By Bike in The Loire Valley

With its nearly flat terrain, the Loire Valley is custom-built for traveling by bike; however, a single-day expedition visiting three or more châteaux would be difficult, except for professional bicyclists, considering the distances involved. Vélos tout-terrain (mountain bikes) are the sturdiest models. When renting, inquire about bike-repair kits. As Tours is the heart of the region, it's the best base.

Bike Rentals

Détours de Loire (5 rue du Rempart, Tours. 02-47-61-22-23. www.loire-a-velo.fr) has more than a dozen outlets along the Loire, where you can rent bikes from EUR 14 a day or EUR 57 a week.