Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Saint Pierre des Corps-Tours TGV station, located only 1h from Paris by train. Transfer to your charming castle hotel in Joue les Tours, the Chateau de Beaulieu. Orientation and bike set up tonight. Dinner included.

Day 2 - Ride to Azay le Rideau. Going first to fantastic gardens at the famous Villandry, you will ride alongside the Cher and Loire Rivers and along the Loire a Velo route. After, continue toward Azay le Rideau and that classic chateau, where you can spend plenty of time to visit the castle and possibly see the sound and light show. This renaissance era castle is considered a classic design and its setting alongside the Indre River is magic. Dinner included. (Upgrade hotel shown) 36 or 48km. (B,D)

Day 3 From Azay it is on to more castles, first stop Sleeping Beauty Castle Usse. Then, you continue on to Langeais and stay nearby to Villandry but across the rivers in Luynes and a castle hotel, dinner included. Upgraded hotel shown. 46km with option to cut to 34km. (B,D)

Day 4 Ride to Vouvray then Amboise. A flat ride to pass around Tours and then into the wine country of the famous appellation Vouvray. About Vouvray wines: Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region and it produces splendid wines from the dry and austere to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. (see Amboise videos) On to charming Amboise with animation and ambiance; dinner included at your hotel. 46 km (B,D)

Day 5 Loop trip to Chenonceau to explore. A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and alleys of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini Chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping down to the fabulous Chenonceau castle that must be discovered with plenty of time to visit. Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher river and improved by Catherine de Medici. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. Ride back to Amboise for a moderate trip of about 30 or 50 km. (B)

Day 6 - To Blois via Chaumont Castle!. Depart from Amboise and ride through many small villages, stopping at privately owned chateaux on the way. For lunch, why not stop at the famous Gardens festival and Chateau of Chaumont for a picnic followed by a visit! Then you will either go on a short and quiet ride to Blois or choose the longer option riding through sunflower fields and deep countryside of the area to visit more chateaux such as Fougeres and Beauregard. 44/68 km options.(B)

Day 7 Chambord & Blois . Today, you will again have 2 ride options. The short option takes you to the famous Chambord, where you can enjoy the magnificent architecture and unique features. Then you can enjoy a chocolate tasting in a chocolate factory in a nearby charming village before heading back to Blois with a stop at the Chateau de Villesavin. On the longer option, after Chambord, you will continue south to the Chateaux of Cheverny, Troussay and Beauregard. Those are easy rides on flat terrain, just enjoy the scenery imagining how and why the kings chose this area as their vacation place! Ride distance is 49km Chambord roundtrip, with Cheverny count 63 km. (B)

Day 8 is departure day from Blois after breakfast, at your leisure. Trains available direct to Paris. (B)

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