8-Day Villandry to Chambord Castle Cycling Tour

Visit the stunning castles of Loire Valley during this exciting, 8-day cycling tour. Cycle from the awe-inspiring Chateau de Villandry gardens, then explore the castles of Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé, Langeais, Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord. Visit the famous vineyards of Vouvray, the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region.

Day 1, Arrive in Tours
Arrival in Joue-les-Tours. From Paris, you can take a quick 1-hour train ride to St Pierre des Corps, transfer to your hotel on your own. Orientation at your hotel, dinner included at your chateau tonight. If you arrive early, you can spend your free time exploring the old city of Tours. (Dinner is not included in basic version for tonight).

Day 2, Villandry and Azay Le Rideau Castles (Option 1: 22 mi or 36 km, Option 2: 30 mi or 48 km)
After a stop at the outstanding gardens at the famous Villandry, you will ride alongside the Cher and Loire Rivers and along the Loire a Velo route. Continue towards Azay le Rideau and its Classic-style chateau, where you can spend your free time visiting the castle and possibly see the sound and light show. This Renaissance castle is considered a great example of Classic architecture and its setting alongside the Indre River is magic. Dinner and breakfast included. (Dinner is not included in basic version for tonight).

Day 3, Château d'Ussé to Luynes (Option 1: 21 mi or 34 km, Option 2: 29 mi or 46 km)
From Azay you will continue the castles route, first stop the Chateau d'Usse: the Sleeping Beauty Castle.Continue to Langeais on a very quiet bike road by the Loire River. You will stay nearby to Villandry, in Luynes. Your hotel is situated in a charming castle, dinner and breakfast included.

Day 4, Vouvray Wine and Amboise Castle (30 mi or 48 km)
A flat ride to pass around Tours and then into the wine country of the famous appellation Vouvray. About Vouvray wines: Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region and produces splendid wines from dry wine to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. Continue to the charming Amboise; dinner and breakfast included at your hotel.

Day 5, Explore Chenonceau Castle (Option 1: 22 mi or 36 km, Option 2: 31 mi or 50 km)
A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and alleys of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini Chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping down to the fabulous Chenonceau Castle, that you will have plenty of time to discover. Chenonceau, built by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher river and improved by Catherine de Medici. The castle hides several historical pieces of art, furniture and tapestries. Ride back to Amboise for a moderate trip. Dinner on your own. Breakfast included.

Day 6, Cycle Around Chateau de Chaumont to Blois (Option 1: 27 mi or 44 km, Option 2: 42 mi or 68 km)
Leave Amboise and ride through many small villages, stopping at privately owned chateaux on the way. For lunch, why not stop at the famous Gardens festival and Chateau of Chaumont for a picnic followed by a visit? After lunch, you will either go on a short and quiet ride to Blois or choose the longer option riding through sunflower fields, deep countryside, and visit more castles such as Fougeres and Beauregard. Dinner on your own. Breakfast included.

Day 7, Loop ride Chambord Castle (Option 1: 30 mi or 49 km, Option 2: 39 mi or 63 km)
Today, you will again have 2 ride options. The short option takes you to the famous Chambord, where you can enjoy the magnificent architecture and unique features. Then you can enjoy a chocolate tasting in a chocolate factory in a nearby charming village before heading back to Blois with a stop at the Chateau de Villesavin. On the longer option, after Chambord, you will continue south to the Chateaux of Cheverny, Troussay and Beauregard. Those are easy rides on flat terrain, just enjoy the scenery imagining how and why the kings chose this area as their vacation place! Ride distance is 49 km Chambord roundtrip, with Cheverny 63 km. Dinner on your own. Breakfast included.

Day 8, Leave from Blois
Departure from Blois after breakfast, at your leisure. Trains available to Paris. Breakfast included.

• 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bathroom
• Daily breakfast at each hotel, 4 dinners included (2 dinners are included in the basic version)
• Orientation in person with our local guide
• Hybrid bike rental included
• Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
• 1 GPS GARMIN OREGON for 3 people
• All luggage transfers
• Comprehensive trip literature
• Technical and emergency support available at all times

• Airfare to and from the trip
• Lodging before and after the trip
• Drinks
• Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.