Loire valley bike tour
Embark on a luxurious, self-guided bike tour where I handle the details, and you enjoy the ride.
From, $ 2,270 – $ 2,790
Choice of Casual or Premium Hotels
* Price in USD per person based on double occupancy.
Start : Tours – End : Saumur
6 Days
Level 2
May - Oct
Tour Overview
The Loire Valley isn’t just a cycling destination—it’s a journey through France’s royal past, world-class wines, and breathtaking landscapes. From fairytale castles to riverside villages, every turn of the pedal reveals a new chapter of history and culture.
- Roll through Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, and Chinon, once home to Joan of Arc. Wander through Saumur, famous for its troglodyte dwellings and elegant château, and soak in the charm of lively local markets.
- The Loire is a paradise for wine lovers, and cycling through Touraine and Anjou means passing endless rows of vineyards producing crisp Sauvignon Blancs, elegant Chenins, and rich Cabernet Francs. Stop at family-run wineries to sip sparkling Crémant de Loire or a refreshing Sancerre.
- Meander along the Loire à Vélo, a picturesque cycling path that hugs the Loire River, winding through vineyards, sunflower fields, and sleepy hamlets. Enjoy postcard-perfect views of the riverside villages and historic bridges that define this enchanting region.
- Feel like royalty as you ride past Château de Chenonceau, a masterpiece spanning the Cher River. Admire the elegant gardens of Villandry, bursting with color, and soak in the grandeur of Château de Chambord, a true Renaissance wonder.
From storybook castles to sun-dappled vineyards, the Loire Valley offers a cycling experience filled with history, culture, and unforgettable scenery
Day 1 highlights
- Cycle along the loire a vélo, a flat route which an ideal cycling path for familes with kids. It follows the loire river and along the way you will discover it’s riverbanks, hillsides, islands, medieval villages, chateaux and vineyards where locals might wave as they tend their vines.
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Tour de Domaine de Chaumont a château known for it’s garden festival.
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Explore the Château d’Amboise, a former royal residence with panoramic Loire River views, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the castle chapel.
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Visit tour Clos Lucé, a historic manor in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years under the patronage of King Francis I, leaving behind an incredible artistic and scientific legacy.
Day 2 Highlights
- Follow the Châteaux Route, a mostly flat cycling path with some rolling terrain near key castles, making it accessible for all levels.
- Pedal to Château de Chenonceau, a stunning Renaissance castle spanning the Cher River, once the residence of Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers, two of France’s most influential women.
Day 3 Highlights
- Tour the Château de Villandry, renowned for its ornate Renaissance gardens, where geometric flower beds and elegant water features create a masterpiece of landscape design.
- Ride through Saché, a quaint village known for its ties to writer Honoré de Balzac, who found inspiration here for some of his greatest works.
- Explore Crissay-sur-Manse, one of France’s most beautiful villages, where medieval stone houses and scenic countryside create an enchanting Loire Valley experience.
Day 4 Highlights
- Pedal to the château of Azay-le-Rideau, a fairy-tale Renaissance castle set on an island in the Indre River, reflecting elegance and charm in its mirror-like waters.
- Ride to Château de Chinon, a medieval fortress tied to the Plantagenet kings and Joan of Arc, where she famously convinced Charles VII to support her cause.
- Pass through Rigny-Ussé, home to Château d’Ussé, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle, where turrets and towers create a storybook scene
Day 5 Highlights
- Discover troglodyte dwellings carved into limestone cliffs, once used as homes, wine cellars, and mushroom farms in towns like Saumur, Montsoreau, and Turquant.
- Stroll through Candes-Saint-Martin, a picturesque riverside village where the Vienne River meets the Loire, creating a stunning confluence of waterways.
- Explore Montsoreau, a charming Loire town famous for its historic château and vibrant wine culture.
- End the week in Saumur, one of the Loire Valley’s premier wine regions, where limestone-carved wine cellars create the ideal conditions for aging elegant crémant wines.
Premium Hotels
La Manoir St Thomas
Chateau du Rivau
The Château du Rivau is a historic monument. The rooms are located in the former stables of the castle. Each room is inspired by a Renaissance or Medieval figure.
La Comtesse de Loire
Conveniently located in the historic centre of Saumur and dating back to the 19th century, “La Comtesse de Loire” is a magnificent example of Napoleon II style architecture with carved oak panelling, painted ceiling, beautiful 19th century furniture and luxurious bathrooms.
Casual Hotels
Le clos d’amboise
This is a sumptuous 17th century house that has been converted into a charming hotel. The orginal character has been maintained: the floor of the reception hall with its cabochon tiling, the staircase serving the upper floors, and the magnificent 18th century versailles oak wood floor in two salons. In the converted attic, a long corridor with exposed beams serves rooms where the roof trusses can be seen.
Hotel rive sud
The Hôtel Rive Sud is a family-run hotel offering breathtaking views of the Chinon Fortress. It has been completely and carefully renovated, and its spaces are ideal for unwinding after a long day of cycling.
Hotel St Pierre
Located with a few steps from St. Peter’s Church and within sight of the Castle of Saumur, one of the Loire Valley Châteaux, the Saint-Pierre Hotel welcomes you in a very quiet and central area of Saumur, offering guests a blend of luxury and elegance for an unforgettable stay in the Pays de la Loire area.
What’s included
Included
- 5 nights in luxury hotels
- 1 st day lunch
- Daily breakfast
- Curated restaurant list for lunch and dinner
- Luggage and trip transfers
- Pre-booked activities (e.g., wine tasting)
- GPS-guided biking routes (5 days)
- Bike rental with essentials
- Detailed roadbook with POIs
- Pre-trip hotel recommendations
Not included
- Transport to get and from the trip starting location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Personal expenses
- Drinks or extras at the hotels
- Travel insurance
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