Castles of the Loire (10 days)

Day 1: Arrival in Tours

On their own. Discover today the historic center of Tourraine, the much-praised "Garden of France".

Overnight stay in Tours.

Day 2: Tours - Chinon, approx. 55 km

The Cher River takes you straight to Villandry Castle with its terraced gardens. Of course, a visit to this famous garden is a must. Shady walking paths, flower-covered arbours, fountains and the artistically designed vegetable garden amaze every visitor here. A few kilometers further you will find the banks of the Loire. And the next castle beckons: Langeais. A view from the defense tower and in front of you are the river and the entire surrounding area. On the edge of the dark and mysterious Chinon forest stands Usseé Castle, the Castle of the Sleeping Beauty. You will approach today's destination via small villages and side roads.

Overnight in Chinon

Day 3: Excursion to Fontevraud l'Abbaye, approx. 55 km

The Vienne will first take 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, it goes to Fontevraud l'Abbaye. Here you can explore the medieval monastery complex, which is still completely preserved like no other in the world. This is followed by a "literary return trip" to Chinon. Pass the birthplace of the great writer Francois Rabelais, as well as the valley where his famous book "Gargantua" is set.

Overnight stay as the day before.

Day 4: Chinon - Azay-le-Rideau, approx. 40 km

You leave Chinon, with its medieval streets that squeeze between the river and the fortress, heading north. Your way leads you through old vineyards and lonely villages to Crissay, which is one of the most beautiful villages in France with its houses from the 15th century. Of course, you can also marvel at a castle today, and one of the special quality: Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance castle of the highest perfection. "A diamond with a thousand facets set in the Indre" writes Balzac. What else could we add to that? You stay overnight in town and thus have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the castle with its cultural events.

Overnight in Azay le Rideau

Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau - Chenonceaux, approx. 60 km

A scenic highlight is imminent: through the romantic river landscape, always following the Indre, you will reach the pretty small town of Montbazon. A short climb awaits, a few hard steps on the pedals and you reach the valley of the river Cher over a small ridge. Meadow paths take you along the Cher to Bléré, a small market town and on to your historic overnight stay in Chenonceaux with its castle. Chenonceau Castle is probably the most beautiful of all Loire Castles and is enthroned in a unique location. A magnificent, two-storey bridge gallery spans the river and in front of it the magnificent castle garden inspires ... but see and discover for yourself.

Overnight in Chenonceaux

Day 6: Chenonceaux - Blois, approx. 50 km

The stage takes you through the lovely landscape of the Touraine to Chaumont Castle and from here on along romantic paths along the Loire to Blois. After moving into your room, set off on a tour of discovery. Blois Castle with its galleries, projecting balconies, bay windows and aspens could be your destination.

Overnight in Blois

Day 7: Round trip to Chambord Castle, approx. 50 km

Today is mainly dedicated to Chambord Castle. This largest and
most magnificent residence on the Loire through the trees. Half a millennium of French history has
Chambord left their mark: Built in the Renaissance under the art-loving King Francois I, the scene of glamorous festivals and hunting parties under the “Sun King” Louis XIV, looted during the French Revolution and today the second most visited castle in France after Versailles. It will certainly not be difficult for you to discover many good reasons for this.

Overnight stay as the day before

Day 8: Blois - Amboise, approx. 45 km

The Loire cycle path takes you from Blois to Chaumont-sur-Loire. The castle located here was never a royal residence and is therefore more of an insider tip. What makes it particularly worth seeing is the huge park , which is the scene of an international garden show every year . End the day in Amboise, whose château is a particularly early example of Loire Valley Renaissance architecture. One of the greatest artists of the time also found his final resting place here: the Clos Lucé mansion, attached to the castle of Ambois, is entirely dedicated to the memory of Leonardo da Vinci.

Overnight in Amboise

Day 9: Amboise - Tours

The last stage of your cycle tour takes you back to the vineyards on the slopes above the Loire, to
Montlouis-sur-Loire wine-growing region and the town of the same name, which is idyllically situated on the river. It's worth taking a short break here before heading back along the river bank to Tours.

Overnight stay in Tours

Day 10: Departure from Tours

After breakfast departure on your own.