The Loire is the perfect region to discover by bike. Not only is it beautiful, and has a great infrastructure of flat untrafficked roads and cycling paths, but there is such an abundance of fantastic sites and towns to see, within an easy ride from each other, that it makes it easy to experience the richness of the region on two wheels. The only difficulty becomes having to choose which sites to spend the most time at, in order to be able to fill your eyes and your senses with as much of this "Playground of the Kings" as possible!

Day 1 : Arrival in Amboise

Our trip manager will transfer you to your first hotel upon your arrival at Tours St. Pierre de Corps train station. There you will receive your trip package, maps and route notes, and have your bike adjusted, before leaving you to explore Amboise before your first dinner. Famous not only for its chateau, but for the "Clos de Lucé" which was Leornardo Da Vinci's residence whilst he was in the service of the French King... It is worth some wandering. Dinner tonight included.

Day 2 : Amboise – Chenenceau – Amboise 40 km

Ride through the forest of Amboise, along a pretty bike itinerary and reach Château de Chenonceau: a wall of elegance built over the Cher River, it is one of the highlights of French Renaissance architecture, one of the most popular chateaux in France. Ride back to Amboise amongst wheat and sunflower fields. Visit the Clos Lucé which is the last home of Leonardo da Vinci.

Day 3 : Amboise to Tours 35 km

Ride along a hillside which follows the Loire River, and across the vineyards of the Vouvray area, one of the oldest vineyards in the world! See the troglodyte houses which are typical of this area. Make a stop on the way to Tours to visit a cellar and taste the wine. After a short detour via the medieval part of Tours with its 12th century cathedral and halftimbered houses, you reach your hotel outside the city.

Day 4 : Tours to Azay le Rideau approx 35 km

Your ride will take you to the famous chateau and gardens of Villandry. This Renaissance castle is definitely overshadowed by the world-famous and exquisite gardens, considered by some to be the most beautiful in France. There are the water gardens, the ornamental flower gardens, the vegetable gardens, and the symbolic gardens. After taking time to visit, cycle on to Azay le Rideau, site of the chateau by the same name. Not one of the largest castles of the Loire in size, it is one of the prettiest, with the mix of Italian Renaissance style that was so popular, and the charm of a French castle on the water. Night in Azay le Rideau. Dinner included tonight.

Day 5 : Azay le Rideau to Chinon approx 40 km

Today’s ride takes you through the countryside towards the Cher River which you follow up to Langeais. You soon reach the Château d’Ussé, the enchanting castle of Sleeping Beauty. Pass through the woods and the vineyards of the Chinon area – wine tasting is possible and recommended en route, in this region which is famous for its red wines! You arrive in the medieval town of Chinon with its enormous fortress overlooking yet another river, the Vienne River.

Day 6 : Chinon to Chinon approx 45 km (long option +18 km)

You leave Chinon following a pretty small road across a picturesque landscape enamelled with old villages, and private chateaux… here you are in the heart of the Touraine County. Reach the village of L’Ile-Bouchard. For a longer option: go to Crissay-sur-Manse (+18km), one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Come back to Chinon following the "Route des Vins", across the vineyards and discover the making of the Chinon red wine...and taste it!

Day 7 : Departure - Bon Voyage!

We’ll transfer you to the Tours train station this morning after your breakfast.