Castles on the river Loire with charm

Discover the historic old town and the impressive castle—this place has long held a magical appeal, captivating even the kings of France.

The Cher River guides you straight to Château de Villandry, famed for its stunning gardens. Just before reaching Château de Langeais, you’ll switch from cycling along the Cher to the banks of the Loire. A view from the castle’s keep—built solely for military purposes—reveals the spectacular surrounding landscape. At the edge of the Chinon forest stands Château d’Ussé, known as the Sleeping Beauty castle. Through quaint villages and side roads, you’ll make your way to today’s destination, Chinon.

You leave Chinon with its medieval streets behind and head north. Your route takes you through historic vineyards and tranquil villages to Crissay, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Today, you’ll also have the Chance to admire another castle: Azay-le-Rideau, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. You’ll stay overnight right in the village, giving you the perfect opportunity to experience the castle’s magic up close.

Tracing the romantic river landscape along the Indre, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Montbazon. After a Brief climb, you’ll descend into the Cher River valley. From there, gentle meadow paths guide you to Bléré and onward to your historic overnight stay in Chenonceaux, home to its magnificent château. A splendid two-story gallery bridge spans the river, while the exquisite Castle gardens in front promise to enchant—immerse yourself and discover their magic firsthand.

On your way to Blois, you’ll once again experience the diversity of this valley in a particularly vivid way. River landscapes, historic villages, and sweeping views define this day of cycling. Discover your destination for the day, with its rich history. The royal residence and the winding alleys give the town its unmistakable charm.

Even from a distance, the magnificent Château de Chambord impresses with its unique silhouette. Its striking towers and harmonious architecture make the castle a symbol of France. As one of Europe’s most famous castles, Chambord captivates visitors with its grandeur and elegance and stands as another cultural highlight.

Typical for this region are the cliff dwellings carved directly into the soft limestone. You’ll cycle close to the river and briefly cross the Loire to visit the most regal of all Loire castles: Château d’Amboise. Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years here, and his residence remains open to visitors today. From there, you’ll continue along the Loire cycle path to Tours—or you may choose to take the Train from Amboise (independently).