Bike Tour: Highlights of the Loire Valley - From Blois to Saumur - 6 days

You individually travel to Blois. If there's some time left take a walk around the town which is known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere. Also worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings, and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and 17th century.

From Blois you follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Cycle back along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire. High on the bank is the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire surrounded by beautiful gardens. You are in the historic region Touraine. Visit a wine grower and taste a local ‘sauvignon blanc´. Enjoy the grandeur of the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. There are some short climbs on the way.

 Challenge : 42.2 km, 341 m ascent, 345 m descent

Leave the medieval atmosphere of Amboise behind you and cycle to the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, which was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médicis. Continue your cycling day to the region of the prestigious ´Montlouis’ wines. The ideal microclimate, close to where the Loire and Cher unite, produces grapes of a unique quality. Discover this yourself during a visit to a wine cellar or a lunchbreak. A fine track leads to Tours, the friendly capital of what is called ´the garden of France'. Here great experiences are awaiting you like the magnificent cathedral and basilica, the Olivier Debré Art Centre, the Botanical Garden, the flavors of the markets...

 Challenge : 55.6 km, 419m ascent, 434m descent

This beautiful stage takes you first along the south bank of the dreamy Cher river to the picturesque village of Savonnières, known for its caves and underground lake. Not many kilometers later you reach Villandry. Visit the palatial castle of the same name with its world-famous gardens and refined interior which gives a good impression of the French 'art de vivre' in the 18th century. Continue to Azay-le-Rideau and its beautiful castle. Later meet again the Loire, on the high bank you have beautiful views of the river and its islands full of water birds. Passing front of the Château of Rigny-Ussé (The Sleeping Beauty) before reaching Huismes, your final destination.

 Challenge : 57.4 km, 484m ascent, 448 m descent

Enjoying the magnificent panoramas you go on to the lovely Candes-St-Martin where the Vienne and Loire confluent. This is Anjou, known for its wines and troglodytes. From Fontevraud, choose the track close to the Loire or follow the higher, more exciting but also more strenuous track across the vineyards. Both end at the castle of Saumur.

 Challenge : 54.4 km, 752m ascent, 801m descent

Breakfast marks the end of the trip. Have you got some time left, then visit the horse town Saumur, the home base of the prestigious riding academy Cadre Noir where the elite of the French horsemen is trained. Enjoy the beautiful houses with their white tuff stone fronts in the centre. Admire the proud castle and all the other beautiful classified monuments.