The Loire is the perfect region to discover by bike. Not only is it beautiful, and has a great infrastructure of flat untrafficked roads and cycling paths, but there is such an abundance of fantastic sites and towns to see, within an easy ride from each other, that it makes it easy to experience the richness of the region on two wheels. The only difficulty becomes having to choose which sites to spend the most time at, in order to be able to fill your eyes and your senses with as much of this "Playground of the Kings" as possible!

Day 1 : Arrival in Tours
Our trip manager will transfer you to your first hotel upon your arrival. There you will receive your trip package, maps and route notes, and have your bike adjusted, before leaving you to explore Tours before your first dinner. The town's 12th century cathedral, with its gothic flamboyant facade is impressive, but also simply wander through old Tours, with its half-timbered houses and lively pubs and cafes.

Day 2 : Tours to Azay le Rideau  35 km
Your ride will take you to the famous chateau and gardens of Villandry. This Renaissance castle is definitely overshadowed by the world-famous and exquisite gardens, considered by some to be the most beautiful in France. There are the water gardens, the ornamental flower gardens, the vegetable gardens, and the symbolic gardens. After taking time to visit, cycle on to Azay le Rideau, site of the chateau by the same name. Not one of the largest castles of the Loire, it is one of the prettiest, with the mix of Italian Renaissance style that was so popular, and the charm of a French castle on the water. Night in Azay le Rideau. Dinner on your own, but we'll provide a list of recommendations.

Day 3 : Azay le Rideau to Chinon   40 km
Today’s ride takes you through the countryside towards the Cher River which you follow up to Langeais. You soon reach the Château d’Ussé, the enchanting castle of Sleeping Beauty. Pass through the woods and the vineyards of the Chinon area – wine tasting is possible and recommended en route, in this region which is famous for its red wines! You arrive in the medieval town of Chinon with its enormous fortress overlooking yet another river, the Vienne River.

Day 4: Chinon to Saumur   40 km
Across the peaceful countryside where famous medieval French author François Rabelais spent his youth, you reach the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the biggest abbeys of western Christendom. Discover the exceptional sites of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, two of the nationally rated Most Beautiful Villages of France. Ride across the Saumur-Champigny vineyards where wine tasting is recommended! This evening before your dinner, explore charming Saumur and its Château overlooking the Loire River.

Day 5 : Departure - Bon Voyage!