Self-guided Cycling Tour along the rivers Loire, Indre & Cher

Arrival in Amboise.

The nice town of Amboise built on the banks of the Loire river, is overlooked by its Royal Chateau where the most important Kings of France lived. Do not forget to visit the Manoir du Clos Luce where Leonardo da Vinci, invited by his friend Francis I, lived the lat 3 years of his life.

Amboise – Montbazon | 45 km.

Follow the "Loire à Vélo" cycling paths through the vineyards of Montlouis and its numerous wine cellars producing the famous sweet or sparkling white wines. Then, take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Proceed along the Touraine countryside to reach your next chateau-hotel.

OPTION : excursion to Azay le Rideau (55 km) + extra night in Montbazon. Ride on the "Indre à vélo" cycling paths along the winding Indre river and admire its beautiful mills and typical villages, before joining Azay le Rideau and its romantic Renaissance château, elegantly enclosed in its water and greenery setting.

Montbazon – Chenonceaux | 40 / 50 km

Ride along the tortuous Indre river to reach the Cher Valley by crossing vineyards and typical small Touraine villages. Then, you will discover Chenonceaux, famous for its Renaissance château spanning the Cher river still steeped in memories of the famous ladies in French History : Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.

Chenonceaux – Cour Cheverny | 48 km

Leave Chenonceaux to reach the nice medieval village of Montrichard. It is time to ride through the vineyards of Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre, a perfect illustration of the traditional 15th century building art. A beautiful itinerary through the countryside and vineyards before reaching the famous château of Cheverny.

Excursion to Chambord | 50 km

A ride through the rich and mysterious "Sologne" with magnificent landscapes, beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroad and small private chateaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves. After a short stop at the chateau de Villesavin, continue thorugh the rich Domaine de Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic chateau in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Chateau de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms..

Chambord – Amboise | 50 km

For your last cycling day, ride through the AOC Cheverny vineyards before going back on the "Loire a Velo" cycling tacks. Reach the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire. Not to be missed - the international garden festival which takes place in the vast park of the Estate. An absolute laboratory of the contemporary creation, where the world famous designers challenge their originality. Then go on, between vineyards and the Loire river, to reach the Royal city of Amboise

Departure during the day