This itinerary below describes the full 13 night tour, from Orleans to St Brévin and the Atlantic. Orleans to Tours (5 nights) is described in days 1-6. Tours to Angers (5 nights) is described in days 6-10. You can also book a combination tour for 9 nights, from Orleans to Angers, described in days 1-10.
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans and its old historical center, situated between the large countryside fields of Beauce area, green pastures, ponds and forest of Sologne area. Orléans, known as the "City of Art and History," was liberated from the English siege in 1429 by Joan of Arc.
Overnight in Orleans.
Day 2: Orléans – Beaugency (17 miles/26 km)
Cycle along the wild river banks for a stage in calm and serenity through the charming and flowered city of Beaugency.
Overnight in Beaugency.
Day 3: Beaugency – Blois (29 miles/46 km)
Leave Beaugency by the river banks and pass by the prestigious château of Chambord, the widest Château of the Loire Valley masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Then, follow the direction of Blois presenting a rich historical heritage with the château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
Overnight in Blois.
Day 4: Blois – Amboise (27 miles/42 km)
Follow the small countryside routes until the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire river, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau from 15th–16th century. A few streets further on is the last home of Léonardo Da Vinci: Manorhouse of 'Clos Lucé.'
Overnight in Amboise.
Day 5: Amboise – Tours (16 or 19 miles/27 or 31 km)
Ride through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favorite of King Henri IV. Continue to the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 6: Departure or continue to Azay le Rideau (25 miles/41 km)
If you booked the Orleans to Tours (5 nights) package, you will depart in the morning for your onward travels. If you booked the Orleans to Angers (9 nights) package, a combination of the Orleans to Tours (5 nights) and the Tours to Angers (5 nights) package, you would continue on to Azay le Rideau as described below in the Tours to Angers route. If you booked the Tours to Angers (5 nights) package alone, you will meet in Tours for your first day, and continue to Azay le Rideau on your 2nd day as described below.
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Continue to Azay le Rideau (25 miles/41 km)
Reach Savonnières for a journey in the heart of Petrifying Grottoes. Then proceed to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces, then Saché, the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. Finally arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau, a jewel set over the Indre river.
Overnight in Azay le Rideau.
Day 7: Azay le Rideau – Chinon (22 miles/35 km)
Departure towards Langeais and its 15th-century château offering a typical form of a medieval fortified castle where you could admire wonderful tapestries and piece of furniture. Then ride towards the 'Sleeping Beauty' chateau in Ussé which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairy tale story.
Overnight in Chinon.
Day 8: Chinon – Saumur (22 or 30 miles/36 or 48 km)
Before leaving the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne River, you may visit numerous cellars which propose the famous red wine such appreciated by Rabelais. Then, continue towards the abbey of Fontevraud, the largest monastic city remaining in Europe which is the Necropolis of the Plantagenêts sovereigns before reaching the lovely town of Saumur.
Overnight in Saumur.
Day 9: Saumur – Angers (35 miles/57 km)
First follow the Loire River before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau sheltering the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
Overnight in Angers.
Day 10: Departure or continue on to Montjean sur Loire (23 miles/37 km)
If you booked the Tours to Angers (5 nights) or Orleans to Angers (9 nights) packages, you will depart today after breakfast. If you booked Orleans to the Atlantic (13 nights), you will continue to Montjean sur Loire as described below.
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Continue to Montjean sur Loire (23 miles/37 km)
From the heart of the vineyards of Anjou: slopes of the River Loire, Aubance and Layon, to the banks of the Loire at Chalonnes, the confluence of the Rivers Loire and Layon. A ride through typical small villages and natural landscapes where life is running at the rhythm of the Loire River.
Overnight in Montjean sur Loire.
Day 11: Montjean sur Loire – Champtoceaux (25 miles/40 km)
A ride along the banks of the River Loire where you will enjoy the different natural landscapes and observe the wild animals and birds of the river. A peaceful ride on the cycling path until to Champtoceaux, in its magnificent setting marking the boundary between Anjou and Brittany.
Overnight in Champtoceaux.
Day 12: Champtoceaux – Nantes (20 miles/32 km)
Continue along the Loire River until reaching the capital of the western area: Nantes. This very dynamic city will offer you many choices, and you can enjoy a sightseeing through the numerous pedestrian streets.
Overnight in Nantes.
Day 13: Nantes – St Brévin (37 miles/58 km)
Leave the city via a small boat to cross the river and continue on the cycling path of "Loire à vélo." Further on, you will follow a narrow canal for a peaceful moment along marshlands and countryside to finish at the estuary of the Loire river in St Brevin les pins: a seaside resort which offers a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and Pine trees forest. This is an ideal place to relax after long day biking.
Overnight in St Brévin.
Day 14: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
