Heritage

Loire châteaux: routes starting and finishing in Blois

Start in Blois, discover the Loire châteaux and return to Blois. Two ways to travel: keep the same accommodation for day trips, or organise a cycling tour with overnight stops along the way.

Updated 4 October 2026 · Editorial team: Découvrir Blois

Which châteaux should I visit around Blois?

Château de Chambord · © Léonard de Serres / Domaine national de Chambord

The Château royal de Blois is the natural starting point. Add Chambord for its architecture and estate, Cheverny for its château and gardens, or Chaumont-sur-Loire for a day exploring the château and gardens. Consult official programmes to choose which areas you want to visit.

Option 1: stay in Blois and return each evening

Château de Cheverny · © Château de Cheverny

Suggested programme: spend the first day in Blois, the second at Chambord, the third at Cheverny and the fourth at Chaumont-sur-Loire. Each excursion starts and ends in Blois. Choose your transport for each day: cycling journeys should be planned using official maps, allowing for the return distance and visiting time. This programme suggests an order of visits, not a single waymarked cycle route.

Option 2: a cycling tour starting and finishing in Blois

Cyclists in Savonnières on the Loire à Vélo · © Office de tourisme Tours Loire Valley

The tourist office suggests a four- to five-day loop around the major châteaux. Its route links Blois, Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, Chambord, the Bracieux area, Villesavin, Cheverny and Chaumont-sur-Loire before returning to Blois. Use the official route to plan the connections; book overnight stays along the way rather than planning to return to Blois after every stage.

Spread out the stages without overloading your days

For your own version of the tour, start with a day exploring Blois. Then head to Chambord, followed by the Cheverny area and finally Chaumont-sur-Loire before returning to Blois. Add an overnight stop or rest day if needed. You do not need to fit all the intermediate visits into one day: adapt your selection to your ability and interests.

Architecture of the François I wing at the Château royal de Blois · Photo: Château royal de Blois

Plan your departure from and return to Blois

Collect your bike in Blois and agree on its return to Blois when booking. Check return hours, electric bike charging and arrangements in case of a problem. For the châteaux, check tickets and opening times directly on official websites. Detailed maps and the rental company’s terms remain your references for the journey.

Sample stay: starting and finishing in Blois

Suggested plan, to adapt to your pace and the official route
Stage	Explore	Arrangements
Start in Blois	Château royal and old town	First night in Blois
Towards Chambord	Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire and Chambord	Overnight en route depending on your chosen stage
Towards Cheverny	Optional visit to Villesavin, then Cheverny	Overnight in the Cheverny area
Towards Chaumont-sur-Loire	Château and gardens	Overnight en route or an extra stage
Return to Blois	The Loire and the end of the tour	Return your bike in Blois

Stages may take several days. Choose accommodation after checking distances on the official map.

Practical questions

Can I visit the châteaux while staying at the same hotel in Blois?

Yes, by organising separate excursions returning to Blois. Plan each return journey according to your chosen transport.

Does the châteaux cycling tour return to Blois?

The tourist office’s suggested tour returns to Blois after stages towards Chambord, Cheverny and Chaumont-sur-Loire. Check its route before setting off.

A room at Hôtel Le Monarque · © Hôtel Le Monarque

A place to stay

Discover Hôtel Le Monarque.

Check rooms and availability directly with the hotel in central Blois.

View rooms in Blois ↗

Sources and information to check

Check opening hours, prices and conditions on official websites before your visit.