ADT Touraine JC Coutand

Passage au Château Royal de Blois - La Loire à vélo

CRT Centre-Val de Loire - J. Damase

Deux voyageurs à vélo sous un coucher de soleil - Amboise

CRT Centre-Val de Loire - P. Forget

Loire by bike from Blois to Tours

A bike weekend along the Royal River - 78 km

You’ve entered the part of the Loire known as France’s Valley of the Kings, with many famed châteaux between Blois and Tours, both cities where the French court refined the art of living. Each castle bears the imprint of royal happenings. These emblematic lordly dwellings call for your visit along this majestic stretch, a major part of the Loire à Vélo cycle route.

Balade en bateau à Chaumont-sur-Loire - La Loire à vélo

CRT Centre-Val de Loire - J. Damase

A trip on a traditional boat on the Loire

Setting off from Chaumont-sur-Loire or Amboise, treat yourself to a unique and enjoyable cruise on the Loire, boarding traditional boats to explore the river, its natural surroundings and its history. Cruises are available at dawn and in the evening at dusk!

Le festival International des jardins à Chaumont-sur-Loire

A. Verger - CRT Centre Val de Loire

The International Garden Festival in Chaumont-sur-Loire

Whilst the park and château of Chaumont-sur-Loire are already a delightful stop, the estate’s gardens rival each other in originality every year during the International Garden Festival. Landscape architects and artists prepare a collection of gardens each year based on a specific theme. Open from late April to early November.

Sur les traces de Léonard de Vinci au Clos Lucé

L. de Serres - CRT Centre-Val de Loire

Clos Lucé: in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci

The spirit of Leonardo da Vinci hovers over the Clos-Lucé manor house, mingling with the memory of all the famous guests who have graced the estate’s golden age. In the park, giant models allow visitors to experience some of the machines devised by the brilliant Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci.

Tailor-made itineraries

17 Blois / Chaumont-sur-Loire

20 km

1 h 21 min

I begin

This Loire à Vélo stage takes you away from Blois along the Loire’s south bank, then a little further south to the village of Candé-sur-Beuvron via vine-covered slopes. Next, follow the River Beuvron back to the majestic Loire and the splendid Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, perched above the river, with magnificent gardens and garden festival.

18 Chaumont-sur-Loire / Amboise

23 km

1 h 15 min

I begin

On this Loire à Vélo stage, enjoy exploring fine wine-making lands as well as the regal river. You’re now in the historic county of Touraine. Excite your taste buds by visiting wine estates, some with impressive underground cellars. As to your eyes, marvel at the glories of the Château d’Amboise and nearby Clos-Lucé, the latter last home to Leonardo da Vinci. There are a few slopes along the way.

19 Amboise / Montlouis-sur-Loire

15 km

1 h 01 min

I begin

On this Loire à Vélo stage, the soaring Chinese-style Pagoda of Chanteloup near Amboise offers a Zen experience. Next, on to the prestigious Montlouis appellation wine area. Discover the wide range of local whites in the cellars and restaurants around here. Don’t overdo it like Gargantua, the greedy fictional giant closely linked with Touraine! This stage is relatively easy for cyclists.

20 Montlouis-sur-Loire / Tours

12 km

1 h 02 min

I begin

This Loire à Vélo stage proves as delightful as it is easy, leading to the gentle capital of the county of Touraine, Tours. The microclimate at the confluence of the Loire and Cher rivers proves ideal for imparting unique qualities to the grapes of the exclusive Montlouis wine appellation. You can now explore this blessed corner of Touraine with ease thanks to the new greenway laid out beside the Loire.