© Pascal Beltrami - Anjou Tourisme
Duration
11 days and 10 nights
Level
Easy
ou Leisure
Departure date
From March 14th to October 30th
Trip type
Self-guided trip
Trip type
Itinerant crossing
Destination
Ride through the most impressive part of the Loire Valley and its European cycling itinerary. In 11 days with 9 traveling days you reach the most impressive and interesting sites.
In one of the world’s most famous Rennaissance location, this trip offers a permanent marvel with:
– The Loire River and its many affluants which keep you close to water along the entire trip.
– Numerous castles, among the most famous in Europe: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise, Rigny-Ussé, Saumur… you will see over thirty along your itinerary.
– Vineyards which offer a great variety of Touraine and Anjou wines (AOP red, white, rosé, sparkling…)
– Exceptionnal gardens due to a very fertile soil. The valley is still often qualified of “France’s Garden”.
These few examples will show you why the Loire Valley is one of the main signpost cycling itinerary in the world! Wether you are used to cycling holidays or only discovering them, this itinerary/route is one you won’t want to miss.
Easy or Leisure 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You leave the city of Tours behind and head for the landscaped banks of the Cher River. This stage begins with a flat, rolling route along the river. You pass through the village of Savonnières, where traditional wooden boats are moored at the tuffeau stone quays. The route continues towards Villandry, marking your entry into the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous gardens of the castle run right alongside your route. After crossing the river, the terrain becomes more hilly. You leave the alluvial plains behind for a steady climb towards a wooded plateau. The route then takes you along quiet country roads winding between crops and copses. The terrain is smooth, alternating between shaded areas and open spaces. A final descent takes you directly to the heart of Azay-le-Rideau. You end your journey in front of the Renaissance castle built on an island in the Indre River.
Following the current along the Indre, you join the Loire. This surprising stage arouses your curiosity. Along the way, you’ll discover a château, a dovecote, a picturesque manor house and ancient water mills. This discovery of the secrets of the Loire Valley takes you as far as Rigny-Ussé, home to the castle of Sleeping Beauty. Finally, you turn south to Chinon and its fortress.
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.
With the long version, ride to the vineyards and to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud before reaching Saumur by the Loire riverbanks.
Leave the City of Light behind. From the châteaux of Saumur to Angers, you will ride through the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park. The whole stage along the banks of the Loire, a wild and impetuous river, will become a little wider with every kilometre. You will pass through a succession of ancient remains and characteristic old hamlets on your way to the Trélazé slate quarries, another local resource. About ten kilometres before Angers, cross the river Authion on the chain ferry at the port of La Chevalerie. A fun experience for young and old! Finally, you’ll head into the heart of the city to discover the old town of Angers, with its castle, Adam’s house and incredible cathedral.
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.
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 1275€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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 1385€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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.
Quote on request
Contact us
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.
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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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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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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Coming by car
Parking*
Coming by train
Coming by plane
Coming by car
Coming by train
Coming by plane
*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.
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/
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 |
Starting from €
Book your trip
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.
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.