France - Chateaux of the Loire Cycling (9 days)
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France - Chateaux of the Loire Cycling (9 days)

This ever-popular independent cycling holiday explores the 'magic triangle' of the majestic Loire and Cher rivers, with the pretty Cisse valley winding through the middle.

The cycling is easy, and mostly flat, following little country lanes and riverbanks, through a region packed with interest. Highlights include the beautiful Renaissance château at Chenonceau, which famously straddles the Cher; the flamboyant royal palace at Amboise, proudly dominating the riverside and town, and the dramatic château at Chaumont, once owned by Catherine de Medici (before being forcibly 'exchanged' for Chenonceau in a bitter love-battle with her husband's mistress), and occupying one of the most stunning sites of all the river's châteaux.

  • Day 1: Arrive at Chaumont - We meet you at Blois station and take you (20 mins) to our lovely riverside hotel just opposite the town's impressive château. There's a good sized swimming pool if you fancy a dip before dinner.
  • Day 2: Chaumont to St Dye-sur-Loire 40km - Your first day's pedalling takes you over the river Loire and on quiet country lanes to Blois where you can ride round the château in a horse and cart if you need to give your cycling legs a rest! If you're with children, then Houdini's House of Magic is a must, but everyone will enjoy exploring the warren of cobbled streets and pretty arcaded squares. Lots of lunch options before carrying on through welltended vineyards - plenty of tasting opportunities - and sleepy villages to our elegant riverside hotel in St Dye-sur-Loire.
  • Day 3: At St Dye-sur-Loire - Explore the graceful village and its old ramparts then we suggest an easy-paced 7km cycle (route notes provided) through the huge Forêt de Boulogne to the fairytale Château at Chambord. The sheer size - it boasts 440 rooms - of this enormous palace reflects the lavish and flamboyant lifestyle of its original owner, King François I. The surrounding park is today a national nature reserve, protecting all sorts of wildlife including deer, boar and eagles.
  • Day 4: St Dye-sur-Loire to Chitenay 38km - Much of today's route is along the dedicated cycling paths that link selected châteaux in this region. Highlights include Château de Villesavin (unusual museum of wedding dresses throughout the ages and a huge collection of horse-drawn carriages) and the richly decorated Château de Troussay - be sure to take a look at the elaborately painted ceilings. The surrounding parkland is worth a detour too - many of the ancient trees are hundreds of years old. Your final stretch takes you along quiet rural roads to the pretty wine village of Chitenay.
  • Day 5: At Chitenay - It's very tempting to stay in Chitenay - lots of wine dégustations in the village - but it would be a great shame to miss out on a trip to Château de Cheverny, just 7kms away (we provide cycling route notes). Made of brilliant white stone, this is arguably the most immaculate of all the Loire châteaux, and is also home to the region's largest collection of fine art. Another option is a 12km round cycling trip through the Russy Forest and to the stunning C16 Château de Beauregard - here you'll find a rare "kitchen" garden (400+ plant species) and the recently restored Galerie des Illustres portrait gallery.
  • Day 6: Chitenay to Civray-en-Touraine 38km - You pedal south today to the river Cher through vineyards and fields of sunflowers. Lunch perhaps on the terrace beside the fortified mediaeval château of Fougérès-sur-Bièvre, then a lovely downhill whiz to mediaeval Montrichard with its charming old quarter huddled beneath its C11 keep. Lots of wine tasting possibilities before the last section takes you past the superb Château de Chenonceau and onto our pretty hotel set in 34 acres of beautiful landscaped lawns and with its own private lake.
  • Day 7: At Civray-en-Touraine - Considered by many the jewel in the crown of the Loire, the stunning C16 Château de Chenonceau is the most romantic and beautiful of all the renaissance châteaux, and is less than one kilometre distant. Flaubert said that it "floated on air and water" - when you see the famous arches spanning the Cher, you'll understand his meaning! If you want a longer day out, you can get the bus to cosmopolitan university town, Tours. It has a clutch of fine museums, a fabulous cathedral and a charming old quarter.
  • Day 8: Civray-en-Touraine to Chaumont 32km - Today's route takes you west along a marked cycle route through the Forêt d'Amboise and to the bustling and lively town of Amboise. Packed with interest, you have time to explore its narrow cobbled streets, stroll along the quayside and visit the house (Le Clos Lucé) where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life. Masses of lunch choices in the popular old quarter before heading north-east through vineyards and poppy fields and back to Chaumont in time for a well deserved swim before dinner.
  • Day 9: Leave Chaumont - We take you to Blois station after breakfast.

Operated by Headwater (AdWld)

Departures: May to September

  • Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this independent cycling adventure