France's Castles, Rivers and Vineyards

After arriving in Chinon, you will settle into this historic town set along the Vienne River. A welcome briefing and bike fitting will take place, allowing you to get comfortable with your equipment before the cycling begins. You will then ease into the region at your own pace, with the chance to explore the old streets, riverside paths, or nearby vineyards.

Leaving Chinon, you will start with an easy ride along quiet roads and cycle paths through vineyards and open countryside. The route leads to Château du Rivau, a privately owned château set among gardens, where you may stop for lunch featuring estate-grown produce. Continuing on, you will pass through small villages and gently rolling landscapes before following the Vienne River into Fontevraud-l’Abbaye. After arriving, you will have the chance to visit the abbey, known for its architecture, gardens and the royal tombs of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. A shorter, flatter option is available for a more direct ride.

Today offers an optional circular ride following the Loire à Vélo route through riverside landscapes and vineyard-covered hills. You will pass small villages, troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock, and several château sites before reaching Saumur, dominated by its hilltop château overlooking the river. The town provides an inviting stop for cafés and boutiques before returning along the Loire, with long, flat sections and relaxed riding throughout. Alternatively, you may choose a rest day to enjoy Fontevraud-l’Abbaye at a slower pace.

Leaving Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, you will ride through vineyard landscapes and open countryside before joining the Loire River on flat, traffic-free paths. The route passes the storybook Château d’Ussé, said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty, rising directly from the riverbank. Riding continues through peaceful riverside villages with long, easy stretches beside the water before a short climb leads to Villandry, home to some of the most celebrated formal gardens in France.

Leaving Villandry, you will follow the Loire River east, passing the distinctive petrified caves of Savonnières before reaching Tours, the historic capital of the region. Riding in and out of the city takes place on the Loire à Vélo route, including the wide, tree-lined Avenue de Grammont, often compared to a miniature Champs-Élysées with dedicated cycle paths. With Montbazon located just beyond the city, you will have time to explore Tours before finishing the day at a château hotel on the edge of town.

Today’s ride is shorter, giving you the chance to enjoy a slower pace. You will follow the Indre River west on quiet roads, passing through small villages and peaceful riverside scenery. The route leads through Saché, a particularly charming stop and home to a small château and museum dedicated to Honoré de Balzac, one of France’s great literary figures. Continuing along the river, you will arrive in Azay-le-Rideau, where the château, set on an island in the water, provides a fitting highlight to the day. Enjoying a local wine tasting is also an option

Leaving Azay-le-Rideau, you will follow the Indre River, passing Château de l’Islette, a discreet riverside château, and the Musée Maurice Dufresne, a technological history museum showcasing historic vehicles, engines and industrial machinery. The route then enters forested countryside, offering quiet riding on peaceful roads where wildlife is often spotted. A gentle descent leads back to the Vienne River, followed by an easy final ride through vineyards as you return to Chinon, bringing the journey to a relaxed and scenic close.

After a final breakfast, you will depart from Chinon, bringing your journey through the Loire region to a close. For those wishing to extend their time in France, additional nights in Tours or Paris can be arranged on request.