Castles of the Loire Valley Classic Tour

Take the train to **SAINT PIERRE DES CORPS TGV station, located only 1h from Paris by train. Transfer on your own by taxi to Amboise and settle at your charming hotel. Please note that if you arrive to the Amboise train station, there are very few taxis and most of the hotels are not walking distance. (If you are staying at Hotel la Breche, you have the option to take the train to the Amboise station and walk to your hotel).

If you arrive early enough, take the time to visit the nearby Château of Clos Lucé or the Royal Chateau of Amboise.The Chateau of Clos Lucé is accessible with a short walk outside the main center of Amboise (well signed), best known as being the house where Leonardo da Vinci was invited to live by King Francois I - Leonardo lived here from 1516 to the time of his death in 1519.

A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and alleys of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini Chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping down to the fabulous Chenonceau castle that must be discovered with plenty of time to visit. Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher river and improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. For the long option you will continue on to Montrichard, La Genaudière and St. Regle before returning to Amboise.

Distances : 36 or 53 km (21 or 32 mi).

Elevation : 279 or 415 m.

Activity

Canoeing underneath Chenonceaux - 4 Km

If you have chosen the canoeing activity, remember to look at the activity map to see the meeting point.

Start from the canoe base camp for a loop to Chenonceau , with the best view ever on the most famous chateau in the Loire Valley.

Note : from 6 years old and must be able to swim. It's not possible for 1 person !

- Canoeing is a water-based activity, so bring a change of clothes if necessary.

Depart from Amboise and ride through many small villages, stopping at privately owned chateaux on the way. For lunch, why not stop at the famous International Gardens Festival and Chateau of Chaumont for a picnic followed by a visit ! Then you will go on a short and quiet ride to Blois.

Distances : 43km (27mi).

Elevation : 300 m.

Today, you have 3 ride options :

• The first option takes you to the Chateaux of Cheverny, Troussay and Beauregard. Those are easy rides on flat terrain, just enjoy the scenery imagining how and why the kings chose this area as their vacation place!

• The second option takes you to the famous Chambord, where you can enjoy the magnificent architecture and unique features. Then you can enjoy a chocolate tasting in a chocolate factory* (Chocolate Vauche) in a nearby charming village before heading back to Blois with a stop at the Chateau de Villesavin.

• On the third option, you will see best of both. You will be able to see the castles and visit Chambord. The road is not very difficult but you will have to cover some miles.

Distances : 47; 52 or 63 Km (29, 32 or 39 mi).

Elevation : 275, 305 or 380 m.

You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Blois by train for Paris or other destinations. (Depart on your own).