Castles of the Loire (8 days)

The river flows leisurely between shimmering gold sandbanks. Characteristic of this area are the rock dwellings, which are built directly into the soft limestone, so that sometimes only the rising smoke reveals their existence. You briefly cross the Loire to pay tribute to the most royal of all Loire castles: Amboise Castle. It housed five kings and a Roman emperor. A genius of the 16th century also attracts his attention, Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years here in Amboise. You then continue cycling along the Loire cycle path to Tours. Or you can change to the train in Amboise (on your own) and shorten the stage by around 30 km.

Overnight place: Tours

The Cher River takes you straight to Villandry Castle and its terraced gardens. Of course, a visit to this famous garden should not be missed. Shady walking paths, flower-covered arbors, fountains and the artfully landscaped vegetable garden amaze every visitor. A few kilometers further you swap the banks of the Chers for those of the Loire and the next castle beckons: Langeais. A view from the defensive tower (this castle served exclusively military purposes) and the river and the entire surrounding area lie in front of you. On the edge of the dark and mysterious forest of Chinon rises Ussé Castle, the Sleeping Beauty Castle. You approach your today's destination Chinon via small villages and side streets.

Overnight place: Chinon

The Vienne first takes you to the small village of Candes-St-Martin. A magnificent Romanesque church was built at the place where St. Martin died. In Montsoreau, the Vienne meets the mighty Loire - an impressive natural spectacle. The “cave gardens” are over 800 kilometers long. Through well-kept vineyards we go to Fontevraud l'Abbaye. Nowhere else in the world can you find a medieval monastery complex that is as completely preserved as Fontevraud. This is followed by a “literary return trip” to Chinon. Your route takes you past the birthplace of the important writer Francois Rabelais, as well as through the valley in which the plot of his famous book “Gargantua” is set.

Overnight place: Like the previous day Chinon

You leave Chinon, with its medieval streets that squeeze between the river and the fortress, towards the north. Your path takes you through old vineyards and lonely villages to Crissay, which with its houses from the 15th century is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Of course, you can once again marvel at a castle today, one of a very special quality: Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance castle of the highest perfection. “A diamond with a thousand facets, framed by the indre,” writes Balzac. What else could we add to this? You spend the night directly in town and have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the castle with its cultural events.

Overnight place: Azay-le-Rideau

A scenic highlight is approaching: through the romantic river landscape, always following the Indre, you reach the pretty small town of Montbazon. A short climb awaits, a few hard pedal strokes and you reach the valley of the Cher River over a small ridge. On meadow paths you go along the river bank to Bléré, a small market town, and on to your historic overnight stay at Chenonceaux with its castle. Chenonceau Castle is probably the most beautiful of all Loire castles and sits enthroned in a unique location. A magnificent, two-story bridge gallery spans the river and in front of it is the wonderful castle garden... but see and discover for yourself.

Overnight place: Chenonceaux

Two options force your decision today: The shorter stage takes you through the lovely landscape of Touraine to Chaumont Castle and from here on romantic paths along the Loire to Blois. After checking into your room, set off to explore. Blois Castle, with its galleries, projecting balconies, bay windows and aspen windows, could be your destination. Or the second, longer variant, for all lovers of the Loire castles: via Montrichard, Cheverny, Villesavine to Chambord Castle. The “Domaine de Chambord” stretches here as far as the eye can see. From afar you can see the walls of this largest and most magnificent residence in the Loire shining through the trees, the enduring legacy of a faithless king. You have the choice.

Overnight place: Blois

After breakfast departure on your own.

Overnight place: Blois