Chateaux of the Loire Self-Guided Cycling
Chateaux of the Loire Self-Guided Cycling
Chateaux of the Loire Self-Guided Cycling
9 Days Starting in France and ending in Loire
Visiting: France
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C08LR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Leisurely
Age range:
8 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Loire Valley is synonymous with chateaux and they are as diverse as they are numerous with over 300 in total to explore. Embark on this eight night holiday which takes you on a journey of discovery through some of the most prominent chateaux of this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. The chateaux look like they've come straight from a fairytale with their turrets, pinnacles, lanterns and moats. There's the beautiful Renaissance chateau at Chenonceau which famously straddles the Cher, the magnificent royal palace of Amboise proudly dominating the riverside and town, and the dramatic chateau at Chaumont, once owned by Catherine de Medici (before being forcibly 'exchanged' for Chenonceau in a bitter love-battle), and occupying one of the most stunning sites of all the river's chateaux. The route is relaxed and mostly flat, following quiet country lanes and river banks. Cycle through the verdant green forest of Amboise and on to the charming town itself, where Francois I once played host to Leonardo da Vinci at Chateau du Clos Luce. You then cross the river to medieval Blois where you can stop at one of the many patisseries. Take time out to walk around the chateau here, and don't miss the nearby Maison de la Magie (Museum of Magic).
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive At Chissay.
Meals Included: dinner
If you have arranged to join the transfer we will pick you up from St Pierre
des Corps station and take you to Chissay (please see the joining
information), where your fabulous château hotel awaits. There will be time
for a swim before dinner*. Staying at Chateau de Chissay.*
Day 2 : Chissay To Chaumont
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Today's route takes you west along a marked cycle route through the Foret
d'Amboise and to the bustling and lively town of Amboise. Packed with
interest, you have time to explore its narrow cobbled streets, stroll along
the quayside and visit the house (Le Clos Luce) where Leonardo da Vinci spent
the last four years of his life. Masses of lunch choices await in the popular
old quarter before you head north-east through vineyards and poppy fields and
on to Chaumont in time for a well-deserved swim before dinner. *Staying at
Hostellerie du Chateau.
*
Day 3 : At Chaumont
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
The chateau here once belonged to Catherine de Medici and is quite
spectacular. The beautiful park surrounding the chateau was added in the 19th
century and between May and October it hosts the International Garden
Festival, featuring fabulous 'conceptual' gardens, created by green-fingered
artists and, perhaps unusually, philosophers! Alternatively, cross the river
and take the train from Onzain to the bustling university town of Tours, or
just relax by the hotel pool. *Staying at Hostellerie du Chateau.
*
Day 4 : Chaumont To Montlivault
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Today's route takes you over the River Loire and on quiet country lanes to
Blois where you can ride around the chateau in a horse and cart if you need
to give your cycling legs a rest! For the young at heart, Houdini's House of
Magic is a must, but everyone will enjoy exploring the warren of cobbled
streets and pretty arcaded squares. You have lots of lunch options before you
carry on through well-tended vineyards (with plenty of tasting opportunities)
and sleepy villages to our elegant riverside hotel in Montlivault. *Staying
at La Maison d'à Coté.*
Day 5 : Free Day Or Optional Ride.
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Explore the graceful village and its old ramparts then we suggest an
easy-paced 7km cycle (route notes provided) through the huge Foret de
Boulogne to the fairytale chateau at Chambord. The sheer size (it boasts 440
rooms) of this enormous palace reflects the lavish and flamboyant lifestyle
of its original owner, King Francois I. The surrounding park is today a
national nature reserve, protecting all sorts of wildlife including deer,
boar and eagles. *Staying at La Maison d'à Coté.
*
Day 6 : Montlivault To Chitenay
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Much of today's route is along the dedicated cycling paths that link selected
chateaux in this region. Highlights include Chateau de Villesavin (an unusual
museum of wedding dresses throughout the ages and a huge collection of
horse-drawn carriages) and the richly decorated Chateau de Troussay - be sure
to take a look at the elaborately painted ceilings. The surrounding parkland
is worth a detour too - many of the ancient trees are hundreds of years old.
Your final stretch takes you along quiet rural roads to the pretty wine
village of Chitenay where the affable Gilles Martinet and his team will be
waiting for you. Gilles is a pretty competent wine buff, so feel free to soak
up his expertise. *Staying at Auberge du Centre.
*
Day 7 : At Chitenay
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
It's very tempting to stay in Chitenay, enjoy lots of wine degustations in
the village, or perhaps just relax by the pool, but it would be a great shame
to miss out on a trip to Chateau de Cheverny, just 7km away (we provide
cycling route notes). Made of brilliant-white stone, this is arguably the
most immaculate of all the Loire chateaux, and is also home to the region's
largest collection of fine art. Another option is a 12km round cycling trip
to the stunning 16th century Chateau de Beauregard. You'll find a rare
kitchen garden (400+ plant species) and the recently restored Galerie des
Illustres portrait gallery here. *Staying at Auberge du Centre
*
Day 8 : Chitenay To Chissay
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Head south past well-tended and sleepy hamlets surrounded by fields of
sunflowers, stopping off perhaps at the fortified chateau of
Fougeres-sur-Bievre. Continue past Sambin to the superb Chateau de Chenonceau
with its famous arches majestically spanning the river. Described by Flaubert
as 'floating on air and water' it's arguably the most beautiful of all the
Loire landmarks. After a visit here, it's an easy cycle on to the Chateau de
Chissay for a well-earned dip in the pool. *Staying at Chateau de Chissay.
*
Day 9 : End Chissay.
Meals Included: breakfast
If you pre-book a transfer you will be taken back to St Pierre des Corps
station. See the joining information for more details.
What's Included
-
Route notes and maps
-
Local bike hire
-
All accommodation (see below)
-
Meals
8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 8 dinners.
What's Not Included
Food
All breakfasts and 6 dinners included. This is a gastronomic tour so the food is central to your experience. The Loire prides itself on it's cuisine. It is refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound. Asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France, which demonstrates the quality of the produce. These all provide delicious accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Fish also features in abundance. With three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through the region, freshwater fish appear on most menus. 'Sandre' (pikeperch) and breme (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a beurre blanc sauce - made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar. The majority of the cheese found in the region is goat's cheese. We suggest trying Selles-sur-Cher from the neighbouring Blesois region. Desserts are often based on the fruit from the local orchards. They include 'tarte tatin', a yummy caramelised upside-down apple pie - the invention of two absent-minded sisters in their attempt to salvage a dessert they had dropped on the floor. The Loire is undoubtedly one of Europe's finest wine producing regions with many of the separate wine areas producing red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Distinctive whites include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray and Muscadet; for reds, try Chinin, Bourgueil and Saumur. Anjou is by far the most popular rose.
Accommodation
Check out our Q&As
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."