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Loire Valley

A cycling week in family from Blois to Amboise

From Blois to Amboise, cycle along the Loire Valley with your family. Discover short itineraries leading you to the most prestigious castles of the region... An incredible cycling week to share with
your kids!

Reviews (20) :
4.65 / 5
Reference L0703
  • Itinerant trip
  • 7 days
  • Very easy
  • From April to October
  • Minimum age 1 year
GPSGPS-app available
749€ / pers.
  • Itinerary
  • From Blois to Amboise, cycle along the Loire River in family and discover the most prestigious castles of France: Blois, Chambord, Amboise, Cheverny and the Clos Lucé.

    The Loire Valley, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage, is an ideal cycling itinerary for children. Discover at your own pace the Loire Valley by riding on secured cycling paths.

    Day after day, in the enchanting region of the Loire valley, explore the magic of Chambord and be seduced by the medieval city of Amboise.

    Day 1

     
     

    Arrival in Blois

    Start your tour by exploring Blois, with its cobblestone streets and meandering walkways. Cross the long stone bridge in the center of town for great views. Your highlight will be visiting Blois Castle, with intricate architectural details and manicured gardens

    Day 2

     
     

    Blois - Bracieux

    Bike
    30km
    Enter the magnificent forest of Chambord. Take a peek at the sculpted salamanders engraved on the walls of the most extravagant castle of the Loire Valley, masterpiece of French Renaissance. Take the double staircase in which two people can go up and down without seeing each other. That will lead you to the royal apartments of Francis I and Louis XIV.

    Then, continue to the small village of Bracieux.
       

    Domaine de Chambord 2h

    Take a free tour of the château and gardens of this must-see estate, a veritable work of art in the Loire Valley.
    16,00 € / adult

    Day 3

     
     

    Bracieux - Chitenay

    Bike
    26km
    Cross the countryside to discover all secrets of a chocolate factory, a well-known industry in the region.

    Then ride along the Cosson creek and discover the small castle of Villesavin before regressing to childhood in Cheverny castle. This should bring up some memories, if you ever read Tintin: it was the inspiration for Moulinsart castle.
       

    Chocolate factory 1h

    At the end of the guided visit you will enjoy different kinds of chocolates.
    The factory is closed on mondays, except on july and august, Dogs not allowed.
    Included

    Day 4

     
     

    Excursion à Fougères-sur-Bièvre

    Bike
    27km
    You can enjoy the day to relax by the pool and explore the surrounding area or discover one of the few fortified castles of the Loire Valley, the Chateau of Fougeres-sur-Bievre.

    Day 5

     
     

    Chitenay - Chaumont sur Loire region

    Bike
    25/35km
    You ride through the countryside before reaching the Loire banks, along which traditionnal wood boats called "toues" are anchored. You reach Chaumont-sur-Loire, known around the world for its International Garden Festival, an annual garden design competition which presents the best creations in the castle park.
       

    Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire 3h

    Visit the castle and the estate on your own, enjoy the art and garden exhibitions as part of the International Garden Festival.
    6,00 € / child
    12,00 € / teen
    20,00 € / adult

    Day 6

     
     

    Chaumont sur Loire region - Amboise

    Bike
    13/22km
    This morning’s route takes you directly to the beautiful city of Amboise. The medieval ton has link to the French Royal Family and is where Leonardo de Vinci spent his last few years. Explore the many cobblestone streets and check out the unique architectural features of the Chateau d’Amboise. The Chateau gives you one of the best overall views of the Loire Valley.
    Please note that this stage may be longer or shorter depending on your accommodation.
       

    Château du Clos Lucé 2h

    Free visit of the château, Leonardo’s workshop, the cultural park and the "Leonardo da Vinci, painter and architect" galleries.
    13,50 € / teen
    19,00 € / adult

    Day 7

     
     

    Amboise

    Let the medieval atmosphere of this city seduce you.

    A regional train takes you back to the starting point or you can extend your stay.
  • Accommodation
  • Category A

    You stay in hotels with ** and *** standards offering all the necessary comfort after a day outdoors. These family hotels with services of good quality welcome you warmly. In family, you will enjoy the swimming pool available in one of the accommodations of the itinerary. Breakfast is included.
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
  • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:

    • a touring bike adjusted to your size or a tandem
    • equipped : front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), reflective vest, repairing toolkit with patches etc.

    We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.

    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
  • To get to departure point:

    • By plane: flight to Paris or Tours and then train to Blois.
    • By train: inter-regional trains from Paris-Austerlitz station (direct or 8min connection in Orléans). The duration of the trip is from 1h20 to 2h00. Or TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse and connection in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps to take a regional train to. The duration of the trip is about 2h00. To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com.


    Parking

    If you arrive by car, you can park your car in a public car park in the city, please have a look : parkopedia.fr for more informations.
    It's not possible to park your car at the hotel during your whole stay.


    To get back to starting point:

    Regional trains take you back to your starting point if you wish. They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot (full rate 7€/adult). There are several trains per day. You will find the timetable in your travel documents.

