Hi. We are a group of 3 planning 3 days in Blois just before Christmas 2024. Is it practical to hire e-bikes at this time of year to explore Blois and undertake some rides to Chambord and/or Cheverny? Are restaurants, tourist attractions and tours operating in and around Blois? Our initial idea was to do the following: Day 1 - explore Blois including the Blois Castle; Day 2 bike ride from Blois to Chambord and back to Blois; Day 3 bike ride from Blois to Cheverny and back to Blois. E-bikes of course! Are the roads safe for riders or are there dedicated bike paths?
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
The castles will be open and decorated. Being the shortest days of the year, your touring time will be limited. The sky will be overcast, dreary and humid. I can’t tell you if businesses will be open, but it’s school vacation time so it won’t be completely shut down. Simon, who lives in the Loire Valley, can give you a complete picture.
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
I can't tell you about cycling in December - my bike goes away in November and doesn't come out again until March.
Assuming it's not snowing (unlikely these days) or raining (a distinct possibility) you will have about 6 hours of usable daylight. The roads are safe, and there are some bike paths along both routes, but visibility will be key - noone really expects to see recreational cyclists at that time of year.
(Also just occurred to me - you might struggle to find bike hire at that time of year, too)
Posted by
Paris
10188 posts
I think cycling between chateaus might be an exception rather than a plan - i.e. if you happen to get a couple of bright-but-cold days and if as Simon said you can find a place to rent bikes, then you might be able to do it.
But frankly in December you are going to do much better going on organized mini-van tours out of Blois or Tours if you don't want to rent a car.
Northern Europe is gray and rainy in the winter, with short days, I am sorry to say. Any bright days are an exception. this year, heck, this plan wouldn't work in April, much less December. I have just headed out with a hooded vest and feel lucky it's not raining this afternoon like it has most days.