Blois round tour, 8-day Self-guided Cycling Tour

Arrival in Blois

Possibility to visit the town with its typical paved streets punctuated with staircases, and the chateau, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

Blois – Amboise | 40 km

Follow the 'pays des châteaux' cycling tracks through nice tiny villages to the château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, which proudly dominates the river. Then 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 and Leonardo Da Vinci lived.

Excursion to Vouvray | 48 km

Leave the Loire banks for a while to reach the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses, and famous for its fine and elegant white wines! On the way you will admire superb Renaissance private châteaux such as château de Valmer (remarkable for its Italian and vegetable gardens), and the beautiful château de Jallanges as well. And don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Vouvray wine!

Amboise – Chenonceaux | 42 km

Today, go to château de Chenonceau ! This stage through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire will take you to the Cher valley! Then reach the famous chateau of 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. Enjoy a walk in the heart of Diane de Poitiers‘s garden, then Catherine de Medici’s. Take a breath, in the shade of one of the huge park trees, at the rhythm of the river murmur which will tell you stories about these 2 rival women.

Chenonceaux – Cheverny (or Chitenay) | 40 / 55 km

Ride along the peaceful Cher river banks to the medieval town of Montrichard. Then leave the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Your cycling day ends in Chitenay (in a charming rural inn) or in Cheverny, just around the famous château.

Excursion to Beauregard and Sologne area | 47 km

An excursion offering the possibility to visit the Château of Beauregard famous for its Portrait Gallery. Then continue your excursion to the rich and mysterious ‘Sologne’ with magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroads and small private châteaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves.

Cheverny (or Chitenay) – Blois | 40 / 50 km

During this last stage you will discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château of Chambord, real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis the 1st.

Departure during the day