Blois to Tours Self-guided Cycling Tour

Arrival in Blois

Discover the charming town of Blois, as you stroll along its paved streets punctuated with stairways, and the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century. If you arrive early enough, take advantage of the day by taking the excursion described below.

Excursion to Chambord | 40 km

You will follow the banks of the Loire and then continue through the rich Domaine de Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic château of the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms. You can also explore its 5433-hectare (13425-acre) park, before setting off again along the country paths towards Blois.

Blois – Amboise | 40 km

Follow the ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycling tracks through nice tiny villages to the château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, which majestically dominates the Loire river and the little town, before reaching the city of Amboise and its royal château. The castle's chapel shelters Leonardo Da Vinci's tomb, and a few streets further on, you can see the last residence of this genius : the Clos Lucé Manor house.

OPTION: Canoe trip on the Loire river (Mosnes > Amboise) From your canoe, peacefully tame the last wild river in Europe and admire extraordinary views of its fauna and flora, combined with an incomparable feeling of being far from civilization (approx. 1h30).

Excursion to Chenonceaux | 45 km

Once you have crossed the forest of Amboise, you arrive at 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.

OPTION: Canoe trip on the Cher river Enjoy a canoe trip offering you an extraordinary point of view on the Château de Chenonceau (approx. 2h).

OPTION: Excursion + extra night in Amboise Excursion to Vouvray | 48 km Leave for a while the Loire banks 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 – Tours | 24 km or 32 km

Crossing the vineyards of Montlouis discover the numerous cellars producing the region’s famous sweet white and sparkling wines. Then you will reach the city of Tours to discover the old neighbourhood with its typical half-timbered houses.

Excursion to Villandry | 39 km

Follow the ‘Loire à vélo’ cycling path and reach Villandry and its famous ‘French style’ Renaissance gardens. Enjoy the ‘Ornamental kitchen Garden’, the ‘Garden of Love’, the ‘Water Garden’ and the ‘Sun Garden’. Come back to Tours following the peaceful countryside routes. Departure at the end of the day. Possibility to book an extra night in Tours.