Luxury Castles of the Loire

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Arrival in Amboise
Day 2: Amboise - Montbazon, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Excursion to Azay le Rideau, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Montbazon - Chenonceaux, 25 or 37 mi. (40 or 60 km)
Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cheverny, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 6: Excursion to Chambord, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Cheverny - Amboise, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Amboise
The charming town of Amboise, nestled along the Loire River, is overlooked by its Royal Château, once home to France’s most important kings. Don’t miss the Manoir du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci, invited by King Francis I, spent the final three years of his life.

Included: A welcome bottle of local wine in your room.
Sample accommodation: Manoir St Thomas

Day 2: Amboise - Montbazon, 28 mi. (45 km)
Follow the scenic “Loire à Vélo” cycling paths through the Montlouis vineyards, renowned for their sweet and sparkling white wines. Continue to Tours and take time to explore its lively old quarters, particularly the charming Place Plumereau, lined with half-timbered houses. Ride onward through the Touraine countryside to reach your elegant château-hotel.

Elevation: +260m
Sample accommodation: Chateau d’Artigny

Day 3: Excursion to Azay le Rideau, 34 mi. (55 km)
Cycle along the “Indre à Vélo” route following the gentle Indre River, past quaint mills and picturesque villages, before reaching the romantic Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. This Renaissance gem is gracefully surrounded by water and greenery.

Elevation: +340m
Included: 2-day SPA access
Sample accommodation: Chateau d’Artigny

Day 4: Montbazon - Chenonceaux, 25 or 37 mi. (40 or 60 km)
Ride along the winding Indre River through vineyards and typical Touraine villages to reach the Cher Valley. Discover Chenonceaux, famed for its Renaissance château arching elegantly over the Cher River and its connections to two legendary women in French history, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.

Elevation: +230m or +395m
Sample accommodation: Le bon Laboureur
Option: Canoe trip on the Cher River

Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cheverny, 30 mi. (48 km)
Depart Chenonceaux for the medieval village of Montrichard. Continue through the vineyards of Touraine, passing the châteaux of Gué Péan and Fougères sur Bièvre, a fine example of 15th-century architecture. Your journey concludes at the famous Château de Cheverny.

Elevation: +280m
Sample accommodation: Les sources de Cheverny
Option: Hot air balloon flight over the Loire Valley

Day 6: Excursion to Chambord, 31 mi. (50 km)
Ride through the lush forests and ponds of the Sologne region, passing the charming Château de Villesavin before entering the vast Domaine de Chambord. Visit the majestic Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley’s most iconic Renaissance masterpiece boasting 440 rooms.

Elevation: +230m
Included:  Gourmet lunch at a restaurant overlooking Château de Chambord
Sample accommodation: Les sources de Cheverny

Day 7: Cheverny - Amboise, 28 mi. (45 km)
On your final cycling day, ride through the AOC Cheverny vineyards and rejoin the “Loire à Vélo” cycling route. Stop at Chaumont-sur-Loire to visit its famous castle and the International Garden Festival, a showcase of contemporary creativity by world-renowned designers. Continue between vineyards and the Loire River to return to the royal city of Amboise.

Elevation: +280m
Sample accommodation: Manoir St Thomas

Day 8: Departure

OPTION: Chateaux package can be booked for a supplement. See pricing.

• Domaine de Chambord 

• Château de Chenonceaux 

• 1 local wine tasting

• Château d'Azay le Rideau  

• Château de Cheverny 

• Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival) 

• Park Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise

You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

Accommodations

Accommodations in 4-star château-hotels, which are unique, boutique establishments.

Bicycles

Standard 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

Moustache Lundi 27.1 (or similar)

• OPEN frame
• 9 or 10 speed transmission

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