Cycling through the Loire Valley with friends

Begin the day exploring the beautiful city of Orléans. Explore the historic city centre with half-timbered houses and Renaissance-style buildings, then enjoy the atmosphere on the Rue de Bourgogne where there’s always something going on.

For lunch, the Guinguette du Ponton, on the banks of the Loire, is a great place to satisfy those hunger pangs with a tasty burger.
It’s time to get back on your bike and cycle towards Orléans train station where you can join onto the cycle path that runs alongside the Loire, before then crossing over the Europe bridge. Carry on through the village of Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Mesmin and then cross over the Meung-sur-Loire Suspension Bridge. Stop off at the  Château de Meung-sur-Loire, a strategic location during the Hundred Years’ War that was liberated by Joan of Arc after her victory in Orléans.

Cycle as far as Beaugency and stop there. 
For your evening meal, the restaurant Chez Henri serves traditional cuisine and there are vegan options on the menu.

Where to stay: At the Grand Hôtel de l’Abbaye, a historic 11th century building with a breathtaking view of the Loire and Beaugency bridge.

This second day begins with a stroll around Beaugency where there are plenty of superb historic monuments and heritage sites to visit, including the Maison des Templiers (Templars’ House), the Donjon (Keep), the Tour du Diable (Devil’s Tower). Perfect for a cultural getaway with friends. Stop by the Château de Beaugency and visit the digital art centre, for a timeless, immersive experience.

At the restaurant César et Firmin, at the foot of the Abbey, treat yourselves to their homemade dishes (quiche, croque monsieur, etc.) for lunch. On Sundays, they serve brunch!

Then cycle along the Loire alternating between greenway routes and shared roads. We recommend stopping off at the pretty little village of Tavers to see the natural site Les Eaux Bleues, where the clay bottom, clear waters and low mineral content of this natural pool all give it a magical translucent appearance. Don’t forget to take a group photo here so you’ll remember this place forever! 
Then cycle to Muides-sur-Loire.

Where to stay: At Le Brame de Sologne, where you can relax at the spa or play table tennis with friends! In the evening, try their regional sharing platters, either to eat in or take away and enjoy in your suite.

When you leave Muides-sur-Loire, head towards one of the most famous Châteaus of the Loire, the Château de Chambord, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you arrive, come and taste the delicious dishes served at the restaurant, the Relais de Chambord where the chef concocts his dishes using the vegetables from Chambord’s own vegetable garden (very chic) and uses local products wherever possible. 
Continue on your way towards Huisseau-sur-Cosson, then Vineuil. Then you’ll cross over the Jacques-Gabriel bridge to reach the centre of Blois.
Once you arrive in Blois, stop to catch your breath in the Jardins de l’Évêché and admire the view of the Loire valley scenery before you.
For your evening meal, we recommend Le Castelet, a restaurant serving regional and traditional specialities made using local products. Vegetarian options are available.

Where to stay: La Forge du Roy, a beautiful 15th century building with rooms decorated in styles that will whisk you away to different eras - Renaissance, Art Déco, Contemporary, etc.

Begin the day at the Château de Blois, a medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and classic style monument.
For lunch, go to Diffa, a restaurant with a family vibe, serving wonderfully creative dishes made using local products!
Continue on your way inland as far as Candé-sur-Beuvron over the hills dotted with vineyards, and then to Chaumont-sur-Loire alongside the Beuvron and then Loire rivers.

For dinner, head to Lamantin qui Guinche, a traditional “guinguette”-style establishment on the banks of the Loire where you can play table tennis or molkky and enjoy their cheese and cured meat sharing platters.

Where to stay:  Le Bois des Chambres, a former farm that has been completely renovated, designed by architects Patrick Bouchain and Loïc Julienne to blend into the surrounding environment.

Start your day by visiting the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, the grounds and stables. Make sure you also visit the centre for art and nature there.
You can also have lunch while you’re there at La Détente Gourmande where tasty, homemade dishes made using fresh, local products are served non-stop from 10am to 7pm.
Then get back on your bike and ride through the vineyards along the Loire. Stop off along the way to visit the Domaine des Thômeaux and grounds.
Then you’ll arrive in Amboise.

Where to stay: Le Clos d’Amboise, a beautiful, authentic and picturesque manor house at the heart of the Cité Royale. There’s a restaurant inside the hotel.
 

This new day begins at a château. This time, you’ll be visiting the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo de Vinci spent his last days. You’ll be able to see his creative space with your own eyes.
After grabbing a quick sandwich, head to the Caves Ambacia for a wine tasting experience. A sommelier will guide you through the techniques of wine tasting in an oenology class.
Carry on riding and along your way you’ll come across the Chanteloup Pagoda, a 44-metre-high architectural folly inspired by the Chinese monument in Kew Gardens, before arriving at Montlouis, a prestigious wine appellation.
La Tourangelle, a restaurant serving traditional cuisine on the hillside, boasts a sophisticated evening menu.

Where to stay: Le Clos du Roc, guesthouse with an exceptional view of the Loire.

Cycle along a very pleasant, quiet path along the Loire towards Tours, the capital of Touraine. This is the last section of your ride so it’s time to challenge each other to see who will be the first over the finish line!
When you arrive, head to the Château de Tours to find out about the history of this monument through the centuries.
For lunch, come to Le Potager Contemporain, serving a blend of street food and seasonal cuisine, and let the selection of dishes whisk you away. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, with organic, biodynamic and natural wines.
In the afternoon, take a moment to chat about everything you’ve seen and done together on this trip and then end on a high note with an original culinary experience, where you will be guided through a tasting of regional specialities with Foodtour in Tours. Unforgettable.

Where to stay : La Loge Gogaille, modern and comfortable rooms with the added bonus of a rooftop to get together and chat!

Visit le Pays des Châteaux à vélo

Further reading :
La Loire à Vélo : que voir, que faire ?
5 minutes pour tout savoir sur les châteaux de la Loire