Itinerary
- Day 1
Orléans
You arrive in Orléans, a lively modern city that served as a capital back in the early French Middle Ages. The historic center is well worth walking through, and this is your base for exploring the Loire Valley. The river itself is the last wild one in Europe, so you're starting from a pretty special spot.
Optional Activities
- Explore the historic center of Orléans
Landmarks Loire River 
- Day 2
Orléans to Blois
This morning you hop on your bike and cycle through the Loire Valley countryside, following the high banks with nice views of the hilly landscape spreading out around you. You'll roll through Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency, both historic towns worth seeing as you pass through. Later the terrain flattens as you head into the 'Pays des Châteaux' region, which means you'll be seeing castles throughout this section. The route itself is relaxed and easy to manage.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cycle from Orléans to Blois following Loire Valley high banks
- Pass through historic towns of Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency
Optional Activities
- Visit St. Laurent-des-Eaux power station
Landmarks Meung-sur-Loire Beaugency Loire River 
- Day 3
Blois to Amboise
You cycle along the southern bank through rolling hills covered with vineyards, heading toward Cande-sur-Beuvron before looping back to the Loire. The Chaumont-sur-Loire castle comes into view with its beautiful gardens. After cycling, you stop at a local winegrower to taste Sauvignon Blanc and learn about the region. The afternoon takes you to Amboise castle and then Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. Fair warning: there are a few short climbs along the way, so it's not completely flat.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cycle along southern Loire bank to Cande-sur-Beuvron
- View Chaumont-sur-Loire castle and gardens
- Visit a local winegrower and taste Sauvignon Blanc
- Explore Amboise castle and Clos-Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci residence)
Landmarks Cande-sur-Beuvron Chaumont-sur-Loire Château d'Amboise Clos-Lucé Loire River 
- Day 4
Amboise to Villandry
Today you head to Montlouis, a prestigious wine region with an ideal microclimate that produces grapes of real quality. You can visit a wine cellar to see how they work, or take a lunch break to explore on your own. Then you cycle through the 'Garden of France' as you make your way to Tours. From there, you continue along the south bank of the Cher river until you reach Villandry castle, which has beautiful gardens worth a quick look.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cycle through Montlouis wine region
- Cycle through Tours
- Cycle along south bank of Cher to Villandry castle and gardens
Optional Activities
- Visit a wine cellar in Montlouis
- Lunch break at local restaurant
Landmarks Montlouis wine region Tours Château de Villandry Cher River 
- Day 5
Villandry to Saumur
You cycle over the 'Bec du Cher' along the Loire toward the castle of Ussé, taking in views of the river and the islands scattered throughout full of water birds. The landscape here feels unspoiled as you continue where the Indre meets the Loire. You'll reach Candes-St-Martin, a beautiful spot where the Vienne and Loire flow together. At this point you have two options: stick close to the Loire on an easier route, or take a higher, more challenging path through the vineyards. Either way, both paths lead to Saumur castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cycle along Loire to Château d'Ussé
- Cycle through Candes-St-Martin
- Cycle to Saumur castle
Optional Activities
- Choose scenic route close to Loire
- Choose higher, more strenuous route through vineyards
Landmarks Château d'Ussé Candes-St-Martin Château de Saumur Loire River - Day 6
Saumur
Breakfast wraps up your cycling trip. If time permits, walk around Saumur, an equestrian town home to the Cadre Noir riding academy where French elite riders train. The center has beautiful houses with white tuff stone fronts and a castle worth seeing. When you're ready to head back, you can catch a train to Orléans.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit the equestrian town of Saumur
- Tour the Cadre Noir riding academy
- Explore beautiful houses with white tuff stone fronts
- Admire Saumur castle and classified monuments
- Travel back to Orléans by train
Landmarks Cadre Noir riding academy Château de Saumur
