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.

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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.

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

Dates

Prices

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! 

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