Cycling in France - Loire Valley

Cycling in France - Loire Valley

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8 Days From

$2350

Cycling in France - Loire Valley

8 Days Starting in Tours, France and ending in St Pierre de Corps station in Tours, France

Visiting: Tours, Loire Valley, Amboise, Blois, Chambord

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

CLV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

None

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Cycling, Walking, Wine Tasting

From: $2350

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through France's enchanting Loire Valley, starting in the vibrant city of Tours. This tour offers a perfect blend of scenic rides, cultural exploration, and culinary delights. Pedal along the renowned 'Loire à Vélo' route, visiting charming villages and iconic chateaux like Villandry, Chenonceaux, and Chambord. Enjoy guided wine tastings in Vouvray and Bourgueil, savoring the exquisite local flavors. With a mix of leisurely and moderate cycling days, you'll have the opportunity to explore historic towns such as Amboise and Blois, each offering its own unique charm and history. Whether you're cycling through picturesque landscapes or indulging in local delicacies, this tour promises a rich and immersive experience in one of France's most beautiful regions.

Highlights

  • Cycle the Loire Valley, enjoying scenic rides through charming towns and countryside, ending in historic Blois.

  • Marvel at stunning chateaux, including visits to Chateau de Villandry, Chenonceaux, and Chambord.

  • Savour the exquisite flavours of local wines with guided tastings in Vouvray and Bourgueil.

  • Explore the picturesque village of Savonnieres and the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley.

  • Visit the charming town of Amboise and explore its Chateau Royal or Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years.

  • Experience a leisurely lunch aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat in Chaumont-sur-Loire.

  • Discover the grand Chateau de Chambord and its Renaissance splendour.

  • Cycle to the iconic Chateau of Cheverny, passing by privately owned chateaux along the way.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Trip In Tours

Location: Tours

Accommodation Name: Hotel des Chateaux de la Loire

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in Tours, a vibrant and captivating city that offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. This is our gateway to the Loire Valley's famous chateaux, vineyards and picturesque countryside.



For those arriving on time, our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a short welcome meeting, then head out for an included authentic French dinner at a cosy local restaurant, a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow travellers while enjoying some traditional dishes from the region. If you would like to receive a complimentary transfer today, you'll need to arrive at St Pierre de Corps station in Tours, which is 10 kilometres/6.2 miles and fifteen minutes' drive from our city centre hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.



To reach the starting point of your holiday at Tours Train Station, we recommend using Paris as an international hub. You can either fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or, from London, take the Eurostar to Paris Nord. Trains for the short 75-minute journey to St Pierre des Corps station in Tours depart from Paris Montparnasse Station, which is easily accessible from various Paris airports and train stations. Travelling across Paris by metro is straightforward, and further details on navigating Paris and regional trains will be included in your final documentation. For those travelling from London the Eurostar via Lille to Tours is also an option and eliminates the need to traverse Paris.



Tours is a historically rich city with deep connections to French culture. Its picturesque old town, with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, invites you to explore its many charming alleys, each turn revealing something new, perfect for exploring on foot if you arrive ahead of the meeting time today.

Day 2: Cycle A Section Of The 'Loire A Velo' Long Distance Cycle Route And Wine Tasting

Location: Loire Valley

Accommodation Name: Hotel des Chateaux de la Loire

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Loire Valley has some of the best cycling infrastructure in France and has thousands of kilometres of signposted routes. On this trip we'll spend most of our time on 'Voies Vertes', dedicated cycle routes, or very low traffic lanes where bicycles actually have right of way. The terrain varies between tarmac and well-maintained gravel paths.

After getting fitted for our bikes, we'll set off on the scenic 'Loire a Velo' route, a renowned long-distance cycling path that winds through the heart of this picturesque region. Our first stop will be the charming village of Savonnieres, where we'll take a break and enjoy some refreshments surrounded by lush, green countryside. This region is part of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, known for its rolling hills, fertile vineyards, and charming villages. From there, we'll continue to our first grand chateau of the trip, Villandry, celebrated for its breath-taking ornamental gardens, which are uniquely crafted from vegetables.



After exploring Villandry, we'll retrace our route back to Savonnieres and then cycle along the narrow strip of land between the Loire and Cher rivers, offering us stunning views as we return to Tours.

Once back in the city, we will have time to freshen up before heading off to our Bourgueil wine tasting. Known primarily for its red wines made from the Cabernet Franc grape, Bourgueil wines are celebrated for their versatility and distinctive characteristics.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 42 kilometres/26 miles. (Total 91 metres/298 feet ascent and 91 meters/298 feet descent).

