The Valley of the Kings from Blois to Tours
From castle to castle on the Loire by bike
Duration
6 days and 5 nights
Level
Easy
ou Leisure
ou Fit
Departure date
From March 15th to October 31st
Trip type
Self-guided trip
Trip type
Itinerant crossing
Destination
Key features
- The castles of the Loire Valley by bike : Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise...
- The Loire à Vélo routes, the beautiful tracks along the river
- The vineyards of Touraine : Montlouis, Vouvray...
- The beautiful cities of Blois and Tours
Loire by bike | The land of castles by bike
From Blois, you cycle in the heart of the Loire Valley, in the country of castles. You will discover its secrets through one of the most beautiful cycling itineraries in France, La Loire à Vélo.
Embark on the banks of the longest French river, between vineyards and castles, for a bicycle trip totally out of time. Along the route of the Loire à Vélo, you will discover the wild and majestic Loire River and its surroundings, which are constantly changing with the seasons. A few turns of the wheels and the landscape is already changing. You are sometimes lulled by the sandbanks and the birds that come in great numbers when the rain comes, and sometimes struck by the saturated river, ready to overflow when the flood period comes. In the saddle, hearts lighten up and eyes fill up with this splendid natural heritage.
Cycling along the Loire River is the pleasure of riding along these serene banks, hemmed in by forests, fields of sunflowers and bright tufa houses. It is also the joy of letting yourself be carried along the river and between the hillsides by this moderate relief and this green valley extending as far as the eye can see. In a few pedal strokes, you will enjoy the fresh, varied and balanced elixirs offered by the Loire vineyards. This bicycle tour is a great opportunity to discover some prestigious appellations like Cheverny or Touraine Amboise.
Your journey is punctuated by small picturesque villages, medieval cities of character and towns shaped like mirrors of water (Cour-sur-Loire, Montrichard, Savonnières).
The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
And what would be the Loire Valley by bike without its emblematic castles? You will ride along a route paved with history and architectural monsters. So many opportunities to taste the most beautiful residences of his Majesties!
- The Blois castle, the scene of many events in French history, is now home to a unique fine arts museum, with masterpieces such as those of Ingres, Rubens and Boucher. Step off your horse to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Loire River from the Foix terrace.
- With its 426 rooms and 282 fireplaces, the Chambord castle is undoubtedly the most imposing in the Loire Valley. Built under the reign of François 1er, this sumptuous building, with Franco-Italian influences, has a unique architecture thanks to its exceptional terraces overlooking the adjacent forest and its double revolution staircase (an architectural feat where two staircases turn in the same direction without ever crossing).
- The Chaumont sur Loire castle, belvedere of the last wild river of Europe, is an exceptional domain which was classified in the world heritage of UNESCO in 2000. Every year, from April to October, it brilliantly hosts the International Garden Festival, where landscape architects and gardeners come to exhibit their latest creations. An event not to be missed by cyclists who love art and nature. It is also a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the famous Queen Catherine de Medici.
- Back to childhood in the castle of Cheverny, with its splendid interiors, its six themed gardens and its famous Tintin exhibition in 3D.
- Nicknamed the castle of the ladies (it was notably adored by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis), the Chenonceaux castle is undeniably one of the most sumptuous in the Loire Valley. And because it gracefully spans the Cher River, you never tire of admiring the reflection of its majestic arches in the water.
- The castle of Amboise is the domain where the greatest kings of France have taken up residence and where you will find the tomb of the famous painter Leonardo da Vinci. Located on a promontory, it offers an exceptional 360° view of the Loire Valley. Enjoy a well-deserved stop in this exceptional place.
These iconic symbols of the French Renaissance around the world are a must-see in this region whose art and architecture are no longer to be praised. Much more than a bicycle trip, it is a leap in time that we propose to you on this Eurovelo 6 which crosses the Loire Valley. Accessible stages take you to the heart of the great cities of the valley and allow you to touch with your finger a part of the history of France. A cycling trip in the country of kings, queens and artists who made French history.
Itinerary
Easy or Leisure or Fit FROM BLOIS, CHAMBORD LOOP 48km 185m 
A cycling loop to the Château de Chambord and its forest park. Leaving Blois behind, you cycle along the royal alleys that escort you up to the four towers of this impressive château, originally built as a hunting lodge for François Ier. From the Renaissance to the Empire, let yourself be surprised by the rich history of this place! Return to Blois on small roads dedicated to bicycles in large sections.
FROM BLOIS, CHAMBORD AND CHEVERNY LOOP 67km 245m
A cycling loop to the castle of Chambord and its forest park. You leave Blois and ride through the Russy forest. In the heart of the forest you will be surprised by the sudden appearance of the château de Beauregard! You will continue on the road to discover another imposing and royal residence: the castle of Cheverny which inspired Hergé and which will remind the most passionate of the famous Tintin cartoon, the castle of Moulinsart. On your way back to Blois, you drive along the royal alleys. They lead you straight past the four towers of the impressive Chambord castle, built as a hunting lodge for François I. From the Renaissance to the Empire, let yourself be surprised by the rich history of the place! Return to Blois.
