8-Day Tour of the Loire’s Finest Castles: Experience La Route Royal
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of France, exploring the historic and picturesque region of Touraine, often hailed as the 'Garden of France'. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into the rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes of the region. From the terraced gardens of Villandry Castle to the medieval alleys of Chinon, from the majestic Loire River to the awe-inspiring castles of Langeais, Ussé, and Azay-le-Rideau, every day brings a new adventure. Discover the unique cave gardens, the preserved medieval monastery in Fontervraud, and the grandeur of the Castle of Chenonceaux. Choose between exploring the Castle Chaumont or the magnificent Castle Chambord. End your journey with a visit to the royal Castle Ambois, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci. This tour promises a blend of culture, history, and nature that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Included
Accommodation in category A in 3***-hotels (French classification) and in category B in 2**- and 3***-hotels (French classification)
Breakfast
Luggage transfer
EUROBIKE developed route
Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
App for Navigation and GPS-data
Service hotline
Destinations
Tours
BloisMap
Attractions
Château de Chinon
Château d'Ussé
Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
Château de Chambord
Abbaye de Seuilly
Château de Chenonceau
Château d'AmboiseDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Blois
- Blois - Arrival day
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- Blois Cathedral
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Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Blois, where history whispers through the cobblestone streets. Explore the majestic Blois Castle, a testament to the grandeur of French royalty. As you wander through its halls, imagine the lives of the kings and queens who once called this place home. After a day of exploration, relax in your comfortable accommodation at the Novotel Centre Val de Loire (or similar), where you can unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amboise to Tours
- Blois
- Tours
- Amboise
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- Caves Monmousseau
- Domaine de Cande
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Experience the allure of the Loire Valley as you journey from Amboise to Tours. Begin your day at the regal Amboise Castle, a residence of French kings and a Roman emperor. Nearby, visit the Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, and marvel at his genius. Continue your adventure along the scenic Loire Cycle Path, or opt for a train ride to Tours, where your evening awaits at the Hampton by Hilton (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Villandry to Chinon
- Tours
- Villandry
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- Escape Yourself
- Domaine de Cande
- Railway Rillé
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Embark on a captivating journey from Villandry to Chinon, where history and nature intertwine. Begin at Villandry Castle, renowned for its exquisite terraced gardens. Continue to Langeais Castle, a fortress with panoramic views of the Loire. As you approach Chinon, the enchanting Ussé Castle, said to inspire Sleeping Beauty, awaits. Conclude your day in Chinon, where the Diderot (or similar) offers a restful retreat.
Day 4 – Day 4: Candes-Saint-Martin to Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
- Fontevraud-l’Abbaye
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- Château de Chinon
- Église Saint-Étienne de Chinon
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Delve into the spiritual and historical wonders of Candes-Saint-Martin and Fontevraud-l'Abbaye. Begin at the grand church in Candes-Saint-Martin, a site of deep significance. Witness the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers, a breathtaking natural spectacle. Journey to Fontevraud Abbey, a remarkably preserved medieval monastery. Immerse yourself in the rich history before returning to Chinon for a restful night at the Diderot (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Chinon to Azay-le-Rideau
- Chenonceaux
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- Domaine de Cande
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Venture north from Chinon through picturesque vineyards and quaint villages to the enchanting Azay-le-Rideau. Discover the artistic charm of Crissay, a village reborn through creativity. Arrive at Azay-le-Rideau Castle, a jewel set by the Indre River, celebrated by Balzac. Spend the evening in Azay-le-Rideau, where the Le Grand Monarque (or similar) provides a cozy haven.
Day 6 – Day 6: Montbazon to Bléré
- Blois
- Chenonceaux
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- Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
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Embark on a scenic ride through the Indre Valley to Montbazon, where a short ascent rewards you with breathtaking views. Continue to Bléré, a charming market town. The highlight of the day is the magnificent Chenonceaux Castle, with its stunning bridge gallery over the Cher River. Explore the palace gardens before retiring to La Roseraie (or similar) for a restful night.
Day 7 – Day 7: Chaumont-sur-Loire to Blois
- Blois
- Chenonceaux
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- Blois Cathedral
- Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Caves Monmousseau
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Choose your adventure on the final day of your tour. Opt for a leisurely ride through the Touraine landscape to Chaumont Castle, then follow romantic paths along the Loire to Blois. Alternatively, embark on a longer journey through Montrichard, Cheverny, and Villesavine to the grand Chambord Castle. Whichever path you choose, your day concludes in Blois, where the Novotel Centre Val de Loire (or similar) awaits your arrival.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Blois - Departure day
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As your unforgettable journey through the Loire Valley comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the memories made. Depart from Blois, or choose to extend your stay and explore more of this enchanting region.
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