Cycling in the Loire Valley

The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire Valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling.

Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Start Amboise.
You should aim to arrive any time before dinner, please advise us of your proposed arrival time if you are making your own travel arrangements. We advise you arrive before 1830hrs in order to collect your bikes from the Cycle Richard shop (open until 1830hrs and closed all day Sunday and Monday) and make any adjustments necessary with our mechanic. If you arrive on a day when the shop is closed or after the shop has closed your bikes will be delivered to the hotel. There is an allen key provided in order to adjust seat and handlebar heights however these will have been set up in advance for you.

Amboise is located right on the Loire River. On the south side of the river lies the town centre and castle, where the French kings spent their childhoods during the XV and XVI centuries. The beautiful gardens here offer splendid views of the river, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout July and August there is a Son et lumiére show at the castle (not included). In town there is also a museum displaying many of the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last few years of his life here until he died in 1519. Hotel La Breche is 200 metres from the train station and Hotel Bellevue is 20min walk.

Day 2
The highlight of today's ride is the chateau of Chenonceaux, the most romantic of all the Loire chateaux. It actually sits in the Cher River, whose waters reflect the pale stone of the beautiful turrets and arches, and was the home of both Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. Our hotel is in Montrichard; the fortress here was built in 1121.

Day 3
Cycle to Bracieux (Ride approx 43km or 63km)
There is the option of a really long day for those who want to push themselves a little. Both routes take us away from the main rivers today, the options divide just after the chateau of Gué Péan, a vast castle built in the 15th and 17th centuries.
The short ride continues north through the attractive village of Fougères sur Bievre, with its 19th century public laundry beside the river and castle with 16th century arcaded gallery past Cour Cheverny and on to Bracieux. If you wish to shorten the route a lift can be offered for the first 20km on the shorter 43km ride. Please contact the local operator the evening before to arrange this. Anyone looking for a challenge can head east deeper into the lovely rural area known as the Sologne, known for its ponds, lakes woods and villages.

Both routes end in Bracieux, a delightful small village in the heart of the Sologne and a former stop-over between Paris and the chateaux region of the Loire. Tonight we recommend treating yourself in one of the best restaurants in the whole province, 5 minutes walk from the hotel (closed on Tue and Wed).

Day 4
Optional ride from Bracieux (Ride approx 23km or 45km)
Two circular rides are offered today to explore the countryside around Bracieux. The near-by village of Cour Cheverny is a perfect example of the Sologne architecture. Also, the castle here is one of the best-preserved private chateaux in France, and was a regular spot for large royal hunting parties.

North of the village lies the amazing chateau of Chambord, the masterpiece of the French renaissance, completed in 1545 and used by kings and presidents from Francis I until the 1930s. 1500 hectares of the enclosed national hunting reserve are open to the public, with viewing platforms for watching wild boar, stags, roe deer and mouflon. The route leads back through the beautiful forest to Bracieux.

Day 5
Cycle to Chaumont sur Loire (Ride approx 32km or 42km)
On the way back to the Loire we pass the estate of Troussay, a fine example of a gentleman's estate of the old times in the Loire. Once at the river we can head into the royal city of Blois where Louis XII was born. The fine castle is full of history - assassinations were perpetrated here, and there are beautiful examples of different architectural styles. You can then either follow alongside the river on a quiet backroad or strike out into the small villages nearby to arrive at the village of Chaumont sur Loire, our stop for the next two nights.

Day 6
Optional ride from Chaumont sur Loire (Ride approx 48km or 53km)
Blois is within striking distance if you choose the longer route, a contrast to the quiet villages that have featured along the way up until now. The more energetic can explore the lanes to the south, passing through the town of Pontlevoy where the museum consists of an open-air display of information and photos that lead you on a tour of the streets. Then it's back to the broad waters of the Loire and the hotel at Chaumont. There is the option not to cycle but to relax in Chaumont instead.

Day 7
Cycle to Amboise (Ride approx 24km)
The final day of cycling dawns, and there is just one route, so no tricky decisions to face over the croissants. The highpoint is undoubtedly the chateau of Chaumont - this was originally built during the wars between the counts of Anjou and Blois in the 11th century on a very strategic point along the river. Remodelled and rebuilt over the centuries by various owners including Catherine de Medici, the castle is now a venue for the International Garden Festival. The landscape changes to a more open, rolling scenery for the final run-in to Amboise.

Day 8
End Amboise

Is this trip for you?
This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. Grade: A.

Average daily distance: 30-40 km (19-25 miles) depending on routes chosen.
No of days cycling: 6 (including 2 optional rides).
Vehicle support: none whilst riding, luggage is transferred between hotels for you.
Terrain and route: the suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads past villages, farms, vineyards, woodland and alongside rivers. There are no significant ascents or descents. Alternative routes are available on most days.