Cycle & Hot Air Balloon Ride at Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley

Spend the day gliding through the countryside, starting with a guided bike tour on the Loire à Velo paths in the beautiful country. You'll continue riding along the Loire River, then explore the area around Chenonceau Castle, built on a bridge over the Cher River.

Also known as the "Ladies Castle," several women built Château de Chenonceau over the centuries. The first chateau was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, although it was burned down in the 14th century. Only the medieval dungeon—Tour des Marque—remains from this construction. 

The chateau in its current form was built between 1513 and 1517 by Thomas Bohier and his wife Catherine Briçonnet, who oversaw and directed most of the construction. Since then, there's been a long and dramatic line of women who have owned, loved, repaired, expanded, and restored the chateau. It's so well-loved that it's the second-most visited chateau in France, after Versailles. 

Travel back in time to the Renaissance as you navigate the castle's corridors and furnished rooms, then stroll the grounds of the gardens (keep your eyes peeled for the resident donkeys and wild geese). 

In the late afternoon, it's time to see the Loire Valley from a different perspective: aboard a hot air balloon! You'll take to the skies on a once-in-a-lifetime flight, with sunset views of the region's castles, vineyards, and enchanting landscapes.