Cycle from Tours to Chinon over 7 days

Arrival in Tours

Take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Take a look at the splendid gothic cathedral.

Tours - Chinon: 57km

Along the “Loire a Vélo” cycling paths, this stage takes you via the famous French classical gardens of Villandry to Langeais and its 15th century château which was built as a fortress. Then ride towards the chateau of Ussé, whose many turrets, pinnacles and dormer windows inspired Perrault to write his famous fairytale ‘Sleeping Beauty‘. Stay in the beautiful city of Chinon, where you have the possibility to visit numerous cellars where the famous red wine which was highly appreciated by Rabelais is matured

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Excursion Fontevraud: 52km

Follow the “Loire à Vélo” routes which lead you to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin (where you can visit the magnificent 12th and 13th century collegiate church) and to the beautiful village of Montsoreau, listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Now leave the Loire river to Fontevraud abbey, the Europe’s largest remaining monastic complex which is also the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt kings! Then follow the roads in the heart of the Chinon vineyards to reach the beautiful medieval city of Chinon, famous for its red wine! Canoe option available here

Chinon - Azay le Rideau: 44km

Ride in the heart of the most prestigious parcels of the Chinon vineyards before reaching one of the “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”: Crissay-sur-Manse. Continue through the sweet Touraine countryside, via the capital city of basketry: Villaines-les-Rochers, and reach Azay-le-Rideau : charming village and impressive Renaissance Castle, which carved walls reflect on the surrounding water.

Azay le Rideau - Chenonceaux: 61km

First, follow the very bucolic cycling route « Indre à Vélo »: ride on the mill road with pretty mansions unto the Medieval Fortress of Montbazon sheltering the oldest keep in France still standing. Continue to the former Cormery abbey before joining the Cher Valley and Chenonceaux. Its chateau is famous for its Renaissance château spanning the Cher river still steeped in the memories of the famous French History ladies: Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.

Chenonceaux - Tours (via Amboise): 49km

Follow the “Cher à vélo” bike paths then ride through the forest to reach the Royal city of Amboise, its château (where lived the greatest Kings of France) and the Clos Lucé Manor House. Leonardo da Vinci lived here at the request of the French King François 1st! Then cross the vineyards of Montlouis following the “Loire à Vélo” cycling tracks and discover the numerous cellars producing the region’s famous sweet white and sparkling wines. Reach the city of Tours to end your cycling trip.

Departure during the day