On the trails of the Loire from Blois to Saumur

Day 1: Blois
Individual arrival in Blois. After settling in, take some time to explore the fascinating town of Blois by walking along the cobbled streets of the historic center among the medieval buildings, magnificent gardens, imposing staircases, and of course, the castle.

Day 2: Blois – Cheverny or Chitenay (42 or 55 km)
You will leave the charming town of Blois by cycling on the bike paths that follow the course of the Loire and will reach Dyé sur Loire before plunging into the forest of the Domaine of Chambord in the heart of which the eponymous castle stands, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance, and with its 440 rooms, the largest castle of those in the Loire. The itinerary then continues towards the Castle of Cheverny with its sumptuously furnished apartments, which inspired Hergé, father of Tintin, in the creation of his Castle of Moulinsart.

Day 3: Cheverny or Chitenay – Amboise (58 or 50 km)
Cross the vineyards of Cheverny and head to the Castle of Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortress which perfectly illustrates the local architectural art during the 15th century. The itinerary will then lead you to the banks of the Loire to the Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire, which stands majestically above the river. We recommend you visit, besides the castle, the International Garden Festival held each year in the park between May and mid-October. Finally follow the bike paths of the Loire à Vélo, to arrive at the delightful town of Amboise, whose Royal Castle was the residence of many of the greatest kings of France.

Day 4: Amboise – Tours via Chenonceaux (51 km)
Today you will cycle to the spectacular Castle of Chenonceau, built directly on the waters of the River Cher and scene of one of the most famous rivalries in French history, that between Diana of Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici, respectively lover and wife of King Henry II. The route then resumes along the paths of La Loire à Vélo and crosses the vineyards of Montlouis where you will find some of the many cellars producing the famous white wine of this region. Finally, you reach the lively city of Tours with its beautiful historic center and perfectly preserved traditional half-timbered houses.

Day 5: Tours – Chinon (57 km)
By cycling along the bike paths of La Loire à Vélo you will reach the Castle of Villandry, known for its famous French-style Renaissance gardens and its 15th-century castle. Then continue towards the Castle of Ussé that inspired Perrault for his famous tale Sleeping Beauty. By cycling through the forest, you will reach the medieval town of Chinon, immersed in the vineyards where, if you wish, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the many wineries that rise along the banks of the Vienne river, famous for the elegant red wine produced there.

Day 6: Chinon – Saumur (36 km)
Cycling along the bike paths of La Loire à Vélo you will reach the charming village of Candes-Saint-Martin, located in the heart of the Loire, where you can visit the imposing fortified collegiate church built in the 12th and 13th centuries and dedicated to St Martin, and the beautiful village of Montsoreau with its splendid Renaissance-style tufa castle overlooking the Valley. Then proceed along troglodyte sites and vineyards before reaching the beautiful city of Saumur.

Day 7: Saumur
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure.