The Royal Châteaux of the Loire

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 next two nights 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: 43

You can take a circular ride today through the vineyards of the Montlouis area, renowned for the delicate fruity flavour of its wine, referred to locally as Pineau de la Loire. Alternatively, you can take the time to explore Amboise. A short walk from the hotel is Le Clos Lucé, a red brick manor house where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life and where, in the cellars, models of Leonardo’s fabulous machines are on display. The gardens of the château offer one of the most splendid views of the Loire valley.

Miles: 28 Kms: 45

Amboise to Chenonceaux. 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 village 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: 30 Kms: 48

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. On then to the village of Fougères-sur-Bièvre in which stands an imposing medieval fortress 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

The circular route today allows time and the flexibility of routes to make a choice of visits either to the small but classic Château of Troussay, the imposing Château of Cheverny, or the Château de Beauregard at the edge of the Forest of Russy, where you may view its famous portrait gallery before you return to Chitenay. If you would like more cycling, you may choose the option to extend your ride through the beautiful game rich forests of the Sologne.

Miles: 26 Kms: 42

Chitenay to Blois. Another opportunity today to visit the small Renaissance château at Troussay, or the imposing classical style château at Cheverny before later continuing to the 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.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Following a final night in Blois, explore the town a little more after breakfast before heading off on your return or onward journey.