Loire Valley Tours to Angers France: Self-Guided Biking

Discover the incredible “Garden of France” at your own pace, stopping to admire the stately elegance of centuries-old chateaux, always assured that your room and dinner will be waiting for you at the end of the day. You will cycle through the scenic vineyards and fragrant forests west of Tours and visit the must-see castles of Azay le Rideau, Angers and the Villandry Gardens, as well as the delightful, though less well known, Saumur and Chinon chateaux. Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel.

Included in the Tour Price • Accommodations in small four-star hotels • Daily breakfast and dinner • Luggage transportation (2 per person and 32 pounds per piece) • Entrance fees to the various mentioned chateaux • 21-speed speed bike rental with helmet, saddlebags, odometer, repair kit, and lock • Route descriptions, maps, and travel highlight information • Emergency service phone number 7 days a week

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tours You will arrive in Tours leaving time to visit this lively, flower-filled university city on the River Loire. Explore its fascinating medieval quarters, the famous “Place Plumereau,” and its well- preserved half-timbered houses.

Day 2: Tours - Azay-le-Rideau – 25 miles (41 km) Passing through the Valley of the River Indre, you’ll make several interesting stops en route to Azay-le-Rideau. You can visit the beautiful gardens of Villandry, the last of the large chateaux built on the banks of the Loire during the Renaissance. Saché is the next chateau on your route, and was the writer Honoré de Balzac's home during his most productive years. Next you'll find the Chateau Azay le Rideau, a 16th century masterpiece situated in an elegant waterside setting, and one of this region’s architectural gems. It was built between 1518 and 1523 during the reign of King Francois I and houses a lovely collection of Renaissance portraits and tapestries.

Day 3: Azay-le-Rideau - Chinon – 20 or 22 miles (32 or 35 km) Today you’ll cycle to the town of Langeais to visit its striking 15th century chateau. In 1491, the arranged marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany was celebrated here. From Langeais, you’ll follow our route through Ussé, home of the brilliant white stone castle that inspired the great fairytale writer Perrault to create Sleeping Beauty. From Ussé, you will

Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected] pedal away from the river through meadows and woodland to pick up the “Route des Vignobles,” which passes through vineyards and presents some opportunities for wine tasting along the way. Later you'll cycle along the River Loire again to medieval Chinon, situated on the banks of the River Vienne. This historic old town, with its narrow streets and gabled houses, is famous for its feudal dungeon and most revered guest, Joan of Arc. In the evening you'll enjoy a delightful French dinner and taste local wines which have contributed greatly to the Chinon’s glowing reputation!

Day 4: Chinon - Saumur – 22 or 30 miles (36 or 48 km) You will cross the River Vienne and bike through scenic vineyards to the 12th century Abbey at Fontevraud, the largest and most remarkably preserved monastery in France. Today you’ll have more opportunities to sample the distinctive wines of the Loire before you arrive in Saumur. Celebrated for its chateau and cavalry school, Saumur is also famous for its splendid mushroom varieties.You’ll pass caves burrowed out of the rock, used for mushroom growing, storing sparkling wines, as well as dwellings as you approach this underappreciated ancient town.

Day 5: Saumur - Angers – 35 miles (57 km) Today you final ride will take you to the lovely city of Angers and its towering medieval chateau, “King Rene's Castle of Love," which houses the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry and is well worth a visit.

Day 6: Tour Ends You tour ends today with departure after breakfast.

Starting Point Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Tours (or St. Pierre-des-Corps, a suburb of Tours) and then a cab to the first hotel. For last minute train schedules visit the website of the French Railways, www.sncf.com.

Level of Difficulty This tour is rated "moderate." Daily stages are between 20 and 36 miles over flat and slightly hilly terrain. The cycling itinerary takes place on bike paths and quiet country roads with little traffic. You'll see flat areas along with rolling hills with nice ups and downs.

The Bicycles Bikes are included with the tour price. Bikes are very well maintained 21-speed men’s and ladies bikes, equipped with two saddlebags, odometer, repair kit, and lock. Bike helmets are included. The bike is adjusted by a cycling specialist.

WiFi WiFi is available on a limited basis in hotels. Don't expect to have a perfect internet connection for your entire stay. Usually during the busiest hours when many people are online the speed gets slower, and you may have trouble connecting.

Not included in the tour • Air fare • Beverages • Lunches

Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected]