Cher Valley Loop

Route Overview

The Cher Valley Loop offers a different character from the main Loire à Vélo routes. Instead of following major rivers on dedicated paths, you'll cycle through a patchwork of forest tracks, quiet country roads, and riverside sections. The Cher is smaller and more intimate than the Loire — narrower, tree-lined, and often hidden behind woodland rather than displayed in open valley panoramas.

This route is rated moderate not because of extreme difficulty, but because it requires more navigation attention, includes some gentle climbs (particularly through the forest section), and has varied surfaces including gravel forest paths. The reward is a quieter, more immersive cycling experience and the highlight of passing beneath Chenonceau's arches — one of the most photogenic moments in Loire Valley cycling.

Highlights Along the Way

Cycling Beneath Chenonceau's Arches

The route's showpiece moment comes at kilometer 15. The Loire à Vélo path passes directly beneath Chenonceau château, which spans the Cher River on five arches. You'll dismount and walk your bike through the arched passage (it's part of the public right-of-way, separate from the château's paid grounds). From beneath the arches, you can look up at the Renaissance gallery and out through both sides to the river flowing past.

This is the only château on the Loire à Vélo network where the cycling path passes directly through the building itself. It's an extraordinary experience and one of the most photographed spots on the entire route. Time your visit for mid-morning when light streams through the arches, or late afternoon for golden-hour photography.

The Cher River's Character

The Cher is quieter and more forested than the Loire. You'll cycle through sections where the river narrows to 30 meters, overhung by willows and alders. The banks support different wildlife — kingfishers are common, as are dragonflies in summer. Several sections have small beaches and shallow pools where families picnic.

Unlike the Loire's wide, sandy expanses, the Cher feels more contained and secretive. The valley's agricultural land is devoted to asparagus, strawberries, and small-scale vegetable farming rather than extensive vineyards.

Forest of Amboise Section

The return leg through the Forest of Amboise provides contrast to the riverside cycling. The forest is mixed deciduous — oak, beech, and hornbeam — with a dense canopy that provides welcome shade in summer. The paths here are well-maintained gravel forest tracks, though after rain they can have puddles and softer sections.

This is the route's most physically demanding section, with gentle but sustained climbs gaining about 100 meters elevation over 5 kilometers. The gradient is never steep, but you'll definitely feel it if you're on a standard bike without gears. E-bikes handle this section easily.

Detailed Route Description

From Bléré, follow the Cher's south bank heading east. The first 8 kilometers are almost entirely flat, following dedicated cycle paths and very quiet country lanes through farmland. You'll pass fields of asparagus (distinctive long raised beds covered with black plastic in spring) and strawberry plots.

Civray-de-Touraine marks the transition from agricultural to more wooded landscape. The river narrows, and trees close in. The path remains flat but becomes more winding as it follows the river's meanders. This section is particularly pretty in autumn when the forest foliage turns.

At Chenonceau village (km 14), the path briefly joins a quiet street before reaching the château grounds. Signs direct you to the arch passage beneath the château. This 50-meter section is on foot only — walk your bike through. Emerging from the far side, you have the option of locking bikes and visiting the château (highly recommended) or continuing the loop.

The return begins just after the château, where the route turns north away from the river. You'll climb gradually through mixed farmland and forest edge. Around km 18, you enter the Forest of Amboise proper. The next 10 kilometers are through woodland on gravel tracks. Signage is present but less frequent than on main Loire à Vélo routes — download the GPX file for confident navigation.

The forest section is peaceful and often deserted midweek. You might see deer, particularly in early morning or evening. The tracks are wide enough for cars (forest management vehicles use them) but motor traffic is rare.

Around km 28, you'll begin descending back toward the Cher Valley. The descent is gentle, on paved country roads through Athée-sur-Cher before rejoining the riverside path for the final 5 kilometers back to Bléré.

Bike Rental for This Route

Because this is a loop route, you'll start and finish in the same location. Bike rental options:

• Bléré rentals: Détours de Loire has a Bléré location (4 Place de la République) offering standard bikes and e-bikes. €18/day standard, €38/day e-bike. This is the most convenient option as you start and finish at the same shop.
• Tours rentals with transport: Some Tours rental shops will deliver bikes to Bléré for a fee (around €20-25). This allows you to rent from Tours' larger selection and be dropped off to start the loop.
• Chenonceau rentals: There are rental options in Chenonceau village if you prefer starting/finishing there, though Bléré offers better services and lunch options.

E-bikes Recommended

While this route is doable on standard bikes, the forest section's climbs and gravel surfaces make e-bikes a more comfortable option, especially for less experienced cyclists or those wanting to save energy for château visits.

Return Options

This is a loop route, so you naturally return to your starting point. The total distance of 35 km is comfortable for most cyclists as a half-day ride, though allow a full day if visiting Chenonceau château (2-3 hours) and having lunch.

Shorter Option

For a shorter route (20 km total), start in Chenonceau village, cycle to the château, then return via the same riverside path. This out-and-back option avoids the forest section and keeps the route entirely flat and paved.

Practical Tips

• Water: Bring 1.5 liters per person. Public fountains in Bléré, Civray, and Chenonceau village. No water sources in the forest section.
• Food: Bléré has bakeries and cafes (stock up before departure). Chenonceau village has tourist cafes and a small grocery. Pack snacks for the forest section where there are no services for 10 km.
• Repairs: Bike shop in Bléré only. Check your bike before departure. Carry a spare tube and pump, as forest paths can cause punctures from thorns or gravel.
• Navigation: Download the GPX file. While the route is signposted, the forest section has less frequent markers and several path junctions where GPS helps.
• Timing: Allow 2-3 hours pure cycling time, plus château visit (2 hours), lunch, and photo stops. Most cyclists take 5-6 hours total for the full experience.
• Best seasons: April-May and September-October ideal. Summer can be hot on open sections, though the forest provides shade. Avoid after heavy rain as forest tracks become muddy.
• Chenonceau crowds: The château is one of France's most visited. Arrive early (before 10am) or late (after 4pm) to avoid peak crowds.

Map and GPX Download

Navigation tools are particularly useful for this route due to the forest section. Download the GPX file for offline use.

Download GPX File