Loire Valley Cycle Path: Saumur - Blois 2022
|
|
|
Tour Day 1 Tuesday: Arrival to Saumur ......Hotel Le Londres
48 Rue d'Orleans Tel. ... +33 (0)2.41.51.23.98 www.lelondres.com [email protected]
Austria Radreisen local Contact: +33 683 115 980
Saumur Activities
- ℹ Tourist Information (TI) 8 bis quai Carnot Weekdays 9:30am - 7pm Saumur Destination Guide. Check out the availability of multi-chateau visit tickets
- 🚂 Les Petit Trains 40 minute City Sites by tourist train; departs near TI. Daily at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m
- Musee des Blindes History of armored vehicles museum. 10 minute bike ride
- 🏇 Le Cadre Noire Horse riding school
- 🥃 Distillery Combier Initially developed in 1834 by confectioner Jean-Baptiste Combier and his wife Josephine Destre. L’Original Combier triple sec orange liqueur has been produced in the Saumur distillery continuously ever since with unique craftsmanship in the same 19th-century copper stills. The historical recipe has remained unchanged. Orange peel imported from the Caribbean is zested by hand at the distillery. No colourings or flavourings are added to the pure distillation of sweet and bitter oranges, water and sugar. Tours available; request on-line or call.
- 🍇 Caves de Louis de Grenelle The Loire Valley has a long tradition of producing excellent sparkling wines. Situated at 12m underground in the centre of Saumur, the Louis de Grenelle wine cellars have been producing, in the purest tradition, 🍾Cremant de Loire and Saumur Brut ever since 1859. In this former tufa quarry, you will discover the secrets of traditional wine-producing methods.
Tour Day 2 Wednesday: Bike Day 1 from Saumur
- (.88 miles) Eglise Notre Dame des Ardilliers The ensemble formed by the church and the convent of Ardilliers is a major example of the architecture of the Counter-Reformation in the 17th century. Located on the banks of the Loire, this former royal chapel was built in the middle of the 16th century before undergoing major transformations in the 17th century, when it became one of the most important pilgrimage sanctuaries in the country. The church was very affected by the bombardments of 1940 and 1944, it was restored from 1947 to 1957.
- (4.0 miles) Parcours Troglodyte Site - Souzay-Champigny There are various small troglodyte paths leading through the village so it can be somewhat of a quest to find all of them. To reach the largest series of caves, take the Rue de la Bessiere, beside the 15th-century castle, Château de la Vignole, and follow it until you see a sign that says "Parcours Troglodytique." While strolling in the village, you will notably be able to admire a charming troglodyte shopping street of the 12th century which passes in front of the old semi-troglodyte castle, as well as very beautiful houses of XVIe century. Restored, the site is crossed by the circuit "Loire Vélo" and has places of relaxation for the cyclists of passage.
- (5.54 miles) Chemin de Targe Small steep path along caves carved into the tuffa. Beautiful view of the Targe castle.
- (9.37 miles) Chateau de Montsoreau a Flamboyant Gothic style castle in the Loire Valley, directly built in the Loire riverbed. The chateau overlooks the confluence of the Lore & the Vienne rivers. From here you have an impressive view of the part of Chinon on the other bank of the Vienne. The sight of the mighty Chinon Castle is of course particularly spectacular. After visiting the castle, do not miss a walk along the beautiful flower-filled narrow streets of the village.
- 🍄🍄 Mushroom Cave Saut Aux Loups - France is one of the worlds largest mushroom producers! Climb to the cliff ledge and walk through 16 chilly rooms bored into limestone to learn about the care and nurturing of mushrooms. Daily 10:00 - 18:00 Dress warmly! (Rick Steves' Loire p. 84)*
- (13.2 miles) ⛪ Fontevraud d'Abbaye - a huge 12-Century monastic city, the largest such compound in Europe, with four monastic complexes, all within a fortified wall. Daily 9:30 - 19:00 (RS 82)*
- (15.9 miles) Candes St. Martin village - Rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Candes-Saint-Martin is the perfect spot to enjoy an incredible view. From the north bank of the Loire, the white tuffeau stone in the village separates the blue sky from the blue River Loire. Now add the sandbanks and the gabarre river boats and the result is a perfect photo!
- Winebar Enfin du Vin ! At last some wine!” the widest range of Loire Valley wines to taste + hot dishes.
