From castles to mansions.

Get ready! The ride can begin in the paths of Chambord park where at the bend of the woods, the castle stands in its splendour. Then, the cyclers will undoubtedly be delighted with the wealth of Cheverny countryside, of its castle where they will meet Tintin in the permanent exhibition “Les Secrets de Moulinsart”. They will appreciate the castle of Villesavin and its wedding museum. The castle of Beauregard, will seduce art fans, with its interior decoration, and its panelling. Mansions and castles are on the 11 itineraries of the pays des chateaux. It’s the opportunity to discover the less famous sites, among which the medieval castle of Fougères sur Bievres, the castles of Troussay, Madon, de la Pigeonnière, de la Frileuse or the 18 castles of Cellette village. While getting closer to the Sologne, the castles are made with red bricks, the real stamp of the Sologne.

Treasure hunt

To discover the traditions, the landscapes and the nature. Just follow entirely or partially the itinerary of the Pays des Chateaux. “Flavours and scents of automn”, “the stags kingdom”, “Window over the Loire”, shade and light”,…many invitations to stop the ride : churches, washhouses, ponds, gastronomy… Cycling on the paths of the mysterious Sologne, covered with ponds, reeds, moors and heather, the cyclists will hear the frog caw, will admire the mallord duck take flight, the heron, or the pheasant, and may see at the bend of a path a roe deer or a stag : masters of the place. Near Fontaines or Bauzy, they will have the possibility to savour the famous strawberry and the asparagus grown by the local farmers. Other decors, other delights… around the forest of Boulogne… The smell of the apple trees and blackcurrant bushes will awaken the sense of taste. To honour the winegrowing traditions of the region, the visitor is invited to stop at a wine grower’s house who will disclose all the Romorantin subtility of the only AOC wine and to end the ride, the banks of the Loire which offer from the sunrise to the sunset, pretty surprises with pastel colours when the water mingles with sandbanks to make us dream. There The Loire meets its 2 little tributaries “le Cosson” and “le Beuvron” where it is possible to spot the inhabitants of the place : the beavers.

Festival of Bikes in Châteaux Country - 6/09/2009

Every year on the first Sunday in the month of September, bike enthusiasts can ride on secure trails with entertainment as you ride and end the day with a communal lunch. Over 2,000 participants come every year with their families.

For more information call : 00 33 (0)2 54 90 41 41

Welcome to the Loire Valley and itd "douceur de vivre". That well-known, pleasant, easy-going way of life is now accessible in a complety novel way.

With cycling in mind, more than 300 kilometres of paths and smalls roads have been selected and refurbished between the River Loire and the Sologne. These are now marked and made more secure to lead you the gentle country-side of chateau, from stressful everyday life.

With both "Les Châteaux à Vélo" and "La Loire à Vélo", whatever your age, rhythm or wishes may be, it is now possible for you to ride your bycicle to prestigious site such as Blois, Chambord, or Cheverny. Picturesque villages, vast vineyard s, the mysteries of local lore or history and many other little known treasures are now also accessible in quieter ways.

Enjoy very pleasant moments of conviviality and leisure with friends and family, magical landscapes and well-preserved environnments as well as a unique heritage.

many restaurants, hotels, gites, B & B and campsites await you. Bikes and repair shops are available locally… so come and enjoy different holidays, biking through chateau country.

Undertaking of the "Accueil Vélo" accommodation sites :

• Documentation and advice for you to enjoy your holiday to the full, • Weather information • Transfer of your baggage to the next accommodation site (booking required) • Suitable solutions to wash and dry your clothing (washing machine or sink and tumble drier or aired room), • Locked, secure bike park • Repair kit for minor incidents, • Solutions for cleaning bikes (water jet, brush) • Breakfasts adapted to physical effort, and lunch hampers provided (booking required).