Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

4.5/5 (2)
6 nights
18 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 1180
Bike tour in France
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Family-friendly bike tours

Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

4.5/5 (2)

Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Family-friendly bike tours

6 nights
18 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 1180
Bike tour in France

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Nature, Villages, and Castles

    This cycling trip leads you along the peaceful Loire River, through the enchanting Sologne Forest, and to numerous historic estates and chateaux. You'll enjoy the short stages, which have been designed to allow you ample time to explore the sites. From Blois to the Chateau de Chambord, until the medieval city of Amboise, the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci, you'll appreciate the charm and hidden treasures of the River Valley.

    • Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. Inhabae@Unsplash
    • Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France. Dorian Mongel@Unsplash
    • Vineyards en route! Bill Williams@Unsplash
    • Château de Cheverny, France. Dorian Mongel@Unsplash
    • Hot-air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, France. Damien Chaudet@Unsplash
    • Fine French dining!
    • Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. StefanK@Unsplash
    • A Chinon rosé wine made from Cab franc in the Loire Valley, France. CC:Agne27

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Blois
    • Chambord estate
    • Bracieux and its 16th-century covered market
    • Château de Cheverny
    • Open-air natural swimming pool
    • Sologne natural forest and countryside
    • Château de Troussay
    • Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre
    • Chaumont sur Loire and its "Festival des Jardins"
    • Amboise and its château
    • Manoir du Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours.

  • CC-BY-2.0 - Sancerre Rosé Wine - Sauvignon blanc is the principal grape of Sancerre & commonly grown in this region. TIGER 500@Flickr' data-type='image'> Sancerre Rosé Wine - Sauvignon blanc is the principal grape of Sancerre & commonly grown in this region. TIGER 500@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-2.0 - A Chinon rosé wine made from Cab franc in the Loire Valley, France. CC:Agne27' data-type='image'> A Chinon rosé wine made from Cab franc in the Loire Valley, France. CC:Agne27
    CC-BY-2.0 - Loire Valley dining! James Fink@Flickr' data-type='image'> Loire Valley dining! James Fink@Flickr
    CC-BY-2.0 - Loire Valley wine-tastings! James Fink@Flickr' data-type='image'> Loire Valley wine-tastings! James Fink@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Blois, France. CC:Krzysztof Golik' data-type='image'> Blois, France. CC:Krzysztof Golik
    CC0 - Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. Angelo Brathot@Flickr' data-type='image'> Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. Angelo Brathot@Flickr
    CC-BY-2.0 - Loire Valley desserts! James Fink@Flickr' data-type='image'> Loire Valley desserts! James Fink@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Loire River, Blois, France. CC:Diliff' data-type='image'> Loire River, Blois, France. CC:Diliff
    CC-BY-2.0 - Loire Valley wines! James Fink@Flickr' data-type='image'> Loire Valley wines! James Fink@Flickr
    CC-BY-2.0 - Loire Valley watercolor painting! Graham Beards@Flickr' data-type='image'> Loire Valley watercolor painting! Graham Beards@Flickr

    Traveler photos

    • We made it to Amboise! (photo by Susan B)
    • Chambord (photo by Susan B)
    • Early morning along the Loire (photo by Susan B)

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    Day 1: Arrival in Blois
    Discover the charming town of Blois, as you stroll along its paved streets punctuated with staircases, and the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

    Day 2: Blois – Bracieux (19 miles/30 km)
    This route leads you to the prestigious Chambord estate and château, a true masterpiece of French Renaissance style, boasting no less than 440 rooms and built during the reign of Francis I. Then stop in Bracieux, a pretty little Sologne village which has preserved its magnificent 16th-century covered market.

    Day 3: Excursion to "Baignade Naturelle du Grand Chambord" et Cheverny (18 miles/29 km)
    A bike excursion to the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments, which gave Hergé the inspiration for Captain Haddock's Marlinspike. Then proceed towards a brand new natural swimming pool! An astonishing open-air and organic swimming pool where you can rest and enjoy the surrounding wilderness (open between Jun 25-Aug 31).

    Day 4: Bracieux – Chitenay (21 miles/33 km)
    Enjoy a ride along the small routes of Sologne, between forests and ponds, offering the opportunity to admire beautiful and tiny manor houses such as château de Troussay, a charming Renaissance manor. Don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Cour Cheverny Blanc!

    Day 5: Chitenay – Chaumont-sur-Loire (17 miles/28 km)
    Cross the vineyards of Cheverny to reach the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small, fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Then cycle towards the Loire River banks and reach Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose 15th-century château proudly dominates the town and the river. Don't miss the extraordinary "Festival des Jardins" garden festival between late May and mid-October!