- (19.3 miles) 🍇Winery Chateau du Petit Thouars white, rose & red wines. Tours, tastings & picnics; book on-line. Near Fontevraud. From here you have an impressive view of the part of Chinon on the other bank of the Vienne. The sight of the mighty Chinon Castle is of course particularly spectacular.
- (25.8 miles) View of Chinon; good for photo op!
Tour Day 2: to Chinon (approx. 27 miles) ..... Hotel: Hotel Diderot
4 Rue de Buffon Chinon 37500 Tel +33 (0)2 47.93.18.87 [email protected] www.hoteldiderot.com
Chinon Activities ... Helpful, live map of Chinon
- ℹ Chinon Tourist Information (TI) by the river in the center of town. Offers discounted chateaux tickets, wine-tasting and biking information. Daily 9:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 18:00. Small annex near the fortress entrance.
- 🏰 Fortresse Royale de Chinon mostly ruins, but has wonderful views Daily 9:30 - 19:00 (RS 67)
- Cross the bridge to the south bank of the Vienne, turn around and enjoy the views of the Fortress! Beautiful at dusk when lit.
- Village Walking Tour (RS 63)
- 🛶 Canoeing/Kayaking Clan Canoe Kayak & Velo rental next to playground across the bridge, for a 2 hour float back to town. (RS 68 - 9) This location offers beautiful views of Chinon, from across the river.
- 🍇 Wine Tasting (RS 68-9) and Eating
- La Cave Voltaire most convenient & offers wines from all over France; light appetizers available Daily 10:30 - 23:30 near Place du General de Gaulle at 13 Rue Voltaire
- Caves Plouzeau offers a walk through long, atmospheric caves that extend under the chateau to a tasting room; reasonably priced wines & free tasting. Wed - Sat 11:00 - 13:00 & 15:00 - 19:00 at the western end of town on 94 Rue Hauge St. Maurice. Check out the menu for dinner.
- Just behind City hall, do not miss Le Café Français (French bistrot at its best) and La Cabane à Vin (wine bar and shop).
Tour Day 3: Thursday Bike Day 2 from Chinon
- Chinon Thursday morning market
- (8.66 miles) 🏰 Chateau du Rivau Gleaming, white medieval chateau (15th century) with extensive gardens, a 45 min. bike from Chinon. The gardens are kid-friendly with art, topiaries, hammocks, birds, & a maze. The stables, near the entry, has a movie about "Heroic Horses." Good cafe with reasonable meals. Daily 10:00 - 18:00 (RS 71)
- (22.9 miles) Chateau de la Villaumaire - The historic Domaine de La Villalaumaire is located in the town of Huismes. The La Villaumaire estate is a haven of peace which consists of a large castle built, mainly in the 15th century, on Gallo-Roman foundations and a group of mansions dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
- Saint-Maurice church - Dating from the 12th century, with the exception of the nave, restored in the 19th century and increased by a side aisle to the north, the church has a bell tower with a belfry with a cylindrical tower housing a stairwell to access the bells. This church was enlarged in the 19th and early 20th centuries by the addition of a collateral, without respecting the harmony of the old building. It nevertheless deserves attention because it includes many historical and architectural details. The capitals, supports of the nave and the choir are remarkable. Characters, monsters and animals are represented in symbolic scenes.
- (26.1 miles) 🏰 Chateau d'Usse Famous as the inspiration for Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty story. Best view, with reflections and great picnic spot, is just across the bridge. Daily 10:00 - 19:00 (RS 71)
- (29.1 miles) L'Indre a velo charming alternative route to Brehemont.
- (31 miles) Brehemont Village - The commune of Bréhémont is located within the department of Indre et Loire (37) in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
A dynamic village where life is good thanks to an associative and cultural life. Rich in barges, its trails, this stopover village on the Loire by bike will delight hikers and cyclo-hikers.The village is also known for the cultivation of hemp and shipping. Hemp cultivation has settled around the village of Bréhémont because of the particularly easy soil to irrigate between Loire, Cher and Indre. The town has 140 hemp ovens on its territory. The hemp thus produced was used to make the ropes essential to shipping. The port of Bréhémont then became essential for those who traded by the Loire. Houses along the Loire next to the church, with an architecture rich in history, present facades with lintels of doors and windows carved in the tufa Vestiges of another era, there are still two central columns of the six public urinals that were built in 1872 - (36.3 miles) Chateau de I'Islette - In the heart of Touraine, in a beautiful setting where the delicate whiteness of the tufa limestone blends harmoniously with the constantly changing green of the Indre, L'Islette opens its doors to you.
