Amboise in the Loire Valley

Please note that we highly recommend that you book an extra night both before and after your tour so that you can fully experience the different itineraries and full chateaux package offered. In this way, you can arrive to your chosen accommodation, rest and recover, and be ready for cycling the next day. As well, at the end of your last excursion, you do not have to worry about being ready to check-out after a full day on the bike.

Itinerary 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.

Itinerary 2: Chenonceau, 28 mi. (45 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.

Itinerary 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.

Itinerary 4: Vouvray Vineyards, 30 mi. (48 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! 

Your tour will officially end on Day 4 so we strongly suggest that you request an addtional night in the level of accommodation of your choosing.

Think about booking the Chateaux Package! See pricing.

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

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Accommodations

Choose one of the following categories:
Standard category: 2 and 3 star
Superior category: 3 and 4 star
Deluxe category: 4 star

In the day-to-day itinerary you will find the name of the preferred hotel. If you cannot be accommodated in the preferred hotel, you will be informed and offered alternative accommodations. Price change may be incurred.

Bicycles

Hybrid Bike

Scott Sub Sport 20 women's or men's bike

• E-SUB Alloy frame
• Flat handlebar
• Water bottle cage
• 27 speed (Shimano Alivio or Altus)
• Flat pedal
• Shimano disc brakes
• Racktime with spring
• Front / Rear Axa Blue Line Lights

E-Bike

Scott E-SUB Active

• E-SUB Alloy frame
• Flat handlebar
• Water bottle cage
• 9 speed (Shimano Acera)
• Bosch Active 400Wh battery
• Flat pedal
• Shimano disc brakes
• Racktime with spring
• Front Axa Blue Line / Rear B&M Top Light

Accessories

Included accessories

• Helmet
• Counter (one per booking)
• One bottle (100% recyclable)
• Repair kit and life/visibility jacket
• Pump
• Lock
• Front pannier with map holder
• Rear rack and pannier (2 panniers on e-bike)

Supplemental accessories

• Child trailer (up to 5 years old)
  • Maximum weight: 37kg
  • Steel structure
  • 2 seats with a security system
  • Wheels: 20" quick release
  • Waterproof polyester hood
  • Anti-insect net
  • Storage at the back
  • Child helmet and repair kit
• 'Follow-me' tandem (5 to 8 years old)
  • Lock, child helmet, and life jacket
• Trail a bike (5 to 8 years old)
  • Aluminium frame
  • Adjustable seat post
  • Wheel: 20"
  • Lock, child helmet, and life jacket