Weekend in Amboise by canoe and bike
3 days on the Loire by Bike, discovering castles and vineyards along the water
© Jean-François Souchard - Canoe Company
© F. Charel
© D. Darrault - CRT Centre-Val de Loire
© Jean-François Souchard - Canoe Company
© Sébastien Rambour - Abicyclette Voyages
Highlights
The Cher by canoe passing under the Chenonceau castle
The Loire by canoe between Amboise and Tours
The Loire by Bike between Amboise and Chaumont
The castles of Chenonceau, Chaumont and Clos Lucé
Discover the Tourangeau vineyard: Vouvray and Montlouis
The story behind the trip
Abicyclette Voyages and Canoë Company join forces to offer a weekend in Amboise combining bicycle and canoe.
The idea of this weekend: a concentrate of the best of the region starting from Amboise. The canoe ride on the Cher passing under the Château de Chenonceau is undoubtedly one of the best activities in the region. The gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire have a worldwide reputation and it is not uncommon to spend more than 3 hours visiting them! The Loire by Bike, which needs no presentation, allows you to discover all the riches of the area.
Amboise was in the past the heart of the royal court. This charming town is now the base camp for visiting the region.
Embark on a unique adventure!
Along the Loire and the Cher, you ride out forming a star starting from Amboise. You reach the most beautiful castles, such as Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire, then the city of Tours, its markets and its guinguette bar on the banks of the Loire.
Cradled by the rivers of the Cher and the Loire, your weekend heralds discovery and relaxation. From the first day, departing from Amboise, embark on the last wild river in Europe, in authentic Canadian canoes. You cross a protected zone sheltering several animal and vegetable species, it is a unique opportunity to sail on one of the most beautiful parts of the Loire. The last day, the passing under the arches of Chenonceau castle will undoubtedly remain one of the unforgettable moments of your trip.
The Loire cycling routes allow you to discover all the local heritage and gastronomy. You take safe and peaceful cycle paths riding in the footsteps of François I and Leonardo da Vinci! The Château Royal and Clos Lucé are there to bear witness.
From Amboise, you can easily reach the castles of Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire, impressive by their architecture. Stop off at the Montlouis and Vouvray estates to taste the authentic wines from the banks of the Loire.
This invitation to travel, combining biking and canoeing, allows you to take new and varied shots of the heritage and nature of the Loire Valley.
Easy or 
Leisure Amboise, loop to Tours by canoë and bike 18km 97m 
Departing from Amboise, you board Canadian canoes for a ride on the Loire with our friends from the Canoe Company. You are sailing down a majestic river with surprising colors. You will discover its fauna and its sandbanks. Once in Rochecorbon, get on your bikes and ride towards Amboise. You take a cycle path through the Vouvray vineyards and then the Montlouis vines on the Loire by Bike. The opportunity to taste some AOCs from Touraine, or simply to discover their trade.
From Amboise to Vouvray by canoe
Departing from Amboise, you embark on one of the most beautiful sections of the Loire in Touraine for a duration of 2.5 hours (14 km). Navigating the Loire gives you a feeling of freedom and space. You discover many islands, sand, and an omnipresent nature. You arrive at the canoe base, a few kilometers before Vouvray and its vineyard that you begin to see on the heights.
- For a few more km 43km 228m
With this option, after your canoe trip, you take the direction of Tours instead of returning directly to Amboise. You ride through the Vouvray vineyards and then on the banks of the Loire on a peaceful path. You take the time to visit the capital of the Tourangeaux and return to Amboise by the Loire cycling route through the vineyards of Montlouis.
FROM AMBOISE, CHENONCEAUX LOOP 37km 208m
You leave the banks of the Loire and head south through the forest of Amboise to reach Civray de Touraine where you swap your bikes for canoes. You then descend the Cher. An unforgettable moment, you pass under the castle of Chenonceau, built in 1513, on the river. Like a bridge over this beautiful river which will soon flow into the Loire, it is one of the most beautiful in the Loire Valley! At the end of your canoe ride, you take your bikes back to Amboise by another route.
When you arrive at the Canoe Company base camp, you change your bikes for superb Canadian canoes. You can choose from 2 to 6 people per canoe! A shuttle takes you to the start of your ride which lasts approximately 2 hours. Before your departure, take the time to discover the lock with its needle dam. These dams allow navigation in summer and bear witness to the channeled Cher. The Cher is a calm and bucolic river. Your canoe trip lasts about 1 hour. You reach the Château de Chenonceau by the river and pass under the arches. It’s an unforgettable moment to see this superb castle reflected on the water while sailing in a canoe. Return to the Canoe Company base camp, and enjoy a short break at the bistrot quai bar under the shade of a weeping willow tree on the banks of the Cher.
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 295€/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 335€/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 440€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Price includes
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a Double room
- 2 breakfasts
- 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 restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner with french topo maps
- Day 1 : Welcome by telephone with our team on the day of your arrival.
- Day 2 : Tours & Canoë - From Amboise to Vouvray by canoe.
- Day 3 : Canoë Company - Canoe trip to Chenonceau castle
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 : AMBOISE
Coming by car
- at 2h30 from PARIS
- at 3h45 from BORDEAUX
- at 4h30 from LYON
Parking*
- Parking du Mail – AMBOISE
- Parking des Tanneurs – AMBOISE
Coming by train
- Amboise train station - 1h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Tours airport
Arrival city : AMBOISE
Coming by car
- at 2h30 from PARIS
- at 3h45 from BORDEAUX
- at 4h30 from LYON
Coming by train
- Amboise train station - 1h45 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 3 days and 2 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From March 30th to October 31st
Destination Loire Valley
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Expert
Fit
AMBOISE, LOOP TO CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE 46km 217m
From Amboise, you ride through pretty little villages such as Pocé sur Cisse (where the castle of Mick Jagger is located – closed to the visit) then Limeray, Cangey, Monteaux. You ride your bike up the river to reach Chaumont sur Loire. Its medieval castle, completely restored, dominates the valley and imposes its power. In the parc of the chateau, on the summits of the village, are installed the famous gardens of Chaumont sur Loire. Every year an international festival is held from spring to autumn for both artistic and botanical compositions. A beautiful walk thus completes this cycling day. You ride on the “Loire à vélo” route on your return to Amboise.
Orientation by phone with us
On receipt of your travel documents (and bikes if you’ve opted for rental), we take the time to talk to you over the phone to explain all the important points and answer any questions you may have.