02 Blois to Tours
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Last edit: 19-02-2021
Route Summary
It is impossible to talk about the Loire Valley without thinking about its beautiful castles. They are inextricably linked, one resonates in the other: on the banks of the Loire and its tributaries, in the forests of the Loire region, in the heart of the characteristic towns or near the authentic villages. .. they are all symbols of the French Renaissance. Showpieces of the Loire region include the castles of Chenonceau, Chambord, Amboise, Nantes! But there are many more to visit. Some, still inhabited, castles make you dream about life as it used to be.The majestic Loire is one with nature and crosses a very varied landscape. The Loire is fascinating, amazingly beautiful, relaxing and has many surprises in store. Part of the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a very attractive destination.
Enjoy beautiful landscapes in a protected nature reserve. There are four natural parks in the Loire Valley (Parc Naturel de la Brenne, Loire-Anjou-Touraine, Parc de Brière and Parc Naturel du Perche) where rivers flow through rolling green landscapes.
This ride gets 5 stars. You usually drive on quiet roads that are also of excellent quality. Here and there a slightly busier track has to be chosen to get to your destination. However, it remains very pleasant to drive. Cheverny, Chenonceau and Amboise that we visit in this ride are all beautiful castles to discover.
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Verdict
Duration
9h 44m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
119.23 km
Countries
Cheverny
RouteXpert Review
You start the route from the hotel Blois Center. You immediately cross the Loire. A little further you cross the rivers Cosson and Beurron. Just before Cheverny you drive on the Conon that supplies the ponds of the castle.Open to the public all year round and still inhabited, Cheverny Castle is a classicist building dating back to the 17th century. The interior of the castle, decorated with furniture, artifacts and beautiful tapestries, is exceptional. The visit not to be missed allows to discover the king's room, the armory, the library and the tapestry salon. A particularly sumptuous whole! Cheverny Castle is also special because it was a source of inspiration for cartoonist Hergé. This majestic residence without the two pavilions is indeed immediately reminiscent of the Molensloot Castle and Captain Haddock, the famous character from the comic strips depicting the adventures of Tintin. A permanent exhibition, the Secrets of the Molensloot, is also devoted to the world of Tintin.
The very pleasant park with trees is an invitation to rest and stroll.
You continue through the beautiful landscape of Loir-et-Cher. You pass the river Bièvre and the castle of Fougères-sur-Bièvre. It continues to drive smoothly. Sambin and the surrounding area was the scene of a bloody battle in 1016. Thousands were killed. Today the town is mainly known for its goat cheese. The Benedictij Abbey of Pontlevoy is a classified historical monument.
The next stop is Chenonceau Castle, which sits on the River Cher. An architectural masterpiece owned by the Head of State and a palatial residence. The castle is special not only for the design of the building, but also for its history: loved, run and protected by women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis. It is also called the 'Château des Dames'. The feminine touch is everywhere: it has protected the castle from the ravages of war and made it a peaceful place.
At Château de Chenonceau, the flowery arrangements make a nice addition to the already lavishly decorated rooms. The Chambre des Cinq Reines, the Salon Louis XIV, the gallery over the river Cher, the amazing kitchens built on the bridge pillars, the Cabinet Vert of Catherine de Medicis ... step by step the castle takes you on a journey through time, through its history, dreams and secrets. After so many impressions you can walk in the French gardens and the park of the castle. The gardens of Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers emphasize the elegance of this unique landscape. From the Jardin Vert to the Italian labyrinth and the harmony of the vegetable garden, everywhere you can relax in the soft and peaceful atmosphere that reigns in the place.
You now drive back north to the castle of Amboise on the Loire. From its perched spot, the royal castle of Amboise has a panoramic view over the Loire. Under the rule of King Charles VIII, then under Louis XII and François I, the castle was transformed into a royal residence. The monument was occupied by the French court during the Renaissance and attracted artists from all over Europe to the Loire Valley, starting with Leonardo da Vinci. The Italian genius will spend the last three years of his life next to the king in Amoise and he is also buried there. The Royal Castle of Amboise has an exceptional furniture collection that testifies to the artistic refinement of the first French Renaissance. You will also discover amazing architecture, such as the Tour des Minimes and the Tour Heurtault, equipped with an equestrian ramp that allows riders to enter the enclosure without getting off. The Jardin de Naples was the first Renaissance garden in the Loire Valley.
A few hundred meters away is the castle of Clos-Lucé. It is a leisure residence for the Kings of France and the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. The beautiful building takes us back to the daily life of the master through the apartments, but also by showing his inventions reconstructed in the wooded park. His studios, recently renovated, reveal the inquisitive atmosphere in which Leonardo bathed to perform his ingenious reflections.
You are gradually at the end of the ride. You drive along the banks of the Loire to Tours. Just south of Tour in Chambray-lès-Tours you can spend the night at Hôtel Campanile Tours Sud.
Amboise
Chenonceau
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Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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