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The Royal Châteaux of the Loire

Tour: FLB6
Circular Cycling Holiday
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday

It’s the sheer magnificence of the Châteaux, not the pedalling which will take your breath away on this most enjoyable circular tour of the Loire Valley. There’s time to get acquainted with the Loire’s firm favourites like Amboise, Blois, Chenonceau and the mighty Chambord and to discover a whole valley full of lesser known castle gems. Our route gives both direction and detours, so you can pick and choose how many out of the 11 possible Châteaux you clock up over your five day tour. Read More

Destination

Europe, France

Start Day

Any Day

Board Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Prices from

£796.00

Duration

6 Days, 5 Nights

Availability

Mar - Oct

Tour Grade

Grade 2 (Easy)

Read Overview
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Overview

A circular tour to some of the most majestic and magical of the châteaux in the Loire.

Tour Code:
FLB6
Activity:
Cycling
Type:
Circular Cycling Holiday, Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday
Country:
Europe, France
Area:
Loire
Duration:
6 Days, 5 Nights
Board Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Availability:
Mar - Oct

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive & explore

Arrive in Blois, a lovely town of steep and twisting medieval streets built on a hillside on the north bank of the Loire. An ancient royal domain, you cannot help but soak up its refined atmosphere as you wander past the historic 15th century facades. The royal Château de Blois is the first of many glorious châteaux to be visited on this tour. You’ll stay in a 2 star hotel a few minutes walk from the château.

Day 2 A day for royal intrigue

Blois to Amboise. Cycle south west through the Forêt de Blois before crossing the Loire at Chaumont-sur-Loire. Overlooking the town and the river, the castle was the subject of medieval intrigue as Catherine de Medici, widow of Henri II forced the late King’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, into accepting it in exchange for her favoured Chenonceau. On then to the royal town of Amboise, where you will spend the night in a 2 star hotel. The château sits on a rocky spur above the river and was home to Louis XI and Charles VIII in the late 15th century.

Miles: 27 Kms: 44

Day 3 On the river

Amboise to Cheonceaux. Today you head south through the Forêt d’Amboise to the Château de Chenonceau. Built to stretch over the River Cher, the magical château creates an impression that it is, as described by Flaubert, ‘floating on air and water’. From Chenonceaux town where you will be spending the night, there’s a circular ride to take in the elegant mullioned windows and Gothic styled gables of the Château de Montpoupon if you’re feeling energetic or inspired. Your hotel this evening is at the town of Chenonceaux.

Miles: 28 Kms: 44

Day 4 Abbeys & fortressses

Chenonceaux to Chitenay. Heading out from Chenonceaux, you cycle first to Montrichard with its castle perched above the town on a rocky outcrop, then ride through vineyards to the Benedictine abbey at Pontlevoy, founded in 1034. Next up is the village of Fougères-sur-Bièvre home to an imposing medieval fortress which has been only slightly softened by the later additions of windows and a roof! Your accommodation is in a charming 2 star auberge in the quiet village of Chitenay.

Miles: 25 Kms: 40

Day 5 The grand finale

Chitenay to Blois. A busy day with visits to the small Renaissance château at Troussay, the imposing classical styled château at Cheverny and Château de Villesavin with its dovecote for 3,000 birds. The climax of the day is the regal grandeur of Château de Chambord. Conceived as a ‘hunting lodge’ by Francois I in 1518, no expense was spared, resulting in the Loire’s largest residence. Your overnight stay is at the same hotel in Blois as Day One.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Day 6 Depart after breakfast

Depart after breakfast, following a final night in Blois.

Dates & Prices

Download Prices

For tour start days/dates, seasons and all prices, please click on the PRICES button above

PRICE INCLUDES

Ensuite accommodation as described with buffet/continental breakfast (prices based on two adults sharing)

Hire of hybrid bicycle and ancillary equipment (2 pannier bags, map holder, odometer, pump, basic tools, spare inner tube & puncture repair equipment)

Luggage transfer between hotels (Limited to one piece of luggage per person max 20kg)

Local assistance on call (although puncture repair is excluded)

Information pack with detailed joining instructions and daily route overviews sent out approximately 2 weeks before departure so you can plan ahead and look forward to your cycling adventure

Detailed route notes and maps with marked routes provided on arrival, 1 set per room (IGN 1:100,000 maps)

GPS tracks available on request (there may be a small charge)

Please note that the price EXCLUDES

Costs of getting to and from the tour area

Accommodation Options

Selected 3 star hotels in Blois (2 nights) Chenonceaux and Chitenay and a comfortable 2 star hotel in Amboise

Options:
  • Upgrade to all 3 star hotels
  • Upgrade to a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels in central locations

We are pleased to discuss details on request.

More Information

Useful websites, travel information and tips to help you plan your journey to and from the country and location of your holiday.

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