visit numerous cellars where the famous red wine which was highly appreciated by Rabelais is matured.

Chinon – Saumur | 36 km + option 12 km

Before leaving Chinon, visit one of the numerous cellars where this famous red wine is matured. Then, continue towards the abbey of Fontevraud, one of Europe’s largest remaining monastic complexes where the tombs of the Plantagenet kings can be found, and finally reach the lovely town of Saumur

Departure during the day