You travel independently  to Fontevraud. Check in at your hotel and have a stroll around the abbey (or buy tickets to visit later on in your stay) and through the town centre.

Cycle at an easy pace through the woods and sunflower fields (when flowering) to the magnificent historic town of Chinon. Visit the fortress or enjoy life on a terrace by the banks of the majestic Vienne river. On the way back to the hotel you could also visit the museum of the famous French author François Rabelais.

Challenge: 52.9 km, 396m ascent, 397m descent

Today you'll cycle to Saumur, with it's chateau that overlooks confluence of the Loire. The Château de Saumur has been listed as a "monument historique" by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862. The town of Saumur is very pleasant, with its imposing 17th century church of Notre Dame des Ardilliers and at Saint-Pierre square, you can admire its half-timbered houses. You can also visit a distillery in the centre or try some wines from the region! From Saumur you get to choose: cycle back or take a boatride on the Loire river to Montsoreau. From there it's only 4 km. back to the hotel.

Challenge: 37.1km, 417m ascent, 416m descent

Today you'll cycle around in the countryside of the Anjou area (which is nowadays called the Mainee-et-Loire department), also known for the Chenin Blanc grapes. You will continue your way to Cadre Noir, which is ‘the’ center for equestrian fans ( the French military riding academy). The route continues through the idyllic valley of the Loire, back to your hotel. 

Challenge: 47.6km, 313m ascent, 314m descent

If you haven't done so far, take some time in the morning to visit the world-famous abbey of Fontevraud. The vast Royal Abbey with its delightful architecture and the effigies of Richard the Lionheart, Eleonor of Aquitaine, Henri II and Isabelle d’Angoulême. Local artists will be delighted to welcome you into their work shops. If you decide to go cycling we suggest you take a short loop of 38 km to Roiffé south of Fontevraud through the country side, vineyards, fields and small villages. Do not miss the visits to the unusual castles of Brézé (and its underground passages) and the castle of La Mothe-Chandeniers (abandoned for a long time and which has been transformed into a true masterpiece of nature).

Challenge: 37.8km, 409m ascent, 408m descent

After breakfast end of the trip...or you extend your trip and book some extra nights?