From BLOIS to AMBOISE 44km 175m
You ride along a river of a quiet strength with a relaxing effect. It shows the way to go. You first stop in Chaumont sur Loire for its fifteenth century castle and gardens. Every year, the gardens of Chaumont sur Loire are renewed and propose a new theme. A must visit of the region, you can also stay for a very nice lunch break. You discover more and more vines to Amboise. You enter the vineyards of Touraine and, on the banks of the Loire, you can see the first cellars and troglodyte houses.
FROM AMBOISE, CHENONCEAUX LOOP 37km 208m
Leave the Loire riverbanks behind and head south. When you arrive in Chenonceaux, take the time to enjoy its famous eponymous castle built in 1513, one of the most beautiful in the Loire Valley. One of its original features is its atypical construction on the Cher river which makes it similar to a bridge. Head back to the royal city of Amboise.
- For a few more km 61km 316m
After your visit to the Chenonceau castle, enjoy a few more kilometers on your way to the authentic medieval town of Montrichard. There is even a beach in the summer if you want to take a dip. Return to Amboise by small country roads.
From AMBOISE to TOURS 28km 125m
You leave Amboise, a City of Art and History, leaving behind the silhouette of its royal castle. The route begins on the banks of the Loire, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route gradually leaves the riverbank behind and climbs up the limestone hillside. You cross the gently rolling vineyards of the Montlouis-sur-Loire appellation. From these heights, you can see the river’s sandbanks and the troglodyte dwellings carved directly into the tuffeau stone. The route remains smooth on quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths. As you approach Tours, the route returns to the flatness of the landscaped riverbanks. You enter this new City of Art and History via a shaded greenway.
- For a few more km 50km 295m
In this version, you can compare the vineyards of Montlouis and Vouvray. After the vineyards of Montlouis, you cross the Loire to reach Vouvray and the Château of Jallanges. Ride along the Loire on the Vouvray side to reach Tours.
FROM TOURS, VILLANDRY LOOP 44km 100m
You leave the city of Tours quickly and easily by the Loire by bike route. On this part of the itinerary, it is the Cher that you follow on a dedicated cycle track. Your route is brightened up by other cyclists and some locals: fishermen and birds. Halfway along the route, you can enjoy a coffee break in Savonnières and maybe a swim on the beach… Then, enjoy the beauty of the colorful gardens of Villandry castle. A plunge in the heart of the 16th century which, for sure, will not leave you indifferent! Peacefully, you return to Tours.
- For a few more km 72km 296m
For the more athletic, after visiting the Villandry Castle, you branch off towards the town and the Azay le Rideau Castle and town while crossing the Tours countryside. Your return to Tours is by a beautiful bike route along the mill road on the edge of the Cher.
They travelled with us
Practical information
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 630€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 680€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 990€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Price includes
- Accommodation: 5 nights in a Double room
- 5 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 7/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The trip itineraries available on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Topo maps
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- Bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Shimano 11 to 30 speed transmission (single, double or triple crankset depending on the model). Supplied equipment per bike
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Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminium frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Drivetrain Shimano 11 to 30 speeds (single, double or triple crankset). Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
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Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
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Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
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Gravel BikeA versatile bike brimming with qualities: maneuverability, lightness, versatility, elegance. Aluminum frame, carbon fork and steerer tube, Shimano GRX 400 derailleur, double chainrings, 11 speeds. Hydraulics disc brakes. Luggage-rack (not in photo) Weight: 10.50 kg Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : BLOIS
Coming by car
- at 2h from PARIS
- at 4h from BORDEAUX
- at 4h30 from LYON
Parking*
- StatioNeo – Parking du Château – BLOIS
- Parking Saint-Vincent – BLOIS
- StatioNeo – Parking Valin de la Vaissière – BLOIS
- StatioNeo – Parking Halle aux Grains – BLOIS
Coming by train
- Blois train station - 1h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Tours airport
Taxi : 45 min
Arrival city : TOURS
Coming by car
- at 2h30 from PARIS
- at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 4h30 from LYON
Coming by train
- Tours train station - 1h30 from Paris
- Saint Pierre des Corps train station - 1h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Tours airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Tours to Blois in 35 min (hotline)
- Return by car in 0h45 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags (1 carrier bag supplied with bike rental)
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 45% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Between 6 and 3 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 630€
Book your trip
Expert
BLOIS
Individual arrival to Blois and Settle in your hotel. Take some time to stroll around the old cobblestone streets that lead to the Royal chateau of Blois and the house of magic. You will meet your guide during the day.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, meet our local guide at your departure point. This is the perfect time to catch up on the latest practical advice, find out about the addresses and experiences you shouldn’t miss, answer any questions you may have, make the final adjustments to your bike and get your trip off to the best possible start.