France - Cycle tours in the Loire Valley with Hidden Trails.

Our Loire Valley trip invites the epicure! Fine wine, excellent cuisine, superb accommodations entice and delight the senses. The Loire, known as the playground for French nobility, offers us their legacy of more than 100 chateaux, ranging from fortified castles to elegant Renaissance mansions. Not only will we visit a number of them, but also they will be our home for three nights.
Fairy tale chateaux, picturesque countryside, rolling vineyards and the backdrop of the Loire River offer splendid reasons to cycle here. You’ll marvel at art treasures and architecture of the feudal, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. History will accompany you throughout your trip with echoes of Joan of Arc and Leonardo da Vinci.
This tour is suited for all riding levels.

Itinerary
Day One
Arrive via train in Tours. Bicycle fitting; warm-up ride. Introductions followed by a sumptuous French meal. Lodge at four star Domaine de la Tortiniere.
Day Two
Today we visit two chateaux: Azay-le-Rideau & Villandry. Enjoy a wine tasting this evening or just relax by the pool. (50 or 70 kms)
Day Three
A pleasant ride through farm country today taking in Chateau de Nitray for lunch and a wine tasting. We end at the sumptuous Chateau de la Bourdaisiere. (50kms)
Day Four
A stunning ride through the heart of the Loire Valley to Montrichard situated along the River Cher. Taste sparkling wines at the caves of Monmousseau. We’ll spend the next two days at three star Chateau de la Menaudiere, a 17th century chateau, with a wonderful bucolic setting. (60 kms)
Day Five
Visit chateaux at Chenonceau, Amboise, and the manor home of Leonardo da Vinci, Clos Luce. (16 or 31 miles)
Day Six
From Montrichard, ride to Cheverny, and finish with a breathtaking ride to Chambord via a forest road. Our last night will be spent on the banks of the Loire at Manoir Bel-Air. (64 kms
Day Seven
A short transfer into Blois along the Loire will surely prompt photo opportunities. Depart via train from Blois.