The Renaissance Château, surrounded by two branches of the Indre, is reminiscent of its neighbour, Azay-le-Rideau. Two brothers, as they often say... Today, it's the home of its present owners, who are pleased to share their home, opening up the rooms which are currently in use so that you can see the layout of a 21st century chateau. L'Islette, where Camille Claudel and Rodin were frequent guests, sheltering their tempestuous love affair, invites you to submit to the romantic charm of the Indre Valley
Tour Day 3: to Azay le Rideau (approx 38 miles) ..... Hotel: Hotel Biencourt
7 rue Balzac Azay le Rideau 37100 Tel. +33 (0)2.47.45.20.75 [email protected] www.hotelbiencourt.com
(38.1 miles) ℹ Azay-Le-Rideau TI, just below the Place de la Republique, a block to the right of the post office, sells reduced-price tickets to all area chateaux. Has bike rental, so may also have good biking information for the area.
Tour Day 4 Friday: Bike Day 3 from Azay le Rideau
- 🏰🏰 Azay le Rideau Set on a romantic reflecting pond on an island in the Indre River, with a fairy-tale facade and beautifully furnished rooms. A wonderful example of early renaissance. In summer stays open late with mood lighting and music to accompany the visit. Daily 9:30 - 19:00 (RS 74)
- (6.55 miles) 🏰 Langeais Middle Ages fortress-like setting above the appealing little village with evocative 15th & 16th century rooms. It was mostly built for show and has a moat, drawbridge, lavish defenses and turrets. Daily 9:30 - 18:30 (RS 77)
- (11.7 miles) Vue sur le viaduc de Cinq Mars -A nice view of the railway bridge and on the confluence of the Cher and the Loire.
- (13.8 miles) 🏰🏰 🌺Villandry average palace boasting the best gardens in the Loire - and possibly all of France. Daily 9:00 - 18:00 (RS 79)
- (14.46 miles) Les Grottes Pétrifiantes de Savonnières Nestled in the heart of Touraine, not far from the Château de Villandry, the caves were used as former quarries of limestone in the Middle Ages.
- (19.1 miles) Grand Moulin de Ballan This mill on the banks of the river Cher, near Tours, was built in 1520. Its oldest parts have been listed as heritage buildings since 2005, meaning it is a place which is rich in history and savoir-faire. The mill has been working closely with the Terrena farming cooperative for 20 years now and supplies many local craft bakers.
- (23.5 miles) Viewpoint
Tour Day 4: to Tours (approx 27 miles) ..... Hotel: Hotel Mirabeau
89 Bis Blvd Heurteloup Tours 37000 Tel. +33 (0)2.47.05.24.60 [email protected] www.hotel-mirabeau.fr
Tours Activities
- Place Plumereau is the main square in the old town of Tours with it's restored half-timbered townhouses. It's packed with cafes, bars & restaurants and is great for people watching.
- (25.9 miles) The Saint Julien Church is one of the main monuments of Tours, it is located at the outlet of the Wilson Bridge which crosses the Loire and at the beginning of the rue Nationale, the main shopping street of Tours. You arrive at the Saint Julien Church by heading west from the Saint Gatien Cathedral and along the rue Colbert, which is lively and retains many old houses. This Abbey was very powerful in the Middle Ages. The church almost disappeared in the 19th century.
- (26.5 miles) Saint-Symphorien footbridge (or Pont de fil) - is a pedestrian and cycle suspension bridge crossing the Loire in Tours, built from 1845 to 1847 by the Seguin brothers, more or less on the site of the old medieval bridge in Tours.
- (26.7 miles) 🕍 Cathedrale Saint-Gatien A perfect example of gothic art, the Saint-Gatien cathedral displays all the aspects of this period. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries on the vestiges of the Gallo-Roman city, its elaborate flamboyant façade is beautiful under the night lights. In addition to its remarkable stained-glass windows, it houses the tomb of the children of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII, gracefully sculpted around 1500.
