Castles on the River Loire

Get acquainted and say hello to this lovely city.

Time to set off on your adventure! Following the River Cher, a tributary of the Loire, you will reach Villandry Palace which is not worth a miss. Full of culture and history, there are also terraced gardens to be seen. Be enchanted by the shady footpaths, flower-covered bowers, fountains, and the amazingly organised vegetable gardens. As you head a few more kilometres you will swap the bank of the Cher for the bank of the Loire, where the beautiful castle Langeais awaits you. You’ll have the chance to go to the top of the tower (now used for military purposes) where you can enjoy views of the river and all the surrounding areas. Before reaching Chinon you will pass quaint villages and side roads. Chinon has an impressive castle complex to impress you.

Today you will start and end in Chinon but take a day trip to Fontevraud l´Abbaye. This wonder piece of architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see in the area. The first stop on the way will be the quaint village of Candes-St-Matin, this romantic town sits on a river and is decorated with a gorgeous church. Next in Monstoreau you will see where the river Vienne and Loire meet. When you arrive to the Fontevraud l´Abbaye abbey, you will be amazing by its condition, given that it is from from medieval times. Go by the birthplace of Francois Rabelais, a famous author and pass through the valley where his book “Gargantua” is set.

It’s time to say goodbye to Chinon and head north. The route from here will head through vineyards and scattered villages, for example Crissay. This village was once completely left, but has now been repopulated with artists. From here you visit the beautiful building that is the Azay-le-Rideau castle, the town in which it lies will be where you will stop for the night. Enjoy cultural events that take place at the castle and in the town.

Today’s delights will be natural rather than man-made, following the beautiful river lands of the Indre, until you reach Montbazon. From here there will be a small hill to climb and then some rolling hills, until you get to the Cher Valley. Peddling along the Cher and next to meadows you will eventually get to Bléré, a small market town with the impressive castle Chenonceaux. Take a stroll around the town and marvel at the medieval white architecture.

Today there are two options to choose from: you can take a shorter route through Touraine to Castle Chaumont, and then on to Blois through the Loire valley. You can visit renaissance hotels, galleries, projected balconies and have a true taste of the culture. The other and longer version is ideal for those who love the Loire castles, you will see Montrichard, Cheverny, Villesavine, and Castle Chambord. All of this cycling will be whilst heading through luscious valleys, with the gorgeous Loire River accompanying you with its gorgeous shine.

Alternatively we can book a 10 day / 9 night trip – speak to one of our team for more information