Gay Group Trip: Valley of Chateaux France Biking Tour

Our cultural cycling tour through France begins today, as you arrive in Blois, just a 2-hour train ride from Paris. Should you arrive early enough, you’ll be invited on a walking tour of this charming town. Tonight we dine on authentic french cuisine as a group.

Today we’ll be cycling along the Loire River, passing small farms and forests as we go. From here you’ll have the choice of two distinct routes: continuing along the main road, or branching off onto an unpaved riverside road. Regardless of which route you choose, we’ll all arrive at our picnic spot in Chaumont. After lunch we will stop at Chaumont Chateau. Tonight we will be staying in lively Amboise, where you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of Loire wines.

This morning your cycling journey continues, with a stop at Le Clos Luce, the manor which was home to Leonardo da Vinci for the last three years of his life. Next, we’ll be stopping in a region known for its castles, visiting the 7-story Chinese pagoda of Chanteloup. Once again you’ll have the choice of two routes, before stopping at the magnificent Chenonceau castle. This afternoon we’ll make our way from the busy River Loire to the peaceful Indre river. Here, we will explore the medieval town of Loches.

This morning you will be visiting a small section of France known for its great concentration of grand chateaux and palaces. Firstly, we will stop at an ancient Roman aqueduct, which has been standing for over 2000 years. Following the calm Indre river, we’ll come to Montbazon, where you can climb to a ruined fortress. Our final destination is Azay-le-Rideau, a small french town with a spectacular castle.

Two nights will be spent in Azay-le-Rideau, so you can relax and explore the quaint town at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can join the group for a morning bike ride. This route will take us to Villandry, where we can tour the castle and magnificent surrounding gardens. Refuel with a pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven at a local brasserie.

Once again the morning will begin with biking along the Loire, before stopping at Usse, the palace that inspired Sleeping Beauty. Before arriving in Chinon, refresh yourself with a dip in the cool river. Chinon is a hilltop site that was developed by the Romans and is rich with historic culture. Additionally, this region is known for its red wines and fine dining options, both of which you will have the chance to sample.

In Chinon we have two nights, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to explore the beach, chateau, and cafes. If you wish to continue cycling, there is a route you can take along the river, through a wood, and on to the abbey of Fontevraud. From here you can return to Chinon, or continue to Saumur. From Saumur we will travel past La Herpiniere, a five-year old windmill. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner at Chinon’s best restaurant.

Sadly, today marks the end of our gay group cycling tour. Say goodbye to your fellow gay travellers, and beautiful France before returning home.