France's Loire Valley: Cycling through history

In 1522, King Francois I of France received word that his two sons were being held hostage in Spain. Instead of paying the enormous ransom, Francois decided the boys could stay in Spain a while and spent all his money building a new castle in the Loire valley.

In a more modern era, of course, Francois's PR office would advise against such a move. But being the king of France meant something back then. Today we can marvel at the grand palaces and chateaux of that era. Best of all, we can bike from one to another along quiet backroads through forests and farmyards, and along the rivers.

Each of these castles and chateaux has its own personality and charm. Our bike trip includes:
* Blois, built in four distinct styles, ranging from a stout medieval tower at one corner to the classical facade of the final wing.
* Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci came from Italy to spend his final years with his friend, the French king.
* Villandry, celebrated world-wide for its exquisite gardens.
* Usse castle, deep in Chinon Forest, where the legend of Sleeping Beauty was born.
* Chenonceau, where Catherine de Medici once plotted against her rivals.
* Azay-le-Rideau, with its fairy-tale palace moat and towers.
* Sturdy Chinon chateau, now partially in ruins, at which Joan of Arc strode into history.

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