Cooking Vacations in France: Biking and Cooking in the Loire Valley

Biking and Cooking in the Loire Valley
Blois, Loir-et-Cher

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About the location: The Loire is rich not only in medieval, Renaissance and classical chateux, it has an abundant production of agriculture. From the superb salmon in the Loire River to the valley’s Atlantic side, which produces grapes for wonderful wine, you will be treated to incredible food and drink. Blois is a little town with a famous château, which is piece of living history, and enjoys a scenic setting on the right bank of the Loire.

Your accommodations will be at a lovely chateau guest house, where you will be welcomed by the owner herself, and at a recently renovated 3* hotel in the heart of Blois.

About the bike riding: The Loire Valley is a very scenic and pastoral location for easy to moderate bicycle riding. This is a self-guided riding tour, and you will be equipped with all the necessary equipment, maps and itineraries.

About the lessons: Your lessons will be with two outstanding chefs. Your first class will be a fun, hands-on class with the owner of your chateau accommodations. The second class will be with be with Chef Garanger of “Le Medicis,” who was trained in Michelin star restaurants in the Loire valley, Paris and Burgundy. Both will lead you in hands-on lessons in the cuisine of the region.

Biking and Cooking in the Loire Valley Itinerary

Day 1

  • Meet in Blois train station (in the morning).
  • We provide you with quality bicycle, detailed maps, complete flat tire set, helmets, entrance tickets to Chambord, Blois, Amboise and Clos Luce Chateaus, vouchers for hotels and other services in the tour, itineraries, maps, emergency phone for assistance.
  • You are welcome to take a short ride around the hotel for final bike adjustments.
  • For assistance during your tour, you may contact us 7 days a week on our emergency line.
  • Check-in to your 3-star hotel Le Medicis. Renovated in 2007, the hotel is located just over a half-mile away from Blois Royal Chateau. Your bedroom is quiet and air-conditioned, and includes a Jacuzzi bath to relax in after a day of cycling.
  • Enjoy a 4-course gourmet dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2

  • After breakfast, start out on your 22 mile loop of the surrounding area.
  • You will see the Chateau of Chambord during your trip today. Chambord was the very first Chateau of the Valley to be proclaimed by UNESCO as a world heritage. It was ordered in 1519 by King Francois the 1st to Leonardo Da Vinci and his architects.
  • Lunch on your own in Chambord.
  • Pedal back to Blois among the fields and vineyards. Back at your accommodation, time to rest or freshen up.
  • Dinner at your leisure with recommendations provided by the hotel.
  • Overnight in Blois.

Day 3

  • Following breakfast, visit the Chateau de Blois. The Chateau is unique for its combination of four architectural styles: Gothic, Flamboyant, Renaissance and Classic. Built by the Counts of Blois, Louis XII, Francois I and Louis XIII, this chateau was the site of many well-known historical events.
  • Lunch on your own in Blois.
  • The ancient city of Blois has a rich historical past. In the sixteenth century Blois was the capital of France, under King Louis XII. Enjoy a stroll through the old town and along its charming paved streets.
  • At 4:00 pm Chef Garanger will welcome you for a private cooking demonstration. Chef Garanger trained throughout France in Michelin-star restaurants and won the French Chef competition “Madarine Imperiale” in 2000.
  • Gourmet dinner in the restaurant to follow based on the dishes prepared, drinks not included.
  • Overnight in Blois.

Day 4

  • After breakfast, depart on your longest cycling route, 28 miles. Ride to Chaumont sur Loire, where you will see its famous chateau. The Chaumont Chateau was originally built in the 10th century by counts of Blois as a medieval fortress but was completely destroyed in 1465 by Louis XI and subsequently re-constructed by different owners. Now the chateau combines medieval and Renaissance styles. From May to October you can tour the very popular Garden Festival inside of the castle (neither tickets are included), where 30 fairy interactive gardens can be explored.
  • Lunch on your own; we recommend having lunch in Chaumont sur Loire, where you can buy a French baguette, cheese and fruits to have a picnic by the water’s edge!
  • Next, cycle to Amboise. You will follow the course of the Loire River on a track made alternatively of bike tracks ad small country roads, which will take you through many villages, woods, and vineyards.
  • Tour Chateau du Clos Luce, which is where the genius Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 4 years of his life. You will discover the Manor and gardens, as well as some of his inventions, including the helicopter, parachute, mobile bridge, tank, and much more.
  • Check in to the 4-star Hotel Le Choiseul in Amboise, which is located at the foot of a royal castle. This typical Touraine townhouse was built between the last wild river of Europe and the terrace gardens lined with troglodytic cellars.
  • Enjoy a 3-course dinner in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.
  • Overnight in Amboise.

Day 5

  • Breakfast and end of the tour.

(An extra day is possible during which you can visit the Chateau of Amboise, which was built in the 15th & 16th centuries as an authentic royal castle, and introduced Italian style to the Loire Valley. You will then depart for a 22 mile loop, which will take you to the Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the most exquisite chateaus in the valley. The extension includes an extra night at the hotel, breakfast, entrance to the chateaus, and bikes.)

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