Bicycling France – The Loire Valley Castles
Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Chenonceau and Chambord in Three Days
Mar 21, 2009 Christopher Miller
Hundreds of centuries-old castles or "chateaux" dot the countrside, mark the towns and loom impressive in the cities of the Loire. The challenge is picking a few to visit along a relatively short route that doesn't turn your bike vacation into an Olympic event.
Four chateaux worth seeing are located along a roughly 100 mile stretch on the south side of the Loire River. It's a perfect route for a leisurely three day tour, allowing ample time to enjoy the sites while bicycling through the French countryside by day and bedding down at local hotels or B&Bs at night.
Starting from west to east, four castles worth the bike trip include:
- Azay-le-Rideau - Located on the banks of the Idres River west of the provincial city of Tours, this 16th century Gothic influenced French Renaissance chateau sits atop a small island in the river. Like the other chateaux, this residence is open to the public and filled with period furnishings and tapestries. The surrounding town of 3,100 is home to shops and restaurants for the tourist looking to enjoy local French cuisine after finding that perfect gift.
- Villandry - A 10 mile ride from Azay-le-Rideau, through the countryside south of the Cher River, takes you to the Chateau de Villandry and its magnificent three-tier outdoor gardens or "jardins." Completed around the year 1535, it's the last of the large Renaissance castles. Special attractions include the "Mille Feux" held in early July where for two nights the expansive gardens are illuminated by 2,000 candles.
- Chenonceau - The Chateau de Chenonceau actually spans the Cher River and is a roughly 35 mile ride from Villandry and situated just to the east of Tours. The castle's long covered gallery stretching over the river, perched atop majestic stone arches, served as a field hospital during World War I, and a passage to escape Nazi Occupied France into Vichy controlled "free" France on the other side of the river during World War II.
- Chambord - A 35 mile ride from Chenonceau will take you to the largest chateau in France, from which a notable black raspberry liquor derives its name. The Chateau de Chambord was built as a 16th century hunting lodge for Francois I. With design inspired by Leonardo da Vinci this chateau incorporates 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, 84 staircases, 800 columns on the roof terrace and a stable large enough for 1,200 horses. The surrounding 13,000 acres of wooded parkland include unpaved bicycle paths leading to and from the chateau grounds.
Scenic Biking in the French Countryside
The Loire Valley offers terrain and conditions favoring the casual cyclist. The climate is relatively mild, with an average high July temperature of 68 degrees and an average high of 30 in January. Much of the landscape is flat with some rolling hills.
Average monthly rainfall is 2 inches so the region is green and fertile. Many vineyards, pear and apple orchards and sunflower fields blanket the countryside between small cities and villages dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.
Narrow country roads, designated paved bike paths and even dirt paths are available for your bicycle route to the chateaux. A sturdy bike with heavy tires is recommended if you choose to traverse unpaved routes.
Plotting A Course For Fun
Mapping out a small number of castles to visit in the Loire Valley is one of the best ways the casual cyclist can experience the history and scenery of this unique region of France.
The Hunting Lodge Chambord is the Largest Chateau
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One Section of the Expansive Gardens at Villandry
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Designated Bike Paths are Common in the Loire
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Chenonceau Castle Straddling the Cher River
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View from Bike Path Along Cher River near Tours
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