Villandry
Place Plumereau, Tours
|
Tours City Center
|
St Julien Cathedral Tours
Saint-Symphorien footbridge
|
Tour Day 5 Saturday: Bike Day 4 from Tours
- (5.25 miles) 🍇Vouvray Wine Tasting (RS 27)
- Cave des Producteurs Daily 9:00 - 19:00 English speaking staff, wine tasting & cellar tours. Wines represent 33 producers from all the Loire area. 38 RUE DE LA VALLÉE COQUETTE Just west of Vouvray in the village of Rochecorbon (see RS 27 for directions).
- Marc Bredif is a smaller enterprise with 1.2 miles of 10th century cellars dug into the hillside Saturday 10:30-12:00 & 14:30-18:00; Sunday 10:00 - 13:00
- (11.1 miles) travel the right bank greenway along the D140 from La Vielle aux Dames to Chateau de la Bourdaisiere (currently a hotel)
- (16.3 miles) Barrage à aiguilles de Nitray mobil lock dam was built in 1833, along with 15 other truss dams. The mobile needle dams are made up of a series of metal trusses. These trusses support a metal sheet used for the passage of the road blocker who comes to raise them. They are also used to support pieces of wood called needles. Water flow is adjusted by adding or removing needles, thereby maintaining water depth.
- (16.9 miles) Chateau de Nitray Castle & Winery. Tours available, reservation required (online or Phone 02 47 50 29 74) Open 9a - 12pm & 2p - 6p daily.
- (18.5 miles) Small Cafe/Terasse for a snack
- (27.9 miles) View of the Chateau
- (28.3 miles) 🏰 🏰 Chateau Royale Amboise Supposed burial place of Leonardo da Vinci, with terrific views over Amboise. Daily 9:00 - 20:00 (RS 20-23)
- Sound & Light Show 10:30 pm 1.5 hour show regarding the improbable rise of Francois I to King. Dramatic lighting, lavish costumes, battle scenes & fireworks make it very interesting. Dress warmly. (RS 23)
Tour Day 5: to Amboise (approx 29 miles) ... Hotel: Hotel Chaptal
13 Rue Chaptal Amboise 37400 Tel. +33 (0)2.47.57.14.46 [email protected] www.hotel-chaptal-ambois.com
Amboise Activities
- Village Walk (RS 18 - 20)
- 🏰 Clos-Luce Leonardo da Vinci's final home and gardens, with models of his creations. Daily 9:00 - 20:00 (RS 21-23)
- 🍇Caveau des Vignerons small cellar offering tastings of cheeses, pates & mediocre regional wines. under the Chateau D'Amboise (RS 26)
- Check out multi-chateau passes at the TI
- Chez Oscar & Suzette Guinguett on the Quai du General de Gaulle. Located at the entrance of the market place, this place covered with fine sand and decorated with deckchairs will give you a change of scenery, while offering a magnificent view of the castle of Amboise.
Tour Day 6 Sunday: Bike Day 5 from Amboise
map_voie_royale_47_amboise_to_chenonceaux.pdf | |
File Size: | 2070 kb |
File Type: |
- (2.22 miles) Mini-Chateaux 5 Acre park on route to Chenonceaux, shows the major Loire Chateaux in 1:25 scale models, forested with 2000 Bonsai trees! (RS 25-6)
- 🚲 Bike route La Voie Royale to Chenonceaux (TI has info) The new loop is easy-going though, and meanders safely and peacefully through forests, winds its way through vineyards, then runs along the Cher River all the way to the Château de Chenonceau
- 🗼Pagode de Chantaloup Chinese-style architectural folly with a splendid view of the Amboise forest
- (9.31 miles) 🏰🏰 🏰 Chenonceau 16th Century Renaissance Chateau arching over the Cher River, with lovely gardens. Daily 9:00 - 20:00 (RS37) Best to arrive at 9am or after 5pm and purchase tickets ahead of time at a local TI. Chenonceau was the first great pleasure palace.
