You independantly travel to Blois. If there's some time left take a walk around the town which is known for its pale-coloured stone facades and slate roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere. Also worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings, and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and 17th century. 

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 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: 42.2km, 341m ascent, 345m descent

Via Montlouis sur Loire to the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River with its five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was given by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers and later recovered, after his death, by his widow Queen Catherine de Médicis. End in the charming Chenonceaux, nestled on the banks of the Cher river. There are two cycle routes to choose from: one is direct while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Loire and Cher River valleys with options to visit chateaux and villages en route. 

Challenge: 40.6km, 319m ascent, 322m descent

You leave behind the Cher Valley and enter the Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th Century architecture. Your night’s accommodation is at a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden.

Challenge: 40.6km, 361m ascent, 338m descent

During this last stage of the cycle ride, you have the opportunity to discover the famous, sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francois the 1st. We return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding the Blois castle. A perfect fairy tale ending to a memorable bike ride. 

Challenge: 50km, 397m ascent, 414m descent