Castles of the Loire (8 days)

Characteristic of this region are the cliff dwellings, built directly into the soft limestone. You'll cycle close to the river and briefly cross the Loire to admire the most regal of all the Loire châteaux: Amboise Castle. Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years in Amboise, where his house can still be visited today. Continue cycling along the Loire Cycle Route to Tours – or, if you prefer, you can switch to the train in Amboise (on your own).

Overnight place: Tours

The Cher River leads you directly to the Château de Villandry with its stunning gardens. Shortly before reaching the Château de Langeais, you'll cross from the Cher to the Loire. A view from the keep (this castle served exclusively military purposes) reveals the spectacular surrounding countryside. At the edge of the Chinon Forest rises the Château de Ussé, the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Passing through small villages and along side roads, you'll approach your destination for the day, Chinon.

Overnight place: Chinon

The Vienne River first leads you to the small village of Candes-St-Martin. In Montsoreau, the Vienne merges with the mighty Loire – a truly impressive natural spectacle. The route continues through well-tended vineyards to Fontevraud l'Abbaye. Nowhere else in the world will you find a medieval abbey as completely preserved as Fontevraud. A "literary journey" then takes you back to Chinon, as you pass the birthplace of the renowned writer François Rabelais.

Overnight place: Like the previous day Chinon

You leave Chinon with its medieval streets and head north. Your route takes you through old vineyards and secluded villages to Crissay, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Of course, you can admire another castle today: Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance castle of the highest order. You'll spend the night right in the village, giving you the opportunity to experience the castle's magic up close.

Overnight place: Azay-le-Rideau

Following the Indre River through a romantic river landscape, you'll reach the charming town of Montbazon. A short climb awaits, and you'll arrive in the Cher Valley. Meadow paths lead to Bléré and on to your historic overnight stop, Chenonceaux, with its castle. A magnificent, two-story covered walkway spans the river, and in front of it, the splendid castle gardens await – come and see for yourself!

Overnight place: Chenonceaux

Today you choose: The shorter stage takes you through the charming landscape of the Touraine region to Chaumont Castle and then along romantic paths by the Loire to Blois, where you have the rest of the day at your leisure. Alternatively, the route leads via Montrichard, Cheverny, and Villesavine to Chambord Castle. Even from afar, you can see the walls of this largest and most magnificent residence on the Loire shimmering through the trees, the enduring legacy of a faithless king.

Overnight place: Blois

After breakfast departure on your own.

Overnight place: Blois