A cycling week from Tours to Saumur: our favorite in the Loire
Follow the cycling paths of "Loire à vélo" and discover the prestigious vineyards of Saumur, the magnificent castles of the Loire Valley and incredible troglodyte houses and caves.
- Loire Valley
- 8 day(s)
- Easy
- ~ 30 km/day
- Itinerant
Cycle between vineyards and castles through the Loire Valley
Take time to discover the beauties of the Loire Valley by following the Loire by bike from Tours to Saumur in this tour that alternates between itinerant stages and loops. You can choose to rest at your accommodation, visit the town or cycle through the region's vineyards. Meandering between the Loire valley and the Vienne valley, the route goes on little country roads passing by the most prestigious castles in Loire such as Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau or Ussé, the castle of Sleeping Beauty. You will not only admire the changing colors of the Loire River, the traditional boats swinging between the sand banks, but also the vineyards of Chinon and Saumur or the Fontevraud Abbey. You will also see many troglodyte houses all along the way. Give in to the magic of a cycling holiday in the Loire.
Program
Discover the charms and the animation of the old Tours with its half-timbered houses, the Saint-Gatien cathedral, the Wilson bridge and the Plumereau square.
- 35 km
- 57 km
You ride leisurely on the cycling path along the Loire to leave Tours and reach the castle of Villandry with its beautiful French gardens. You can make a detour to visit Langeais and its medieval castle (+22km). Enjoy the banks of the Loire Valley before riding up through forests towards the castle of Azay-le-Rideau.
Take a self guided tour of the castle and it's gardens. Originally a medieval fortress transformed into a Renaissance castle is now a Unesco World Heritage site.
We recommend that you allow 2 hours for your visit.
- 14,00 € € Entrée adulte (18 ans et plus)
- 8,00 € € Entrée jeune (8 à 17 ans)
- 0,00 € € Entrée enfant (moins de 8 ans)
- 27 km
- + 133 m
You can either take a day off in Azay-le-Rideau to visit its castle, or you can explore the surrounding villages on beautiful country roads. You start by learning all about basketry in Villaines-les-Rochers and then pass by Saché and its castle, famous for having regularly hosted Honoré de Balzac. You then go down to Pont-de-Ruan, a village at the confluence of several rivers that flow into the Indre. You can visit the Maison du Meunier to discover the history of the mills in the village.
- 35 km
- + 120 m
Cycle back on the « Loire à vélo » route and take the dike to get to the chateau d’Ussé which inspired Perrault's tale of Sleeping Beauty. You enter into Chinon overlooking the old town. Enjoy the labyrinth of medieval narrow streets when you ride down the Vienne River.
- 36 km
- + 242 m
You can spend the day strolling through this medieval town and visit the fortress or explore the vineyards and surrounding hills. Make a stop at La Devinière, the home of Rabelais. Don’t forget to stop in one of the local wine cellars to taste the Chinon wines.
- 27 km
- + 121 m
You drive first along the Vienne river and then along the Loire river passing by the beautiful white tufa villages of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau. You then continue on the hillsides to Fontevraud, which is worth a visit for its magnificent abbey housing the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Enjoy a canoe ride to discover the beauty of the Loire valley from the river side. You land right next to the castle, take your bike back and continue cycling to Fontevraud (6 km).From 6 years old and able to swim. Meeting at the departure point at 8:45 AM. If you are not able or if you do not want to do this activity, you will keep on with your bike to Fontevraud). Available from April 22 to September 30.
- 22 km
- + 137 m
Today's route alternates between troglodyte villages and vineyards. Then, you ride along the Loire up to the village of Souzay-Champigny where you in the heart of a magnificent troglodyte complex. At the end of this enchanting itinerary, you will discover the city of Saumur, its castle with impressive dungeons, and of course the Saumur's wines.
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the old town of Saumur, capital of the equestrian art and a mecca for French gastronomy, but also the center of a rich wine-growing region. Discover its castle overlooking the town. You then leave for your next destination, or extend your stay on your own.
Accommodation
Information
Beginning of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please inform your host in case of late arrival.
To get to the departure point
By plane: flight to Paris then train to Tours or flight to Tours.
By train: arrive at Tours train station (city center or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps), from Paris (direct or with connections), by regionnal train or high speed train (TGV). Plan your journey with Trainline.
Car park
If you’re coming by car, you can park your vehicle in one of the city’s public parking lots. In Tours, we recommend the Indigo Gare – Palais des Congrès parking lot.
You can also look at the Parkopedia website to find out the location and price of each parking lot.
To get back to the starting point
You take the train back to your departure point. The ticket can be bought in advance online or directly at the station on the day of travel. There are several trains during the day. If you’re traveling with your own bike, be sure to ask the SNCF about conditions for traveling with a bike.
- Loire Valley
- 8 day(s)
- Easy
- ~ 30 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Loire Valley
- Easy
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