Loire Valley Self-Guided Tour

The Chateau de Chenonceau

The Loire Valley contains some of the most sumptuous castles to visit in all of France, as well as some of the most elegant accommodations! This valley has historical significance in the formation of the country of France as well as of the entire European continent, from early 13th century on.

Visit the historic royal Abbaye of Fontevraud where the warring Plantagenets lie together in peace since the 13th century. In this most famous burial ground/abbey lie Henry II of England, his beautiful wayward Queen, Eleanor of Aquitane (who had been imprisoned by her husband for her wandering ways), and her beloved son, Richard the Lionhearted, who rebelled against his father.

Cyclists in front of the
Chateau de Chinon

The medieval Château of Chinon was the site of Joan of Arc's search for the dauphin, the future King of France, in order to take back the crown from the English. The valley later became the playground of the French kings from the 16th through the 17th centuries and no expense was spared to throw lavish parties in honor of the kings. The French Renaissance began in this valley in 1515 when Leondardo da Vinci was enticed from Italy to come to the service of François 1.

The lavish Azay-le-Rideau, a
chateau designed by a woman

The Loire Valley is also known for its delicious light, white wines such as Vouvray and Vernou and light to rich red wines of Borgeuil and Chinon. The vineyards make for very enjoyable and easy cycling.

Planning your tour...

The Loire Valley is probably one of the easiest regions in France, from a cycling point of view making this is a great location for groups of mixed abilities. Activities outside of cycling abound for those with friends/spouses who do not cycle, including cooking schools, cultural tours of all kinds, kayaking, and of course, shopping.

The Loire Valley has two hubs and most weeklong tours can include everything listed below. This region is also one of the better regions to visit if you have only four or five days for your trip.

Hub A - Chambord to Chenonceau

Principle villages and chateaux: Amboise, Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceaux, Vouvray.

Highlights: the grandest to the most delicate chateaux, the king's hunting grounds, Leonardo da Vinci's playground, Loire Valley route du vin.

Riding the cobblestones
of a Loire village

Hub B - The Middle Ages through the Renaissance

Principle villages: Azay le Rideau, Chinon, Saumur, Loches, Montrésor, Langeais, l'Abbaye de Fontevraud

Highlights: 13th to 17th century castles and manor homes, Joan of Arc and the turreted Castle of Chinon, Richard the Lionhearted, a castle built by a woman, gentle countryside rides, the Sleeping Beauty castle, some of France's Plus Beaux Villages.

Chateau Ussé, the "Sleeping Beauty" Castle