On arrival in Orléans make your way to your first hotel. After check-in you’re free to relax or explore the riverside capital of France’s Centre region. Joan of Arc is revered here as she liberated the town in medieval times – her house is open to the public and well worth a visit. The ornate City Hall and Sainte-Croix Cathedral are also worth visiting.

Orléans is on the northern bend of the Loire, and your cycle trip will start by following this famous waterway downriver and south westwards through pleasant open countryside. You’ll have the chance to visit Clery St Andre Cathedral just before reaching the medieval town of Beaugency.

Continue along the delightful Loire Valley enjoying beautiful riverside scenery punctuated by graceful châteaux around almost every corner. Ride into a huge park to admire the magnificent Château de Chambord Castle. A short ride further south brings you to the equally stunning Château de Cheverny and finally an enjoyable forest ride delivers you to Château Beauregard. From there it’s a short ride to the royal, riverside town of Blois, with its elegant old bridge spanning the waters of the Loire.

Today you’ll be riding through a forested landscape to Onzain, from where you can venture up to Château Chaumont for great views along the Loire. You’ll then head to Amboise for the night, famous as the town where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days. You’ll be charmed by the narrow streets and impressive castle of this French market town.

Today the route leads you south through the Forest of Amboise and away from the Loire to Château Chenonceaux, another magnificent renaissance castle, this time in a stunning setting on the River Cher. You’ll then follow this tributary of the Loire all the way to Tours, where you’ll spend the night. On the way you can stop at the celebrated wine cellars of Nitray.

Make sure you take the time to explore Tours, with its flamboyant Gothic cathedral, before heading onwards between the paths of the Loire and Cher to Château Villandry, near the point where the two rivers meet. Villandry is also well known for its gardens, so you may want to stop here or continue downriver to break your journey in the city of Lageais. Then leave the Loire once more to cycle to Chinon on the River Vienne. Chinon’s sprawling castle was once home to kings of France and England.

Cycle west out of Chinon to the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers to reach Château Montsoreau, where you can admire the views across to Fontevraud Abbey. From here it’s only a short stretch of riverside riding to Saumur – the ‘pearl of Anjou’ and your final destination. It’s a city well known for its beauty as well as its fine food and wines, a fitting place for the last night of your tour.

After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure.