Castles of the Loire Valley, Blois to Tours – France Cycling Holiday

This cycling tour has a seven day, six night itinerary.

Day 1 -  Individual arrival in Blois. Leave your bags at your hotel and take some time to explore the town.

Day 2 – Cycle from Blois to Chambord.

Cross the Loire and the Sologne countryside and enter the park of the Chateau de Chambord, 4,500 hectares of forest inhabited by deer and wild boar. Explore this magnificent castle which is the largest and most majestic castle of the Loire. Commissioned by King Francis I and designed by the great Leonardo da Vinci it is a symbol of the French Renaissance and of the power of a passionate ruler who revered the arts. Return to the hotel through the Boulogne forest.

Approx Distance: 24 to 27 miles (38 to 42 km)

Day 3 – Cycle from Blois to Chaumont and Amboise.

Follow the river Loire to the Chateau de Chaumont. The castle was built by Pierre d'Amboise and is set on a cliff overlooking the Loire. It was then purchased by Catherine de Medici and she sent Diana of Poitiers to the castle for revenge and kept for herself Chateau de Chenonceau. Keep following the river Loire to Amboise, a picturesque town on the left bank where the Château d'Amboise stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city.  The castle was a place of residence for French kings from the 15th to the 19th centuries, its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France. Numerous literary figures and artists were invited here, like Leonardo da Vinci whose tomb is located here.  From its balconies, its roofs and its terraced gardens, visitors can take in the Loire landscape and delight in what the kings enjoyed.

Approx Distance: 27 miles (53 km)

Day 4 – A circular ride from Amboise via Chenonceaux.

Cycle to Chateau de Chenonceau through the Amboise Forest from the valley of the river Loire to the valley of the river Cher.  This is a most beautiful castle, with its magnificent arches over the river.  Continue along the Cher back to Amboise. Visit Clos-Luce, the home of Leonardo da Vinci. The museum inside the house contains several models of his inventions, and in the park there are full scale models that allow you to interact with and experience these fabulous machines.

Approx Distance: 22 miles (34 km)

Day 5 – Cycle from Amboise to Tours.

From Amboise, cycle along the river Loire through the famous vineyards of Vouvray. On arrival in Tours, the most important city in the region, visit of the old town, the cathedral and place Plumereau. Surrounded by old timber houses, this beautiful square is filled of bars and restaurants, a great place to sit with a glass of Vouvray or a cold beer.

Approx Distance: 18 miles (29 km)

Day 6 – Cycle from Tours to Villandry and back to Tours.

Set out from Tours, along the river Cher to Chateau de Villandry, famous for its "jardin potagers". The famous gardens of Villandry are the most beautiful example of French Renaissance architecture, built under the influence of Italian gardeners.  The route back to Tours is along a pleasant cycle path.

Approx Distance: 26 miles (42 km)

Day 7 - Individual departure after breakfast.

Key Details:

• Seven day, six night itinerary.
• This tour will start in Blois and end in Tours.
• Suitable as a first cycling holiday.
• Suitable for all ages.
• Stay in 3 hotels with circular routes every other day.
• Blois, Amboise and Tours are connected by frequent trains, so you can always opt for an alternative to the bike tour.

There are lots of attractions and places to explore during your cycling holiday in France including:

• French Chateaux
• Historic Cities
• Loire Valley
• Nature
• Amboise
• The Tomb of Leonardo da Vinci

Getting to France:

By Rail/Bus – There are trains running between London and Blois which requires transfers.  There are buses running from Paris to Blois. Blois and Tours are connected by frequent trains

By Car – Blois can be reached by car via ferry or Eurotunnel and well-maintained motorways.

By Air – There are a limited number of flights available to Tours from Stanstead, or fly to Paris and take a bus or train.

For more information on getting to France please visit the France Tourism website.