Overview
Cycle the Loire Valley on an itinerary that takes in the glorious Loire châteaux of Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord and Blois. As a self-guided holiday you can set your own pace, taking in the elegance of the cultural heritage, but also basking in the natural beauty of the Loire Valley itself. Staying in 2 to 3-star hotels, with options for upgrades, saunter alongside vineyards and stop at wineries en route, and also enjoy a delightful ride along the Cher Valley. There is also an option for e-bike rental on this holiday, and it’s worth noting that it’s accessible by train.
- The famous châteaux of Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord and Blois
- Riding on peaceful cycling paths
- Loire Valley Cycle Path
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Take a jaunt around this elegant town with its pale facades, blue roofs and pedestrianised streets. You can’t miss its famous Château Royal de Blois of course, the former royal residence and perfect example of the evolution of the nation’s architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
- Accommodation: Hôtel Anne de Bretagne or similar // upgraded option: Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre or similar
Day 2: Blois – Amboise | 43km
Ride along the south bank today, across rolling hills and alongside vineyards to Candé-sur-Beuvron, then cycle back along the River Beuvron to the Loire. The fairytale castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire hides among stately gardens. Stop at a winery to savour a local Sauvignon Blanc and gawk at the grandeur of Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed.
- Cycling for the day: 43km, ↑265m ↓295m
- Accommodation: Hôtel le Chaptal or similar // upgraded option: Hôtel Le Clos D’Amboise or similar
Day 3: Amboise – Chenonceau | 41km
Set off for Montlouis-sur-Loire, then glide along toward the iconic Château de Chenonceau, which spans the Cher River with five distinctive arches. King Henri II promised this splendid site to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, a fabulous plan which was sabotaged by queen Catherine de Médici. Today there is a choice of two cycling itineraries: a direct route or scenic ride with châteaux visits and villages en route.
- Cycling for the day: 41km, ↑315m ↓315m
- Accommodation: Hôtel La Roseraie
Day 4: Chenonceau – Chitenay | 35km
Leaving the Cher Valley behind, trundle into the ancient province of Touraine and come upon two splendid châteaux, the sturdy Gué Péan and the medieval 15th-century Fougère-sur-Bièvre.
- Cycling for the day: 35km, ↑300m ↓265m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Auberge du Centre or similar
Day 5: Chitenay – Blois | 50km
The last leg of this tour reveals true treasures such as the Château de Cheverny and Château de Chambord built during the reign of Francois I, with over 400 rooms. Cycle back to Blois.
- Cycling for the day: 50km, ↑180m ↓200m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Anne de Bretagne or similar // upgraded option: Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre or similar
Day 6: Departure
Self-guided cycling tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Extra nights can be booked in advance, allowing time to visit the city of Blois.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of comfortable 2-3 star hotels or B&Bs. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. There are options for upgrades in most places.
Click to view default hotels
- Hôtel Anne de Bretagne (Blois)
- Hôtel le Chaptal (Amboise)
- Hôtel La Roseraie (Chenonceau)
- Hôtel Auberge du Centre (Chitenay)
Hotels and guesthouses are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates it will be replaced with a hotel of equal value and quality level.
All accommodations have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
Click here to view upgraded hotels
- Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre (Blois)
- Hôtel Le Clos D’Amboise (Amboise)
Meals
Five breakfasts are included. When no restaurant location is available on route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops or you can pre-order a packed lunch at your hotel. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your accommodation or restaurants near your hotel.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for both beginner and intermediate cyclists in good physical shape. The daily distances vary between 35km and 50km, with a minimum altitude gain; you can optionally extend most rides. The route goes mostly on secondary country roads, with limited traffic and scenic surroundings (read more about difficulty grades). It is also possible to rent an electric bike, so this way the tour would accessible to everybody.
When to go
This trip is available from April until the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date within the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
The best arrival/departure points are Paris airports Charles de Gaulle in the north and Orly in the south.
By train or bus
- The international Paris airports Charles de Gaulle in the north and Orly in the south are served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines.They are connected with Paris by metro and bus services. From Paris you can take a train to Blois.
- You can get to Blois by train (approx. 1h 30mins from Paris). For timetables and further information look at the website of the SNCF, TER-SNCF or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 5 nights in selected 2*/3* hotels
- 5 breakfasts
- Daily baggage transfers (one bag item per person, max 20kg)
- Tourist city taxes
- Digital information pack, route notes and maps (Please note, that the information pack for this tour is digital only and will be emailed to you prior to departure. Physical documents can be provided on-site at an additional fee)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- International flights
- Transport to first and from last accommodation
- Trains, buses or any transport wherever necessary
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Bike rental
- All personal expenses
- Everything not explicitly mentioned as Included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you are travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own.
- This holiday is available for solo travellers
- Upgrade to 3*/4* hotels
- Extra nights before the tour, along the way and at the end of the tour can be booked on request
- E-Bike or hybrid bike rental
- Printed tour materials at first accommodation
Bike rental
In case you would like to rent a bike from us, we can offer you good quality hybrid or e-bikes in excellent condition with appropriate gearing and equipment for the trip. All bicycles (whatever the model) are equipped with a bike lock, a helmet, bags and a puncture repair kit. Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models might be different depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
E-bike
- Model: Leader Fox INDUKTORA
- Speeds: 7
- Frame: Aluminio 6061
- Brakes: Disk breaksTektro
- Motor: Motor 8 Fun 36V / 250W in rear wheel
- Battery: LG 16 Ah-Li-ion 576WH
- Weight: Excluding battery 22.5KG
- Authonomy: 80-120km
Hybrid bike
- Model: Arcade Escape
- Speeds: 24
- Frame: Aluminium Ht.48, 56 et 60
- Front derailleur: Tourney, D34.9/31.8, Double Tirage
- Rear derailleur: Altus, 8V, Attachement Direct
- Brakes: V-Brake Alu L110, visserie inox
- Tyres: Ville K1067 700x35C
- Weight: 15.8kg
Gallery
