dossier

Chateaux of the Loire Cycling

CHÂTEAUX OF THE LOIRE CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY

Château de Chissay  ****

Chissay, Days 1+8

The Château de Chissay is a 4 star château hotel steeped in history, set in 25 ha of parkland overlooking the Loire. Lovingly restored back in 1986, it’s said that both Charles VII and Louis XI stayed here. In the stately dining room, once the guard room, you’ll be treated to delicious cuisine inspired by local produce and also a comprehensive wine list.  The rooms have been tastefully decorated and their bathrooms each feature mosaic designs representing famous people from French history who marked the different periods in time.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1 Arrive at Chissay

We meet you at Blois station and take you (35 mins) to Chissay where your fabulous château hotel awaits. Time for a swim before dinner .

Day 2 Chissay to Chaumont 42km/28mi

Today’s route takes you west along a marked cycle route through the Forêt d’Amboise and to the bustling and lively town of Amboise. Packed with interest, you have time to explore its narrow cobbled streets, stroll along the quayside and visit the house (Le Clos Lucé) where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life. Lots of lunch choices in the popular old quarter before heading north-east through vineyards and poppy fields and on to Chaumont in time for a well deserved swim before dinner.

Hostellerie du Château  ***Chaumont
Days 2+3

This hotel is situated between the Loire river and the famous château itself, the Hostellerie du Château is a lovely, quirky hotel, that just oozes charm. The bedrooms also reflect the theme of times gone by, but they are well equipped for the demands of the 21C guest, as they all have telephone, satellite tv and hairdryer. The dining room, with its wooden beams and grand fireplace, adds to the overall antequated atmosphere.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 3 At Chaumont

The château here once belonged to Catherine de Medici and is quite spectacular . The beautiful park surrounding the château was added in the 19th century and, between May and October , it hosts the International Garden Festival. Explore the parkland or take astroll along the river perhaps? Alternatively just relax by the hotel pool.

Day 4 Chaumont to St Dye-sur-Loire 40km/25mi

Today’s route takes you over the river Loire and on quiet country lanes to Blois where you can ride round the château in a horse and cart if you need to give your cycling legs a rest! If you’re with children, then Houdini’s House of Magic is a must, but everyone will enjoy exploring the warren of cobbled streets and pretty arcaded squares. Lots of lunch options before carrying on through well-tended vineyards – plenty of tasting opportunities – and sleepy villages to our elegant riverside hotel in St Dye-sur-Loire.

Manoir Bel Air  **
St Dye-sur-Loire Days 4+5

The Manoir de Bel Air is run by the Abel family. This imposing house on the banks of the Loire was built in the 17C for a wine broker. In 1749 it was used as a military hospital for the Marechal de Saxe who was then based at Chambord. The bright and sunny dining room overlooks the river Loire and Headwater guests can choose from the gastronomic menu.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 5 At St Dye-sur-Loire

Explore the graceful village and its old ramparts then we suggest an easy-paced 7km/4mi cycle (route notes provided) through the huge Forêt de Boulogne to the fairytale Château at Chambord. The sheer size – it boasts 440 rooms – of this enormous palace reflects the lavish and flamboyant lifestyle of its original
owner , King François I. The surrounding park is today a national nature reserve, protecting all sorts of wildlife including deer, boar and eagles.

Day 6 St Dye-sur-Loire to Chitenay 40km/25mi

Much of today’s route is along the dedicated cycling paths that link selected châteaux in this region. Highlights include Château de Villesavin (unusual museum of wedding dresses throughout the ages and a huge collection of horse-drawn carriages) and the richly decorated Château de Troussay – be sure to take a look at the elaborately painted ceilings. The surrounding parkland is worth a detour too – many of the ancient trees are hundreds of years old. Your final stretch takes you along quiet rural roads to the pretty wine village of Chitenay where the affable Gilles Martinet and his team will be waiting for you – Gilles is a pretty competent wine buff, so feel free to soak up his expertise (no pun intended!).

Auberge du Centre  ***
Chitenay  Days 6+7

This charming ivy-clad hotel is right in the centre of the pretty village of Chitenay, run by the affable Gilles Martinet and his team. Most of the hotels 27 rooms have been recently modernised and Breakaway rooms are all en-suite (with bath) and feature satellite tv (including CNN) and telephone. The hotel has a pleasant terrace overlooking its gardens, which are a real treat on a summers day, as well as an attractive sitting area inside, complete with wooden beams and comfy chairs. There is a car park behind the hotel, or on road parking available at the front of the building. There is also a public car park opposite the hotel. All non - secure.

Day 7 At Chitenay

It’s very tempting to stay in Chitenay – lots of wine dégustations in the village – but it would be a great shame to miss out on a trip to Château de Cheverny, just 7kms/4mi away (we provide cycling route notes). Made of brilliant white stone, this is arguably the most immaculate of all the Loire châteaux, and is also home to the region’s largest collection of fine art. Another option is a 12km/7.5mi round cycling trip through the Russy Forest and to the stunning C16 Château de Beauregard – here you’ll find a rare “kitchen” garden (400+ plant species) and the recently restored Galerie des Illustres portrait gallery.

Day 8 Chitenay to Chissay 41km/26mi

Head south past well-tended and sleepy hamlets surrounded by fields of sunflowers stopping off perhaps at the fortified château of Fougérès-sur-Bièvre. Past Sambin to the superb Château de Chenonceau with its famous arches majestically spanning the river . Described by Flaubert as floating “on air and water” it’s arguably the most beautiful of all the Loire landmarks. After a visit here its it’s an easy cycle on to the Château de Chissay for a well earned dip in the pool.

Day 9 Leave Chau

For extra nights we recommend Chissay, Chaumont or Paris.