Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Chinon
You'll arrive at Hotel de France in Chinon, settling into your room overlooking Place du Général de Gaulle. This medieval Loire Valley town sits perfectly positioned for the cycling days ahead, and after checking in, you have time to get oriented and grab dinner nearby.
- Start point
- Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Indre-et-Loire, France (Train station, main exit, 14:00 - 16:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore medieval Chinon town center
- Relax in pavement bars and cafes at Place du Général de Gaulle
Landmarks Château de Chinon Place du Général de Gaulle - Day 2
Chinon to Fontevraud to Montsoreau and back to Chinon
Start cycling along the River Vienne heading toward the Royal Abbey at Fontevraud, where Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Richard the Lionheart are buried. From there, continue downhill to Montsoreau where the Vienne meets the Loire, then cycle back to Chinon along the opposite bank. It's a scenic loop that gives you a real sense of the valley's geography.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycle to Royal Abbey at Fontevraud
- Cycle along the banks of River Vienne and Vienne-Loire confluence
Optional Activities
- Visit Royal Abbey at Fontevraud interior
- Explore Montsoreau village
Landmarks Royal Abbey at Fontevraud River Vienne Montsoreau 
- Day 3
Chinon to Azay-le-Rideau
Begin with a tour of Château de Chinon, the fortress where Joan of Arc heard voices telling her to relieve Orléans. Then cycle toward the Indre and Loire, stopping at Château Ussé (the Sleeping Beauty inspiration) and Villandry with its famous three-tier gardens. Finish with an 11 km cycle to Azay-le-Rideau, a stunning château surrounded by the River Indre.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour of Château de Chinon
Optional Activities
- Visit Château Ussé
- Visit Villandry gardens
- Visit Azay-le-Rideau château
Landmarks Château de Chinon Château Ussé Château de Villandry Château d'Azay-le-Rideau River Indre 
- Day 4
Azay-le-Rideau to Loches
After exploring the ornate Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, cycle through rolling farmland of the River Indre valley to the medieval Cité Royale of Loches. Here you'll walk through the Donjon fortress and royal residence where French kings and queens once lived. You'll stay at Hotel George Sands for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Optional Activities
- Visit the Donjon of Loches
- Explore the royal residence in Loches
Landmarks Château d'Azay-le-Rideau River Indre Cité Royale de Loches Donjon of Loches - Day 5
Loches to Amboise
Spend the morning at Loches' medieval royal buildings before cycling across country to Château de Chenonceau, the most visited Loire château built as a bridge over the Cher River. Tour the interior including Louise of Lorraine's black room and Catherine de Medici's ballroom. Then cycle about 10 miles to Amboise, a lively medieval town, and check into Hotel Vinci.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Château de Chenonceau
Optional Activities
- Explore Loches medieval royal buildings
- Relax in the square at Amboise
Landmarks Château de Chenonceau River Cher Royal Château of Amboise - Day 6
Amboise to Blois
Cycle on backroads to Château de Chaumont, originally given to King Henry II's mistress Diane of Poitiers. Walk the beautiful grounds and arboretum-like trees, then explore the impressive stables. From here, cross to the north bank of the Loire for the first time and cycle a leisurely 15 miles through flat terrain to Blois. Tour the Château of Blois with its 100 bedrooms and over 500 rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Château de Chaumont
- Visit Château of Blois
Landmarks Château de Chaumont Château of Blois River Loire - Day 7
Blois to Chambord to Blois
Cycle from Blois following the River Loire upstream on small roads and cycle paths. If it's Saturday, the Blois market has a great cheese selection. Cross the Loire at Muides-sur-Loire and cycle through forests where deer and wild boar roam to Château de Chambord, the grandest Loire château. Built as a hunting lodge by King Francis I, you'll explore the 365-chimney château and climb the famous double-helix staircase. Return to Blois for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Château de Chambord
Optional Activities
- Access Chambord roof via double-helix staircase
- Explore hunting forest and wildlife hides
Landmarks Château de Chambord River Loire Muides-sur-Loire River Cosson - Day 8
Departure from Blois
Leave Blois at 10:30 am from Saint Pierre des Corps TGV station, about 45 minutes away by car. This gives you time for a decent breakfast before heading back to Paris, where you'll arrive late morning.
- End point
- Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Indre-et-Loire, France (Main entrance, train station, 09:00 - 11:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks TGV Station Saint Pierre des Corps
