Luxury Castles of the Loire

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Arrival in Amboise
Day 2: Amboise - Montbazon, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Excursion to Azay le Rideau, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Montbazon - Chenonceaux, 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cour Cheverny, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 6: Excursion to Chambord, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Chambord - Amboise, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Amboise
The nice town of Amboise, built at the edge of the Loire River, is overlooked by its Royal Chateau where the most important kings of France lived. Do not forget to visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci, invited by his friend Francis the 1st, lived the last 3 years of his life.

Sample accommodation: Chateau Hotel Le Choiseul 

Day 2: Amboise - Montbazon, 28 mi. (45 km)
Follow the "Loire à Vélo" cycling paths through the vineyards of Montlouis and its numerous wine cellars producing the famous sweet or sparkling white wines. Then, take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Proceed along the Touraine countryside to reach your next chateau-hotel.

Sample accommodation: Chateau d’Artigny

Day 3: Excursion to Azay le Rideau, 34 mi. (55 km)
Ride on the "Indre à vélo" cycling paths along the winding Indre river and admire its beautiful mills and typical villages, before joining Azay le Rideau and its romantic Renaissance château, elegantly enclosed in its water and greenery setting.

Sample accommodation: Chateau d’Artigny

Day 4: Montbazon - Chenonceaux, 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
Ride along the tortuous Indre river to reach the Cher Valley by crossing vineyards and typical small Touraine villages. Then, you will discover Chenonceaux, famous for its Renaissance château spanning the Cher river still steeped in memories of the famous ladies in French History: Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.

Sample accommodation: Le bon Laboureur

Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cour Cheverny, 30 mi. (48 km)
Leave the Chenonceaux to reach the nice medieval village of Montrichard. It is time to ride through the vineyards of Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre, a perfect illustration of the traditional 15th-century building art. A beautiful itinerary through the countryside and vineyards before reaching the famous château of Cheverny.

Sample accommodation: Les sources de Cheverny

Day 6: Excursion to Chambord, 31 mi. (50 km)
After a short ride to the chateau of Villesavin, you will continue through the rich Domaine de Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendor, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms.

Sample accommodation: Les sources de Cheverny

Day 7: Cheverny - Amboise, 31 mi. (50 km)
For your last cycling day, cycle through the AOC Cheverny vineyards then follow the 'pays des châteaux' cycling tracks through nice tiny villages to the château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, which proudly dominates the river. Then continue on the 'Loire à Vélo' cycling tracks before arriving at the charming town of Amboise.

Sample accommodation: Chateau Hotel Le Choiseul 

Day 8: Departure

OPTION: Chateaux package can be booked for a supplement. See pricing.

• Domaine de Chambord (château + gardens) with HistoPad rental (using enhanced reality)

• Château de Chenonceaux (with audioguide) 1 local wine tasting

• Château d'Azay le Rideau (with audio guide) 

• Château de Cheverny + "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition

• Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival) 

• Park Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise

You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

Accommodations

Accommodations in 4-star château-hotels, which are unique, boutique establishments.

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Scott Sub Sport 20 women's or men's bike

• E-SUB Alloy frame
• Flat handlebar
• Water bottle cage
• 27 speed (Shimano Alivio or Altus)
• Flat pedal
• Shimano disc brakes
• Racktime with spring
• Front / Rear Axa Blue Line Lights

E-Bike

Moustache Lundi 27.1 (or similar)

• OPEN frame
• 9 or 10 speed transmission

Accessories

Included accessories

• Helmet
• Counter (one per booking)
• One bottle (100% recyclable)
• Repair kit and life/visibility jacket
• Pump
• Lock
• Front pannier with map holder
• Rear rack and pannier (2 panniers on e-bike)

Supplemental accessories

• Child trailer (up to 5 years old)
  • Maximum weight: 37kg
  • Steel structure
  • 2 seats with a security system
  • Wheels: 20" quick release
  • Waterproof polyester hood
  • Anti-insect net
  • Storage at the back
  • Child helmet and repair kit
• 'Follow-me' tandem (5 to 8 years old)
  • Lock, child helmet, and life jacket