Cycling on the Loire, the Cher and the Indre
The 3 major cycling routes in the Loire Valley starting from Tours
© D. Darrault - CRT Centre-Val de Loire
©Sébastien Rambour - Abicyclette Voyages
©Sébastien Rambour - Abicyclette Voyages
© D. Darrault - CRT Centre-Val de Loire
©Sébastien Rambour - Abicyclette Voyages
© Jean-François Souchard - Canoe Company
© D. Darrault - CRT Centre-Val de Loire
© D. Darrault - CRT Centre-Val de Loire
© Sébastien Rambour - Abicyclette Voyages
Highlights
The Loire by bike by Bike from Langeais, Villandry and Amboise
The Indre by Bike from Loches to Azay le Rideau
The Cher by Bike at the foot of Chenonceaux
The majestic gardens of Chaumont sur Loire
Departure and end of stay in Tours
The story behind the trip
It was in 1996 that the development of the Loire by Bike was launched. The Center-Val de Loire and Pays-de-la-Loire regions with the six departments and six agglomerations of the Loire region worked until 2012 so that the entire cycling route would open.
The Indre by Bike is now a well-known route through the heart of Touraine and the Loire castles. You take small quiet and secure roads to discover atypical villages, unmissable places and historic monuments.
The Cher by Bike is fast becoming the new well-known route in the region. Part of the Cher by Bike is already covered on the Loire by Bike route around Villandry. In 2020, the route officially arrives at Chenonceaux from Tours, the opportunity for Abicyclette Voyages to design a stay on these 3 beautiful cycling routes.
Loop from Tours on the Indre by Bike, Cher by Bike and Loire by Bike
You set off to discover Amboise, Chenonceaux, Loches, Montbazon and Langeais on the paths bordering the tributaries of the Loire. Explore one of the densest cycling networks in France during a stay and discover the historical and natural heritage of the Indre, Cher and Loire by bike.
Your journey begins in Tours, the capital of Touraine. Gourmet city, City of Art and History, gateway to the castles of the Loire Valley, Tours seduces with its terraces, flower markets and shopping streets.
The Loire Valley is a known destination for bicycle travelers thanks to the density of adapted and marked paths. They allow you to ride around pleasantly and meet many bike-tourists from around the world.
Color harmony, line layout, essence variety of species … Touraine has a collection of gardens and parks which have earned it the title of Garden of France. During this stay, contemplate the architectural ingenuity of the Villandry gardens, and succumb to the charm of the 40 atmospheres offered by those of Chaumont.
On the tributaries of the Loire, the bucolic landscape holds many secrets. During 6 days by bike, pay close attention to the troglodytic remains which bear witness to traces of the past. For a break, let yourself be lulled by the flow of the water at the foot of a mill … or by the caresses of the wind on the vine leaves.
Your adventure takes you on a very beautiful portion of the Loire by Bike between the castles of Amboise, Ussé, Langeais, Villandry and many others! Medieval and Renaissance periods mix through incredible architectures. These monuments dress wonderfully the luxuriant nature that you proudly cross with your feet on the pedals.
Easy or 
Leisure From TOURS to AMBOISE 29km 135m 
You leave Tours and reach the hillside of the Loire river. Touraine is a rich, fertile and spiritual land, the land of Rabelais, Balzac … Eden of delicacies, let yourself be transported between local dishes and spirits to drink … The winemakers welcome you in their cellars and their vines for great tastings! The Loire by bike route guides you on a secure route away from cars and through the vineyards. You will enjoy a nice gourmet break in Montlouis on the town hall square. Finally, Amboise and its royal castle welcome you at the end of the stage. We advise you to join the house of Leonard de Vinci, Clos Lucé. There you will find a large collection of his most beautiful and wild inventions.
- For a few more km 46km 314m
By choosing the long version, you will first discover the Vouvray vineyard. The small winding roads of Vouvray are a little more sporty by bike. But the views and gourmet breaks reward the efforts!
From AMBOISE to CHENONCEAUX 22km 89m
You leave the banks of the Loire and head south. When you get to Chenonceaux, take the time to enjoy its famous castle (of the same name without X) built in 1513, one of the most beautiful in the Loire Valley. One of its originalities is its construction on the Cher! Like a bridge over this beautiful river which will soon flow into the Loire.
- For a few more km 52km 275m
You take a small road on the northern slope of the Loire. You cross the charming villages and the surrounding bucolic landscape. You will discover beautiful residences, including Mick Jagger’s castle located very close to Pocé sur Cisse. Stop at the Château de Chaumont sur Loire to enjoy the 40 atmospheres offered by the estate’s gardens. You reach Chenonceaux at the end of the day.
From CHENONCEAUX to LOCHES 31km 165m
You move away from the banks of the Cher, the gentle relief offers you a soothing view of the horizon. You will now reach Indre by Bike, a bucolic route dotted with exceptional monuments. To end your day, a unique panorama awaits you at the top of the Royal City of Loches.
- For a few more km 58km 394m
On this long version, you are invited to make a stopover at the Château de Montpoupon … Explore the 30 rooms dedicated to know-how of artisans devoting to hunting with hounds the and the reconstructed apartments will amaze you. You carry on riding to the village of Montresor and enjoy its pretty medieval streets. You end your day in Loches the royal city.
From LOCHES to MONTBAZON 40km 211m
You ride up the Indre to the North, take advantage of the gentle relief to soak up the landscape. Stroll through the vineyards and discover the exceptional terroir of Château de Reignac for a tasting. Arriving at Montbazon, take the time to visit the stronghold of the terrible count of Anjou, Foulques Nerra, which dominates the Indre valley, from the top of its overhang.
From MONTBAZON to LANGEAIS 41km 130m
From Montbazon, you cycle on the Indre by Bike to reach the Loire. Your route takes the small road of the mills then, on an island in the middle of the Indre, let yourself be surprised by the castle of Azay le Rideau. Subtle mix of French traditions and innovative decorations from Italy, it’s an icon of the new art of building in the Loire Valley in the 16th century. Its landscaped park, designed in the second half of the 19th century, offers it a real nature setting. You then cross the Loire to reach Langeais and discover the daily life of the great lords of the Middle Ages by visiting the castle of Langeais.
- For a few more km 54km 182m
On this long version, you ride to the castle of Ussé, made famous by the tale of Sleeping Beauty. You then take the Loire by Bike to reach Langeais.
From LANGEAIS to TOURS 34km 83m
It is one of the most beautiful parts of the Loire by Bike that you take today. From Langeais you ride peacefully on the edge of the Loire. Halfway through, you are in Villandry and can take the time to visit the famous gardens of Château de Villandry. You continue your day cycling towards Tours. You always ride on the Loire by Bike, but it is on the banks of the Cher this time that you will reach the capital of Touraine.
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 790€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
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 835€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
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 1395€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- 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 itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including topo maps, 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)
- 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.
Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds. Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds. 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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Getting here
Departure city : TOURS
Coming by car
- at 2h30 from PARIS
- at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 4h30 from LYON
Parking*
- Interparking Palais Jaurès – TOURS
- Parking Champ Girault – TOURS
- Parking Vinci Gare – TOURS
Coming by train
- Tours train station - 1h30 from Paris
- Saint Pierre des Corps train station - 1h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Tours airport
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.
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 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
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From March 15th to November 15th
Destination
Loire Valley
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Fit
TOURS
Arrival on your own and check in to your hotel. Orientation with our guide today. Take the time to visit the cathedral or the “guinguette”, a bar on the bank of the river with a lively atmosphere.
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.