From Orléans to Angers

Joan of Arc rode out of Orléans to Meung-sur-Loire – and that’s how you start your tour today too. Liberated by the great heroine, the town has a sprawling château which embodies its rather chequered history. Pink stucco walls of the 18th century Bishop’s Palace nestle in the protection of sterner, towered fortifications and you can certainly imagine Alexander Dumas’ d’Artagnan flourishing his fictional sword here at the Comte de Rochefort. A pleasant pedal leads further downstream to your hotel at historic Beaugency. These days the town is renowned for its floral displays, but it was another constant battleground in the 100 Years’ War. Don’t miss the massive medieval bridge across the Loire here – it’s a miracle that all its 26 arches survived.

Overnight in Beaugency

Miles: 17 Kms: 28

Heading out from beautiful Beaugency, it’s time to leave the riverside today and follow the call of perhaps the greatest royal hunting lodge of all time. As the lanes lead into the forest, little can prepare you for the overwhelming scale and sheer exuberance of both the Château de Chambord and its grounds. There’s so much to see – 400 rooms, 365 fireplaces, 84 staircases! – and hectare after hectare of beautiful forest and parkland to explore. When you eventually escape, there’s the Houdini Museum as well as further château treats in store back on the river at historic Blois where you’ll be spending your next overnight.

Overnight in Blois

Miles: 29 Kms: 46

Take some time to enjoy the magical staircases and rich courtyards of the château at Blois before following the delightful country route which wends its way to Chaumont-sur-Loire. Here, another great château – squat and fortified this time – sits above the river. It’s impressive enough, but there’s even more riverside magic at Amboise where the huge royal château is only a fifth of its original size. Don’t miss the Clos Lucé mansion with its fascinating insight into the world of Leonardo de Vinci who spent his last days here. Staying in Amboise gives you a great opportunity to really get to know this lively town and enjoy a pleasant evening stroll down its wide promenades along the Loire.

Overnight in Amboise

Miles: 27 Kms: 44

Leaving the bustle of majestic Amboise, it’s time for a refreshing change. Around Montlouis-sur-Loire vineyard slopes envelop more petite châteaux such as the one-time home of a famous local Duchess, Château de la Bordelaisière. The route then leads steadily into Tours to your next hotel and a wonderful range of historic treasures both great and small, from half-timbered delights in the old town to the lively café culture of the Place Plumereau and imposing ornate towers of the magnificent Cathédrale St-Gatien.

Overnight in Tours

Miles: 16-19 Kms: 25-31

Leave Tours cycling along the banks of the Loire before crossing the Cher to visit the spectacular Renaissance gardens at Château de Villandry. South then to the Indre to see the château at Saché, a retreat for the novelist Balzac, before following the river downstream to Azay-le-Rideau. Your accommodation is in a 3 star hotel a few minutes walk away from the château, whose round towers are reflected in the Indre below. Wine-tasting in the village is a welcome reminder of the vineyards all around.

Overnight in Azay-le-Rideau

Miles: 27 Kms: 43

As you cycle along the banks of the Loire, you can contrast the fiercely feudal 15th century fortress of Langeais, with the fairytale Château d’Ussé. Overlooking watery meadows and the river Indre, the castle’s white turrets and pointed towers inspired Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. The medieval town of Chinon is like a film set, nestling beneath the Château Chinon. Stroll down Rue Voltaire lined with medieval houses to No.44, the stonemason’s house where Richard the Lionheart is said to have died. Your 3 star hotel is tucked away in the ancient streets behind the market place.

Overnight in Chinon

Miles: 26 Kms: 41

Cross the river Vienne and cycle through vineyards to the 12th century Abbey at Fontevraud, the largest and most remarkably intact in France. Today you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste the wines of the Loire, as well as sampling the local méthode champenoise sparkling wine, when you arrive in Saumur. Celebrated for its fairytale cháteau and cavalry school, Saumur is also famous for its mushrooms and you’ll pass caves burrowed out of the rock, used for mushroom growing, storing sparkling wines, as well as for dwellings, as you approach the ancient town.

Overnight in Saumur

Miles: 28 Kms: 45

First stop today is the village of St Hilaire des Grottes with its many cellars or caves running back into the hillside overlooking the Loire. Pedal along the banks of the Loire to Cunault, with its Romanesque church and carvings, and on to the charming little town of Gennes. Crossing the Loire at St Mathurin-sur-Loire, you continue to follow the river before you turn north to take a picturesque cycle route along the River Maine into the heart of Angers for your final overnight.

Overnight in Angers

Miles: 38 Kms: 62

Train to Orléans or onward journey
After breakfast, there’s time to visit the Château d’Angers and see the Apocalypse, one of France’s finest medieval tapestries. You might fancy a little shopping at Galeries Lafayette, before jumping on the train to take you back to Orléans or continuing your onward journey. Please note that train fare to Orléans is not included in the price of the tour.