From Saumur to Chinon: Bike Escape Off the Beaten Track

Day 1: Arrival in Saumur
You will arrive in the elegant town of Saumur, dominated by its fairytale château perched above the Loire. Settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, where the soft tones of tuffeau stone reflect the afternoon light.

Day 2: Saumur – Fontevraud (45 km; +360 m)
You will leave Saumur and pedal through a mosaic of sunflower fields and sleepy hamlets, following the south bank of the Loire before turning towards the Vienne valley. The day builds to a splendid finale at the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe and the resting place of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Day 3: Excursion to Montreuil-Bellay (49 km; +294 m)
You will set off on a circular ride through the rolling countryside south of Fontevraud. Vineyards of Saumur-Champigny line the route as you approach the medieval fortified town of Montreuil-Bellay, its imposing château mirrored in the waters of the Thouet. Return to Fontevraud through quiet lanes scented with wild herbs.

Day 4: Fontevraud – Chinon (52 km; +370 m)
You will ride westward through the dense forests of the Véron peninsula, where the Loire and Vienne rivers converge. Troglodyte dwellings carved into chalky cliffs appear along the way, remnants of centuries-old wine cellars. The majestic fortress of Chinon, where Joan of Arc once met the Dauphin, rises above the rooftops as you arrive.

Day 5: Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau (44 km; +260 m)
You will follow the Indre valley eastward, cycling through a gentle landscape of water meadows and Renaissance elegance. The jewel of the day is the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, seemingly floating on its island in the Indre — a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture reflected in still waters.

Day 6: Excursion to Villandry (44 km; +217 m)
You will pedal north to discover the legendary gardens of Villandry, where geometric boxwood parterres and ornamental vegetable plots create a living work of art. The ride weaves through orchards and small villages before looping back to Azay-le-Rideau along tranquil backroads.

Day 7: Azay-le-Rideau – Saumur (58 km; +320 m)
You will embark on the longest and most rewarding stage, riding westward along the Indre before rejoining the Loire. The route passes through the troglodyte village of Turquant and the vineyard-covered slopes of Saumur-Champigny. You will arrive back in Saumur with the golden château catching the last light of the day.

Day 8: Departure from Saumur
Your Loire cycling adventure comes to an end. Depart at your leisure, perhaps with a final coffee overlooking the Loire before catching the TGV back to Paris.