Day 3: Cycle To Amboise With Vouvray Wine Tasting En Route

Location: Amboise

Accommodation Name: Hotel Chaptal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we'll enjoy a leisurely start giving our Tour Leader time to transfer our luggage to Amboise. We'll then set off from Tours, reconnecting with the 'Loire a Velo' cycling route. Our first stop is Montlouis for a quick refreshment. The highlight of the day is a delightful 'apero', a French tradition of enjoying a selection of drinks and snacks with friends. We will of course be trying a selection of the renowned Vouvray wine, followed by a lunch of local delicacies, including meats, cheeses and breads locally made, all set in a picturesque vineyard with stunning views. We then have a short ride to our hotel where we spend the next two nights. Once we've checked into our hotel, there should be enough time to explore Amboise's Chateau Royal or Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/17.4 miles. (Total 122 metres/400 feet ascent and 116 meters/380 feet descent).

Day 4: Rest Day In Amboise Or Cycle To Chenonceaux

Location: Amboise

Accommodation Name: Hotel Chaptal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today offers a perfect chance to relax and soak in all that Amboise has to offer, but if you're eager to hop back on the bike, your Tour Leader will guide you to the stunning Chateau de Chenonceau. Today's optional ride is longer and has significantly more hills than we have experienced so far on this trip, so we have graded today's ride as moderate.



We'll break our journey with a coffee stop in the charming town of Blere, before arriving at the iconic chateau that gracefully spans the River Cher, one of the most photographed Renaissance landmarks in France. After exploring the chateau's elegant interiors or perhaps enjoying a tranquil boat ride on the river, we'll pedal back to Amboise, leaving time to explore any sights you may have missed in this historic town.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 47 kilometres/29 miles. (Total 288 metres/944 feet ascent and 289 meters/948 feet descent).

Day 5: Cycle From Amboise To Blois

Location: Blois

Accommodation Name: ibis Styles Blois Centre Gare

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we bid farewell to the charming town of Amboise and set our sights on our final destination, the regal city of Blois. After a relaxed morning, we'll embark on a scenic ride along the escarpment between the Loire and Cher rivers, offering panoramic views before descending into the lush Loire Valley. Our journey will take us to the enchanting village of Chaumont-sur-Loire, where we'll pause to admire the imposing Chateau de Chaumont. Here, we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch aboard one of the traditional flat-bottomed boats, once used to transport wine along the Loire, allowing us to soak in the stunning riverside scenery.



After this delightful break, we'll re-join the 'Loire a Velo' cycle route, tracing the river's edge as we continue our journey to Blois. As we approach the city, its historic skyline will gradually come into view. Blois, with its royal chateau and vibrant streets has a rich history and beauty to be explored during our stay in this charming city.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres/28 miles. (Total 256 metres/840 feet ascent and 218 meters/715 feet descent).

Day 6: Circular Ride To Chateau Of Chambord

Location: Chambord

Accommodation Name: ibis Styles Blois Centre Gare

Meals Included: Breakfast

Over the next two days, we'll enjoy circular cycling routes from Blois, with today's journey taking us to the grandest of all the Loire Valley chateaux, Chambord. As we pedal through the picturesque village of Huisseau-sur-Cosson, we'll traverse the expansive former royal hunting grounds that are home to numerous elegant hunting lodges built centuries ago.



Upon arriving at Chambord, you'll have plenty of time to explore this architectural masterpiece, whose sheer scale and Renaissance splendour are unmatched. After a leisurely lunch in the chateau's stunning surroundings, we'll make our way back towards the Loire River, following its scenic banks as we return to Blois. Once back, take the opportunity to wander through the city's medieval streets, where history comes alive at every corner, and be sure to visit the Royal Chateau, a key piece of France's regal heritage.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 42 kilometres/26 miles. (Total 177 metres/580 feet ascent and 177 meters/580 feet descent).

Day 7: Circular Ride To The Chateau Of Cheverny

Location: Blois

Accommodation Name: ibis Styles Blois Centre Gare

Meals Included: Breakfast

On our final day of cycling, we'll focus on one of the Loire Valley's most iconic chateau, Cheverny. Departing from Blois, our journey will first take us to the charming village of Cellettes, where we can enjoy a brief stop. From there, we'll embark on a scenic loop that not only leads us to the magnificent Chateau de Cheverny but also allows us to pass by a collection of privately owned chateau. While these estates remain closed to the public, their grand facades offer a glimpse into the lives of those who live here, leaving much to the imagination.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 49 kilometres/30 miles. (Total 260 metres/853 feet ascent and 260 meters/853 feet descent).

Day 8: Drive To St Pierre De Corps Station In Tours Where Our Trip Ends

Location: Tours

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends at St Pierre de Corps station in Tours at 11:00 AM. The earliest possible departure for onward travel, whether by train to Paris or for any connecting trains or flights, is at 11:30 AM.

What's Included

  • Authentic French Dinner

    Enjoy an included authentic French dinner at a cosy local restaurant on the first day.

