Loire Prestige en Vélo

Itinerary & Hotels

• 1

  Arrival Chissay-en-Touraine day 1

  Summary

  Upon arrival at this former 16th century fortress overlooking the river Cher, explore the Renaissance courtyard and relax by pool before dining in the Gothic style vaulted dining room.

  Hotel

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  Château de Chissay
  Chissay-en-Touraine

  For an authentic château atmosphere, a night in this former 13th century fortress is sure to satisfy. Set in a beautiful 10 acre park, this 4 star hotel can provide beautiful, individually designed accommodation from which you can admire the views.

  Chateau de Chissay, is an ancient royal residence set in the heart of the Loire Valley. Rooms overlook the park, the swimming pool or the 15th century courtyard. Rooms are individually furnished in 19th century style. The bathrooms are decorated with mosaics featuring the characters of the French history that is stamped on this chateau. Once occupied by German troops and then renovated in 1986, the buildings are representative of the years of Touraine architecture. Set in the midst of pleasant countryside, Chissay resembles one of the chateaux that decorate the Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry.

  Facilities

  • Rooms are individually designed and have en suite facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Gothic style vaulted dining room

  Board

  • Half Board

  Cuisine

  Dinner is served in the Room of the Guards or the Gothic room, which is more intimate for the quiet evenings. The food and the wines are inspired by the region.

• 2

  Chissay-en-Touraine to Amboise day 2

  Summary

  Today you’ll have the chance to explore one of the region’s most celebrated château at Chenonceaux. Your hotel is Château de Pray, a majestic building nestling in woodland, with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

  Hotel

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  Château de Pray
  Amboise

  You will not fail to be impressed by the beauty of this historical 13th century château. With its fortress towers and Renaissance façade and set in a 12-acre park, this is a real romantic hideaway. Chateau de Pray lies in the heart of the prestigious Loire Chateaux region. A mile west of the town center, this château from 1224 resembles a tower-flanked castle on the Rhine. Inside, you'll find antlers, hunting trophies and a panelled drawing room with a fireplace and a collection of antique oils.

  Inside this beautiful exterior reigns a certain bygone charm. The rooms are furnished with 16th and 18th century furniture and the en suite bathrooms are decorated with marble and wood. The swimming pool and vast terrace are ideal places to relax.

  Facilities

  • 4 star chateau hotel
  • Heated outdoor pool
  • Individually designed, en suite rooms
  • Gastronomic restaurant
  • Terrace

  Board

  • Half Board

  Cuisine

  The restaurant, one star in the Michelin guide, offers quality regional food, much of which is supplied by the kitchen garden and transformed into creative dishes by Chef Frédéric Brisset. Discover an imaginative, tasty and colourful cuisine made of fresh and seasonal products.

  Example Dishes

  Blue lobster “boule de Siam” and oxalis

  Cod, tomatoes from St Genouph, green beans and basil

  Slow roasted duck, Chanterelles and English cherries

  Strawberries from Loire Valley, fennel and astina cress

  13 mi
  (21 km)

• 3

  Day trip from Amboise day 3

  Summary

  Explore the bustling town of Amboise, the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, or cycle west along the River Loire to Vouvray, renowned for its sophisticated white wines.

  30 mi
  (48 km)

• 4

  Amboise to Ouchamps day 4

  Summary

  Head across country to Chaumont and follow the path cut by the River Loire to join one of its tributaries, the Beuvron. Reach the Relais des Landes, a restored 17th century manor house set in acres of wooded parkland.

  Hotel

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  Relais des Landes
  Ouchamps

  Between Cheverny and Chaumont, 15 km south of Blois, this gentilhommière (small manor house) from the 17th century is set in a park of 14 hectares, on the edge of a forest. Each of the 28 bedrooms of the three star hotel is individually decorated, mixing charm, tradition and comfort. All windows open onto the park, guaranteeing calm and rest. Guests have the opportunity to swim in the covered heated swimming pool, irrespective of the weather conditions.

  Facilities

  • En suite bathroom
  • Television
  • Mini-bar
  • Safe
  • Free WiFi access
  • Garden view from all bedrooms
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Covered and heated swimming pool
  • Helpful staff

  Board

  • Half Board

  Cuisine

  Meals can be taken in the dining room with a fireplace or in the sunroom opening onto the courtyard.

