The Loire à vélo is one of France's most beautiful cycle routes. Over 900 kilometres, it reveals a myriad of world-famous châteaux and serene natural landscapes. The route crosses the Val de Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and follows the longest and wildest river in France. Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau, Fontevraud Abbey, Saumur and Angers - here's a selection of the Loire Valley châteaux by bike, some of my favourites.
The Château de Chambord, a Renaissance treasure
A must-see stop-off on the Blois-Chambord section of the Loire cycle route, the Château de Chambord impresses on every visit. Enclosed by a 32km wall and surrounded by a vast estate, it plunges visitors into a magical world. Its silhouette, bristling with turrets that resemble large chess pieces carved from ashlar, is immediately striking. Built in 1519, it is the ideal palace imagined by François 1st and inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. You'll never cease to be amazed by the French-style gardens, the château's 60 furnished rooms served by the prestigious double spiral staircase, the 18th-century kitchens and the panoramic views from the château's sumptuous terraces. A word of advice: it's best to plan your visit in advance and select the sights you want to see, because a day's visit isn't enough to get a taste of Chambord's magical atmosphere.
Azay-le-Rideau, a castle on an island
Change of universe with the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, even if it is still a Renaissance masterpiece built during the reign of François 1st. Built on an island in the River Indre, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau exudes a charm all its own, with its bewitching reflections that are a delight to admire in the water. Richly decorated and finely sculpted in tufa, the local stone, its facades are surprisingly refined. Inside, the refurbished flats offer a plunge into the heart of history. Don't miss the reconstruction of the luxurious 19th-century Biencourt salon and the Renaissance-style bedroom. Surrounded by a vast English-style park planted with flowers, created in the 19th century, it is also a romantic place to take a refreshing break, on the route of the Loire Valley châteaux by bike, from Blois to Angers.
Fontevraud Abbey and the village of Montsoreau
The Loire forms a natural landscape of great beauty and inspires serenity, with its sandy islands, bluish reflections and abundant vegetation lining its banks. Biodiversity thrives here, and there are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. The river is also dotted with charming, peaceful villages like Montsoreau. With its flower-filled lanes, pretty white stone houses and château, it offers a peaceful stopover on the banks of the Loire. You can also enjoy lunch at the Montsorelli restaurant, set in a garden overlooking the Loire. The village is also a great place to watch the sun set over the quays of the Loire.
A short detour takes you to Fontevraud Abbey, a jewel of heritage in the heart of the Loire Anjou Touraine Regional Nature Park and the Loire Valley. This Royal Abbey, founded in 1101, is the largest monastic city in Europe. Here you will discover the Romanesque abbey church, with its refined style, housing the graves of Eleanor of Aquitaine, her husband Henry II Plantagenet and his son Richard the Lionheart. Here again, it's best to plan your visit in advance, as there's plenty to see, including the round Romanesque kitchens, the gardens and a brand-new museum of modern art!
The Château de Saumur, a terrace above the Loire
Continuing along the Loire by bike route from Blois to Angers, you come across the elegant white silhouette of the Château de Saumur, overlooking the river. The château was immortalised in the 15th-century illuminated manuscript Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Owned by the Counts of Anjou and the Plantagenets, it was a royal fortress in the 13th century, before becoming a sumptuous palace in the 14th century on the initiative of Duke Louis I of Anjou. In the 15th century, it was regularly occupied by King René. The château houses the rich collections of the town's museum, enhanced by those of the Musée du Cheval. Don't miss the panoramic view over the Loire from the terraces - it's top notch!
A stone's throw away is Place Saint-Pierre, the heart of the medieval town. With its timber-framed houses and church, it's a warm and intimate place to enjoy a drink. There are several routes starting from the 15th-century Hôtel de Ville to explore Saumur's heritage, including town houses, churches, the banks of the Loire, crémant cellars and equestrian sites. After this beautiful stage, let's continue on the Saumur Angers cycle route.
The fortress of Angers and the Tapestry of the Apocalypse
The last superb stage on the Loire cycle route, from Blois to Angers, the fortress of Angers is imposing and seems impregnable. Built from 1230 by Blanche de Castille, it was the residence of the Dukes of Anjou in the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly King René. With its parapet walk punctuated by massive round towers, it dominates the town with majesty. Inside the fortress are charming gardens and the famous Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Almost 100 metres long, the Tapestry of the Apocalypse is a medieval treasure that is unique in the world. Produced in 1375 at the request of Duke Louis 1st of Anjou, it illustrates the Apocalypse of Saint John and originally covered an area of 850 m2.
Rich in châteaux and nuggets, the Loire by bike doesn't reveal itself completely on the first visit. Many other treasures remain to be discovered among the châteaux of the Loire by bike from Blois to Angers. The châteaux of Blois, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise, le Clos Lucé, the châteaux of Chenonceau, Villandry, Ussé, the fortress of Chinon... there's no doubt about it... you'll have to come back!
Did you enjoy this story? You too can set off on the route of the Loire Valley Chateaux between Blois and Angers, or find out more about our Loire Valley cycling holidays.
Text and photos © Angélique Saget
Share the article on
Written on 20/07/2021 by:
Angle Grand
