Castles on the River Loire: La Route Royal

Your journey begins in the late afternoon with a welcome briefing in Tours. If you've booked a rental bike, this is when you'll receive it. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Ibis Styles Centre (or similar).

Today, you'll follow the Cher River to the Castle Villandry, known for its terraced gardens. Don't miss the chance to explore its shadowy footpaths, flower-bedecked bowers, and artistically laid out vegetable gardens. Further along, you'll switch from the Cher to the Loire River, where the Castle Langeais awaits. From its fortified tower, enjoy panoramic views of the river and its surroundings. Your final stop for the day is the Castle of Ussé, known as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, before reaching your destination, Chinon. You'll spend the night at the Hotel Diderot (or similar).

Today's journey takes you along the Vienne River to the charming village of Candes-St-Martin, home to a stunning Romanesque church. You'll then cycle through vineyards to Fontevraud l'Abbaye, a medieval monastery complex preserved in its entirety. The day ends with a 'literary return journey' to Chinon, passing by the birthplace of renowned author Francois Rabelais. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Hotel Diderot (or similar).

Leaving Chinon, you'll cycle through old vineyards and remote villages to Crissay, one of the most beautiful villages in France. The highlight of the day is the visit to Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance palace of unparalleled beauty. Described as 'a diamond with a thousand facets, set by the river Indre' by Balzac, it's a sight not to be missed. You'll spend the night in Azay-le-Rideau at the Hotel de Biencourt (or similar), giving you the chance to soak in the magic of the palace and its cultural events.

Today's ride takes you through the romantic river landscape of the Indre to Montbazon. After a short ascent, you'll reach the Cher Valley and cycle along the river to Bléré, a small market town. The highlight of the day is the Castle of Chenonceaux, a magnificent palace with a double floored bridge gallery spanning the river. You'll spend the night in Chenonceaux at the Hotel La Roseraie (or similar).

Today's journey takes you through the beautiful scenery of the Touraine to Chaumont Castle. From there, you'll follow romantic paths along the Loire River to Blois. After settling into your accommodation, embark on an exploration tour of Blois Palace, with its galleries, balconies, and aspen. You'll spend the night in Blois at the Hotel Anne de Bretagne (or similar).

Today is dedicated to exploring the grandeur of Chambord Palace. As you cycle around the palace along the canal, you'll get a sense of the incredible dimensions of the complex. The palace is a testament to half a millennium of French history, from the Renaissance era to the French Revolution, and is the second most visited palace in France after Versailles. You'll return to Blois for the night, staying at the Hotel Anne de Bretagne (or similar).

The Loire-cycle path leads you from Blois to Chaumont-sur-Loire. The palace here is a sight to see, mainly due to the giant park, the annual venue for an international garden show. You'll end your day in Amboise, home to a palace that's an early example of Renaissance architecture in the Loire Valley. The town house Clos Lucé, attached to the castle, is dedicated to the memory of Leonardo da Vinci. You'll spend the night in Amboise at the Hotel Bellevue (or similar).

The final stage of your cycling tour leads you once more into the vineyards on the slopes above the Loire River, into the wine-growing area of Montlouis-sur-Loire. After a short break in the idyllic town, you'll continue along the riverbank back to Tours. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Ibis Styles Centre (or similar).

Your 10-day adventure comes to an end. You may choose to depart or extend your stay to further explore the enchanting region of the Loire Valley.