The Royal Châteaux of the Loire

Blois to Amboise. Cycle south west through the Forêt de Blois before crossing the Loire at Chaumont-sur-Loire. Overlooking the town and the river, the castle was the subject of medieval intrigue as Catherine de Medici, widow of Henri II forced the late King’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, into accepting it in exchange for her favoured Chenonceau. On then to the royal town of Amboise, where you will spend the night in a 2 star hotel. The château sits on a rocky spur above the river and was home to Louis XI and Charles VIII in the late 15th century.

Miles: 27 Kms: 44

Amboise to Cheonceaux. Today you head south through the Forêt d’Amboise to the Château de Chenonceau. Built to stretch over the River Cher, the magical château creates an impression that it is, as described by Flaubert, ‘floating on air and water’. From Chenonceaux town where you will be spending the night, there’s a circular ride to take in the elegant mullioned windows and Gothic styled gables of the Château de Montpoupon if you’re feeling energetic or inspired. Your hotel this evening is at the town of Chenonceaux.

Miles: 28 Kms: 44

Chenonceaux to Chitenay. Heading out from Chenonceaux, you cycle first to Montrichard with its castle perched above the town on a rocky outcrop, then ride through vineyards to the Benedictine abbey at Pontlevoy, founded in 1034. Next up is the village of Fougères-sur-Bièvre home to an imposing medieval fortress which has been only slightly softened by the later additions of windows and a roof! Your accommodation is in a charming 2 star auberge in the quiet village of Chitenay.

Miles: 25 Kms: 40

Chitenay to Blois. A busy day with visits to the small Renaissance château at Troussay, the imposing classical styled château at Cheverny and Château de Villesavin with its dovecote for 3,000 birds. The climax of the day is the regal grandeur of Château de Chambord. Conceived as a ‘hunting lodge’ by Francois I in 1518, no expense was spared, resulting in the Loire’s largest residence. Your overnight stay is at the same hotel in Blois as Day One.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Depart after breakfast, following a final night in Blois.