Loire Valley - Châteaux Country (based in one hotel)

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, route disturbances due to repairs, detours, etc.

In Chitenay

Excursion 1: Arrival in Chitenay and excursion to Cheverny, 14 mi. (23 km)
Today's Loire cycle route takes you through fields and vineyards, and a number of villages via the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its elegantly furnished and decorated apartments, which inspired Hergé’s vision of Marlinspike in the adventures of Tintin.

Excursion 2: Château de Chambord, 35 mi. (56 km)
Cycle through the rich Domain of Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendor, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms.

Excursion 3:  Blois, 20 mi. (33 km)
Through the forest to finally reach the Loire River banks and the nice town of Blois, worth visiting for its old quarter and also its Château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

Excursion 4: Excursion to Chaumont-sur-Loire, 24 mi. (39 km)
Passing by the countryside routes before reaching the Loire banks at Chaumont-sur-Loire where you can visit the lovely Château overlooking the Loire. The ‘garden festival’ where you will be able to admire different interpretations of artistic garden compositions based on a common theme takes place every year in its majestic park.

Additional bike excursions are available

• Château de Beauregard (16 km)
• Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre (23 km)
• Sologne area (41 km)
• Château de Beauregard + Sologne area (46 km)

Châteaux package (see pricing)

• Domaine de Chambord (château and gardens)
• Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
• Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
• Wine tasting of Cheverny AOC in Cheverny

In Cheverny

Excursion 1: Arrival in Cheverny and excursion to Sologne area, 24 mi. (35 km)
Cross the rich and mysterious ‘Sologne’ with magnificent landscape featuring beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroad, and small private châteaux, hidden behind their vineyards or groves. Between ponds and heathlands, you explore old typical Sologne villages. Do not miss to stop for a wine tasting in a local producer along your route, afterall, you are in the Cheverny appellation!

Excursion 2: Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, 33 mi. (52 km)
Continuing on country lanes, you reach the banks of the Loire at Chaumont-sur-Loire where the Château of the same name towers over the small town and the valley. It was built in the 10th century by Count Eudes II. The count hoped the castle would be an imposing fortress protecting Blois from any outside invaders. The 21 hectares of land have been landscaped into an impressive park and gardens. From April to the end of October, the Château hosts the International Garden Festival showcasing different interpretations of artistic garden composition based on a common theme.

Excursion 3: Chambord, 31 mi. (50 km)
On this excursion, you cycle the lovely "Pays des Châteaux" cycling paths to Chateau of Villesavin before reaching the famous Chateau of Chambord, the most majestic château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms.

Excursion 4: Blois, 29 mi. (47 km)
Through numerous typical villages, reach the Loire river banks and the nice town of Blois, worth visiting for its old quarter and also its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Then return through the forest of Russy.

Another wonderful option available for this tour is a hot air balloon ride! You will drift over the Loire Valley and enjoy a unique view of the chateaux. Pricing on request.

Think of booking extra nights! 

Option: Hot air balloon flight (see pricing)
Can you imagine drifting slowly over the architectural masterpieces of the Loire Valley in a hot air balloon
guided by the winds? Take off and enjoy from the sky an original view of the chateaux: an unforgettable
moment! (early in the morning or evening according weather conditions)

Châteaux package (see pricing)

• Domaine de Chambord (château and gardens)
• Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
• Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)

• A wine tasting of "Cheverny AOC" wines in Cheverny

See our showcase of bicycle tours, features, and news or view all bike tours in the Loire Valley.

Accommodations

You can choose between:
Deluxe (4-star): Hotel Relais des Trois Chateau in Cheverny
Superior (3-star): Auberge du Centre in Chitenay (with swimming pool)

Bicycles

Hybrid Bike

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

• Alloy frame
• Flat handlebar
• Water bottle cage
• 27 speed (Shimano Alivio or Altus)
• Flat pedal
• Shimano disc brakes
• Rear rack
• 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
• Rear rack
• Front Axa Blue Line / Rear B&M Top Light

Accessories

Included accessories

• 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 and life jacket
• Trail a bike (5 to 8 years old)
  • Aluminium frame
  • Adjustable seat post
  • Wheel: 20"
  • Lock and life jacket