Loire Valley Cycle Tour

Orléans was founded during the reign of the Roman Emperor Aurelian and is now a university and episcopal city. During the Hundred Years' War, the besieged city was the last bastion of the French against the English. Joan of Arc earned the nickname Maid of Orléans here when the siege was broken under her leadership.

This stage takes you along the Loire to the first cultural highlight, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Cléry. The route continues to the castle of Château de Meung-sur-Loire and Château Dunois. You cycle through a landscape characterized by water and rural culture. At the end of today, it is worth taking a stroll through the medieval center of Beaugency or the old river port of St. Dyé.

Today, you will first cycle to Château de Chambord, located away from the Loire. The 380 chimneys and the huge park surrounding the estate are particularly impressive. The route continues through the forests of Boulogne to Cheverny. The Château de Cheverny is located just outside near a lake. The last section leads via Celettes through the forest of Roussy to the town of Blois, today's stage destination.

To start the day, we recommend a visit to the town and the imposing castle. You then cycle along the Loire to the village of Onzain and shortly afterwards to the Château de Chaumont. Cycle along the left bank of the river to Amboise. In addition to the castle, Amboise is also home to the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last three years of his life here.

Through the forest of Amboise, the route today leads away from the Loire to the Château de Chenonceau on the Cher river. The castle is particularly famous for its gardens. You then follow the course of the river to Tours, today's destination. If you wish, you can take a break along the way at the Château de Nitray with its famous wine cellars.

Today, the castle of Villandry opens the list of sights. It is particularly famous for its gardens on three different levels. It is also worth taking a break in the wonderful town of Langeais, appropriately enough halfway through today's stage. The Château d'Ussé (which Charles Perrault had in mind when writing Sleeping Beauty) then awaits you, before you finally reach the town of Chinon.

This stage leads along the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, first to Savigny-en-Véron and then to the beautifully situated village of Candes-Saint-Martin. Not far from here is the Château de Montsoreau with its wonderful panoramic views. From here, the route continues via the royal abbey in Fontevraud to Saumur. The town is known for its sparkling wine cellars as well as for its mushroom and rose cultivation.

After breakfast, your Loire Valley Cycle Tour ends with an individual return journey to Orléans or home. We are also happy to extend your vacation on the Loire.