Loire Valley by bike - Guided cycling tour

Embark on our carefully crafted journey of our Loire Valley Explorer. A route that diverges from the river at times, but reveals a tapestry woven with historical and cultural threads. Explore gems like Candé sur Beuvron and the elevated Chaumont Castle, treating you to breathtaking views of the river. Don't miss the renowned garden festival in its splendid park. Your day culminates in Amboise, home to a captivating castle and the Clos Lucé (included in the price), where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final four years.

About 43km/26.7mi by bike.

Overnight in a 4* hotel (superior) in Ambois; B&B. Dinner in restaurant.

If you didn’t have the time to visit Amboise and the Clos Lucé on the previous day, you will be able to do so this morning before starting out. You will continue towards Tours after your exploration. From Amboise, you take an extra side trip to visit Chenonceau, which is one of the pearls of the Loire Valley (included in the price). You then can come back to Amboise along the same road and ride to Tours on bike paths. It is also possible to take the train from Chenonceau to Tours (not included in the price). The railway station is next to the castle.

Amboise to Tours, about 26.2km/16.3mi by bike

Optional: Chenonceau Chateau, about 23.8km/14.9mi by bike (one-way).

Overnight in a 3* hotel (superior) in Tours; B&B. Dinner in restaurant.

One of the most beautiful stages of the Loire à vélo, following the banks of the Cher to the Renaissance château of Villandry. Enjoy its magnificent garden before continuing on to the magnificent château of Azay le rideau. Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, this French Renaissance gem was erected during the reign of François Ier.

About 35km/21.8mi by bike.

Overnight in a 3* hôtel in Azay le Rideau; dinner in restaurant.

Continuing in the direction of Bréhémont, you'll follow the thread of the wild Loire, where magnificent 

scenery on the Loire and old-fashioned boats (gabares and fûtreaux) give it a soothing authenticity and harmony. 

Visit the Château d'Ussé, home of the "Sleeping Beauty" who inspired Charles Perrault (round trip 3.5 km). (included in the price).

There are 2 routes to Chinon: the quickest leaves the banks of the Loire at La Huhaudrie to reach Chinon in around 12 km, but with a few tough climbs. The classic route follows the Loire on a track, then 5 km further on reaches the confluence of the Indre and then Avoine, Savigny en Véron and the banks of the Vienne to Chinon. 

About 38km/23.6mi by bike.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in Chinon. B&B. Dinner in restaurant.

Between Touraine and Anjou, a wonderful stage that starts at the banks of the Vienne River and goes to Savigny en Véron. The itinerary then continues until it arrives at the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire rivers and at the postcard picturesque village of Candes St Martin. In Montsoreau, you should take a side trip to visit the Fontevraud Abbey. It is one of the most beautiful heritage sites of the Loire Valley, with its polychrome recumbent effigies. It is not a very far detour and you won’t regret it. If you feel like visiting another castle, the one in Montsoreau will also impress you with its fortress immortalized by Alexandre Dumas. 

To go to Saumur from Montsoeau there are only ~18km to ride, but there are a few steep ascents. Especially the 18% graded hill in Parnay. However, the hills are short, and you will appreciate to ride through the vineyards of Saumur Champigny. There is also a new itinerary along the Loire River that enables you to go to Saumur while following the river and avoiding the vineyards and some hills. This is a choice you will have to make when you arrive at the “domaine de la Bienboire”.

Chinon to Saumer, about 35km/21.8mi by bike.

Optional Detour to Fontevraud Abbey: adds about 11.3km/7mi by bike.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in Saumur; B&B. Dinner in restaurant.

The castle of Saumur really deserves a visit too before heading out of town. Today is a longer ride, but there is little difficulty on this ride except for the last few kilometers/miles that lead to the high points of Angers. Most of the stage you will follow the Loire River until Cunault, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches of the Anjou region. You will climb towards Joreau Lake by the dolmen of Madeleine and go down to Gennes. You will then ride in front of the St Maur Abbey, the Benedictine priory of St Rémy. Next you will cross the Loire River to reach St Mathurin sur Loire, la Daguenière and Angers through the Trélazé slate quarries. In Angers, there is a castle surrounded with a fortress built by Saint Louis. Inside, you can see the huge Apocalypse Tapestry. Don’t miss exploring the town’s older historic neighbourhoods.

About 59km/36.7mi by bike.

Overnight in a 4* hotel (superior) in Angers; half board.

End of the trip after breakfast and hotel check-out ~10am.