Tour Overview
How This Tour Differs from Our Other Loire Valley Châteaux Itineraries:
This tour is 8 days / 7 nights with 7 different overnight destinations and the opportunity to visit at least
10 major castles. The average cycling distance per day is 45.5 km / 28 miles, or 58 / 36 miles (if you choose to
do the longer options included.) Major châteaux on this itinerary include Blois, Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise,
Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé, Chinon, Saumur, and Angers.
Print Itinerary: Click here to print this page. Formatted for printing. Opens in a new window.
View Tour Photos: Click here to view a slideshow of sights included in this itinerary.
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Tour Dates: You may begin this tour on any day from April 1 to October 24.
See Schedule for blackout dates and additional tour scheduling considerations.
Location: The Loire Valley region of France known as
the "Garden of France." The region has been on the UNESCO's World Heritage list since 2000,
owing to its culture and art, concentrated largely in the region's châteaux (castles). The Loire Valley is just 1 - 2 hours from Paris. Overnight destinations
on this tour include Blois, Amboise, Tours, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Saumur, and Angers.
Tour Type: Circuit tour
Terrain: Flat for the most part with occasional hills. Cycling is primarily on designated bike
routes, which may be separate paths or tiny roads shared with local residents.
Length: 8 days / 7 nights
Total Distance: 273 km / 169 miles, or 346 km / 214 miles with longer options.
Highlights:
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Historic royal cities of Blois, Amboise, Tours, Chinon, Saumur, and Angers.
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The grandest of the Loire Valley castles, including the castles of Blois, Chambord,
Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise, Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé, Chinon, Saumur, and Angers.
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Countless smaller castles.
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Tranquil cycling on bike paths and tiny, quiet roads.
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Easy cycling along the banks of the region's lovely rivers: the Loire, the Cher, the Indre, the Vienne, and the Maine.
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Beautiful countryside and charming medieval villages.
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Vineyards and lots of opportunities for wine tastings.
Pricing Details
Note: All prices are US dollars.
Per Person Adult Price: $1,325.00
Per Person Child Price (16 years or younger traveling with 2 adults): $995.00
Group discounts are not available for this tour.
The tour price includes:
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Lodging in 2-star and 3-star hotels in a double room, including taxes.
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7 Breakfasts
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Welcome and Orientation by a Diverse Directions representative.
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Tour Documentation: Route instructions, maps, Pre-trip Preparation Guide, On-Road Quick Reference Guide, and Sights Guide.
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Bike Rental for 7 Days: Excellent quality
hybrid or mountain bike with map carrier, cyclometer, water bottle cage, rear rack, rear pannier, lock, repair kit, helmet, and on-road bike assistance. Optional pedal cages. Tandem bikes are also available.
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Daily Baggage Transfers
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English-Speaking Support Staff
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Shipping and Handling Charges for US customers
The tour price does NOT include:
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Lunches & dinners
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Transportation from your home to Blois and from Angers to your home
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Personal expenses
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Insurance
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Shipping and Handling Charges for non-US customers. A shipping & handling charge of US $15.00 will be
added to tour package orders outside the US.
For Diverse Directions' payment terms, cancellation policy, and all terms & conditions, please see Terms
& Conditions.
When you are ready to book your tour, please complete
and submit our secure Tour Order Form.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Blois. Spend 1 night in a 2-star hotel.
Your tour begins in
the historic town of Blois, located about 2 hours by train from Paris. You may arrive as early as you wish to maximize the time you have to see the sights of this
Renaissance city and its royal chateau.
Since 1986 Blois has been designated a "City of Art and History", owing to its efforts to value and preserve the vast
treasures of its glorious past. Blois is an easy walking town, with a large expanse of pedestrian-only streets located at the foot of its castle.
Blois Castle was built in four successive stages: medieval (13th century), transition
(Gothic-Renaissance in late 15th and early 16th centuries), Renaissance (1515 - 1524), and Classical. The result as described by Henry James: The facade of the
château is "one of the most beautiful and elaborate of all the old royal
residences in this part of France." See the Blois Castle website for additional information.
