Rich in agriculture and close to Paris, the Loire Valley has long been the playground of the aristocracy of France. The legacy of castles and fine chateaux has developed since the 16th century and today attracts large number of touring cyclists. Pedal from historic town to historic town, visiting architectural masterpieces all along the way. This legacy of castles, combined with quiet country roads and gentle terrain make for perfect cycling. This is the perfect bicycle tour for avid or recreational cyclists, families, photographers, painters, and wine lovers!

For more information download the Tour Factsheet

Request space on this Bicycle Tour »

• Day 1

  Arrive in Saint Pierre des Corps, Tours

  Highlights: Fit bikes and enjoy a test ride or visit Tours

  Arrive today in Saint Pierre des Corps-Tours , located only 1 hour from Paris by train and check in at your hotel, a beautiful manor house just outside Tours. Take time to rest or explore this town on the Loire River and its famous cathedral.
  
  Meet our representative for an orientation talk and bike fitting this evening at the hotel.
  Dinner is included tonight.
  

• Day 2

  Ride from Tours to Azay-le-Rideau

  Highlights: Cycling along the Loire, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideu, the castle of Langeais

  Pedal along River Cher and Loire today on your way to the famous castle of Villandry, where you will be able to explore its beautifully manicured gardens. You will then continue to the Chateau Azay-le-Rideau where you can spend some time visiting this Renaissance castle and enjoy its magical setting alongside the Indre River.
  Dinner is included tonight.
  
  Mileage options: 36 km or 48km (23 or 30 miles)
  

• Day 3

  Pedal from Azay-le-Rideau to Luynes

  Highlights: Easy cycling along the Loire River, castles of Usèe, Roman acqueduct

  Today you'll take another wonderful journey through the magical castles of Loire Valley. Your first stop is the castle of Ussè, the inspiration for the famous story, "Sleeping Beauty". Then, you will continue on to Langeais to visit the charming village and its medieval castle.
  Complete your ride at Luynes, site of a wonderful castle and Roman aqueduct, across the river from the castle of Villandry.
  Dinner is included tonight.
  
  Daily distance: 46 km (28 miles)
  

• Day 4

  Cycle from Luynes to Amboise

  Highlights: Vouvray vineyards, Amboise & Clos-Lucé

  A flat ride today brings you to the town of Tours, perfect site for a morning stroll in the pedestrian area of the historical center. Continue your ride through the famous Appellation d'origine controlee vineyards of Vouvray, home to one of the most enjoyed wines of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region.
  Arrive in Amboise this afternoon to explore its castle, and to the Clos-Lucé, the nearby manor house where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life as the guest of Francois I. Leonardo is presumed to have completed his Mona Lisa during this time.
  Dinner is included tonight.
  
  Daily distance: 46km (28miles)
  

• Day 5

  Amboise loop ride to Chenonceau

  Highlights: Castle of Chenonceau, Amboise

  A short and moderately flat ride takes you through the forests and valleys of the Amboise countryside to the enchanting castle of Chenonceau. Along the ride you'll pass by the Parc Mini Chateaux, an amusement park great for kids.
  Chenonceau sits astride the Cher River, a tributary to the Loire. A flour mill occupied this site in the 15th century; the first castle was built at the beginning of the 16th, and then improved throughout the centuries especially by Catherine de Medici. Chenonceau was a favorite of mistresses and wives of the Kings of France. Of all the Loire chateaux, it is one of the most charming.
  Dinner is on your own tonight.
  
  Daily distance: 30km or 50km (18 or 31 miles)
  

• Day 6

  Bicycle from Amboise to Blois

  Highlights: Chateau of Chaumont, Fougeres and Beauregard

  Leave Amboise today for a pleasant ride through many charming tiny villages. Plan to arrive to Chateau of Chaumont for a picnic lunch and a visit of the property. Built at the turn of the 16th century on the site of two earlier castles, Chaumont commands an imposing view north across the Loire.
  You can then choose to ride a short option to Blois through quiet country roads or choose the longer ride option through sunflower fields and deep countryside of the area to visit other magnificent castles such as Fougeres and Beauregard on the way. Your route continues on to the historic town of Blois. Plan a visit to its castle, with its famous spiral staircase.
  Dinner is on your own tonight.
  
  Please, note that you can add an optional canoe trip to this day.
  
  Daily distance: 44km or 68km (27 or 42 miles)
  

• Day 7

  Loop ride to Chambord

  Highlights: Chateau de Chambord, Chateaux of Cheverny, Troussay, and Beauregard

  Today you have two ride options:
  - A short ride takes you to the famous village and Chateau de Chambord, where you can enjoy its magnificent architecture and unique features. We suggest taking your time to visit Chambord, the creation of French king, Francois I, and the largest of all the Loire castles. Enjoy a chocolate tasting in a chocolate factory in a nearby charming village before heading back to Blois with a stop at the Chateau de Villesavin on the way.
  - On the longer option, after Chambord you will continue south to the Chateaux of Cheverny, Troussay, and Beauregard.
  
  Dinner is on your own tonight.
  
  Daily distance: 49km or 63km (30 or 40 miles)
  

• Day 8

  End of the tour

  Highlights:

  After breakfast your cycling experience in the Loire ends. We hope you have enjoyed cycling with us! Blois is conveniently located on the main rail line to Paris