From Tours to Angers

Your journey starts 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.

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.

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.

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.

Miles: 38 Kms: 62

After breakfast, there’s time to visit the Château 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 Tours. Please note that train fare to Tours is not included in the price of the tour.