We leave Blois following the River Loire upstream, on a combination of small roads and cycle paths before arriving at Chambord – The World’s Grandest Hunting Lodge. We cross the Loire at Muides-sur-Loire, and cycle through forests full of deer and wild boar on our way to the grandest Loire chateaux of them all, Chambord.
Chambord was built as a hunting lodge by Francois 1, King of France. The chateau itself is beautiful, the largest of all the Loire Chateau, featuring 365 chimneys. As well as exploring the interior of this chateau, we can also access the roof by the amazing double-helix staircase, once thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Two people can enter the staircase from opposite sides and descend to the ground floor without ever meeting.
Chambord sits within Europe’s longest wall, 34 Km long, enclosing the royal hunting grounds. Although we’ll see evidence of wild boar everywhere, they’re so shy that it’s actually difficult to see them. Dusk is the best option, and there are ‘hides’ dotted throughout the forest, but sadly we won’t be here at dusk!
We’ll leave Chambord, still cycling through hunting forest, as we make our way back along the River Cosson, and cross back into Blois and our hotel.
(Biked 30 miles)