|
Stage A + B + C: From Orléans to Le Croisic 15 days 14 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans and its old historical centre, situated between the large open countryside of the Beauce area and the green pastures, ponds and forest of the Sologne area.
 Day 2: Orléans to Beaugency, 18 miles (28 km)
Cycling along the unspoiled river banks for a stage in the calm and peace of the countryside, todays route brings you to the charming town of Beaugency usually bedecked with flowers..
Day 3: Beaugency to Blois, 29 miles (46 km)
Leaving Beaugency along the river banks, you will pass by the prestigious château of Chambord, the widest Château of the Loire Valley and a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Then, you will follow the directions to Blois presenting a rich historical heritage with the château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
Day 4: Blois to Amboise, 28 miles (44 km)
Following quiet country lanes you will arrive at the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire river, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau dating back to 15th –16th century. A few streets further on is the last home of Léonardo Da Vinci : Manorhouse of ‘Clos Lucé’..
 Day 5: Amboise to Tours, 16 or 19 miles (25 or 31 km)
A stage via the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favourite of King Henri IV. Continue to the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses.
Day 6: Tours to Azay le Rideau, 22 miles (36 km)
Leaving Tours you will next arrive at Savonnières. Spare time for a visit to the caves "the Petrifying Grottoes". Then proceed to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe, comprising 3 terraces before continuing to Saché, the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. Finally arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau, a jewel set over the Indre river.
 Day 7: Azay le Rideau to Chinon, 24 miles (39 km)
Departure towards Langeais and its 15th century château offering a typical medieval fortified castle where you can admire some wonderful tapestries and pieces of furniture. Then ride towards the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ chateau in Ussé which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairy tail story.
Day 8: Chinon to Saumur, 27 miles (43 km)
Before leaving the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne river, don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the numerous cellars offering the famous red wine such as was appreciated by the renouned French satirical author, Rabelais. Then, continue towards the abbey of Fontevraud, the largest monastic city remaining in Europe and the burial place for many of the Plantagenets royal family, before reaching the lovely town of Saumur
Day 9: Saumur to Angers, 40 miles (64 km)
A stage following the Loire river before passing through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau sheltering the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
 Day 10: Angers to Montjean or Ingrandes sur Loire, 22 miles (36 km)
From the heart of the vineyards of Anjou you follow the valleys of the Rivers Loire, Aubance and Layon, to the banks of the Loire at Chalonnes, the confluence of the Rivers Loire and Layon.
Day 11: Montjean or Ingrandes s/Loire to Champtoceaux, 25 miles (40 km)
Todays ride is along the banks of the River Loire to Champtoceaux, in its magnificent setting marking the boundary between Anjou and Brittany.
Day 12: Champtoceaux to Nantes, 19 miles (30 km)
From countryside and small villages to the big city of Nantes, sometimes called the Venice of the West owing to its position on the river delta of the Loire, the Erdre, and the Sèvre. Discover another point of view of the Loire in the capital of the western part.
Day 13: Nantes to St Brévin, 34 miles (55 km)
This stage takes you along the marshlands and countryside to finish at the mouth of the Loire river where you can relax and enjoy the seaside and beaches.
 Day 14: St Brévin to Le Croisic, 33 miles (53 km)
From the estuary of the River Loire you head along the coast to Le Croisic and an opportunity to discover the famous salt marshes of the medieval town of Guérande.
Day 15: Departure from Le Croisic
After breakfast it is time to depart for home |
Freedom Holiday 
Follow the new cycling path ‘Loire à vélo’. You can either tackle this as 3 separate stages or any permutation ranging from 6, 10 or 15 days to discover this great valley and reach the Atlantic coast. 
