Amboise in the Loire Valley

There are various excursions offered from which you can choose:

Excursion 1: Arrival in Amboise + Montlouis: 21 mi. (33 km)
This is an excursion through the heart of the Montlouis vineyards, whose wines tend to reflect earthy and mineral notes. There is the possibility to visit the Aquarium de Touraine and the magnificent Château de la Bourdaisière and its gardens. Upon arrival back in Amboise, be sure to stroll about and visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé, made from pink bricks and tufa stones. Leonardo da Vinci lived here for the last 3 years of his life and you can see firsthand the genius of the famous inventor. Forty of his fabulous machines are displayed at Le Clos Lucé such as the first automobile, the metric counter, the paddleboat, the machine gun – and the life-size flying machine

Excursion 2: Chenonceau, 27 mi. (43 km)
Once you have crossed the forest of Amboise, you will come to the famous Château de Chenonceau, uniquely built over the Cher River. Nicknamed the Ladies Castle and once the residence of Catherine de’ Medici, it was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history between her and Diane de Poitiers, mistress of the king. It is French history at its best; passionate, scandalous, and torrid. Upon the death of King Henry II, Catherine banned  Diane from Chenonceau, sentencing her to live out the rest of her days in obscurity at a castle in Anet.

Excursion 3:  Chaumont-sur-Loire,  28 mi. (45 km)
This cycling excursion follows the meandering country roads to the banks of the Loire in Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose 15th-century château proudly dominates the town and the river. The "Festival des Jardins" (garden festival ) is held between late May and mid-October, showcasing the art of gardening with new flower arrangements, garden sculptures, and innovation in design.

Excursion 4:  Vouvray Vineyards, 28 mi. (45 km)
This route leads away from the banks of the Loire to reach the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses, dwellings dug into the slopes and rock faces of the landscape. The region is famous for its fine and elegant white wines. You will cycle past superb Renaissance private châteaux such as Château de Valmer (remarkable for its Italian and vegetable gardens), and the beautiful Château de Jallanges as well. Be sure to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Vouvray wine!

Think about booking the Chateaux Package! See pricing.

• Châteaux of Amboise
• Park Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise
• Château of Chenonceaux
• Wine tasting in Amboise (3 wines)
• Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + garden festival)

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There are three levels of accommodations for this tour, Standard, in Hotel La Breche, Superior, in Hotel Bellevue, and Deluxe, in Au Charme Rabelaisien or Le Clos D’Amboise