Idea for a weekend: a ride fit for a king

Start off the direction of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, a delightful village on the banks of the Loire with an old port where you can also go for a trip on the river aboard la Saponaire, an identical boat to the ones that transported building materials for the construction of the Château of Chambord. Take a detour via the Maison de Loire with its scenographic space dedicated to the longest river in France. Leave the river and discover Chambord, the most prestigious Renaissance gem. Admire the forest scenery or wander through the 6 hectares of French formal gardens designed during the reign of Louis XIV and restored in 2017. A well-earned break at the Chambord biscuit factory in Maslives will delight young and old! After a peaceful night’s sleep in one of the many accommodation options along the itinerary, get back in the saddle and pedal to Cheverny, whose pretty classical facade inspired Hergé when he created Marlinspike Hall in the adventures of Tintin. Along the way, the Max Vauché chocolate store might tempt you take a break! You will then arrive at Cheverny. The château has been lived in by the same family for more than six centuries, and is also home to stunning gardens bursting with colour from April onwards. Why not stop off at the Maison des Vins located right at the entrance to the château? Return to Blois and its royal château, which is worth the trip by itself! An unusual visit route will allow you to discover parts of the château normally closed to the public (apartments, towers, fortifications, attics etc.) Have a drink on the terrace of one of the cafes outside the former residence of the kings of France, or visit the old district of the city with its little streets. Blois is also home to the Maison de la Magie as well as the Fondation du Doute, a contemporary art exhibition centre.

The circuit is complete, happy cycling!