Self-guided Orléans to Angers Cycling Tour 

Arrival in Orléans

Discover Orléans, the “City of Art and History” liberated in 1429 by Joan of Arc from the English siege

Orléans – Beaugency (or Tavers) | 26 km (or 30kms)

Along the the wild river banks for a stage in calm and serenity through the charming and very flowered city of Beaugency

Beaugency (or Tavers)– Blois | 45 km

Leave Beaugency by the river banks passing via the prestigious château of Chambord: the widest Château of the Loire Valley masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Then, follow the direction of Blois which presents a rich historical heritage with the château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century

Blois – Amboise | 40 km

Follow the small countryside routes until the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire River, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau from 15th –16th century. Few streets further on, is the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci: Manor house of ‘Clos Lucé’

Amboise – Tours | 27 km or 34 km

Ride through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars that offer sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely Château of la Bourdaisière, birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favourite of King Henri IV. Continue to the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses

Tours – Azay le Rideau | 41 km

Arrive at Savonnières for a journey in the heart of Petrifying Grottoes. Then proceed to Villandry with its famous Gardens, unmatched in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces, then Saché, the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. Finally arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau, a jewel set over the Indre river

Azay le Rideau – Chinon | 35 km

Depart towards Langeais and its 15th century château offering a typical form of a medieval fortified castle where you could admire wonderful tapestries and piece of furniture. Then ride towards the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ château in Ussé which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairytail story

Chinon – Saumur | 36 km + option 12 km

Before you leave the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne River, you may visit numerous cellars which propose the famous red wine so appreciated by Rabelais. Then, continue towards the abbey of Fontevraud, the largest monastic city remaining in Europe which is the Necropolis of the Plantagenêts sovereigns before reaching the lovely town of Saumur

Saumur – Angers | 57 km

First follow the Loire River before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau which shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry

Departure during the day.