THE RIVER BY BIKE (from to Villandry or ) (around 4h)

Meet your guide at the Tourist Office in Tours.

Departure by bike for a route of around 21 kilometres to Villandry or of around 10 km to Rochecorbon, following the itinerary « The Loire River by bike » from Tours.

You will first cycle along the Lake of the Bergeonnerie and the green banks of the « old » towards Villandry. On an old and entirely newly laid-out towing path, you will reach the Great Mill of Ballan-Miré, built in 1520, a remarkable work on the River Cher, with a huge water wheel; then you will cycle through the charming village of Savonnières, former village of boatsmen on the banks of the River Cher, with its barges, traditional flat-bottomed boats of the 17th century, and boats from the 19th C called «toues» that remain here the whole year.

In Villandry, you will visit the chateau and its famous gardens.

The bucolic ride towards Rochecorbon will make you enjoy the peaceful grace of the banks of the Loire River, this free and lively river that dug its bed in the soft white limestone. Discover the famous troglodyte caves turned into cellars, and the hillslopes of the vineyard where the famous grape variety gives white wines of great quality. Stop at Marmoutier Abbey and visit this site where Saint Martin founded a small hermitage in the 4th C. In Rochecorbon, a small town nestled at the foot of the cliffs dotted with cave dwellings, you will enjoy (from May to September) the festive and friendly atmosphere of a Guinguette, a typical French outdoor dancing bar alongside the water.

In both cases: Return to Tours by bike or by your own means. It is possible to do a single trip (the bikes will be brought back to Tours or delivered at the starting point) PRIX PAR PERSONNE - on a basis of 11 to 15 persons: 32 € - on a basis of 16 to 20 persons: 25 € - additional charge on Sunday: 5 € Recovery or delivery of the bikes between Tours and Villandry or Rochecorbon: 30/65 € Transfer of the guide taken over if meeting point in Villandry or Rochecorbon: 25/45 €