CYCLING IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
8 days at - land only
Tripcode: LSR
A relaxed week of self-guided cycling amidst the beautiful scenery, chateaux and vineyards of the Loire valley
The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. Collectively they are known as Vins de Touraine. Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.
What makes this trip responsible?
Responsible Travel
Here at Exodus we feel the need to offer our clients an alternative to air travel within Europe and to destinations where taking the train can be a viable alternative to flying.
Working in cooperation with Rail Europe, our sales team will be happy to reserve your seats and tickets can be booked 3 months prior right up until the day of departure, subject to availability. Suggested train times and further information can be found within the Trip Notes.
| Day 1 | Start Amboise. |
| Day 2 | Ride to the river-side town of Montrichard. The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceau on the river Cher – or rather, in the river Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank. |
| Day 3 | Cycle through quiet villages of the Sologne to Bracieux, with optional stops at the Chateau of Fougeres, and the grander Cheverny. |
| Day 4 | Free day. Today is free to relax in the village or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase. |
| Day 5 | Riverbank ride following the lazy Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire passing a 16th century castle and the pretty village of Les Montils. |
| Day 6 | Free day. Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to the mediaeval city of Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides. |
| Day 7 | Cycle to Amboise. The final day in the saddle and cycle across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There is time to visit the Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town. |
| Day 8 | End Amboise. |
Want to see more?
Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now
Images from CYCLING IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
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Cyclists by the Chateau de Chambord, The Loire
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