You travel independently to Orléans, gateway to the heart of the famous Loire valley. It was a capital in the early French Middle Ages, nowadays it’s a lively, modern town with a beautiful historic centre.  An ideal place to start this route along Europe’s last wild river: the Loire. 

Once you have left the city noise behind, you soon reach the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire. Today you follow the high river banks with beautiful views of the surrounding undulating countryside. Don’t miss the charming and historic town Meung-sur-Loire. Finally arrive at historic Beaugency where you can admire the beautiful old Loire bridge. In 1429 Jeanne d'Arc's army crossed this bridge to liberate the small town. You will find her statue here in a prominent spot. 

Challenge : 28.2 km, 159 m ascent, 172 m descent

Leave charming Beaugency behind you and follow the wonderful, flat track along the river bank from Tavers to Avaray. It leads you in a very relaxed way into the unique landscape of the world famous ‘Pays des Châteaux’: Blois, Amboise, Tours...  Choose one of the different routes available. Although the original ‘Loire à Vélo’ route is the fastest, other more winding circuits make it possible to admire also other splendid 'chateaux' before you arrive at the historic city of Blois.  

Challenge : 45.9 km, 328 m ascent, 345 m descent

From Blois you follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Cycle back along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire. High on the bank is the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire surrounded by beautiful gardens. You are in the historic region of Touraine. Visit a wine grower and taste a local ‘sauvignon blanc´. Enjoy the grandeur of the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. There are some short climbs on the way. 

Challenge : 42.2 km, 341 m ascent, 345 m descent

Leave the medieval atmosphere of Amboise behind you and cycle into the region of the prestigious ´Montlouis’ wines. The ideal microclimate, close to where the Loire and Cher unite, produces grapes of a unique quality. Discover this for yourself during a visit to a wine cellar or a lunch break. A fine track leads to Tours, the friendly capital of what is called ´the garden of France'. Here great experiences are awaiting you like the magnificent cathedral and basilica, the Olivier Debré Art Centre, the Botanical Garden, the flavors of the markets... 

Challenge : 55.6 km, 419 m ascent, 434 m descent

Breakfast marks the end of the trip. Have you got some time left? Visit the beautiful historic centre of Tours, the 'ville d'art et d'histoire'. Travel back to Orléans by train.