OFF THE BIKE

THE CHATEAUX

There are so many châteaux along the banks of the Loire, it’d be easy to spend a day at each – two a day would keep you busy for a fortnight. Our must-sees are Chenonceau (www.chenonceau. com) or Chambord (www. chambord.org) but there are plenty of others to choose from. (loire-chateaux.co.uk)

THE CHURCHES

The big cities of the Loire tend to have monumental churches – particularly the cathedrals of Orléans and Tours – and don’t miss the impressive Basilica of St Martin in Tours.

TRIPLE TIPPLE

Saumur has its own imposing château but also something more intoxicating: the distillery where Triple Sec was invented and a range of spirits is still made. (www.combier.fr)

MAURICE DUFRESNE

Who he, you ask? A collector who amassed a fascinating array of everything from weapons to vehicles to bizarre machines. They’re on display in a mill turned museum in Azay le Rideau. (www.musee-dufresne.com)

TANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

The collection of tanks at the Musee des Blindes in Saumur is vast – more than 800 exhibits. (www.museedesblindes.fr)

LEONARDO DA VINCI

Amboise has not one but three châteaux and the smallest, Clos Lucé was home to Leonardo in his final years. The grounds now hold replicas of some of his machines. (www.vinci-closluce.com)