Chateaux of the Loire Cycling

Location: The Loire, France. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: Lower 2 bikes Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: A mix of luxury/stylish, mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 11 May '12 to 20 Sep '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights An interest-packed, gentle cycling holiday crammed with historic and cultural highlights: pretty wine villages, charming mediaeval towns and world-famous wines in abundance! Superb cuisine throughout too

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Chissay

We meet you at Blois station and take you (35 mins) to Chissay where your fabulous chateau hotel awaits. Time for a swim before dinner.

Day 2 - Chissay to Chaumont 42km/28mi

Today's route takes you west along a marked cycle route through the Foret d'Amboise and to the bustling and lively town of Amboise. Packed with interest, you have time to explore its narrow cobbled streets, stroll along the quayside and visit the house (Le Clos Luce) where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life. Masses of lunch choices in the popular old quarter before heading north-east through vineyards and poppy fields and on to Chaumont in time for a well deserved swim before dinner.

Day 3 - At Chaumont

The chateau here once belonged to Catherine de Medici and is quite spectacular. The beautiful park surrounding the chateau was added in the 19th century and, between May and October, it hosts the International Garden Festival - fabulous 'conceptual' gardens created by green fingered artists and, unusually, philosophers! Or you can cross the river and take the train from Onzain to the bustling university town of Tours. Alternatively just relax by the hotel pool.

Day 4 - Chaumont to St Dye-sur-Loire 40km/25mi

Today's route takes you over the river Loire and on quiet country lanes to Blois where you can ride round the chateau in a horse and cart if you need to give your cycling legs a rest! If you're with children, then Houdini's House of Magic is a must, but everyone will enjoy exploring the warren of cobbled streets and pretty arcaded squares. Lots of lunch options before carrying on through well-tended vineyards - plenty of tasting opportunities - and sleepy villages to our elegant riverside hotel in St Dye-sur-Loire.

Day 5 - At St Dye-sur-Loire

Explore the graceful village and its old ramparts then we suggest an easy-paced 7km cycle (route notes provided) through the huge Foret de Boulogne to the fairytale Chateau at Chambord. The sheer size - it boasts 440 rooms - of this enormous palace reflects the lavish and flamboyant lifestyle of its original owner, King Francois I. The surrounding park is today a national nature reserve, protecting all sorts of wildlife including deer, boar and eagles.

Day 6 - St Dye-sur-Loire to Chitenay 40km/25mi

Much of today's route is along the dedicated cycling paths that link selected chateaux in this region. Highlights include Chateau de Villesavin (unusual museum of wedding dresses throughout the ages and a huge collection of horse-drawn carriages) and the richly decorated Chateau de Troussay - be sure to take a look at the elaborately painted ceilings. The surrounding parkland is worth a detour too - many of the ancient trees are hundreds of years old. Your final stretch takes you along quiet rural roads to the pretty wine village of Chitenay where the affable Gilles Martinet and his team will be waiting for you - Gilles is a pretty competent wine buff, so feel free to soak up his expertise (no pun intended!).

Day 7 - At Chitenay

It's very tempting to stay in Chitenay - lots of wine degustations in the village - but it would be a great shame to miss out on a trip to Chateau de Cheverny, just 7kms away (we provide cycling route notes). Made of brilliant white stone, this is arguably the most immaculate of all the Loire chateaux, and is also home to the region's largest collection of fine art. Another option is a 12km round cycling trip through the Russy Forest and to the stunning C16 Chateau de Beauregard - here you'll find a rare 'kitchen' garden (400+ plant species) and the recently restored Galerie des Illustres portrait gallery.

Day 8 - Chitenay to Chissay 41km/26mi

Head south past well-tended and sleepy hamlets surrounded by fields of sunflowers stopping off perhaps at the fortified chateau of Fougeres-sur-Bievre. Past Sambin to the superb Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous arches majestically spanning the river. Described by Flaubert as floating 'on air and water' it's arguably the most beautiful of all the Loire landmarks. After a visit here it's an easy cycle on to the Chateau de Chissay for a well earned dip in the pool.

Day 9 - Leave Chissay