dossier

Chateaux of the Loire Cycling

Day 1 - Arrive at Chisseaux

Time to relax by our hotel’s heated outdoor pool and spa before dinner.

Day 2 - Chisseaux to Amboise (38km/21mi)

From Chisseaux, head west along the Cher valley - several picturesque spots en route. You pass through the charming hamlet of Franceuil before heading west to the delightful riverside towns of Bléré (good lunch stop) and Athée-sur-Cher. After the C16 château de Nitray - lovely gardens and excellent wine tasting - it’s north across the Cher through St Martin-le-Beau and on east to the bustling and lively town of Amboise.

Day 3 - At Ambiose

Amboise is packed with interest. It’s well-known for its Son et Lumièredisplays based on the massive château, which was turned by Charles VIII into a luxurious palace in the late 15C, and now houses an outstanding collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture. The town has bustling narrow streets, some excellent lunchtime restaurants and attractive buildings. Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life at le Clos Lucé, which is now a museum with displays of models constructed from his original plans, including an aeroplane, a machine gun and a tank. Gorgeous gardens too. There’s a striking modern fountain made in 1968 by Max Ernst, a museum tracing the history of postal deliveries and fascinating stained glass, paintings and sculptures in the 12C church of St Denis.

Day 4 - Ambiose / Chaumont (24km/13mi or 38km/23mi)

Lovely peaceful cycling today - and with a choice of routes depending on how energetic you’re feeling! Both routes start by gently pedalling following the course of the Cisse, via sleepy Limeray (drop in at the little white church to see the impressive collection of statues), and on to the château at Monteaux. You can then either take the (longer) route via the interesting ruins of Chambon-sur-Cisse, or take the direct route through open countryside and vineyards to take advantage of a couple of hours relaxing by the hotel pool in Chaumont! Just a stone’s throw away from the famous château.

Day 5 - At Chaumont

The château here once belonged to Catherine de Medici and is quite spectacular. Between May and October, it hosts the International Garden Festival. Or you can take the local train to Blois - option to ride around the château in a horse and cart! - and maybe join a boat trip down the river. Robert Houdini’s House of Magic is right next to the castle - a good place to spend some time either with, or without, the children! Masses of little restaurants too hidden away in the warren of cobbled streets and arcaded squares.

Day 6 - Chaumont to Chiteney (37km/22mi)

Today’s route takes you east along wonderfully quiet back roads and through acres of well-tended vineyards - lots of places to pop in for a dégustationor two of the local Touraine wines. Cultural highlights today include C15 Château de Beauregard with it’s rare C16 kitchen, portrait gallery (Delft-paved earthenware floor) and hundreds of paintings, and the Renaissance manor house at Troussay.

Day 7 - At Chitenay

The C17 château at nearby Cheverny, with it’s wonderful white stone façade, is a popular day trip. Or you can cycle to the magnificent château at Chambord. Set in the heart of the huge Fôret de Boulogne, this C16 masterpiece appears straight from a fairytale, and reflects the lavish tastes 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. You can view these animals from the special observatories dotted throughout the park.

Day 8 - Chitenay to Chisseaux (32km/18mi)

Head south back to the river Cher through vineyards and fields of sunflowers. Lunch perhaps on the terrance beside the fortified mediaeval château of Fougères-sur-Bievre, then along towards the superb Château du Chenonceau, with its famous arches spanning the river. It’s the most romantic and beautiful of all the Renaissance châteaux. Flaubert said that it “floated in the water”. One last look at the bewitching towers before heading back to the hotel for a final swim.

Day 9 - Leave Chenonceaux