A selection of local bike rides
The Chateau is located in the Regional National Park of Loire-Anjou-Touraine between the rivers Loire and Vienne where the land is very flat and conducive to gentle biking. There are many small roads,tracks and footpaths suitable for bikes with little or no motor traffic, except the odd farmer and his tractor.
Ride # 1
Leave the Chateau go South towards the river Vienne, through the wooded area, cross the river near Candes St Martin, go into the village. Lunch in the village square besides the 12th century church. After lunch have a quick look inside the church then go towards Saumur to Montsoreau and visit the Chateau which was used by Alexander Dumas in one of his novels. There are interesting exhibits within. Return to the Chateau by recrossing the river, however a different route though the park.
Ride # 2
Again go towards the river Vienne, however go east rather than west follow the river towards Chinon. Lunch at one of several cafes in the square. Afterwards climb the steps to the Chateau where in 1429 Joan of Arc met King Charles VII and was commissioned to go forth and fight the English. Alternatively divert to the local tennis club for a quick game. On the return route stop off at one of the 'caves' to taste Chinon wine.
Ride # 3
Go around Chinon up the slight incline to the forest of Chinon to Azay Ie Rideau. Lunch at one of the open cafes, after walk around the town and Chateau including the grounds, return through the forest by a different route.
Ride # 4
Go north through Savigne en Veron towards the river Loire. Cross the river at Port Boulet, onto Bourguiel the center of the fullbodied red wines of the region. Visit the day of the local open air market to view the wide range of local produce from the garden of France. On the way back visit the Musee des Mariniers,the nautical museum of the Loire.
Ride # 5
Go to the bridge at Candes (ride #1) cross the river go left up the hill towards Fontevraud, the small manicured town with its famous Abbey. After lunch visit the Abbey and view the tombs in the crypt of the Plantagents including Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and their son Richard the Lionheart. Its is downhill back to the Chateau on the south side of the Vienne, crossing the river near Chinon.
Ride # 6
To Candes then along the south side of the Loire to Saumur, a biggish town. Lunch in Place St Pierre. Return either along the same level route or take the alternative over the hills though the vineyards.
Ride # 7
Go through the forest of Chinon to Villandry, lunch locally then visit the world famous gardens.
Ride # 8
Go to Chinon and follow the river then go south to the walled town of Riechelieu where one of France's most powerful men built his estate. Very lively on market days.
Ride # 9
Go east across the flat terrain to the Loire and onto Usse where tradition has it that when
Charles Perrault was writing 'Sleeping Beauty" he used Usse as his model.
Ride # 10
Go through Candes and Montsereau crossing the Loire to the west and go through undulating wooded country to Les Loges the home of the owner of the worlds largest collection of model soldiers, visit the factory and meet the owner, a good long ride.