Orleans to Tours

You’ll spend the day exploring beautiful Orléans on the River Loire with its picturesque, well-preserved neighborhoods. Orléans is the home of Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France, and is known for the awe inspiring Sainte Croix Cathedral, comparable to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Although Orléans was severely bombed in World War II (first by the Germans and then by the Allies) it still preserves some of its old buildings. The city is also famous for its university, one of the most prestigious in France.

This morning you’ll pedal along the Loire to the flower-filled city of Beaugency with its imposing 11th century dungeon looming high above the streets. Beaugency has conserved the charm of a small medieval city and you can visit the Notre Dame Abbey, the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices of Beaugency), and the 14th century bridge. Beaugency has a violent military history: it was the site of the famous Battle of Beaugency when it was freed by Joan of Arc.

Today you’ll visit the impressive Chateau de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux.  With 440 rooms it’s one of the most extravagant commissions of its age. Then you’ll bike on to Blois. Its famous chateau features four distinct architectural styles and houses the Musées des Beaux Arts and Archeology. St Louis Cathedral and numerous other churches and gardens decorate the city and are worth a visit.

You will cycle through the forests north of Blois and past scenic vineyards to the impressive Château de Chaumont, strategically located high above the River Loire and offering a majestic view over the river. Continuing to the charming town of Amboise, you might visit the Château d’ Amboise with its breathtaking views on the Loire, or Château Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci now converted to a museum.

Today you’ll cycle to fascinating Tours, passing by the vineyards and caves of Montlouis, renowned for its sweet white and sparkling wines. Later you will pass by Chateau de la Bourdaisière, believed to be the birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the beautiful mistress and favorite of King Henri IV.  Continuing to the center of Tours, you’ll discover this lively, flower-filled, university city on the River Loire with its fascinating medieval quarter, the famous “Place Plumereau,” and lovely half–timbered houses.

Your tour will end today with departure after breakfast – or you can extend your vacation by biking on to Angers (see our Tours to Angers itinerary). The combined tour would be 10 days and 9 nights long, with just one day in Tours.