Home
France
Classic Loire Valley by Bike

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

tourhub | UTracks | Classic Loire Valley by Bike | LVB | Map

21 Views

6 Days From

~~$894~~

$866

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

6 Days Starting and ending in Blois

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

LVB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

From: $894 $866 Mid-Year Mayhem Discount: -$28

NB: Prices correct on 27-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Explore the valley once known as the 'playground of kings' - an area of impressive chateaux and vast fortune, on a delighful circuit between the Loire and Cher rivers. The cycle distances and many dedicated bike paths make this ideal for anyone of reasonable fitness to complete on a regular hybrid bike or an e-bike. As you cycle, discover the best this region has to offer. Soak up the medieval charm of Blois, discover picturesque Amboise set on the banks of the Loire and overlooked by its impressive fortified chateau, get lost in the maze in the gardens of Chenonceau and sample the local culinary delights. The cycle takes you through countryside crisscrossed with vineyards, duck farms and orchards and the remnants of feudal hunting forests, and the many ornate estates you pass confirm the Loire Valley's reputation as the 'garden of France'.

Highlights

Exploring the beautiful Loire Valley on dedicated bike paths
Visiting impressive chateaux
Cycling through countryside that is lines with vineyards, orchards and farms
Discovering the charming towns of Blois, Amboise and Chitenay
Sampling the delicious local delicacies and staying in small, family-run hotels

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Classic Loire Valley by Bike | LVB | Route Map

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Tours in France

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Blois

Arrive Blois and make your own way to your hotel. If you arrive early you can take a walk around the town which is known for its light facades and blue roofs. Its pedestrian streets gracefully preserve the serene atmosphere of lost centuries. Worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

Day 2 : Cycle To Amboise (43Km/27Mi)

From Blois you will follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you'll cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron then continue along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire river. High on the bank is the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire, surrounded by beautiful gardens. En route you can visit a wine grower and taste the local wines. Take your time and enjoy the grandeur of the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. The cycle for today involves some short climbs on the way. Overnight in Amboise.
total ascent 265m/descent 295m

Day 3 : Cycle Between The Loire And The Cher Valleys To Chenonceaux (16 Or 41Km/10 Or 26Mi)

Today you will cycle via Montlouis sur Loire to the charming town of Chenonceaux, on the banks of the Cher river. Here you'll find the famous Château de Chenonceau which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. The chateau was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, but this was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médici. There are two cycle routes to choose from: one is a direct route while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Loire and Cher River valleys with options to visit chateaux and villages en route. Overnight in Chenonceaux, or nearby Blere if you book the upgrade option.
total ascent 315m/descent 316m

Day 4 : Pass Through Vineyards To Chitenay (20 Or 35Km/12.5 Or 22Mi)

Today you will leave the Cher Valley behind and enter the Touraine area, passing the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th century architecture. Tonight’s accommodation is a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden in Chitenay.
total ascent 298m/descent 264m

Day 5 : Cycle To Blois Via The Famous Chateau Of Cheverny (50Km/31Mi)

During today's cycle you can discover the famous and sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny with its gardens and English style park, before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis the 1st. You then return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding its castle.
total ascent 178m/descent 200m

Day 6 : Trip Concludes

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Blois.

What's Included

Accommodation
5 nights hotels
5 breakfasts - breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices
5 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies)
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
Hybrid rental bike equipped with a pannier, anti-theft device, helmet, bike computer, map holder and repair kit (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Tourist tax
Emergency hotline
Travel to and from Blois
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
E-bike hire, supplement applies
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers if you need to skip a stage
Excess Luggage
Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
Items of a personal nature
Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

What's Not Included

Lunch, dinner and drinks daily
Entrance fees
Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
Transfers
We recommend bringing a holder for your mobile phone to be fixed to the handlebar to cycle smoothly following the app
Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app
Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel

Grading

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2
Daily cycles are between 16.5 and 50km/10 to 31mi on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request).

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

David Qua(Highland Park, Illinois, United States)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

27 Jun 2023

This trip was just what we needed. I loved that we were able to stop along the way and grab picnic items since we weren’t locked into lunches at a certain place or time. The app was very helpful once we figured out how to get to the turn by turn functionality. The trails are very varied. Some roads, some gravel, some paved trails so there was a lot of variety.

Suzanne Shahbazi(Marquette, Michigan, United States)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

6 Oct 2022

Wonderful trip. Well planned. Met all our expectations. The gravel bike and ebikes were perfect.

A. Fearn(Australia)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

28 Jul 2023

The bikes are fit for purpose and well maintained. The luggage transfer is efficient. The Guibo app is wonderful, easy to use and the route fabulous, as it incorporates the best that is available in the area, each day.

H. Finneran(Mollongghip, Australia)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

8 Jun 2023

The week we spent cycling in the Loire Valley was very enjoyable. The scenery along the cycle routes was beautiful and the villages we stopped in were lovely. Everything went very smoothly and the local team were very helpful when my husband was ill for the first day and couldn't cycle. All the hotels we stayed in were very comfortable and clean.

J. Crane(Haberfield, NSW, Australia)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

23 Aug 2022

Really enjoyed this first ride for me through the Loire Valley. The app that was used to navigate was wonderful. Great at giving accurate directions. Accommodation on a whole was good. We did ask for the upgrade, if going again would ask for higher rating hotels if available. My advice would be to monitor weather, best to not go in the heat of summer… like I did.

N. Richardson(Calgary, Canada)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

19 Jul 2022

Loire Valley chateaus are a must see. So is Amboise and Cheverney.

H. Purchase(Dorset, United Kingdom)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

27 Sep 2022

We had a great trip with wonderful weather (thankfully), the Loire and the surrounding area is beautiful.

M. Desponts(Maple Ridge, Canada)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

28 May 2024

Excellent hotels with breakfast, good bicycle, very useful and practical app. We were doing an average of 45 km/day. For me I did not have enough energy to visit the castles or the town after day of cycling. I would have preferred to spend 2 nights at the same place: one for cycling and the other for visiting.

W. Wilson(Greenway, Australia)

Classic Loire Valley by Bike

19 Sep 2023

Great Tour of Loire Valley by Bike!

Read all 9 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024

~~$894~~ $866