Blois to Chambrod Chateau Loop: Perfect day of biking

August 31, 2014

This morning we woke up to a perfect day of sunshine, and we were anxious to get cycling and forget about the previous day.

We cycled route 9 on the La Loire a Velo route, which takes you on a loop to the chateau Chambrod. The route takes you on greenways along the Loire, and quiet country road through vineyards and fields of sunflowers. Cycle touring at its best. It was an amazing site when the beautiful, massive chateau first came into our view.

The Chambrod chateau first began in 1519 as a weekend hunting lodge by King Francois I, and it quickly snowballed into one of the most ambitious (and expensive) architectural projects ever attempted by any French monarch. When it was finally completed, 30-odd years later, the castle boasted some 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, plus a rooftop cityscape of turrets and chimneys. It has a double-helix staircase, supposedly designed by the king's friend, Leonardo da Vinci. Wow!

We retuned to our hotel, in Blois early afternoon, and enjoyed a nice walk around the maze of cobblestone streets. Another great dinner, and we were ready to call it a day.

Tomorrow we are heading towards Saumur, and hoping to start logging some serious distances.