  • Bicycle Fitting and Cycling Routes

    Get fitted for bikes and cycle on the 'Loire a Velo' route, a renowned long-distance cycling path.

  • Wine Tastings

    Experience guided wine tastings in Vouvray and Bourgueil, savoring the exquisite flavors of local wines.

  • Chateau Visits

    Visit stunning chateaux including Villandry, Chenonceaux, Chambord, and Cheverny.

  • Meals

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Starting Point

    Travel to the starting point in Tours is not included.

    Recommendations are provided for reaching Tours from Paris or London.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as exploring Amboise's Chateau Royal or Clos Luce are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as additional meals, drinks, and souvenirs are not included.

Meals

Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 2
Dinners: 1

Mode of Transport

Travel through the scenic Loire Valley primarily by bicycle, with routes on dedicated cycle paths and low-traffic lanes. Transfers are provided for luggage, and the tour begins and ends at St Pierre de Corps station in Tours, accessible via Paris.

Accommodation

Stay in charming accommodations such as the Hotel des Chateaux de la Loire in Tours, Hotel Chaptal in Amboise, and ibis Styles Blois Centre Gare in Blois, offering comfort and convenience throughout your cycling adventure in the picturesque Loire Valley.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of cycling routes will we be using during the tour?

    During the tour, we will primarily be using 'Voies Vertes', which are dedicated cycle routes, or very low traffic lanes where bicycles have the right of way. The terrain will vary between tarmac and well-maintained gravel paths.

  • Will there be opportunities for wine tasting during the tour?

    Yes, there will be opportunities for wine tasting during the tour. On Day 2, there is a Bourgueil wine tasting, and on Day 3, there is a Vouvray wine tasting as part of a French 'apero'.

  • Is there a rest day included in the itinerary?

    Yes, Day 4 is a rest day in Amboise, although there is an option to cycle to the Chateau de Chenonceau for those who wish to continue cycling.

  • What is the total cycling distance covered on the longest day of the tour?

    The longest cycling distance covered in a single day is approximately 49 kilometres (30 miles) on Day 7, during the circular ride to the Chateau of Cheverny.

  • What is the earliest possible departure time on the last day of the tour?

    The earliest possible departure time on the last day of the tour is at 11:30 AM from St Pierre de Corps station in Tours.

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Cycle Hadrian's Wall - Coast to Coast

02-Nov-2021

' Excellent trip with a mixture of easy riding days, mixed with great scenary ' The trip was excellently organised by the group leader. The accommodation was very good throughout the trip. The bikes were ideal for this trip.

Gemma Jackson  

Peru Encompassed - spectacular trip

02-Jan-2023

I booked for my husband and I to go on the Peru Encompassed trip with the 3 day Amazon extension trip tagged on the end, we also booked to go to Lima few days early to get over the jetlag and see something of Lima before setting off on the group trip. Everything was booked for us by Explore! with seamless ease and without any hitches. This was the first time I had booked onto an organised trip so I was a bit concerned it might not be for us. How wrong I was. We were a group of 9, ranging from 30s to 60s, and a mixture of couples and singles and different nationalities. As a group we gelled really well and chose to spend most of our free time together which made the trip great fun. As for the trip itself, it surpassed all expectations. The Peru Encompassed trip was superb. I don't think any other country offers so much culture, wildlife, specular scenery and amazing food, all of which we experienced in abundance on the trip. We had a local tour guide for the whole trip who was fantastic and then expert guides joined us on different legs of the journey. We learned so much as a result. The highlights for me were visiting the local market in Arequipa with our guide and sampling lots of different fruit and street foods, the day on Lake Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu itself. We booked an additional trip to go back ourselves the second morning which was great as we could do a different route around the ruins and get different views from the afternoon before. Our final highlight was the additional 3 day trip to the Amazon staying at the Hacienda Conception. The lodges were immersed in the jungle which was wonderful if noisy! the food was fab and the daily trips provided were excellent. It was a great relaxing way to end the trip although it did rain quite a bit. Both my husband and I said our trip to Peru was one of the best trips we have ever done.

Trustpilot
Ms D Brown  

Excellent company

07-Dec-2022

Excellent company, there are so many trips, you really get looked after. Everything is dealt with by your Tour Leader, all logistics are taken care of and usually things go smoothly, I only use explore because I know what to expect each time, that makes me happy, with a stress free holiday

Trustpilot
Stephen  

Azores Island Hopping

08-Nov-2021

Very well organised tour. Brilliant Tour Leader who went out of her way to make sure everyone was happy and enjoyed the trip. The Azores are an incredible location with amazing scenery and good food.

Barbara in Beckenham  

Iceland Northern Lights Adventure

05-Nov-2021

' Steina was a great guide - full of information made the trip so interesting ' Everything was just perfect - just as I had hoped - except the Northern lights were a no show!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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