How about an original and fun cycling vacation through the green hills of France? Landscapes scattered with Renaissance castles, full of history and hidden legends?

This route will allow you to discover the famous Loire Valley on two wheels. The main attraction of the region are its castles (châteaux in French) and the reason why part of the valley is listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Even though some of the castles date back as far as the Middle Ages, most of them were rebuilt or restored during the French Renaissance, when the royals used to come to the area to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

The area is also known as the ‘Cradle of the French’, being it one of the mayor areas for fruit, vegetables and wine production. Average temperatures of 16-20ºC in summer combined with gentle hills and green forestsmake this area perfect for a cycling trip.

This 8-day round trip starts and ends in Blois, a town known for its castle that combines a variety of architectural styles from the 13^th to the 17^th Century. The itinerary offers you a perfect combination of nature and culture, with daily stages of 40 to 55km on mainly flat and well paved roads. An ideal trip for the casual cyclist!

ITINERARY
From Blois you will make your way cycling to Amboise, with its famous royal castle where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last years of his life.

Crossing the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, famous for its elegant white wines you will reach the Chenonceau Castle. This castle straddling the Cher river (a branch of the Loire) is one of the most photogenic ones. A great moment to leave the bike aside and jump in a canoe to contemplate this magnificent castle from where it’s seen best: the water.

Continue until Montrichard and the Touraine vineyards. Did you know the Loire Valley is one of the most important French wine regions? The main production is white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet.

Once you reach Cheverny (or Chitenay) don’t miss out on the Château de Beauregard and its famous Portrait Gallery. During the last stage of the route, before returning to Blois, you will pass by the Chambord Castle, a true masterpiece of the French Renaissance with its 440 rooms and impressive spiral stairs, built during the reign of Francis I.

All in all, this itinerary for the casual cyclist is an enjoyable way of spending the holidays and discover one of France’s most popular areas at your own pace.