This section of La Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6) starting from Blois is one of the most popular with families: it links two of the most iconic castles in the Loire Valley — Chambord and Cheverny — on a nearly flat, largely protected route.
A route built for family sightseeing
Starting from Blois, the loop first follows the greenway along the Cosson river toward Chambord, crossing forests and game-filled clearings typical of the Sologne region. Arriving at Chambord, with its towers and double-helix staircase visible from the moat, is a first highlight that fully justifies the detour.
After Chambord, the route turns toward Cheverny through a more open landscape of vineyards and fields. Cheverny, more intimate than Chambord but known for its original furnishings and its pack of hunting hounds, rounds out the visit nicely.
The return to Blois can follow a slightly different path for varied scenery, passing a few typical Sologne hamlets along the way.
How to approach the ride with kids
The main strength of this loop is its flexibility: the distances between points of interest (Blois-Chambord roughly 18 km, Chambord-Cheverny roughly 12 km, return roughly 15 km) make it easy to split over two days if needed, or skip a castle to shorten the day with young children.
Budget time for the visits themselves: Chambord and Cheverny each take one to two hours for even a quick tour, on top of riding time.
When to go
The ideal window runs from April to October. Spring offers particularly photogenic light on the castles and fewer crowds than high summer; July-August is still workable but busier around the castles.
Good to know
Blois has a well-connected train station from Paris, making it a practical car-free starting point, with several bike rental shops used to families (kids’ bikes, trailers, seats) right in the town centre.