The Royal Châteaux of the Loire
A circular tour to allowing time to view some of the most majestic and magical of the châteaux in the Loire. Spending two nights at Blois, Amboise and Chitenay plus one night at Chenonceaux, this tour gives you ample time to explore the magnificent Loire region. Read More
Europe, France
Any Day
Bed & Breakfast
£1,003.00
8 Days, 7 Nights
Mar - Oct
Grade 2 (Easy)
Overview
A circular tour to some of the most majestic and magical of the châteaux in the Loire. Spending two nights at Blois, Amboise and Chitenay, plus one night at Chenonceaux, this tour gives you ample time to explore the magnificent Loire region.
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 Day Two - 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 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
Day 3 Get a taste for Amboise - circular ride option
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
Day 4 On the river
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
Day 5 Abbeys & fortresses
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
Day 6 Little gems - circular ride from Chitenay
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
Day 7 The grand finale
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
Day 8 Depart after breakfast
Following a final night in Blois, explore the town a little more after breakfast before heading off on your return or onward journey.
Dates & Prices
Download PricesFor 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, puncture repair kit, lock)
Luggage transfer between hotels
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 (2 nights) and a comfortable 2 star hotel in Amboise (2 nights).
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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