Day 1 Arrival in Saint Pierre des Corps-Tours TGV station, located only 1h from Paris by train. 2 star lodging in central Tours near the central station, or upgraded lodging in the suburb of Joue les Tours. Orientation and bike set up at 6:00pm. Dinner included in upgrade version, on your own in 2 star version. (Hotel shown below is Upgraded).

CHATEAU DE BEAULIEU

3

Joue-les-Tours

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL: An 18th century manor house in the heart of the Loire valley with beau...

Day 2 - Ride to Azay le Rideau. Going first to fantastic gardens at the famous Villandry, you will ride alongside the Cher and Loire Rivers and along the Loire a Velo route. After, continue toward Azay le Rideau and that classic chateau, where you can spend plenty of time to visit the castle and possibly see the sound and light show. This renaissance era castle is considered a classic design and its setting alongside the Indre River is magic. Dinner included. (Upgrade hotel shown) 28km (B,D)

Le Grand Monarque

3

Azay Le Rideau

In the heart of the Valley of the Kings, where the Touraine is the most authentic, sits Le Grand Mon...

Day 3 From Azay it is on to more castles, first stop Sleeping Beauty Castle Usse. Then, you continue on to Langeais and stay nearby to Villandry but across the rivers in Luynes and a castle hotel, dinner included. Upgraded hotel shown. 49km with option to cut to 35km. (B,D) Read about chateaux on this trip

DOMAINE DE BEAUVOIS

4

Luynes

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL: (Tours 10km) This 16th and 17th century manor house, surrounded by 350...

Day 4 Ride to Vouvray then Amboise. A flat ride to pass around Tours and then into the wine country of the famous appellation Vouvray. About Vouvray wines: Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region and it produces splendid wines from the dry and austere to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. (see Amboise videos) On to charming Amboise with animation and ambiance; dinner out on your own. 46 km (Upgraded hotel shown) (B)

LE CHOISEUL

4

Amboise

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL: On the outskirts of the town of Amboise, Le Choiseul is composed of th...

Day 5 Loop trip to Chaumont or Rest Day to explore. From Amboise you will follow the Loire river toward the village and the feudal castle of Chaumont sur Loire where the annual International Garden Festival is held each June. Return to Amboise via back country paths.About Amboise Ride distance is 48km; dinner on your own again tonight.(B)

LE CHOISEUL

4

Amboise

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL: On the outskirts of the town of Amboise, Le Choiseul is composed of th...

Day 6 - Chenonceau!. A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and alleys of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini Chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping down to the fabulous Chenonceau castle that must be discovered with plenty of time to visit. Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher river and improved by Catherine de Medici. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. Ride on another 30km after to a comfortable country inn with dinner included. (B,D) 49 km ride. Upgraded hotel shown.

Le Relais des Landes

3

Ouchamps

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL: (Near Blois) In the center of the Loire castles,in the quiet Sologne, ...

Day 7 Chambord & Blois . Today the ride starts out quiet and the anticipation builds as you approach the forest of Chambord that hides the most famous of the Loire chateaux until the last moment when you come into the clearing and see the site! Another castle requiring time to visit, you can also decide to take an option to see Cheverny first. Cheverny is considered very classical next to the extravagent Chambord. Afterward, pedal on to Blois. If time allows, visit this chateau and perhaps see the sound and light show! Dinner on your own in Blois. Ride distance is 66km. Upgraded hotel shown. (B)

HI Garden Court-Blois

3

Blois

The hotel is centrally located facing the Congress Centre "La Halle aux grains", the "Abbe Gregoire"...

Day 8 is departure day from Blois after breakfast, at your leisure. Trains available direct to Paris. (B)