For a nice orientation to this lovely town, take a look at this
YouTube video, which received raves from one of the town's native. Visit the City of Blois website for additional information
and photos.
You will spend this
evening at the 2-star Hôtel Anne de Bretagne located in downtown Blois.
Day 2: Blois to Amboise - 62 km / 38 miles - or Chambord to Amboise - 40 km / 25 miles. Spend 1
night in a 3-star hotel.
After breakfast,
around 8:30 am, you will meet a Diverse Directions representative who will explain the tour's itinerary in detail; answer any questions; deliver your route instructions,
maps, and tourist information packet; and deliver / fit your bicycles.
You will have the option of leaving directly from the hotel to begin your cycling or, to reduce the day's cycling distance, your
representative will transport you and your bikes to the Château of Chambord, the first castle on today's route.
Chambord is the largest by far of all the Loire castles and is built on a scale that foreshadowed the château at Versailles. It owes its
impact to its fine architectural unity and sumptuous Renaissance decoration, dating from the period when this style was at its most splendid. Among the
must-sees of Chambord are the famous double staircase, conceived by Leonardo da Vinci; and the roof terrace -- a maze of lanterns, chimneys,
stairs, and dormer windows. The château contains 440 rooms, hundreds of fireplaces, and boasts a collection of some 3000 objects of art, furniture,
and tapestries. Adding to the vastness of Chambord's scale is its setting in a 13,591 acre park that is enclosed by the longest wall in France.
Additional details about the Château de Chambord can be found in its
Wikipedia entry or the Château de Chambord website.
After some serene riverside cycling along the Loire's levy, you will arrive at the
Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire with its beautiful gardens and impressive collection of period furnishings and tapestries. Like the château of Amboise
(which you will see later today), this defensive castle commands a beautiful view of the town and river. The feudal austerity of the structure is softened by its Renaissance influence, its
elegant stair tower, and its sumptuous Council Room. The 10-minute walk uphill to the castle provides the opportunity to admire the fine landscaped gardens,
as well as cedars, lime trees, and redwoods. The view from the terrace is remarkable. Visit the
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire website for more information and photos.
Following your castle visit you'll continue your cycling along the Loire to your overnight destination of Amboise.
After visits to two major castles today, you may wish you save the Amboise castles until tomorrow, and instead, spend the afternoon and evening strolling
the tiny streets of this incredibly beautiful town. Enjoy a glass of wine or a snack in one of the many cafés lining the lovely squares while soaking in the
local ambiance. Amboise maintains a series of scenic and historic walks that are well-signed and take you into nooks and crannies of the town that many never
see. This is another highly recommended activity. This
lovely slideshow is a nice introduction to the charm of Amboise.
You will spend this evening at the 3-star Domaine de l'Arbrelle
in Amboise.
Day 3: Amboise to Tours - 40 km / 25 miles or 60 km / 37 miles. Spend 1 night in a 3-star hotel.
Before beginning today's cycling, we hope you will have time to discover the
numerous treasures of Amboise, including its magnificent royal castle and le Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo de Vinci.
The castle at Amboise, with its impressive collection of Renaissance and Gothic
furniture, is of an earlier era than the other castles on your tour, built atop a bluff for defense. There is a
magnificent view from the castle's terrace of Amboise's pointed roofs and walls, and of the River Loire meandering through the lush valley. See the
Château d'Amboise website for additional details and photos.
Also worth a visit in Amboise is the manor house of le Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci (at the invitation of King Francois I) lived the final years of his life. Transformed into a
museum, the Château du Clos Lucé provides an opportunity to penetrate the captivating universe of a genius. The basement houses the museum of Leonardo's
fabulous machines, a collection of models made by IBM based on his designs, which were four centuries ahead of his time. Studying the many machines that he designed,
you may even conclude that it was Leonardo himself who invented the bicycle! For more details, visit the Clos Lucé website.
Today you have a choice of cycling routes. The shorter itinerary takes you through the vineyards of Vouvray, which produce a renowned and
exquisite sparkling wine. You will have lots of opportunities for wine tastings on your way to Tours.
