Castles of the Loire River - 8 Day Royal Loop

Arrive in Blois, a historic riverside town with a long royal heritage. Its château dominates the skyline and offers a fascinating introduction to the Loire’s architectural style. Spend time wandering the old streets or enjoying a relaxed first evening by the river.

Example hotel: Hotel Le Monarque

Your first ride follows the Loire westwards, passing limestone cliffs and traditional riverside villages. En route, you’ll reach Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years — his residence is open to visitors and well worth a stop.

From here, continue along the Loire cycle path into Tours, a lively university city with elegant squares and plenty of places to relax after your first full day on the bike.
(There’s also the option to shorten the day by taking the train from Amboise.)

Leaving Tours, you follow the Cher River towards the beautifully formal gardens of Villandry, one of the most distinctive château gardens in France.

From here, the route shifts back towards the Loire, passing Langeais and the fairytale-like Château d’Ussé, said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty. Quiet country roads lead you onwards to Chinon, a charming medieval town known for its wine and historic centre.

Example hotel: Ibis Styles Chinon

A circular ride from Chinon takes you through vineyard landscapes and along the Vienne River. You’ll pass through Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, where the Vienne meets the Loire - one of the region’s most scenic natural points.

The highlight of the day is Fontevraud Abbey, an impressively preserved monastic complex with a long and varied history. The return ride brings you back to Chinon, passing the birthplace of writer François Rabelais.

A shorter, more relaxed day through vineyards and quiet villages. You’ll pass through Crissay-sur-Manse, officially one of France’s most beautiful villages, before arriving in Azay-le-Rideau.

The château here is one of the Loire’s most elegant, set on an island in the Indre River, it feels almost perfectly proportioned. Staying locally gives you the chance to visit in the evening or early morning when it’s quieter.

Today combines rivers, countryside and one of the most recognisable châteaux in the Loire Valley. You begin by following the Indre river, with long, quiet sections through open landscapes.

Near Montbazon, the terrain changes slightly, with a short climb before crossing a ridge towards the Cher valley. The effort is brief, and the descent brings you back into flatter terrain.

Following the Cher, the route leads to Chenonceaux, where the château spans the river itself. Its arches and galleries stretch across the water, making it one of the most distinctive and photographed in the region. The gardens here are also worth taking time to explore.

Example hotel: Logis Hotel Le Relais

Your final day offers two options.

A shorter route follows the Loire back to Blois via Chaumont-sur-Loire, known for its château and gardens.

Alternatively, a longer ride (50 miles) takes you via Cheverny and Villesavin to the spectacular Chambord - the largest château in the Loire Valley, with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture visible even from a distance.

Return to Blois for your final evening.

Example hotel: Hotel Le Monarque