CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE CYCLING

This ever-popular cycling holiday explores the “magic triangle” of the majestic Loire and Cher rivers, with the pretty Cisse valley winding through the middle. The cycling is easy, and mostly flat, following little country lanes and river banks, through a region packed with interest. Highlights include the beautiful Renaissance château at Chenonceau, which famously straddles the Cher; the flamboyant royal palace at Amboise, proudly dominating the riverside and town, and the dramatic château at Chaumont, once owned by Catherine de Medici (before being forcibly “exchanged” for Chenonceau in a bitter love-battle with her husband’s mistress), and occupying one of the most stunning sites of all the river’s châteaux.

You can visit the elegant Clos Lucé, the C15 manor house where Italian genius, Leonardo da Vinci, spent the last four years of his life, the historic town of Blois (don’t overlook Robert Houdini’s Museum of Magic) and Nitray, an attractive C16 château where Balzac and Chopin stayed - it has a huge park where you can taste the wines produced on the estate.

There are different wines to try every day. Your route takes you by the great vineyards of Vouvray and into the area where the distinguished reds of Chinon and Bourgueil are produced. You could do some serious tasting at Montlouis, its crisp dry whites every bit as good as Vouvray, and cheaper!

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.