  Example Menu

  Les Entrées

  Gourmandise de Crabe, Réduction Crémeuse de Noilly Prat, Confit d’Oignons Rouges
  Caille Confite, Tomates Cerises Rôties, Pignons de Pins & Saveurs de Noix
  Brioche Dorée aux Escargots de Bourgogne, Crème de Muscat et Foie Gras
  Saint-Jacques Rôties, Fondant d’Endives au beurre d’Orange
  Tartare de Fruits Exotiques, Escalope de Foie Gras de Canard, Vinaigrette Fruits de la Passion
  
  Les Plats

  Suprême de Pintade Rôtie Crème de Morilles, Effluve de Porto
  Carré d’Agneau juste Rôti au Romarin, Jus infusé aux Parfums de Provence
  Dégustation de Cochon de Lait Braisé, Girofles et Oranges Confites
  Filet de Veau en Tournedos, Réduction de Marsala et Déclinaison de Fruits Secs
  Filet de Bœuf, Servi Rossini et son Jus Truffé
  Déclinaison de Lotte et Saint Jacques Flambées au Whisky, Infusion à l’Américaine
  
  Les Desserts

  Douceur de Chocolat Blanc, Confit d’Orange
  Méli Mélo de Fruits Frais, Variation de Sorbets
  La Traditionnelle Omelette Norvégienne
  Pièce Montée (sur commande)
  Gourmandise en Fraisier de Sologne

  20 mi
  (32 km)

• 5

  Day trip from Ouchamps day 5

  Summary

  The prestigious historical town of Blois, former residence of kings and bishops, is a pleasant cycle ride from Ouchamps. For a more peaceful option, head down to Cheverny to explore the château that was the inspiration for Moulinsart, the château featured in the Tintin comics.

  20 mi
  (32 km)

• 6

  Ouchamps to Chissay-en-Touraine day 6

  Summary

  Soak up your final views of the Loire countryside as you head back to the elegant Château de Chissay for your final night. Take some time to explore the unique cave dwellings carved into the limestone rocks at Bourré.

  Hotel

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  • 
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  Château de Chissay
  Chissay-en-Touraine

  For an authentic château atmosphere, a night in this former 13th century fortress is sure to satisfy. Set in a beautiful 10 acre park, this 4 star hotel can provide beautiful, individually designed accommodation from which you can admire the views.

  Chateau de Chissay, is an ancient royal residence set in the heart of the Loire Valley. Rooms overlook the park, the swimming pool or the 15th century courtyard. Rooms are individually furnished in 19th century style. The bathrooms are decorated with mosaics featuring the characters of the French history that is stamped on this chateau. Once occupied by German troops and then renovated in 1986, the buildings are representative of the years of Touraine architecture. Set in the midst of pleasant countryside, Chissay resembles one of the chateaux that decorate the Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry.

  Facilities

  • Rooms are individually designed and have en suite facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Gothic style vaulted dining room

  Board

  • Half Board

  Cuisine

  Dinner is served in the Room of the Guards or the Gothic room, which is more intimate for the quiet evenings. The food and the wines are inspired by the region.

  16 mi
  (26 km)

Route & Location

Customer Reviews

5 out of 5 rating based on 3 reviews

• Service (5/5): We biked the prestige/gourmet tour and the Loire valley. We had very good communication from the beginning regarding questions and details on finalizing our trip plans. They also helped us with which trains and best times for our transfers to Chissay. Clive was our contact for the bikes and he was very thorough and helpful preparing us for our trip. He spent a good amount of time with us the evening before we set out on our first bike ride. He also gave us many tips and suggestions for things to see along the way.

  5 out of 5

  15th October 2019

  Read on Feefo

  Product (5/5): Overall I give us a five star review due to the outstanding service (And charming beautiful accommodations plus delicious dinners and breakfasts every night) from the inquiry to our final transfer to the train station from Clive our representative in the Loire Valley. They put us in beautiful accommodations with very nice hostsand English-speaking. The only feedback I would have for them is to emphasize the use of the very friendly and extensive biking route system in all of France. The Loire valley It’s self has 800 km of biking with easy routes that are very well marked. I like having a map easily accessible on my bike when doing self guided tours I think they could do a better job with that but overall we had great experience.

  Belle France: Thank you for your very positive feedback about our services and communications. We are delighted that you had an enjoyable holiday and found the hotels to be friendly and of a very high standard. We are constantly reviewing our routes and will take your comments on board in our planning. Kate
  16th October 2019

  
• Service (5/5): Very friendly and efficient service

  5 out of 5

  8th July 2016

  Read on Feefo

  Product (5/5): Excellent hôtels and restaurants the only negative thing was the not enough explanations of the trails
• Service (5/5): Great experience. Lorna Clayton was excellent - answered all emails v promptly and responded to all our needs. Very accommodating and a really great service.

  5 out of 5

  2nd July 2015

  Read on Feefo

  Belle France: Thank you for such a glowing recommendation, yes Clive is a great asset to the company and all of our Loire clients really appreciate his friendly welcome and local knowledge. I feel sure we will book again for you next year.
  
  Lorna
  28th August 2015

  

  Product (5/5): Excellent! Beautiful hotels and meals. Clive was very helpful, punctual and all our needs were met with a smile. Would not hesitate to use BelleFrance again and have already recommended them to friends.