A relaxed week of self-guided cycling amidst the beautiful scenery, chateaux and vineyards of the Loire valley

The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. Collectively they are known as Vins de Touraine. Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.

Itinerary:
Day 1 Start Amboise.
Day 2 Ride to the river-side town of Montrichard. The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceau on the river Cher - or rather, in the river Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank.
Day 3 Cycle through quiet villages of the Sologne to Bracieux, with optional stops at the Chateau of Fougeres, and the grander Cheverny.
Day 4 Free day. Today is free to relax in the village or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase.
Day 5 Riverbank ride following the lazy Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire passing a 16th century castle and the pretty village of Les Montils.
Day 6 Free day. Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to the mediaeval city of Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides.
Day 7 Cycle to Amboise. The final day in the saddle and cycle across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There is time to visit the Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town.
Day 8 End Amboise.