Cycle through the Loire Valley over 8 days, visiting iconic châteaux including Amboise, Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, and Chambord. The route follows mostly flat bike paths and quiet roads along the Loire and Cher rivers, with some gentle hills in vineyard areas. Explore historic towns like Tours, Chinon, and Blois, discover cliff dwellings carved into limestone, and visit Fontevraud Abbey. Daily distances range from 40-80 km on well-signposted routes through stunning natural landscapes.
The rural charm of this region is in no way inferior to the cultural wealth of its cities. But of course, the castles on the river Loire are the reason, above all else, why this region is so famous. Kings, feudal lords and ladies of the court, seduced by the beautiful natural setting of the Loire Valley, had, in the ‘garden of France’, several hundred castles, manor houses and dreamy residences built. Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, Chinon, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, Chambord, Blois, just to name the most important ones. Each one of them would be worth a separate holiday, however, together they truly display a one-of-a-kind dreamy route as far as architecture and scenery are concerned. First class in every way!
You'll cycle tour La Route Royale from city to château, exploring charming towns like Tours, Chinon, and Blois along the way. Stops at the castles of Langeais, Ussé, Chambord, and Azay-le-Rideau will take you not only along the scenic Loire but also deep into history. While one resembles a fairy-tale “Sleeping Beauty” castle, others were designed for military defense. In between, enjoy wandering through vibrant French markets and indulging in local specialties—whether it’s a classic tarte tatin or a glass of fruity wine.