The first pedal strokes…
From the town centre, then, set course for the “English garden” des Prébendes d’Oé, which dates back to… 1874!
Classified as a “remarkable garden”, it is the beating heart of this part of the town, where all generations rub shoulders among the great hundred-year-old trees, to relax, watch the children play, and even undertake a game of pétanque in the paths! Then head south along the cycle path on Avenue de Grammont, passing on the left-hand side just before crossing the bridge over the Cher. In the middle of the bridge, you’ll reach the Honoré de Balzac park in which you’ll come across a few animals but also the whitewater basin that hosts canoeing competitions. At the dam, the bridge takes you to the riverbank, then back to Avenue de Grammont at theCentre Aquatique.
From here, 2 options:
- stroll along the edge of the lac de la Bergeronnerie
- or cross the allotments a little further south.
Whichever you choose, you will then catch up with the path along the Petit Cher, which you will follow as far as the plaine de la Gloriette.
… and then the last ones!
From there, head due north up the avenue Auguste Chevalier, as far as the Place Rabelais, where you will take the rue plat d’Etain, then right onto the boulevard Tonnelé: here you are at the jardin botanique!
At this point, either you’re tired, and you can head straight back to the city centre, or you can continue the adventure by spinning away on your “biclou” towards l’Ile Simon : At its western tip, the view of the Loire and traditional boats from the compagnie Boutavant, the quays, the Wilson Bridge, the municipal library and theCathedral is one of the city’s most emblematic.
On your return, simply cross the “old Tours” and take the rue nationale to get back to your starting point. That’s it!
