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Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast

Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast

tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast | ULV | Map

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13 Days From

~~$2318~~

$2245

Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast

13 Days Starting in Orléans, France and ending in St Brevin, France

Visiting: Orléans, Beaugency, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Azay le Rideau, Chinon, Saumur, Angers, Mauges-sur-Loire, Nantes, St Brévin les Pins, St Brevin

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

ULV

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Wine Tasting

From: $2318 $2245 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$73

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure from Orléans to the Atlantic Coast, exploring the heart of the Loire Valley. This self-guided tour takes you through historical towns like Blois, Tours, and Chinon, where you can marvel at grand chateaux and sample exquisite local wines. Pedal along serene riverbanks, through lush vineyards, and past iconic landmarks such as the Château de Chambord and the Abbey of Fontevraud. Enjoy the culinary delights of the region and the charm of carefully selected 2 to 3-star hotels, with the option to upgrade for added comfort. This journey promises a perfect blend of nature, history, and gastronomy.

Highlights

Cycling from the heart of the Loire Valley, along the Loire river, to the Atlantic coast
Discovering many historical towns such as Blois, Tours and Chinon
Exploring the many grand chateaux
Sampling some of the many excellent wines in the local vineyards
Enjoying the culinary specialities of the region

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast | ULV | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive In Orléans

Location: Orléans

Accommodation Name: Hotel

On your arrival in Orléans make your way to the first hotel. Dependent on your arrival time, we recommend spending time exploring the old historical centre. Orléans is situated between the large countryside fields of the Beauce area and the green pastures, ponds and forest of Sologne.

Day 2 : Cycle To Beaugency (26Km/16Mi)

Location: Beaugency

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Follow the wild river banks today, and cycle in calm and serenity to the charming town of Beaugency. This afternoon you can visit the Hall of Honour, in the town hall, with its 8 impressive embroidered wall hangings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Other notable sites include Chateau de Dunois, the Abbey church and the clock tower.
159m ascent, 172m descent

Day 3 : Cycle Via Chambord To Blois (46Km/28.5Mi)

Location: Blois

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Today you will leave Beaugency along the river banks, passing the prestigious château of Chambord, the widest château in the Loire Valley and a Renaissance masterpiece. Continue cycling towards Blois, known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries, and its serene atmosphere. The château in Blois offers an excellent illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
328m ascent, 345m descent

Day 4 : Follow The Loire River To Amboise (42Km/26Mi)

Location: Amboise

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Cycle to the chateau of Chaumont, overlooking the Loire river. It is worthwhile stopping here, and the grounds are usually open to the public. The Chateau itself is famous for its luxurious stables and there is often free wine tasting at the base of the driveway. The cycle continues to Amboise and its royal chateau dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Nearby you can also visit Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last home.
337m ascent, 343m descent

Day 5 : Cycle To Tours (56Km/35Mi)

Location: Tours

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Today's cycle will take you via the vineyards of Montlouis to Tours. After approx 15km you have the option to visit the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, which was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médicis. Continue to Montlouis, with its numerous cellars offering prestigious sweet white or sparkling wines. The ideal microclimate, close to where the Loire and Cher unite, produces grapes of a unique quality. Discover this for yourself during a visit to a wine cellar or a lunch break. A fine track leads to Tours, the friendly capital of what is called ´the garden of France'. Here great experiences await including the magnificent cathedral and basilica, the Olivier Debré Art Centre, the Botanical Garden, the flavours of the markets...
419m ascent, 434m descent

Day 6 : Continue Via Villandry To Azay Le Rideau (41Km/25.5Mi)

Location: Azay le Rideau

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Cycle to Savonnières and visit the 'Petrifying Grottoes'. These limestone caves are used to create quite interesting ceramics. You will then proceed to Villandry with its chateau and famous gardens. These gardens are unmatched in Europe and have three superposed terraces. Continue to Sache and visit the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. You will eventually arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau set over the Indre river.
336m ascent, 339m descent

Day 7 : Pedal Past Chateaux To Chinon (35Km/21.5Mi)

Location: Chinon

Accommodation Name: Hotel

This morning you will cycle towards Langeais and its 15th century chateau, a typical medieval fortified castle where you can admire wonderful tapestries and furniture. Then ride towards the 'Sleeping Beauty' chateau in Ussé which inspired the famous fairy tale by Perrault. Overnight in the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne river. It is possible to visit numerous cellars and sample the famous red wine appreciated by Rabelais.
276m ascent, 292m descent

Day 8 : Cycle Via The Abbey Of Fontevraud To Saumur (36-48Km/22-30Mi)

Location: Saumur

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Today you will cycle towards the impressive Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the greatest monastic cities in Europe from 1101 to 1804. Eleanor of Aquitaine spent her last days here and it is the necropolis of the Plantagenet sovereigns. Napoleon saved the abbey from destruction in 1804, transforming into a penitentiary and it remained a prison until 1985. Continue to the lovely town of Saumur.
491m ascent, 458m descent

Day 9 : Through Vineyards En Route To Angers (58Km/36Mi)

Location: Angers

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Cycle along the southern bank of the river where you can admire the monuments of local white tuff stone, such as the church in Cunault and St-Maur Abbey. Once in St-Mathurin-sur-Loire you follow the northern bank of the Loire through a former swamp that was drained in the Middle Ages. Some time later you see tracks of the old slate quarries of Trélazé. Then enjoy crossing the Authion River via a little chain ferry. Your destination is the peaceful city of Angers, with its chateau housing the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
695m ascent, 680m descent

Day 10 : On To Mauges-Sur-Loire Or Surrounds (48Km/29Mi)