- Chenonceau Walk With the Canoe Company. Discover the Cher, its bucolic landscapes and its unique architectural jewel: the Château de Chenonceau. The passage under the arches of the castle in our Canadian canoes will remain a moment of authenticity and unique emotion. Check schedule & cost. Possibly Daily 8:00 - 20:00
- 🛶 Canoe under the Chateau
- (10.9 miles) Demeure de l’île de Chisseaux Island in the Cher with a house on it
- (25.00 miles) 🏰🏰 Chaumont sur Loire Imposing setting over the Loire River, notable for its historic connections to America and impressive festival of Gardens. More than a Renaissance chateau and an Arts and Nature Center, this regional estate offers a magical view over the Loire Valley. Daily 10:00 to 20:00 (RS 59)
- (28.8 miles) Candé sur Beuvron picturesque village
- (36.6 miles) Chateau de Beauregard a rare castle whose park can be visited by bike. Open from 10am to 7pm daily.
- (42.6 miles) Église Saint-Nicolas In the 9th century, a community of monks founded an abbey where the relics of St. Laumer were worshipped. In the 12th century, building work began on a new church, in a transitional style midway between Romanesque and Gothic. The chancel has ribbed vaulting and ogival vaulting of an early design. The 13th-century nave is representative of the Gothic style developed in Chartres. In 1791, the monks left the abbey and it was renamed St. Nicholas in memory of a nearby church that had been destroyed.
Tour Day 6: to Blois (approx 44 miles) ..... Hotel: Hotel Le Monarque
61 Rue Porte Chartraine Blois 41000 Tel. +33 (0)2.54.78.02.35 [email protected] www.hotel-lemonarque.com
Activities in Blois
- 🏰 🏰 Blois Urban chateau with a beautiful courtyard and fun sound & light show. Daily 9:00 - 19:00 (RS 46)
- Sound & light show (45 min) Daily 10:30 pm
- Place Louis XII is traffic free hub.
- Rue du Commerce is primary shopping street
- Medieval tangle of lanes below St. Louis Cathedral & around St. Nicolas church
Tour Day 7 Monday: Bike Day 6 returning to Blois (37 mi)..... Hotel: Le Monarque
- (11.3 miles) 🏰🏰 Cheverny Intimate-feeling chateau with lavish furnishings and daily feeding of hunting dogs. Daily 9:15 - 18:30
- (21.5 miles) 🏰🏰 🏰 Chambord Epic grandeur (440 rooms) and fun rooftop views in an evocative setting surrounded by a forest. Daily 9:00 - 18:00
- (22.3 miles) View of Chambord
- (26.9 miles) Saint-Dye-sur-Loire small fortified, historic & picturesque town on the banks of the Loire. 950 inhabitants. It has conserved its rich heritage of active port (the materials used to construct Chambord arrived here), its 15th, 16th, and 17th century houses, as well as a large portion of its fortifications: eight round towers (out of fifteen), and the ramparts which defended yesteryear the town, and the rectangular enclosed area with its four entries (towards Blois, Orleans, Chambord, and the Loire). All year round, free access any time.
- (30.9 miles) Château de Menars is located at Loir-et-Cher in France, upon the banks of the river Loire. It was built in 1646 for Gauillaume Charron who grew wealthy as the treasurer during the Thirty Years War. The structure simply consisted of a building with two domes. The castle was enlarged by his son in law. Jean-Jacques Carthwright carefully constructed the beautiful gardens. The most prominent owner of the property was Mme de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XIV in 1760. Currently for sale for 'just' $35 Billion!!!! Read more
- (31.8 miles) Viaduc d'une ancienne voie ferrée This viaduct was intended at the time for the old Vincennes railway line. Now it has been refurbished. Under the vaults, galleries and art shops, decorators, designers, everything has been dedicated to art. A few restaurants and bars a bit bobo or after work have settled there. The top of the viaduct has been transformed into a promenade (Coulée verte René Dumont), over several kilometres.
- (32.7 miles) Château de Saint-Denis-sur-Loire
- (33.6 & 35.2 miles) Ruins
- (36.5 miles) Jeanne d'Arc Statue Great view over the Loire & City of Blois. The statue in Blois by Anna Hyatt-Huntington (1921) was a gift from an avowed Francophile, on behalf of the US people and the citizens of New York. The setting of this replica is much better than that of the original in New York, where it is barely possible to get enough distance to be able to enjoy this beautiful and powerful sculpture, due to the many trees surrounding it. In the pedestal of the Blois statue there is a stone from the prison in Rouen where Jeanne d’Arc was held in captivity.