France: Loire Gastronomic Self-Guided Cycling

Board your transfer to Chissay and enjoy a pre-dinner swim at your chateau, before your first feast of the trip.

Begin with a gentle tide along the banks of the Cher River, leading to the Chateau de Chenonceau, among the most beautiful of the Loire landmarks. This is the perfect lunch spot; take a seat on the terrace of The Orangerie restaurant and soak up the beautiful surroundings. Continue through the shaded Amboise forest to the elegant village of St Ouen-les-Vignes, your home for the night. The following day is free to spend as you wish; perhaps pedal back to Amboise and explore Clos Luce, a 15th century manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked. Alternatively, it’s a 15km cycle along the River Cisse to the wine capital, Vouvray. Taste the famous Chenin Blanc wine here, before enjoying a relaxed evening. In the morning, head north to Autreche and onto Chaumont, home to an impressive 15th century chateau. A final shady stretch takes you through the pretty villages of Les Montils and Seur to Chitenay.

Another free day; perhaps wander among the quiet country lanes, or hop on your bike to visit Chateau de Chambord. This 50km round trip is the ideal full day activity. Keep an eye out for deer, boar and eagles in the surrounding park. After a gentler pace? Spend the afternoon sampling fine cheese and wine.

Cycle south back to the River Cher, through vineyards and sunflower fields. Stop for lunch alongside the fortified chateau of Fougeres-sur-Bievre. Continue through Montrichard, the perfect spot for a coffee in a fairytale setting. Pedal onto Chateau du Chissay for a well-earned cocktail and dip in the pool.