Tours / Villandry

Touraine is known as ‘le Jardin de la France’ (The Garden of France) and Tours is a perfect central gateway for exploring it. This Loire à Vélo stage leads you along the south bank of the Cher River to the Château de Villandry, a major stop, with its world-famous gardens, before rejoining the Loire. Either side of Villandry are picturesque cycle paths leading to the great river. This stage proves extremely enjoyable.

Route

The city of Tours is criss-crossed by many marked cycle lanes. Be careful though taking the side-road along the major Avenue de Grammont leading from Loire to Cher, as it has many intersections. Then the way west alternates between quiet country roads and greenways up to the Cher’s confluence with the Loire.

Alternative route

At Villandry, an alternative route leads to the lovely small town of Azay-le-Rideau, boasting another famous château.

Don’t miss

Tours: once capital of medieval France; with remarkable historic quarters, monuments and houses around the cathedral and Place Plumereau square; many fine museums; major events year-round, including beside the Loire.
Savonnières: an enchanting mariners’ village on the Cher, still will traditional Loire Valley boats on display; famed crystallizing caves; a beautiful church with Romanesque entrance; a perfect spot to stop for lunch
Villandry: a charming historic village; the beautiful Renaissance château, world-famous for its exceptional terraced gardens, is a must-see sight.

Markets

• Tours : Tuesday to Sunday
• Savonnières : Saturday and Sunday morning