Tempted by the Loire Valley by bike, but not sure where to base yourself? From our holiday home in Cour-Cheverny, the châteaux link up by bicycle along waymarked loops, between the Sologne forests and the vineyards. Here are our favourite rides, from a gentle family outing to a full sporty day.
A land made for cycling
The area combines two networks: the national Loire à Vélo route, which follows the river through Blois, and the waymarked “Châteaux à Vélo” loops – more than 400 kilometres of signposted circuits between Blois, Chambord and Cheverny, on quiet lanes and cycle paths. The terrain is gentle, with no real climbs: children keep up without difficulty.
The easy ride: Cheverny and its vineyard
To warm up, the Château de Cheverny is a few minutes’ ride from the house through the village. Carry on through the vines: the estates of the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny AOC line the little roads, and several offer tastings. Cour-Cheverny wine has a peculiarity that enthusiasts travel a long way for: it is made from Romorantin, a white grape grown almost nowhere else.
The classic: Chambord through the forest
The finest day ride: reaching Chambord by the waymarked loops, some twenty kilometres from the house through woods and villages. Arriving by bike in front of the château’s silhouette, as you emerge from the forest, is a memory worth every car park you skipped. Picnic on the lawns, visit, and ride gently back in the afternoon.
The river ride: joining the Loire at Blois
Craving the river? Head for Blois, about fifteen kilometres away, to join the official Loire à Vélo route: quaysides, bridges and wild riverbanks. The keenest riders follow the river to Chaumont-sur-Loire and its garden festival, then loop back through the countryside.
Practical notes from the house
- Hire: several rental companies around Blois, Cheverny and Chambord offer classic and electric bikes and child seats; some deliver.
- When: April to October; summer mornings are ideal, and the loops often run under the trees.
- Back at the house: the garden and terrace await tired legs, and the equipped kitchen means dinner without going out again.
To plan the rest of your stay, see our 10 must-sees near Cheverny or our guide to staying near Chambord.
Where to stay to explore the region?
Le Clos Amarante is a large 4-star character holiday home for 8 to 10 guests, in the heart of Cour-Cheverny — right at the centre of château country.