If you have the time and energy, take the longer route to visit the incredibly
beautiful Chateau de Chenonceau, a 15th century castle stretching across the River Cher in a harmonious setting of water, gardens, and trees. To this perfection is added the elegance of the château's architecture,
interior decor, and magnificent furniture. The château consists of a rectangular mansion with turrets at the corners. Catherine de Medici's two-storied gallery
stretches across the bridge over the river. For sheer beauty, a visit to the Château de Chenonceau is a must.
For more information, visit the
Château de Chenonceau website.
Both of the day's routes conclude in the historic center of Tours, a wonderful place to visit on foot with its lovely old buildings,
cathedral, and of course, its castle (which has an aquarium inside!) Visit Tour's
website for a brief history of this ancient city and to discover some of its historic sights and/or view this
YouTube video for a taste of Tours' ambiance and sights.
You will spend this
evening at the 3-star Best Western Central Hotel
in downtown Tours.
Day 4: Tours to Azay-le-Rideau - 33 km / 20 miles or 54 km / 33 miles. Spend 1 night in a 2-star hotel.
After leaving busy
Tours on designated bike paths, your route follows the River Cher to the beautiful riverside
village of Savonnières and the adjacent Grottes Petrifiantes (petrifying caves.) Formerly used as quarries, these caves are now open to the public for viewing their immense
underground galleries.
Just beyond Savonnières, you arrive at the Château de Villandry, one of the last great Renaissance castles
to be built in the Loire Valley. Best known for its internationally renowned gardens, Villandry's grounds contain canals, fountains, cascades, vine-covered pergolas,
and a Romanesque village church. For more information about the château and gardens, visit the Château de Villandry website.
The
main attraction in Azay-le-Rideau is its castle, truly one of the gems of the Renaissance, commanding a luxuriant setting on the banks of the River Indre. Its
lines and dimensions suit the site so perfectly that it conveys an unforgettable impression of elegance. Partly built over the River Indre, Azay-le-Rideau consists of two main wings set at right angles. The
reflections in the water add to the chimerical quality of the site and, together with the rows of houses and gardens along the Indre, make excellent
subjects for photographs. The interior is lavishly decorated and furnished with some pieces of truly outstanding beauty. For more information about
Azay-le-Rideau, see its Wikipedia entry or take an extended tour at the
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau website.
Though you will definitely want to leave ample time for your visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, you also have the option of cycling a 21-km / 13-mile loop
from Azay. This ride provides more cycling along the Indre; the opportunity to visit the
Château de Saché (and Balzac Museum), where Honoré de Balzac lived during his most productive years;
and a visit to Villaines-les-Rochers, France's center of wicker cultivation (the osier tree) and wicker weaving. En route, you will also pass a number of troglodytic habitats, so be on the
lookout for dwellings in the surrounding cliffs!
The historic center of the village of Azay-le-Rideau, where you will be staying, is another unforgettable French experience.
You will spend this evening at the 2-star Hôtel de Biencourt, just steps from the castle.
Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon - 45 km / 28 miles or 55 km / 34 miles. Spend 1 night at a 3-star hotel.
Today you will have the option of two itineraries for reaching Chinon. The longer route takes you back to the Loire for the opportunity to visit the 15th century
Château de Langeais with its exceptional collection of tapestries, followed by tranquil cycling atop the levy
of the Loire through the village of Bréhémont. Both Langeais and Bréhémont are picture-perfect examples of
beautifully preserved medieval villages.
The slightly shorter route takes you into the National Forest of Chinon for some bucolic, shaded cycling through the ancient woods.
The routes converge at the 15th century Château d'Ussé. Colloquially known as the "Sleeping Beauty" castle, legend has it that
this castle inspired Charles Perrault to create the fairy tale of the same name. It is also believed to be among the castles that inspired the Disney castles. You can view wonderful photos of this pretty castle
on its website. (Text is French only.)
See Wikipedia article for English information.
