Luxury Escape in Chateau Country

You’ll start your tour in the charming city of Amboise, where you can visit the Chateau d’ Amboise with its breathtaking views over the Loire, or Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci converted into a museum. Amboise is easily accessible from Paris by train. Your bike will be waiting for you at the hotel on the day you arrive or by 9 a.m. the next morning.

Follow the “Loire à Vélo” cycling paths through the vineyards of Montlouis and its numerous wine cellars producing the famous sweet or sparkling white wines. Then, take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Proceed along the Touraine countryside to reach your next chateau-hotel in Montbazon. In the small village of Montbazon you could visit one of the oldest fortresses in France, Fortress of Montbazon.

Ride on the “Indre à vélo” cycling paths along the winding Indre river and admire its beautiful mills and typical
villages, before joining Azay le Rideau and its romantic Renaissance château, elegantly enclosed in its water
and greenery setting.

You’ll bike today to the remarkable Chenonceau Castle, jewel of the Loire Valley, with grounds that stretch across the River Cher in a perfect harmony of “water, greenery, gardens, and trees.”  It’s one of the most visited landmarks in all of France. The chateau is dedicated to the “Ladies of Chenonceau,” six women under whose influence this elegant chateau developed from a fortified mill. 

Leave the Chenonceaux to reach the nice medieval village of Montrichard. It is time to ride through the vineyards of Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre, a perfect illustration of the traditional 15^th century building art. A beautiful itinerary through the countryside and vineyards before reaching the famous château of Cheverny, still privately owned and beautifully furnished. It was built between 1604 and 1634 and never altered, presenting an immaculate picture of symmetry and harmony. You might also see the famous hounds used for local hunting by the descendant of the original owner.

Option: Hot air balloon flight

Biking on the small country roads around Cheverny is superb, and today you’ll visit the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux, Chateau de Chambord. With 440 rooms it’s one of the most extravagant commissions of its age. In the evening another regional meal, prepared with fresh products, awaits you in your hotel.

For your last cycling day, ride through the AOC Cheverny vineyards before going back on “Loire à Vélo” cycling tracks! Reach the castle of Chaumont sur Loire. Not to be missed: The International Garden Festival which takes place in the vast park of the Estate. An absolute laboratory for the contemporary creation, where the world famous designers challenge their originality. Then go on, between vineyards and Loire river, to reach the royal city of Amboise.

Your tour will end today, with departure after breakfast.