Location: Mauges-sur-Loire

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Today you will cycle from the heart of the vineyards of Anjou along the banks of the Loire via Chalonnes, at the confluence of the Loire and Layon rivers, riding through typical small villages and natural landscapes, where life runs in rhythm with the river. Continue via Montjean to Mauges-sur-Loire vicinity, where you stay overnight.
348m ascent, 360m descent

Day 11 : Continue To The City Of Nantes (52M/32Mi)

Location: Nantes

Accommodation Name: Hotel

The cycle today is quite peaceful as you follow the cycling path to the town of Champtoceaux, which marks the boundary between Anjou and Brittany. From here continue to ‘Les Folies Siffait’ a former romantic gardens where plants and stone buildings still remain - a peaceful place with wonderful views over the Loire river. Continue along the river until you reach the capital of the western area, Nantes. This dynamic city offers a large choice of sights to visit, including a chateau and Ile de Versailles and its Japanese gardens. Don't miss L’île de Nantes, home to extraordinary outsized machines including the giant elephant. Enjoy sightseeing through the numerous pedestrian and cycle-friendly streets.
442m ascent, 447m descent

Day 12 : Cycle Along Marshland To St Brévin (59Km/37Mi)

Location: St Brévin les Pins

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Leave Nantes via a small boat across the river and continue on the cycling path of 'Loire à vélo'. Later in the day you will follow a narrow canal for a peaceful cycle through marshlands and countryside. This will bring you to the estuary of the Loire river at St Brevin les Pins. St Brevin is a seaside resort with a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and pine tree forest - an ideal place to relax after a long cycling day.
337m ascent, 335m descent

Day 13 : Trip Concludes

Location: St Brevin

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes in St Brevin after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights if you'd like to extend your stay to visit the beautiful Atlantic Coast.

What's Included

Accommodation
8 nights in 3 star
12 breakfasts

Breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices.
12 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels

Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies).
Digital information pack

Includes a smartphone app with maps, roadbook, and GPS tracks.
Luggage transfer

1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.
21 speed men’s or ladies’ bike

Equipped with a pannier, helmet, bike lock, map holder, and repair kit. Electric bike available on request - supplement applies.
Tourist tax

Tourist tax is included.
Emergency hotline

Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.

What's Not Included

Travel to Orleans and from St Brevin

Travel to the starting point and from the ending point is not included.
Meals not listed as included, drinks

Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
Travel insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
E-bike hire

Electric bike hire is available on request - supplement applies.
Guide

This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
Solo traveler or single room supplement

A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
Entrance fees not listed as included

Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are excluded.
Transfers if you need to skip a stage

Transfers are not included if you need to skip a stage.
Excess luggage

A supplement applies for excess luggage.
Handlebar phone holder

We recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app.
Items of a personal nature

Personal items are not included.
Printed documents

Printed documents are available at an additional cost.

Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel.
Hotel taxes if applicable

Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.

Accommodation

8 nights in 3 star. During the trip you will stay in carefully selected 2 to 3 star hotels, chosen for their character and location. Whilst these hotels have charm and comfort, you can choose to upgrade to 3 to 4 star hotels. A supplement applies if you decide to take the upgrade option.

Grading

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2
Daily cycles are between 26 and 60km / 16 and 37.5mi 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.

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.

Mode of Transport

Travel to Orleans and from St Brevin. 21 speed men's or ladies' bike (electric bike available on request - supplement applies) equipped with a pannier, helmet, bike lock, map holder, and repair kit.

Check out our Q&As

What type of bike is provided for the tour?

You will be provided with a 21-speed men's or ladies' bike equipped with a pannier, helmet, bike lock, map holder, and repair kit. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

You will stay in carefully selected 2 to 3-star hotels, chosen for their character and location. These hotels offer charm and comfort. There is also an option to upgrade to 3 to 4-star hotels for an additional supplement.
Are meals included in the tour package?

The tour includes 12 continental-style breakfasts consisting of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

Yes, luggage transfer is included. You can transfer one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
What should I carry during the cycling day?

During the cycling 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 that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Is there any emergency support available during the tour?

Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the tour.
What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?

The tour is graded as introductory to moderate (Grade 2). Daily cycles range between 26 and 60km (16 and 37.5mi) on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads, with an emphasis on a relaxed pace to enjoy the attractions.
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
Can I get printed documents for the tour?

Printed documents are available at an additional cost. They must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel.
What happens if I need to skip a stage during the tour?

Transfers are not included if you need to skip a stage. You will need to arrange and pay for any necessary transfers yourself.
How fit do I have to be?

Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
What happens if something goes wrong?

On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Paul Ryan(Albert Park, VIC, Australia)

Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast

2 Jul 2024

Well organised successful trip

P. Blair(Daisy Hill, Australia)

Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast

26 Jul 2024

We cycled 500kms down the Loire Valley from Orleans. Everything was organised beautifully. Our accommodation was comfortable and well placed. The bicycles were a dream to ride and we appreciated having the e-bikes on this trip. Highly recommend UTracks!

M. Arkhipov(Woodinville, United States)

Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast

8 Oct 2024

Very smooth. Good bike, good hotels. 2-3 stars, but very nice. Couple of minor things - the app can be improved since it shows the route but does not guide to/from hotel to the route, just says 'you are too far from the route'. Had to use Google Maps. Second, a bit of extra info on country specfics would be useful - for instance, being from the US I did not expect everything to be closed - stores, restaurants in small cities with nothing even to get a coffee... :-)

Gary Giles(Canterbury, VIC, Australia)

Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast

2 Jul 2024

The accommodation, luggage transfers and route planning were of a very good standard. The bikes however were really not suitable for the nature of the journey. In addition the particular bike I had was substandard with the rear tyre being unserviceable and the kick stand did not work

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