From Rigny-d'Ussé, bike paths and quiet country roads take you on to Chinon, a lovely
small town wedged between the banks of the River Vienne and (of course) the towering heights of its castle. Chinon's main street is great for strolling,
being open only to pedestrians. Numerous medieval houses show off picturesque details: half-timbered houses with carved corbels, stone gables with corner
turrets, mullioned windows and sculpted doorways. The English Gardens also make for a nice stroll.
There is no need to sweat the climb to the castle; there is an elevator conveniently located in the center of town to whisk
you to the castle and upper town. Recently renovated, the huge fortress castle was originally a Roman camp. The current structure dates largely from the 11th
century. For more information about Chinon's castle, visit the Forteresse Royale de Chinon website.
You will spend this evening at the 3-star
Best Western Hôtel de France in downtown Chinon.
Day 6: Chinon to Saumur - 47 km / 29 miles - Spend 1 night at a 2-star hotel.
Today's ride presents an optimal mix of tranquil country roads, beautiful rural scenery,
authentic medieval villages, and one most renowned sight. Because the day's distance is short, you will have time to savor it all. After passing through the
lovely villages of Sueilly, and Lerné, you arrive at the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the largest monastic
complexes in western Christendom. Founded in 1101, the abbey's protectors were the counts of Anjou, followed by their descendants, the Plantagenet kings of England. See the abbey's official website for a virtual visit
(French only) or print the Abbey's English Guide.
Shortly beyond the Abbey, your route returns to the River Vienne and more stunning villages like
Candes-St-Martin, a former fishing and inland port that sprang up where the Rivers Vienne and Loire meet. Take a moment to view the confluence of these
great rivers. Candes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, has a unique look with its black slate roofs contrasting with the white tufa walls that adorn the houses. Adjacent to Candes is the
village of Montsoreau, also considered one of the most beautiful of French
villages, and known for its castle as well as the troglodytic dwellings of the village -- homes built
right into the rock cliffs that rise sharply from
the banks of the Loire. More troglodytic dwellings follow in the village of Turquant, renowned for its production of "pommes tapees" (dried apples.)
After more bucolic, riverside cycling you reach Saumur, a bustling,
vibrant beautifully preserved medieval city. The narrow twisting streets between the castle and the river still follow their original course. Along the main shopping street, Rue St-Jean,
and in the square, Place St-Pierre, half-timbered houses and 18th century mansions with wrought-iron balconies stand side by side. One might say that
Saumur has a decidedly Parisian look and feel, but on a much smaller scale. Saumur is famous for its Cavalry School, its wines, and its mushrooms (producing
42% of France's total.)
Saumur Castle is one of the finest of the Loire castles,
built in the 14th century on a hill high above the Loire, commanding a beautiful panorama. Despite begin a fortress, it is decorated in the style of a country house, with sculpted machicolations and
balustrades at the windows overlooking the courtyard.
You will spend this evening at the 2-star Hôtel Alcyon
in downtown Saumur.
Day 7: Saumur to Angers - 68 km / 42 miles - Spend 1 night at a 2-star hotel.
Your final day's cycling begins on
tiny, forested roads that are a bit hillier than the terrain of previous days. Enjoy the silence and breathe the scents of ancient forests. Beyond the village of Gennes, the landscape has a
wilderness feel about it as you pass few houses in the dense woods between villages. When you do encounter villages, your route hugs the Loire as tightly
as possible. Following the Loire to its confluence with the River Maine, you soon enter busy Angers via riverfront bike path.
Angers, the
capital of the historic province of Anjou, is considered one of the most beautiful
cities in France. Foremost among its many notable structures is the magnificent twin-spiraled Cathedral of Saint Maurice (12th-13th centuries) and the massive
Castle of Angers (early 13th century), with its moat and soaring towers. The castle houses a tapestry museum.
See Château d'Angers for more information. You will definitely want to allow time to stroll the historic streets of Angers.
You will spend this evening at the 2-star
Hôtel Marguerite d'Angou located in downtown Angers. Your bikes will be picked up at your hotel around 5:00 pm.
Day 8: Depart
After breakfast, depart Angers at the time of your choosing.
When you are ready to book your tour, please complete
and submit our secure Tour Order Form.
