France

> 6-day Loire Valley Cycling Holiday, Castles & Vineyards

Self-guided from Blois bike tour

Relaxed riding on peaceful cycling paths
Spectacularly serene countryside and lush landscapes
Fairy-tale castles overflowing with history
Stately gardens of intriguing design and endless lawns

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ITINERARY

Start: Blois Finish: Blois

Day 1: Arrival in Blois

Day 2: From Blois to Amboise (42 km / 26 mi)

Day 3: From Amboise to Chenonceau (41 km / 25,5 mi)

Day 4: From Chenonceau to Chitenay (41 km / 25 mi)

Day 5: From Chitenay to Blois (50 km / 31 mi)

Day 6: Departure from Blois

Day 1: Arrival in Blois

Travel to the Loire Valley and arrive in Blois. Take a jaunt around the town, sigh at the lovely light-coloured facades and blue roofs and tread pedestrian lanes, which gracefully preserve the serene atmosphere of centuries past. Do not miss the Château Royal de Blois, former residence of French kings and perfect example of the evolution of the nation’s architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

Day 2: From Blois to Amboise (42 km / 26 mi)

Riding along the south bank, you pedal rolling hills and verdant vineyards to Cande-sur-Beuvron then cycle back along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire. The elegant fairy-tale castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire hides among stately gardens, recalling the era of the historic province of Touraine. Stop at a winery to savour a local ‘sauvignon blanc´ and gawk at the grandeur of Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed.

Challenge: 42 km / 26 mi, 341 m ascent, 345 m descent

Day 3: From Amboise to Chenonceau (41 km / 25,5 mi)

Set off for Montlouis sur Loire, then glide along toward the famous ‘Château de Chenonceau’, which spans the Cher River in five distinctive arches. King Henri II promised this splendid site to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, a fabulous plan which was sabotaged by the queen Catherine de Médici. Your goal for today resides in charming Chenonceau, situated on the banks of the Cher, and you can take your pick of two cycling itineraries: a direct route or scenic ride with chateaux visits and villages en route.

Challenge: 41 km / 25,5 mi, 319 m ascent, 322 m descent

Day 4: From Chenonceau to Chitenay (41 km / 25 mi)

Leaving the Cher Valley behind, you trundle into the ancient province of Touraine and come upon two splendid chateaux: the sturdy and seductive Gué Péan and the marvellously medieval 15th-century Fougère sur Bièvre.

Challenge: 35 km / 22 mi, 361 m ascent, 338 m descent

Day 5: From Chitenay to Blois (50 km / 31 mi)

The last leg of this tour reveals true treasures such as the sumptuously furnished Château de Cheverny and prestigious 440-room Château de Chambord built during the reign of Francois the 1st. Riding back into Blois, you’re welcomed by its quaint lanes and steep-roofed castle. A perfect fairy-tale ending to a memorable cycling holiday.

Challenge: 50 km / 31 mi, 397 m ascent, 414 m descent

Day 6: Departure from Blois

Your self-guided cycling tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Extra nights can be booked in advance, allowing time to visit the beautiful city of Blois.

ACCOMMODATION

All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.

We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included.

For more comfort, when it's possible we can upgrade the hotels with 3/4 * category (supplement applied).

Hotel Anne de Bretagne *** (Blois)

A charming hotel located in the heart of the historic center, very distinctive with its ivy clad walls and just a few steps from The Royal Château of Blois. It holds 29 rooms elegantly decorated and offering a nice family friendly atmosphere. Their restaurant, certified Logis de France, is located less than 500 meters walk from the hotel building.

www.hotelannedebretagne.com
Hotel Chaptal ** (Amboise)

Located in a quiet street in the center of Amboise, with its pedestrian shopping streets nearby and also the largest market of the region. The hotel was completely renovated in 2018 and it offers a typical architecture outside, while contemporary style en-suite rooms inside.

www.hotel-chaptal.com
Relais Chenonceaux (Chenonceaux)

Located at the heart of the Loire Vallée, this hotel is a former coaching inn. The building still has visible wooden beams, the fireplace made of stones and the stained-glass window from that period in the restaurant. The 20 hotel rooms, most of them on the attic floor, keep the rustic charm of the structure as well as being comfortable. With a family and pleasant atmosphere. You will be able to enjoy a traditional homemade meal made from fresh products, inside or outside.

www.hotelchenonceaux.com
Hotel Auberge du Centre *** (Chitenay)

Located 15 minutes south of Blois, the Auberge du Center is nestled in the small village of Chitenay. It offers its rural atmosphere, along with cozy rooms and a lounge with an open fireplace. A true invitation to relax, the hotel terrace overlooks the garden and the heated swimming pool, open seasonally. It also features a wellness area, sauna and steam room.

www.auberge-du-centre.com

SELECT HOTELS

Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre (Blois)

A perfectly renovated hotel with a unique handcrafted decoration. Located in the heart of the city centre, our hotel in Bles allows you to reach the royal castle, the Saint-Louis cathedral and the Maison de la Magie in just a few minutes on foot.
L’hôtel Le Clos d’Amboise**** (Amboise)

Your stay at the hotel Le Clos d'Amboise will be like a dream of château life, in the calm and soothing setting of the Loire Valley. You will receive a warm welcome from the entire team, who will look after you as if you were at home.

www.leclosdamboise.com
Hôtel Restaurant La Roseraie*** (Chenonceaux)

Situated 300m from the famous Château de Chenonceau, also known as the ‘Château des Dames ’, come and discover and stay at theHôtel la Roseraie*** in the heart of the Châteaux of the Loire.

www.hotel-chenonceau.com
Hôtel Auberge du Centre*** (Chitenay)

The Martinet family has been welcoming you for more than 50 years in its 3-star hotel restaurant, located in the Loir-et-Cher, a rural region in the middle of the vineyards and in the heart of the Loire castles. Historically located at 34 Grande rue in Chitenay, birthplace of Denis Papin the inventor of the steam engine, this hotel offers you quality service in a nice atmosphere.

www.auberge-du-centre.com

PRACTICAL INFO

Departure any day of the week from 1st April to 31st October.

The international Paris airports Charles de Gaulle in the north and Orly in the south are served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines.They are connected with Paris by metro and bus services. From Paris you can take a train to Blois, see below.