Loire Valley bike tour
Loire Valley cycling : Explore Chambord & Cheverny by Bike from Les Hayes
Les Hayes Boutique Hotel in the Loire Valley, proudly awarded the Accueil Vélo label, is the perfect base for exploring the famous Loire à Vélo cycling route and the magnificent castles of the Loire Valley.
Ideally located at the crossroads of three cycling routes, our private estate offers easy access to the region’s most iconic landmarks via dedicated cycle paths and peaceful forest trails, allowing you to discover the area safely and at your own pace.
From the hotel, enjoy a scenic ride to Chambord Castle or Cheverny Castle, both just 10 km away, or visit the charming Château de Villesavin, a hidden gem only 3 km from the estate. Much of the route winds through the beautiful forests of Sologne, far from busy roads, making every ride both relaxing and safe.
To make your stay as easy as possible, we provide complimentary bicycles, helmets and water bottles throughout your stay. Electric bikes are also available (additional charge) and we recommend reserving them the day before to ensure availability.
Every bicycle is equipped with a QR code giving you instant access to our carefully selected GPS cycling routes starting directly from Les Hayes. Simply choose your itinerary and set off to discover the breathtaking landscapes of Sologne and the world-famous Loire Valley Castles.
Discover Cheverny Castle by Bike
This ride to Cheverny offers a rare luxury in Sologne: cycling almost entirely in the shade of pine trees and majestic forest stands. It’s the perfect escape on a summer day, combining the coolness of the woods, peaceful trails, and wide-open views of the Sologne countryside.
From Les Hayes, follow the forest lane you drove in on when arriving at the property. After the pond, take the first road on the right, then immediately turn right again to cross the large open plain where, on your left, you will see the trees felled during the winter.
At the end of the plain, turn left and, about 100 metres further on at the junction, turn right. About 10 metres later, you will come to a fork in the path: stay on the main track to your right.
Approximately 400 metres further on, you leave the Les Hayes estate and join the Route de la Bondonnière. Turn right and then simply follow your GPS directions to the Château de Cheverny.
The route then takes you through long stretches of beautiful woodland before opening onto the vast agricultural plains famous for strawberry farming, a characteristic feature of this part of Sologne.
For the return journey, you have two options. You can retrace your route (about 30 minutes). Near La Bondonnière, make a detour to the Fontaines-en-Sologne observation tower, then continue to the charming village and its church overlooking the central square.
Alternatively, you can choose the longer loop (around 50 minutes), which will take you through the beautiful Cheverny State Forest before bringing you back through Fontaines-en-Sologne.
The Château de Chambord: A Royal Destination
Getting to Chambord from Les Hayes is easy! Take the Arian route towards Tour-en-Sologne until you reach the intersection with the Arian Bridges, dating back to Roman times.
Stop at Château de Villesavin, once known as the «construction hut of Chambord» under Francis the First.
Then, head towards Chambord, passing through the Boulogne National Forest.
Chambord sits within a 5,440-hectare national park, enclosed by a 33 km wall, making it the largest enclosed park in Europe.
On the way back, pass through Bracieux, a must-see Sologne village with a 17th-century market hall.
Finish your route with a series of descents through Mongenet and its ponds, overlooking Fontaines-en-Sologne.
A cycling tour in the domaine of the Region’s Jewels, Blending Nature and History
This «false» loop completes the route for those coming from Les Hayes by bike, offering a discovery of the Chambord National Park, which spans 5,440 hectares and is the largest enclosed park in Europe, surrounded by a 35 km wall.
In total, the two routes add up to 52 km, making it a full-day ride with a lunch stop at Château de Chambord.
From the château, take the road towards Thoury, where you can stop at the Ferme de Maugerie to see its herd of Angora goats, known for producing Mohair.
Then, head to Crouy-sur-Cosson, home to an 11th- and 12th-century church renowned for its wall paintings and stained glass windows.
Take a break at Montperché pond on your way back to Bracieux, then continue the route towards Les Hayes
A Charming Ride Through the Heart of Sologne’s Landscapes, Between Fields and Villages.
Throughout your ride along the fields, keep your eyes open: herons, egrets, ducks in flight, roe deer, and hares may make an appearance.
Starting from Château des Hayes, head towards Fontaines-en-Sologne, a charming village with its church and bakery, then continue to Bauzy. Here, you will discover the Romanesque Church of Saint-Baumer, a listed historic monument, as well as the Saint-Baumer Fountain, surrounded by ponds, hamlets, and farms.
Following the Route des Étangs, reach Neuvy and its must-see Étang de Montperché, with a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning scenery. Then, continue to Bracieux, known for its 17th-century covered market, local market, and unique shops.
Discover Lesser-Known Yet Equally Magnificent Châteaux. A Ride Combining Sensory Pleasures and Architectural Beauty.
This route around Boulogne Forest will introduce you to apple orchards, blackcurrant fields, and vineyards.
Starting from Château des Hayes, head towards Mont-près-Chambord to visit the Conservatory Orchard, which preserves 200 apple and pear varieties, with opportunities to stop at local producers’ stands. In summer, a natural swimming spot may tempt you (beware of peak-hour crowds).
Continue towards Huisseau-sur-Cosson to admire the Château des Grotteaux, built along the river (visits available). Ride along the forest until you reach Château de Villesavin, built under Francis I by the governor of Chambord’s construction.
Pause in Bracieux to explore its 17th-century market hall, shops, and crêperie.
Along the way, stay alert: herons, egrets, deer, and other wild animals might cross your path.
