La Loire à Vélo : From Tours to Orléans
Day 1
52 km
Tours → Amboise
Follow the Loire à Vélo (EuroVélo 6) along the last untamed river in Europe, lined with private estates, stately homes, and the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire. Take a gourmet break to sample the region’s signature sweet and sparkling white wines.
Then leave the Loire to follow the Cher River to the stunning Château de Chenonceau, an architectural gem spanning the water, shaped by the legacies of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici.
Your ride continues through the shaded forest of Parc de la Moutonnerie, a haven of ancient trees, before arriving in Amboise for the night.
Day 2
42 km
Amboise → Blois
Start the day with a final view of the Royal Château of Amboise, perched above the Loire, and visit the Saint-Hubert Chapel, final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.
Cycle through the Touraine-Amboise vineyards, renowned for their rich wines—an ideal opportunity to taste local craftsmanship.
Make a memorable stop at the magnificent Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, famous for its International Garden Festival, a vibrant creative event held annually since 1992, with ever-changing contemporary garden designs.
Return to the Loire à Vélo trail and head to Blois, a city steeped in royal history. Don’t miss the Château de Blois, a living chronicle of architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century, and the many stories of legendary figures who once lived there.
Day 3
45 km
Blois → Beaugency
Leave Blois toward the majestic Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece built for Francis I. With 440 rooms and 282 fireplaces, its scale and symmetry are breathtaking, as are its recently restored formal gardens.
After this unforgettable visit, ride on to Beaugency, a peaceful town with a commanding 11th-century keep.
Wander the quiet historic streets, take in the subtle charm of this heritage-rich town, and enjoy the serene pace of life by the Loire.
Day 4
26 km
Beaugency → Orléans
For your final day, ride from Beaugency to the Château de Meung-sur-Loire, known as “the château with two faces” for its unique blend of medieval and classical styles—Francis I and Louis XI were among its guests.
Continue along the Loire as Orléans gradually appears on the horizon, crowned by the majestic Sainte-Croix Cathedral.
Congratulations: you’ve completed a remarkable cycling journey through the Loire Valley, where history, nature, and the art of living blend in perfect harmony.
Park your bike, soak up the last moments of adventure, and carry these memories with you for years to come.