Castels of the Loire valley

Arrival in Tours, in the historical centre of Touraine, the famous „Garden of France“. In the afternoon you will receive detailed tour information (in German and English) and also your bikes (should you have rented one in advance).

The river Cher takes you on your way to Castle Villandry with its terraced gardens. Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous gardens! The shady paths, arbours decorated with flowers, fountains and the artistically arranged vegetable garden will impress even the most critical visitor. A few kilometres further on your route takes you from the banks of the Cher for to the banks of the Loire, where the next castle, Castle Langeais, awaits you. The fortified tower [this castle was used exclusively for military purposes] has a commanding view of the river and the surrounding countryside. At the edge of the dark, mysterious forest of Chinon lies Castle Ussé - „The Sleeping-Beauty-Castle“. Your journey continues along small villages and along side roads to Chinon.

Cycling along the river Vienne you reach the village of Candes-Saint-Martin. At the spot where Saint Martin died a splendid Romanesque church was erected. In Montsoreau the Vienne joins the mighty Loire – an impressive natural spectacle! Your journey continues through well-tended vineyards to Fontevraud l‘Abbaye. Nowhere else in the world will you encounter such an extensive, well-preserved medieval monastery as in Fontevraud. The return journey to Chinon takes you along literary paths. On the way you pass the birthplace of the famous author Francois Rabelais, as well as cycling through the valley which was the setting for his famous work, “Gargantua”.

You leave Chinon with its medieval alleys, and continue northwards. The route takes you through ancient vineyards and isolated villages to Crissay, which, with its 15th-century-houses, is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Today’s route also includes a castle, one of the finest. Azay–le-Rideau – the perfect Renaissance-castle!
Balzac described it as „a diamond with a thousand facets, set in the river Indre“. What more is there to say? You spend the night here, directly in the village, and have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the castle with its impressive cultural events.

Today’s journey includes a scenic highlight: through the romantic river scenery along the Indre, you come to the lovely small town of Montbazon. There is a short climb to overcome, over a ridge to the valley of the river Cher. You continue along meadow paths beside the Cher towards the village of Bléré, and on to your overnight accommodation in the historical town of Chenonceaux. The castle of Chenonceaux is the most spectacular of all the Loire castles, and is located in an unique position, with a two-storey gallery spanning the river, and with the impressive castle gardens stretching out in front of it. But see for yourself!

Today, you have two possibilities: you can choose the shorter trip which takes you through the scenic countryside of the Touraine to Castle Chaumont, and from here further along the romantic paths of the Loire to Blois. After checking in at the hotel, you can explore the surroundings. An excellent choice would be to visit Castle Blois with its galleries, balconies, and oriels. The second, longer option, is for all devoted Loire castle fans: via Montrichard, Cheverny, Villesavine to Castle Chambord. The „Domaine de Chambord“ extends as far as the eye can see. The walls of the largest and most magnificent residence in the Loire are visible through the trees from far away – the immortal legacy of a disloyal king. The choice is yours!

The river flows gently between golden, shimmering sandbanks. A characteristic feature of this region are the cliff dwellings, built into the soft limestone, so that the only evidence of their existence was the smoke rising from their fires. You cross the Loire to visit the king of all castles – Castle Amboise. It hosted five kings and a Roman emperor. A genius of the 16th century – Leonardo da Vinci – also spent his last years here. Along hidden paths and through vineyards and past wine-cellars, you cycle through Rochecorbon towards Tours.

C‘est la vie – today your journey to the castles of the Loire has come to an end! One more substantial breakfast, then it‘s time to say goodbye to one of the most charming, delightful regions of France. Should you decide to extend your holiday, we would be delighted to book accommodation for you!