Gardens of the Loire by Bike
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Explore the gardens and chateaux of the Loire Valley at handlebar level
Known throughout Europe as the "Garden of France", the Loire Valley with its royal heritage is home to numerous botanical wonders. From the chateau of Chenonceau where the rival gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici are proudly displayed to the magnificent Renaissance gardens of Villandry and many more in between, this cycle tour is designed to inspire gardening and cycling enthusiasts. Whilst the focus is on the gardens the many other attractions of the area compliment the experience, including the Sunday markets in Amboise, the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci at Close de Luce and the vineyards of Montlouis known for their sweet white wines.
Highlights
- Cycling through the heart of the Loire Valley to view impressive gardens
- Exploring the many grand Chateaux
- Experiencing the market places and rural delights of the region
- Enjoying the culinary specialties
- Sampling some of the many excellent wines in local ‘caves’
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Blois
On your arrival in Blois, make your way to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive, we recommend you take a walk around the town which is known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavor of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere.
Day 2 Cycle via the chateau and gardens of Chaumont to Amboise (41km)
The cycle route follows a quiet road through the forest and vineyards of the Mesland appellation until you reach the Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire that proudly overlooks the Loire River. It is worthwhile stopping here, and the grounds are usually open to the public. The Chateau itself is famous for its luxurious stables, and there is often free wine tasting at the base of the driveway. The cycle continues through the countryside, admiring some beautiful vineyards and past a duck farm, before arriving at the picturesque town of Amboise on the south bank of the Loire River, where you will stay overnight in a small hotel in the centre.
Day 3 Day cycle to Chenonceaux (38km)
The cycle route takes you to the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this Renaissance Chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, but following his death the Queen, Catherine de Médicis made her swap it for Chateau Chaumont. In spring the gardens of Diane are filled with yellow Viola pansies, masses of stemmed and climbing roses and often daffodils, while in summer, you are more likely to see petunias, lilliput dahlias, patiences, verveine, begonias and roses. In the grounds of the Chateau you can also find vegetable gardens, an impressive hedged maze, forests and the Green Garden set on lawns. Return to Amboise for overnight accommodation.
Day 4 Day cycle to the Italian inspired Chateau de Valmer (40km)
A day cycle to the north west along quiet rural roads away from the Loire River, to arrive at the Chateau de Valmer. Here you will find the Italian style hanging gardens in Renaissance style where eight levels of terraces brimming with flower beds, lawn, fountains, hedges and statues demonstrate an elegant garden design. Alternatively (or in addition) you may stay in town and explore its many attractions, including a visit to Le Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home where there are models of his many inventions in the garden and house. Also the fortified Chateau d’Amboise is worth a look or taking a walk through the old town, and tasting the regions wines and delicacies (including foie gras) at the town collective. Friday and Sunday mornings are market day and this is the largest market in the region selling everything from culinary specialties to clothes, homewares and tourist gifts. Overnight Amboise.
Day 5 Cycle to Tours via vineyards, and the Chateau de la Bourdaiseiere (25 / 31km)
Crossing the vineyards of Montlouis discover the numerous Caves producing the sweet white and sparkling wines famous to the region. Continue in direction of Gabrielle d’Estrée manor house who was King Henri IV‘s favourite mistress. The Chateau de La Bourdaisière will charm you with its astonishing owner ‘The prince gardener’ who will enjoy guiding you through its amazing tomatoes conservatory and medicinal plants. Continue to Tours on the banks of the Loire. Here you can explore the city’s Botanical Gardens, established in 1843, in addition to the many sights of this compact city such as its impressive cathedral and old quarter with its typical half timbered houses. Overnight Tours.
Day 6 Cycle to Azay le Rideau via the gardens of Villandry (36 km)
Follow the ‘Loire à vélo’ cycling path to reach Villandry and its famous ‘French style’ Renaissance gardens. Enjoy the ‘Ornamental kitchen Garden’ (potagers), the ‘Garden of Love’, the ‘Water Garden’ and the ‘Sun Garden’. These artistic gardens vary with the seasons. Continue to Azay-le-Rideau set on the Indre River and your hotel for the night. Take time to wander the cobble stoned streets and visit the town Chateau set on an island in the river.
Day 7 Cycle to the Chateau of Sache and the rose gardens at Prieure St Cosme (33km)
During this last stage of the cycle, you have the opportunity to discover the troglodyte houses and the Chateau of Sache where the famous French writer, Balzac, spent time during the 1800’s. The garden inspired the novel ‘Le Lys dans la Vallée’. Many of his manuscripts and letters are on display here. Then continue towards Tours where another famous author and poet will tell you the story of his life through his garden. The Prieure St Cosme was a priory built in 1092 to receive pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Here the sweet fragrance of the rose garden is testimony of Ronsard‘s love for flowers and today, there are nine gardens devoted to this love. Continue on to Tours.
Day 8 Trip concludes Tours
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners (does not include drinks) – breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 to 4 courses which include some regional specialties.
- 7 nights accommodation in a 2 star hotel on a twinshare basis. All rooms have private facilities. (Option to upgrade to 3 star hotels (including chateau hotels) for 5 or 7 nights – supplement applies)
- 21 speed bike equipped with two saddlebags, helmet, anti-theft device and a repair kit
- Adjustment by a cycling specialist
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Detailed route instructions and maps
- Tourist information pack
Summary
- HOTELS
Trip Main Activities
- SELF GUIDED CYCLE
Group Size Min
Group Size Max
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Cycle helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, sandshoes and sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking.
What You Carry
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from
USD$1,490
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