The Loire Valley, a world heritage from Orleans to Angers

ORLEANS

Arrival on your own and check in to your hotel. Orientation with our guide today. Take time to explore Orleans and the banks of the Loire river.

From ORLEANS to BEAUGENCY 28km 46m

You start by crossing the Loire to reach the banks of one of its tributaries: the Loiret. Around the confluence you ride through a rich agricultural plain. On the riverbanks, you reach Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency. Enjoy these 2 beautiful villages and their medieval castle. Tavers is right behind!

From BEAUGENCY to BLOIS 50km 100m

Riding along the Loire river, you reach Blois. The route takes you on a beautiful bike path between the Chambord national hunting reserve and the river. When you reach Chambord, its gigantisme is always a surprise. Take interest in its architecture. It exudes both a reassuring and impressive light. Even though the visit is optional, you don’t want to miss this Renaissance jewel.

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 by its hillsides on the side of Montlouis and thus remain on the official itinerary of the Loire à vélo. This is an opportunity to taste some of the Touraine AOC wines, or simply to discover the trades. This itinerant stage takes you to the discovery of the old city of Tours, capital of the Loire castles. Take the time to discover the wooden 15th century houses still present here, they deliver a singular experience and beautiful pieces of history…

• 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 to LANGEAIS 33km 76m

On the Cher riverbanks you head west to discover the exhilaration of colors and beauty of the gardens of the Villandry castle. You are in the heart of the sixteenth century. The Loire then leads you to Langeais for a night in this lovely little town, facing the castle.

• For a few more km 50km 173m

  For ten more kilometers, you take the road to Azay le Rideau. Known for the photos of its castle reflecting in the water, the castle of Azay le Rideau will charm you and you can enjoy a nice gourmet break in the village.

From LANGEAIS to CHINON 32km 173m

Following the direction of the current, along the route of the Loire by bike, you continue in a westerly direction. You will enjoy discovering a castle, a dovecote, a picturesque manor house, old water mills, a curious farm or an old town. As you approach Rigny-Ussé, you will momentarily step away from the banks of the Loire to contemplate the castle of Sleeping Beauty. In this discovery of the secrets of the Loire Valley you arrive at the Royal Fortress of Chinon; its visit is particularly interesting and the view over the Vienne valley and the roofs of Chinon unique!

From CHINON to SAUMUR 40km 211m

The Vienne river, running through the village of Chinon, guides you to Candes-St-Martin, where it flows into the Loire. Labeled most beautiful villages in France, Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau are dazzling. The Touraine tuffeau offers luminous constructions. At the end of the day visit the Montsoreau Castle and the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud before reaching Saumur by the Loire riverbanks. A discovery of the city is a must! Its castle and streets are marked by their intimate relationship with the Loire.

• For a few more km 49km 357m

  With the long version, ride to the vineyards and to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud before reaching Saumur by the Loire riverbanks.

From SAUMUR to ANGERS 58km 281m

You leave behind the city of light. From the Saumur to the Angers Castle, you ride through the Regional Natural Park of Loire-Anjou-Touraine. The Loire, an impetuous and wild river, grows a bit more with every kilometer. You ride through ancient remains and typical old hamlets to the Trélazé slate quarries, another local resource. About 10 kilometers before Angers, cross the Authion river with the chain ferry at the tiny port of Chevalerie. A fun moment for young and old! As you enter the heart of the city, experience the old Angers with its castle, Adam’s home and its incredible cathedral.

ANGERS

End of stay after breakfast in Angers. The opportunity for one last stroll in the city’s streets and the castle halls, open to visitors.