    Day 6: Chaumont sur Loire – Amboise (14 miles/23 km)
    For your last cycling day, follow the 'Loire à Vélo' cycling tracks before arriving in the charming town of Amboise with its royal château, where the greatest kings of France lived. Do not miss to visit the Manoir du ClosLucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, sheltering an astonishing collection of models representing the fabulous inventions of this Renaissance genius.

    Day 7: Departure during the day

    Surface and terrain

    The Loire à Vélo tour routes alternate between quiet roads with little traffic, dedicated bike paths, no-thoroughfare roads open only to local residents and non-motorized vehicles, and cycle lanes along roadways. This tour is designed to offer low daily cycling distances so you have plenty of time for off-bike visits of the sites along the way.


    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

    You will enjoy superior accommodations in 3- and 4-star hotels.

    Hotel Mercure, Blois
    www.all.accor.com

    Relais de Chambord, Chambord
    www.relaisdechambord.com

    Auberge du Centre, Chitenay
    www.auberge-du-centre.com

    Domaine des Thomeaux, Mosnes
    www.en.domainedesthomeaux.fr

    Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise, Amboise
    www.leclosdamboise.com

    Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.


    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Paris, France
    Nearest train station: Blois, France

    Tour end
    Nearest airport: Paris, France
    Nearest train station: Amboise, France

    • From Paris: Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station (about 1h30 by train). .
    • Return transfer to Blois: Amoise train station >> Blois train station (about 20 min by train).
    • Return transfer to Paris: Amboise train station >> St Pierre des Corps train station >> Paris Montparnasse station (about 2h by train + TGV train).

    Tips on getting to and from your tour


    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    Mar 1-Oct 31, 2024.

    Prices

    Tour package

    Per person, double occupancy €1180
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1780
    Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €1890

    Bike Rentals

    Standard bike €95
    Trekking bike €126
    E-bike €189

    Child's trailer

    €105
    Baby seat €26
    "Follow-me” tandem €105

    Additional Services

    Dinner package(4 dinners) €221
    Chateaux package €86
    Canoe trip (Day 6) €32

    Extra Nights, Blois

    Per person, double occupancy €95
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €169

    Extra Nights, Amboise

    Per person, double occupancy €153
    Single use room(1 person/1 room) €290

    Included services

    • 6 nights accommodation
    • Breakfasts
    • 1 dinner
    • Luggage transfers (1 luggage 20kg per person) Additional €20 per extra luggage and transfer
    • Travel information including maps, detailed route directions, and tourist brochures (1 set per room)
    • Hotline for emergency support 7 days/week
    • City taxes

    If optional dinner package is booked, you'll receive 4 dinners.

    Optional Chateaux package (entrance fees to the mentioned sites)

    • Domaine de Chambord and its gardens
    • Parc Leonard de Vinci à Amboise
    • Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
    • The Max Vauché Chocolate Factory (visit & tasting)
    • Château de Cheverny + "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition

    Bike rentals

    The bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved at time of booking):

    • Standard touring bikes, "Gitane" 21-speed men's or unisex frame
    • Trekking bikes, "Scott Sub Sport 20"
    • Electrically assisted bike, "Scott e-sub Active"
    • Child's bike, trailer, or baby seat

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Equipment included with bike rental:

    • One rear saddlebag for standard bikes; two rear saddlebags for e-bikes
    • High visibility jacket
    • Anti-theft device
    • Map holder and handlebar bag
    • Repair kit, pump, lock

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are not available on this tour, it is recommended that you bring your own helmet or purchase a new helmet on arrival into France. The use of a helmet is mandatory for children less than 12 years old (whether riders or passengers). For older children and adults, even if it’s not mandatory we strongly recommend it! 


    Tour Company


    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Daily program Tour Reviews 

    • Tim Cooper 4 months ago

      Dream trip

      The daily route map was good but it needed specific directions about where to turn and specific streets with noticeable landmarks. This is a critical factor especially when arriving in Ambois and. how to get to the designated hotel.

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 19,02023
      How many tours have you completed?
      8
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 2/5 Ease of navigation
      • 1/5 Tour documents
      • 1/5 Local tour company services
      • 3/5 Route selection
    • Susan B March 22, 2022

      Best time ever on a bike tour

      We had the most wonderful time on this tour. We are 73 and 75 years old, fairly frequent bike riders at home, and were completely capable of doing this easy route. Mostly flat, had to walk a couple of minor hills, very little riding in traffic. The route was beautiful (we were blessed with great weather in late September), the hotels were outstanding (I recommend taking the dinner package option with the tour; we didn't but ate at the hotels because several were in very small towns. The food was absolutely gourmet.) Our bikes were first class; the whole trip was just magic. People at Biketours.com are super easy to work with. Will definitely use them again.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      4
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • We made it to Amboise! (photo by Susan B)
      • Chambord (photo by Susan B)
      • Early morning along the Loire (photo by Susan B)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Dates & Prices Book This Tour 

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