Biking lakeside lanes to charming châteaux 

Recently, Rhona - one of our Adventure and Biking Specialists - experienced our Cycling the Loire Valley In Style trip first-hand. The route delivered on every front, but it was the châteaux that really captured her imagination: the architecture, the history, and the remarkable women behind some of France's most iconic buildings. Rhona shares her highlights from the saddle and what makes our In Style trips extra special.

One of the best parts of a self-guided biking vacation in the Loire Valley is where you get to lay your head each night. We're not talking standard hotels here – we're talking genuine châteaux, each with centuries of history behind the front door. Here are the three that stole the show on my trip. 

Château du Pray: A Gentle Introduction to Château Life 

Our first historic stay was Château du Pray, where we spent two nights. It's a beautiful building and not too big – the perfect first taste of what was to come. 

On a short wander around the hotel, we spotted all sorts of unusual details, like stained-glass doors opening onto a veranda with views over the garden and the river beyond. And do have a wander, even if you feel a bit curious. You'll find portraits of former owners throughout the building – you even get to have breakfast surrounded by a few of them, plus a full tapestry, which was a first for me. 

The château dates back to the 13th century and originally served a military purpose. Thankfully, the Renaissance softened its edges into the elegant building you see today. 

Worth knowing: Château du Pray was one of the first châteaux in the Loire to open as a hotel and restaurant – and that restaurant now holds a Michelin star. We should all be grateful they did. It was a fantastic stay. 

Château de Chenonceau: The Château of the Ladies 

You can't stay overnight at my next favorite, but it's an essential stop on the route: Château de Chenonceau. 

The history here is remarkable. Construction was overseen by Katherine Briçonnet in 1513, and a long line of female owners followed – which, I like to think, is why it's so beautifully preserved today. 

One of those owners was Catherine de' Medici, wife of King Henri II of France. Henri had gifted the château to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. After his death, Catherine promptly evicted Diane and claimed it for herself, adding an extravagant ballroom across the bridge spanning the River Cher. 

That ballroom has lived several lives since. During WW1, it became a military hospital, treating over 2,000 soldiers. Then in WW2, the château found itself straddling the line between Nazi-occupied France on one bank and the free zone on the other – the bridge itself became an escape route for people fleeing the occupation. 

One more for the history fans: Chenonceau hosted France's first-ever fireworks display in 1560. Imagine the colors reflecting off the water. 

Château de Rochecotte: Saving the Grandest for Last 

My final château – and my absolute favorite – was Château de Rochecotte. It was the highlight of my journey. There was a certain irony in arriving at the grandest place we stayed with oily hands and a freshly repaired bike chain, but they didn't bat an eyelid. 

The sheer scale of the place takes a moment to sink in. Don't worry, though – at check-in, they'll hand you a map of the grounds, so you don't get lost. I'd highly recommend an evening walk through the woods up to the pond before dinner. That's if you can tear yourself away from the pool! 

Rochecotte also has strong ties to bold, independent women. The Duchess of Dino played a key role in its development, and her memoirs from her time here are a brilliant read – politics, garden design, and plenty of grand parties. 

The best thing I learned about the Duchess? Like me, she was a serious coffee lover. She even taught her kitchen staff to brew it properly, just as she'd learned in Vienna. 

Ready to Cycle the Loire? 

Our Loire Valley biking adventures give you the rare chance not just to visit the Loire's châteaux, but to sleep in them too. With your accommodations booked, luggage transfers sorted and the route in the Macs Adventure app, all you need to do is pedal between them – and soak it all up. It's a journey I'll never forget, and I hope you love it just as much as I did!