From Blois to Angers on the Loire Valley castles by bike route
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Loire Valley by bike, from Blois to Angers, punctuated by majestic castles, picturesque villages and enchanting panoramas. On quiet cycle paths, you will discover Chambord, Amboise, Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, Saumur… So many architectural gems nestled in a generous nature. Between forests, vineyards and river banks, savor the local gastronomy and the hospitality of the region. Treat yourself to this unique adventure, mixing culture, relaxation and gourmet pleasures, to create unforgettable memories.
Highlights of the stay on the Châteaux of the Loire by bike:
- Medieval cities of Blois and Amboise
- Cities of Tours, Saumur and Angers
- Vingnobles of Saumurois and Anjou
- The Châteaux of the Loire: Blois, Chambord, Amboise, Chenonceau, Chaumont, Villandry, Chinon, Angers, Saumur, Azay-le-Rideau
- The cycle paths of the Loire by bike
Day 1: arrival in Blois
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, Blois seduces with its rich historical heritage. Its majestic castle, former residence of the kings of France, offers an exciting journey through different eras. Stroll through its picturesque streets and visit the Maison de la Magie, a museum dedicated to Robert-Houdin.
Day 2: Chambord / Cheverny / Sologne loop (40, 52 or 67 km)
To get your legs going, several routes are available. Leave the Loire after following it for many kilometers on a pretty cycle path at the exit of Blois. You quickly arrive at the Domaine de Chambord with its imposing castle. If you want to prolong the pleasure before returning to Blois, sing a song to the dense forest of Sologne or to the castle of Cheverny.
Day 3: from Blois to Amboise (43 km)
It is by small bucolic country roads and beautiful cycle paths that you reach Amboise and its Royal castle. On the route, stands the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire built in the middle of an incredible estate. Possibility to visit the castle but also the "Center of Arts and Nature" as well as the "International Garden Festival".
Day 4: from Amboise to Tours (59 km)
First stop of the day: the castle of Chenonceau, a magnificent building built directly on the Cher. You leave Amboise along the Loire before joining the Cher which takes over as a common thread to Tours. It is in the countryside, between fields and vineyards that you cycle. Capital of Touraine, Tours seduces with its cultural richness and its art of living. Its old town is home to the famous Place Plumereau, popular for its friendly atmosphere and its half-timbered houses. History buffs appreciate the Saint-Gatien cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts. As for gourmets, they can taste the Sainte Maure de Touraine (goat's cheese), the rillettes, rillons or the delicious local wines.
Day 5: from Tours to Azay-le-Rideau (66 km)
Get on your bike to travel long kilometers of cycle path along the Cher. On the water, you can see the toues cabanées, emblematic boats of the Loire. On the way, you pass through the picturesque village of Savonnières before reaching the Château de Villandry. If the castle is magnificent, what can we say about its sumptuous gardens and its French-style vegetable garden? Continue the adventure by following the Loire then the old Cher, stopping at Langeais before reaching Azay-le-Rideau. In this small town stands an elegant Renaissance castle, built on an island in the Indre, a harmonious marriage between French tradition and Italian influence.
Day 6: from Azay-le-Rideau to Saumur (71 km)
Take the banks of the Indre to reach Bréhémont, a former port on the Loire, whose monumental quays tell of a prestigious past. Then continue your route on the Loire levee to Ussé, where stands the castle that inspired the tale of Sleeping Beauty. In Chinon, explore the royal fortress and wander through the medieval streets, before taking the road again through the preserved bocage of Véron. Then follow the Loire to admire the villages of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, then cross the vineyards of Saumur Champigny, punctuated by remarkable troglodytes.
Day 7: from Saumur to Angers (58 or 65 km)
This last stage is full of promise: leave Saumur by taking the cycle path that runs along the Loire and pass in front of the Grandes Maisons des vins de Saumur. You will then visit villages, each more charming than the last, with their tuffeau stone houses, their small churches or their small ports. Before arriving in Angers, you will have to make a choice:
- Short option: use the chain boat to cross the Authion and discover the Parc des Ardoisières. This former slate quarry has been boldly rehabilitated into a park, and provides a magnificent setting for these last few kilometres by bike.
- Long option: continue on the banks of the Loire through pretty villages and peaceful meadows. Bouchemaine with its beautiful bourgeois residences is the last stop before entering the capital of the Dukes of Anjou.
Day 8: Angers
Angers is distinguished by its medieval castle, home to the famous Apocalypse Tapestry. Its historic streets, friendly atmosphere and green spaces invite you to stroll. The city, known for its "Angevin sweetness", offers many museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the David d'Angers Gallery. Stroll along the Maine to enjoy superb panoramas.