Loire - Discovering the Heart of Chateaux Country

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Day 1: Arrive at Blois

Arrival in Blois, the town with paved streets punctuated with staircases, and the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle ages and the 17th century.

Day 2: Blois to Amboise, 26 miles (42km)

Today you ride through the forest and vineyards of Mesland appellation to the Château of Chaumont proudly overlooking the Loire river before reaching the charming town of Amboise and its royal chateau where the greatest kings of France lived.

Day 3: Circular ride from Amboise, 18 miles (28km)

During this excursion in the heart of the vineyards of Montlouis area, you will have the opportunity to visit the Aquarium of Touraine before returning via the forest to Amboise. Don’t miss a visit the Clos Lucé Manor, last home of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Day 4: Amboise to Montrichard, 27 or 15 miles (44 or 23km)

Cycle through vineyards and orchards until the famous Château of Chenonceau elegantly straddling the River Cher, which was the scene of a rivalry in French history: Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Then reach the charming town of Montrichard on the banks of the River Cher .

Day 5: Montrichard to Chitenay, 27 miles (43km)

Leave the Cher Valley to reach the vineyards of Touraine via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect illustration of the traditional 15th century building art, and finally spend the night in a charming hotel in Chitenay.

Day 6: Circular ride from Chitenay, 17 or 28 miles (26 or 46km)

An excursion through the Forest of Russy to the Chateau of Beauregard famous for its portrait gallery. You can extend your ride to the mysterious ‘Sologne’ with its magnificent landscapes.

Day 7: Chitenay to Blois, 30 miles (49km)

Returning towards Blois you will discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny (famous for Tintin) and the prestigious Château of Chambord, real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis the 1st.

Day 8: Departure from Blois