The Loire by bike - Deluxe

The discovery of the Loire in its most beautiful hotels

Highlights

The largest castles and royal estates in Europe: Chambord, Chaumont sur Loire, Chenonceau
The Château de Nitray and its wine estate
The beautiful cities of Blois and Tours
The city of Amboise and Clos Lucé, laboratory of Leonardo da Vinci
Picturesque villages by the river
The Tourraine vineyard: Montlouis

From Chambord to Tours, discovering the most beautiful residences of the Renaissance

Discover the "Valley of the Kings" and the wine-growing landscapes of Touraine, thanks to its network of important cycle paths. Ride from town to town and from castle to castle and discover the richness of this natural and architectural heritage.

During your trip, stay in exceptional places specially selected to guarantee you a change of scenery and relaxation. Hunting lodges or charming hotels, all reflect the architectural excellence of the Loire Valley. In the heart of these royal estates, take advantage of the services of your hotels (swimming pool, spa) and treat yourself to their local and gourmet cuisine.

There’s a reason why this destination is very popular with cyclists. Its wide network of well developed routes allows a safe trip in peace and serenity. Between architectural prowess and wine-growing landscapes, get on your bike and criss-cross the land of kings. Discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley, criss-cross this preserved natural setting. Departing from Chambord, a masterpiece of the Renaissance, travel back in time by crossing the gates of the many sumptuous castles that are on your way: Blois, Cheverny, Chenonceau and Amboise.

In Chaumont sur Loire, get away in front of the gardens and contemplate the various landscape creations. Unmissable, the city of Tours bears witness to a flourishing past. You will find a warm and gourmet atmosphere. Surrounded by renowned vineyards and qualified as an international city of gastronomy, awaken your taste buds with local specialties. 

La Loire à vélo Deluxe - Abicyclette Voyages
Niveau EasyEasy or Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

CHAMBORD

Welcome to Chambord! Make the most of the end of the day to visit the Château de Chambord. Its gigantism is such that it always comes as a surprise. Take an interest in its architecture. It emanates a light that is both reassuring and impressive. The visit is of course optional but you should not miss this jewel of the Renaissance.

At the end of the day, enjoy the tranquility of this magical place in the middle of the forest.

Briefing Orientation

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

From CHAMBORD to ONZAIN 44km 175m Niveau Loisir

You get on your bike to leave the Château de Chambord and reach the Loire and the royal town of Blois. The river’s left bank offers you a unique view of the city of Blois with its houses set with Tuffeau stones and slate roofs.

You cycle towards Onzain, a town listed as a World Heritage Site since 2000.

If you still have a little time, the castle of Chaumont sur Loire and its sumptuous gardens is a site worth visiting.

By another road

From CHAMBORD to ONZAIN 57km 201m Niveau Forme

You leave Chambord for Cheverny and its famous castle. In 1922, it was the first castle to be opened to the public. The visitor can thus appreciate all the splendor and delights of Château life. Enjoy the Botanical Park and the splendid interiors of the Château. And don’t miss the 3D visit to the Museum “Les secrets de Moulinsart” based on the Tintin comic.

You then take the road to Onzain, a town listed as a World Heritage Site since 2000. Last highlight of the day, the Château de Chaumont sur Loire and its sumptuous gardens.

Day 3

From ONZAIN to AMBOISE 22km 116m Niveau Facile

The bike itinerary offers you a stroll on two wheels on the banks of the Loire then between the vineyards.

On the Loire by bike route, this day has been thought to be shorter to allow you to take full advantage of two major castles in the valley. In the morning, garden lovers stop at the Chaumont sur Loire estate to enjoy the international garden festival, a rather original annual event.

A few kilometers of  cycling further, you enter the royal city of Amboise. Amboise is the city of Leonardo da Vinci and his castle, Clos Lucé, his final resting place. More imposing, the royal castle testifies to a defensive past of the city by its strategic position, dominating the river. This city of character offers beautiful walks through its narrow streets or on the quays.

Day 4

FROM AMBOISE, CHENONCEAUX LOOP 37km 217m Niveau Loisir

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 318m Niveau Forme

    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.

Day 5

From AMBOISE to MONTBAZON 45km 182m Niveau Loisir

You leave Amboise on the Loire by bike route to reach the slopes of Montlouis. You will enjoy a refreshing stop near the water fountain in the Place de la Mairie de Montlouis. You have the choice of enlivening your break on the wine bar terrace presenting local winegrowers or a renowned pastry shop.

Continuing your route west, you take the Indre by bike. This peaceful greenway takes you to 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 spur.

Day 6

From MONTBAZON to TOURS 55km 258m Niveau Forme

From Montbazon, you pedal on the Indre by bike to reach the Loire river. 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. A subtle alliance of French traditions and innovative decorations from Italy, it is an icon of the new art of building in the Val-de-Loire in the 16th century. Its landscaped park, designed in the second half of the 19th century, gives it a genuine natural setting.

You leave Azay-le-Rideau on the banks of the Indre. Through the vineyards and the forest, you reach the Château de Villandry. It is a plunge into the very heart of the 16th century. End of stage in Tours. Take the time to discover this beautiful town in the Loire Valley.

Day 7

TOURS

End of stay after breakfast.

You make the most of your morning in Tours to visit the CCCOD contemporary art creation center or the museum of Compagnonnage. Or simply relax at the guinguette de Tours, a bar on the banks of the Loire, a popular place for Tourangeaux. Finally, make a small detour to the Halles market or the flower market on Boulevard Béranger.

 

Deluxe range

For an exceptional stay you enter some of the best residences, castles and mansions and sleep in princes and duchesses’ rooms.

Accommodation example

Starting from 2245€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 2 dinners
  • 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
  • A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Taxes
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including maps & restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Specific services
    • Jour 1 : Meeting with our guide in Loire Valley
    • Jour 1 : Navette privée - BLOIS - CHAMBORD
  • 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

    GPS for cycling trips

    • 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

     

    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 bike

    A layed out and dynamic position

    Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Présentation de notre parc de vélo Scott Sub Cross 20

    Touring bike

    An upright and easy going position

    Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    vélo trek randonnée Abicyclette

    Children Bike

    20″ or 24″ bike

    Vélo enfant 24 pouces pour vacances à vélo

    Ebike

    With an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy!

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    EBIKE VELO DE VILLE

    Bike trailer

    Abicyclette remorque enfant voyage à vélo

    Getting here

    Departure city : CHAMBORD

    Coming by car

    • at 2h15 from PARIS
    • at 4h15 from BORDEAUX
    • at 4h30 from LYON

    Parking*

    • Parking privé – Hôtel Restaurant Le Relais de Chambord

    Coming by train

    • Blois train station - 2h30 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

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    How to get back to the starting point

    • By train from Tours to Blois in 35min (hotline)
    • Return by car in 1h to your starting point ?
    • Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Trekking or hybrid bike
    • 21 to 30 speeds
    • 26 or 28 inch (700) wheels

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (included with the rental)
    • Clothing suitable for cycling
    • Warm jacket (eg fleece)
    • Rain proof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 small backpack or panniers
    • 1 or 2 water flasks (included with the rental)
    • 1 lock (included with the rental)
    • Our reccomendation for optimal comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves
      • 1 special pair of pants (shammy leather)
      • 1 night see fluorescent vest

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Daily use kit: cloth, brake pads, oil

    Other

    • Suitcase for transporting personal effects in luggage transfers (limited to one per person)
    • Change of clothes for the evening
    • Warm jacket for the evenings
    • Set of toiletries
    • Mobile phone and charger

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