You independently travel to Blois. If you have time to spare 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 covered 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 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. Continue your cycling day to 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 lunchbreak. A fine track leads to Tours, the friendly capital of what is called ´the garden of France'. Here great experiences are awaiting you, like a visit to the magnificent cathedral and basilica, the Olivier Debré Art Centre, the Botanical Garden or one of the many markets...
Challenge : 55.6 km, 419m ascent, 434m descent
This beautiful stage takes you first along the south bank of the romantic Cher river to the picturesque village of Savonnières, known for its caves and underground lake. Not many kilometers later you reach Villandry. Visit the palatial castle of the same name with its world-famous gardens and refined interior which gives a good impression of the French 'art de vivre' in the 18th century. Continue to Azay-le-Rideau and its beautiful castle. Later you will again join the river Loire, from the high bank you have beautiful views of the river and its islands full of water birds. Passing in front of the Château of Rigny-Ussé (The Sleeping Beauty) before reaching Huismes, your final destination for today.
Challenge : 57.4 km, 484m ascent, 448 m descent
Enjoy the magnificent panoramas as you ride to the lovely Candes-St-Martin where the Vienne and Loire confluent. This is Anjou, known for its wines and troglodytes. From Fontevraud, choose the track close to the Loire or follow the higher, more exciting but also more strenuous track through the vineyards, both end at the castle of Saumur.
Challenge : 54.4 km, 752m ascent, 801m descent
Breakfast marks the end of the trip. Have you got some time left? then visit the equestrian town of Saumur, the home base of the prestigious riding academy the Cadre Noir, where the elite of French horsemen are trained. Enjoy the beautiful houses with their white tuffeau stone facades in the town centre and admire the proud castle and the many other beautiful classified monuments. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful city of Saumur.