Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Chinon

The tour begins in Chinon, a medieval town along the River Indre, famed for its striking château that once hosted Joan of Arc as she met Charles VII to persuade him to reclaim his throne. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore one of France’s most iconic historic landmarks.

Day 2: Chinon loop ride
27 miles/43 km

Today you'll cycle along the scenic banks of the River Vienne to the magnificent Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. This sprawling abbey, once home to many French queens, is best known as the burial site of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their son, Richard the Lionheart.

From Fontevraud, the route descends to the Loire River, with a stop at La Champignonnière du Saut aux Loups. These limestone caves, with their natural temperature and humidity, have been used for centuries to cultivate mushrooms.

The path continues through the village of Montsoreau, crossing the River Indre, and following a dedicated cycle path back to Chinon.

Day 3: Chinon - Azay-le-Rideau
30 miles/48 km

Leaving Chinon, cycle to the River Indre, where Château Ussé stands, a Renaissance château that inspired Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. This fairytale landmark has been continuously inhabited for centuries and is still owned by the same noble family today. The journey then leads to Villandry, where you may take time to visit the famous Michelin 3-star Renaissance gardens.

From here, the ride passes through charming countryside to Azay-le-Rideau, home to one of the Loire Valley’s most picturesque châteaux. This château, set on an island in the Indre River, is a perfect example of early French Renaissance architecture.

Day 4: Azay-le-Rideau - Loches
37 miles/60 km

In the morning, begin with a visit to Azay-le-Rideau. The little river Indre is dammed to surround the chateau on three sides and to create a beautiful lake and gardens.

Leaving Azay, spend all day cycling along the Indre Valley, acclaimed as the most beautiful landscape of all the rivers of the Loire Valley. Cycle in quiet countryside as you make your way to Loches, home of the Royal City of Loches. Here you will find the site where Joan of Arc convinced the Crown Prince of Valois to claim his crown in Reims and drive the English from France. At just 17, Joan lifted the siege of Orléans and changed the course of French history, cementing her legacy as a national hero.

Day 5: Loches - Amboise
26 miles/42 km

Departing from Loches, you'll cycle to Château de Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher. Known for its preserved interiors, highlights include Louise de Lorraine’s somber mourning room and Catherine de Medici’s ballroom. It also served as a hospital in WWI and later as a border crossing between Nazi-occupied France and Vichy France, with each end of the ballroom opening into different territories.

From here, the journey continues along the Loire to Amboise, home to the Royal Château. Once a royal residence, the château is also the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years at Clos Lucé nearby under the patronage of King Francis I. The town has a medieval center, largely pedestrianized, and full of bustle. There are a number of bars and cafes sitting directly beneath the huge chateau walls, and you've earned a sit-down and a glass of the local Touraine or Vouvray!

Day 6: Amboise - Blois
25 miles/41 km

From Amboise, back roads lead to Château de Chaumont, one of the region’s most fascinating sites. After the death of Henry II, his wife, Catherine de Medici, evicted the King’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, from Chenonceau and offered her Chaumont as compensation. The château features impressive grounds with ancient trees and hosts the renowned International Garden Festival.

The route continues upstream along the Loire à Vélo cycle path to Candé-sur-Beuvron, where a stop at Vignoble Tévenot, an award-winning vineyard in the Cheverny Appellation, offers the chance to sample exceptional wines. From there, you'll head to Blois, where the evening features the spectacular Son et Lumière show at Blois Château.

Day 7: Blois loop ride
30 miles/49 km

Today’s ride offers stunning scenery as you follow the Loire à Vélo cycle path upstream along the Loire River before crossing to visit Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley.

Chambord is set within a vast hunting park, enclosed by Europe’s longest wall, spanning 34 kilometers. Commissioned by King François I as a symbol of his power, the château features 365 chimneys, an impressive roof terrace, and the renowned double-helix staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Spend the evening in Blois exploring its illuminated historic streets and enjoying local cuisine.

Day 8: Departure

The tour ends today. Transport will be arranged to Blois-Chambord train station, where connections to Paris provide a mid-morning departure, arriving in Paris before noon and in London by mid-afternoon.