Loire Valley by Bike

Four days on the Loire by Bike, one of France's finest cycle routes, following Europe's last wild river. The route links Tours to Villandry and its Renaissance gardens, Azay-le-Rideau set on the water, medieval Chinon and Saumur with its white château. It's gentle, flat touring, mostly on protected greenways, through the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley. Château after château, vineyard after village, the pace is that of the river. Reckon on 30 to 50 km a day, accessible to all, families included. Spring and autumn avoid the summer crowds; book "Accueil Vélo"-certified lodgings and plan a cellar visit in Vouvray or Chinon.