The Val de Loire is a beautiful land of castles and Kings. Steeped in the history of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. the "Garden of France," offers gardens and fragrant meadows and well stocked wine caves. An endless panorama of scenic splendor unfolds while cycling past fortified palaces, elegant Renaissance chateaux, and beautiful formal gardens. Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and small Romanesque churches decorated with frescoes. SEE THE INTERACTIVE PANORAMA , Inviting inns offer game, fish and abundant fresh vegetables to be lingered over. Overindulgence is no sin in this rich region For the wine connoisseur, the sparkling Vouvray and Saumur whites and the fruity reds of Chinon and Bourgueil are rarely exported treats. Like the local vintages, the Loire Valley itself, is best savored slowly, by bicycle, on a truly enchanting and romantic journey.�
The journey begins with a visit to Talcy, a thirteenth century manorial dwelling with fine furniture and tapestries. The day ends with wine sampling and dinner on the banks of the Loire as the sun sets. In the morning, Chambord! (above) This largest and most magnificent of the royal chateaux, slowly reveals itself through the trees. Watch it appear in the MOVIE HERE as we roll toward it. Wild boar and deer inhabit its royal park. Among other things Chambord houses a magnificent double stairwell which allowed the members of the court, such as the Queen and courtesans, to circulate without having to come face to face. A succession of small villages line the route on to Cheverny, a richly decorated castle at the edge of the Sologne Forest. Cheverny is famous for its furnishings and its dogs. Outside of town is another chateau surrounded with its park. Heading on down river the route runs for a time right along the Loire Levee. SEE THE MOVIE The Chateau de Brieul is our home for the night. The town of Cour Cheverny is a delight to explore while searching for the perfect spot for dinner. The route leads us past the Chateau of Chaumont, a Renaissance jewel set above the Loire. After threading our way through a succession of small villages the chateau of Amboise (left) looms above the river. Besides the chateau with its circular stairwell large enough for a horse and carriage Amboise also contains the home of Leonardo da Vinci. La Close Luc� has been restored into a museum containing many of his manuscripts and model machines. Amboise is somewhat of a crossroads, always full of visitors eager to watch exhibitions of tradional dancing in the place before the chateau.SEE THE MOVIE Then it's over to Chenonceaux, (right) the most romantic of the Renaissance chateaux spanning the River Cher. After dinner on the terrace of La Renaudi�re, our hotel, a walk through an avenue of illuminated trees leads to the son et lumi�re at the chateau.

South through farmlands and forests lies the medieval village of Loches. A guided tour through ancient streets of the old walled city is fascinating. The return to Chenonceaux follows the banks of the Indre river before striking across fields of sunflowers. On our second night the little town of Chenonceaux is ready to be explored before dinner out.

The next day the River Indre leads on to Azay-le-Rideau. On the way the town of Montbazon offers a beautiful riverside setting for lunch. Dinner will be under the huge weeping willows in the courtyard of Le Grand Monarche, our hotel for the night. After dinner it's off to Les Imaginaires; a magical walk through sound and light effects around the reflecting pool of the chateau. (above)

Continuing on through a broad sweep of vineyards, the fairytale castle of Uss� lies beside the route, Lunch is in the medieval town of Chinon. It was here the Joan of Arc bearded Prince Charlie in his tower and got him off his duff to take action against the invading English forces. Why only view chateaux, why not sleep in one? Tonight we rest in the Chateau de Rochecotte complete with swimming pool and formal gardens. Deep wine caves with moss an inch thick on the ceiling are just down the road. After a quick taste it's always possible to pick up a bottle or two to take back and enjoy on the baronial terrace of Rochecotte before dinner. Dinner at Rochecotte can be a three hour affair but don't worry it's worth every minute! Our last day of cycling leads to marvelous 16th century chateau and gardens of Villandry. Lunch nearby at le Cheval Rouge or in the town of Langeais before visiting one last chateau. Of course there's always the pool or more wine on the terrace... This evening we feast like kings. In the morning we train to Paris where more adventures begin.

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