Loire Cycling: From Tours to Angers

Day 1: Arrival in Tours
You will arrive in Tours and explore its vibrant old quarters — the lively Place Plumereau with its half-timbered houses, and the splendid Gothic cathedral. A perfect introduction to the Loire Valley's art de vivre.

Day 2: Tours – Azay-le-Rideau — 45 km; +95 m
Your first ride takes you to Savonnières and its fascinating petrifying grottoes. You will continue to Villandry, whose three-tiered Renaissance gardens are matchless in Europe. A stop in Saché reveals the country house of novelist Honoré de Balzac, before you reach Azay-le-Rideau and its jewel-like château reflected in the Indre river.

Day 3: Azay-le-Rideau – Chinon — 36 km; +200 m
Discover the fairy-tale Château d'Ussé — said to have inspired Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. You will then ride into the medieval town of Chinon, dominated by its royal fortress and surrounded by vineyards producing the famous red wine celebrated by Rabelais.

Day 4: Chinon – Saumur — 36 km; +200 m
The Loire à Vélo route leads you through Candes-Saint-Martin and its magnificent 12th-century collegiate church, then on to the picturesque village of Montsoreau. You will ride past troglodyte dwellings and vineyards before reaching elegant Saumur. An optional detour leads to Fontevraud Abbey, Europe's largest monastic complex and necropolis of the Plantagenet kings.

Day 5: Saumur – Angers — 58 km; +305 m
The longest and most rewarding stage. You will follow the Loire before veering into the Anjou vineyards. The day ends in Angers, a peaceful city whose fortress shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry — one of the great masterpieces of medieval art.

Day 6: Departure
End of the tour. Departure at your leisure.