Lost & Overheated Cycling in the Loire Valley… Just to Find THIS Château

I’m in the heart of the Loire Valley, it’s 29°C, I’ve just jumped on the bike with zero plan, and things are already turning into a mystery tour! 🌞

In this video, I ride from the Saumur campsite, discover hidden gravel singletrack along the Loire River, and find one of the most beautiful châteaux in France—Château de Saumur. Think Disney castle meets French history.

Along the way:

The build-up to the Anjou Vélo Vintage festival
Some classic French bridge-building
Lots of water breaks (did I mention it’s 29° and climbing?)
And yes, a chocolate banana bar meltdown
Plus, I get lost. Several times.

We’ll explore the fairytale Saumur Château, uncover its royal past, and give a nod to the Cadre Noir, France’s elite horseback school based here in town.

If you love cycling in France, getting a bit lost, and discovering incredible places by bike—subscribe now and join me for more two-wheeled adventures through historic towns, hidden villages, and the best rides in France

0:00 intro
2:20 Chateau de Saumur by bike
2:49 A brief history of Saumur Chateau
3:45 Return to Saumur Campsite

🧭 Where this ride takes you:

Saumur Campsite

Gravel tracks along the Loire

Saumur Château viewpoint

Back across the river… eventually

👉 Watch until the end to see what happens to the beard 🧔‍♂️✂️

🎥 Don’t miss:
🔗 My Anjou Vélo Vintage video [https://youtu.be/EjZgRhXLScg]
🔗 Keeping Fit Over 50 by Cycling: [https://youtu.be/wPHtrJ6IksQ]
🔗Cycling the Pont de Normandie [https://youtu.be/TWKx8s2d6AI]

Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com
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#saumur #cyclingfrance #eurovelo6 #anjouvelovintage

I’m in the Loire Valley. I’ve literally 
just jumped on the bike. Got no idea where I’m going. We’re going to go and 
find the chateau. I’ve heard it’s a bit special and it’s turning into a mystery 
tour. 29°. Lots of water, boys and girls. Just arrived in Saumur campsite. The river Loire is there. I’m off for a little 
pootle. I’m heading to some more straight into some beautiful single track along the river’s 
edge. I’ve literally just jumped on the bike. Got no idea where I’m going. We’re going to go and 
find the chateau. I’ve heard it’s a bit special. My daughter’s actually coming to visit me now. 
We are going to be doing the Anjour Velo Vintage on our vintage bikes. I’m out on my Origine 
Trail bike for this ride. 29° 4:00. Nope. 6:00. 5K in on a dedicated cycle path next to the 
main road, but very nice. The Loire River is just there and first glance of the chateau 
just between the two trees there. The French do a good chateau. Looks like something out of 
a Disney film. Right, got a choice Saumur by the Rive Gauche left side of the river or le Rosier on the right hand 
side of the of the river. I think I’m going to cross the river. Pond Normandy. Take note. 
This is how to build a bridge for cyclists. There’s the chateau in the background. Need to 
find a way up. Going to check on Google Maps and I will see you at the top. Right. Found a little 
cycle path up to the castle. It’s a bit steep. Steep and bumpy. Oh, and some steep turns. Well, that is pretty awesome. This is the chateau 
de Saumur. I’ll get some video shots of it and do a bit of a voice over explaining what it’s 
all about. Rising above the Loire River, Saumur Chateau looks more like a fairy tale castle than 
a fortress. Originally built in the 10th century, it was expanded by the Dukes of Anjou in the 
14th century. It’s been a royal residence, a prison, and even an arms depot under 
Napoleon. Today, it’s a national monument and home to the Museum of Decorative Arts and 
Horse Culture. That last part’s no coincidence. Saumur is also home to the Cadra Noir, 
France’s elite horseback riding school that was founded in the 19th century. We will 
be stopping here during the Anjou Velo vintage on Sunday. You can check out the video. I’ll 
put it in the link somewhere. Uh to be honest, I don’t fancy that hill on my single speed 
1930s bike. Think I might be walking. Plus, it’s going to be 35° or close to lots of water, 
boys and girls. So, I’m going to go back across the old bridge here. Just in the distance, level 
with the roof of the church is the bridge that I came over. Probably can’t see it in the picture. 
So, I am going to retrace my steps back across the other side of the river. There we have it. The 
chateau of Saumur. Beautiful in the evening light. By the way, if you love discovering 
France by bike, from gravel and bike packing to coastal escapes, epic 
road climbs, and hidden villages, hit subscribe. There’s plenty more French 
cycling adventures coming your way. and it’s turning into a mystery tour. I’ve lost 
the bridge. It’s very big and I’ve lost it. Back on the right bridge. So, you can see the 
chateau in the background. City centers that way. There’s lots of people going in on 
vintage bikes because it’s the first day of the Anjou Vintage Festival and 
I believe there’s a big music festival going on tonight. Lots of people 
dressed up in fancy dress as well. For those who have watched my keeping fit over 
50 video, you know I’m partial to a cheap bar or two. This one is chocolate and banana. Ah, 
just broken off in my hand. Chocolate and banana Thanks for joining me. Hope you enjoyed 
the little excursion. Turned out to be 30k by the time we get back to the van. Got 
lost a couple of times. Keep watching to the end cuz the beard’s coming off. Let 
me know what you think in the comments.