The Loire by bike from Orléans to Nantes

Day 1: Orléans
Before you set off to explore the Loire by bike, take some time to visit this City of Art and History, which was liberated from an English siege by Joan of Arc in 1429.

Day 2: Orléans – Blois (72 km)
By travelling a stretch of the Loire by bike and following the river, you reach the blooming Beaugency. You then delve into the Domaine forest of Chambord, in the centre of which stands Chambord Castle, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. You then continue towards Blois, a small town with a wealthy historical past, as illustrated by the castle's structure, a perfect example of French architecture's evolution between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

Day 3: Blois – Tours (69 km)
Following small country roads, you first reach Chaumont Castle, which dominates the Loire, and then Amboise and its Royal Castle, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Not far from the castle, there is also the manor of Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the final years of his life. After Amboise, you continue through Montlouis vineyards, where you will discover many cellars where the area's delicious white wines are produced. The final destination of the day is the city of Tours, whose heart is the very lively Place Plumereau, framed by perfectly preserved typical half-timbered houses and enlivened by the many café and restaurant terraces overlooking it.

Day 4: Tours – Saumur (82 km)
You set off in the direction of Villandry Castle and its famous Renaissance gardens, which combine flowers, fruit trees, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. You then continue towards Langeais, whose imposing 16th-century castle evokes authentic medieval atmospheres. Always following the course of the Loire by bike and pedalling in the footsteps of the Sleeping Beauty, you reach Ussé Castle, before continuing through the vineyards of the Chinon area and the villages of Candes Saint Martin and Montsoreau. You then reach Saumur, via some troglodyte sites.

Day 5: Saumur – Montjean sur Loire (95 km)
Today's itinerary will take you through some of the wildest landscapes of the Loire by bike. After passing near the town of Angers, you continue through the production areas of the valuable Anjou wines, like that of Coteaux de l'Aubance. Don't miss the opportunity to stop in Savennière, famous for its white wine, before continuing along the banks of the Loire by bike until you reach Chalonnes, located at the confluence of the Loire and Layon rivers.

Day 6: Montjean sur Loire – Nantes (68 km)
As you continue along the banks of the Loire by bike, you will be immersed in a wide variety of natural landscapes, the ideal habitat for much wildlife and river birds. A quiet stretch on a cycle path will then take you up to Champtoceaux, nestled in one of the most beautiful views of the Loire and located on the border between Anjou and Brittany. The final destination of the day and of the trip: Nantes. The capital of the Loire Atlantique department, it is one of the most dynamic cities in France, with an immense historical, artistic, architectural and cultural heritage, which you can discover by strolling through its many pedestrian streets.

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