Self-guided Cycling Tour Orléans to Saumur

Orléans

Individual arrival in Orléans, homeland of Joan of Arc.

Orléans – Beaugency/St. Dyé 30/50km

Pedal along the Loire alternating cycle paths with back roads. After a visit to Meung-sur-Loire arrive at the Chateau Dunois with the beautiful medieval centre of Beaugency. A land full of water and culture will lead the way to the beautiful town of St. Dyé, an ancient river harbour.

Beaugency/St. Dyé – Blois 50/30km

From the huge park surrounding Chambord Castle today’s trip continues at the border of the forest of Boulogne. On the other side of the Loire crowded with a wonderful bridge you can see the profile of Blois and its castle, the steeples of the abbey and the Cathedral of St. Louis.

Blois – Amboise 45km

After the visit of the city of Blois and its impressive castle pedal along the Loire river. Here you can visit the castle of Chaumont built on the top of a hill overlooking the river. In Amboise you cannot miss the house where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life.

Amboise – Tours 55km

After crossing forest of Amboise arrive in Chenonceaux, known as the castle of the three ladies. You continue along the river Cher up to the city of Tours. You may also decide to stop for a visit at the castle of Nitray with its famous wine cellars.

Tours – Chinon 60km

Pedalling between the Loire and the Cher rivers arrive at Villandry Castle well known for its extensive gardens. Following the Loire river reach the city Langeais where you can stop for a break. Before arriving in Chinon you can visit Ussé, where you can admire the castle of the fairy tail Sleeping Beauty.

Chinon – Saumur 35km

The tour continues along country roads beyond the confluence of the rivers Loire and Vienne where you’ll arrive at Savigny en Vèron and the wonderful village of Candes St-Martin. A few kilometres away see the castle of Montsoreau from which you can enjoy the landscape over the Fontevraud Abbey. At the end of the stage you will visit Saumur, considered to be the 'Pearl of Anjou'.

Saumur - Departure Day