    We can also organise a transfer in a private vehicule on demand.


    Meeting time:

    The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.


  • Reviews
  •   Memory of the trip  

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    20 bike travelers reviews 4.65 / 5

    Un très beau voyage en famille

    On the 2024-07-23 by Benoit
    Etapes bien dosées pour les familles. Service de transport des bagages, location des vélos et choix des hôtels vraiment très bons. De la plus petite (8 ans) au plus grand (14 ans), tout le monde y a trouvé son compte entre un peu de sport, farniente et visites de chateaux !

    Family Bike Trip with 3 Kids - great adventure

    On the 2024-07-10 by Familyof5
    We are a family of 5 from Canada with 3 kids aged 8, 11 and 13 and this was our first bike trip together. We were incredibly happy with the trip from Velo Voyageur cycling between Blois and Amboise over 7 days. Averaging 25km a day along flat routes was a very reasonable distance for everyone including the 8 year old. The variety of sites and activities were fantastic - from a chateau, to chocolate factory, winery and Leonardo da Vinci's last house - there was lots to keep the kids entertained during or after the ride. The app was easy to use for directions, bikes were in good shape and we had no technical issues. Two of our riders are over 6ft tall and the bikes were sized appropriately. We had no concerns with the bags getting moved each day - the trip was really flawless. The kids really enjoyed the pools at a couple of the hotels we stayed at, and Velo Voyageur helped us to change the last hotel at the end of our trip for us to stay a couple extra nights, and to make sure it had a pool. We appreciated the restaurant recommendations ahead of time, and information on which towns we should pre-book dinners in. All questions were answered quickly. We would definitely use their service again!

    Sandro

    On the 2023-08-27 by Sandro
    First class organization for bike holiday with children

    chateaux de la Loir à vélo

    On the 2023-08-19 by Christophe
    une façon originale de découvrir les châteaux de la Loire pendant les vacances en alliant un peu de sport, le vélo, au milieu de la nature, avec un peu de culture lors de la visite de ces superbes châteaux.

    Wonderful biking, perfect time of year

    On the 2023-05-04 by Tricia
    This trip was excellent. The instructions and directions where easy to understand. I would recommend this trip in April, as the roads were so quiet! Visiting the chateaus was lovely and not crowded. I imagine in the summer, it must be madness. Thank you for the planning and support, Velo Voyageur!

    RGéGé

    On the 2022-09-17 by Rene GROSSMANN
    Très beau parcours. Belle organisation. Attention à ne pas trop rester dans les visites de Châteaux au détriment du vélo.

    De Blois à Amboise par les châteaux de la Loire du 1/8 au 7/8

    On the 2021-08-20 by COVILA
    Super séjour et très agréable. Qualité des vélos très bonne. Quel plaisir de sillonner les petites routes et les chemins de campagne avec peu de voitures. La balade de Chambord à Bracieux à travers la forêt du domaine de Chambord c'était merveilleux. On a même vu des marcassins et leur mère. La difficulté du parcours en adéquation avec les conditions physiques des membres de notre groupe. Les châteaux visités : Chambord, Cheverny, Fougères sur Bièvre, Chaumont sur Loire, le Clos Lucé et Amboise étaient intéressants, tous différents avec leur propre charme. L'organisation et la qualité des hébergements étaient au top et plus particulièrement à l'Auberge du Centre à Chitenay et le Domaine de Thomeaux à Mosne où nous avons pu profité du Spa. Ce qui est très agréable après la rando à vélo. Nous recommandons la demi pension qui nous a permis de déguster de très bon repas du soir. Bien sûr, nous avons eu un peu de pluie et de vent qui ont rendu moins agréable les randos à vélo, mais là le Vélo Voyageur n'y peu rien. 2 crevaisons sur 6 vélos en 6 jours de vélos, rien de catastrophique. Bref super séjour que les 6 membres de notre groupe recommande à ceux qui veulent faire du vélo balade.

    Vélo sympa

    On the 2019-09-23 by MIREILLE
    Un séjour agréable en famille en vélo-plaisir et visites agréables. A refaire sur une autre site,dans une autre région.

    blois - amboise

    On the 2019-08-26 by Dominique
    très bon séjour , parfaitement organisé

    une très belle expérience

    On the 2019-07-21 by Yves
    de beaux paysages. c'est très agréable de ne pas s'occuper de la gestion du voyage. dans l'ensemble de bons hôtels. une préférence pour le Domaine des Thomeaux où nous avions bénéficié d'une superbe chambre , un spa bien agréable après avoir fait du vélo.Un super petit déjeuner et un très bon repas.et un très bon accueil. je pense que lors des réservations(hôtel), il faudrait vérifier si les hôtels sont équipés de climatiseurs car l'été c'est primordial.surtout de nos jours, c'est un peu obsolète les ventilateurs qui font du bruit et qui n'égalent pas la climatisation.

    Eine wunderbare Woche auf dem Rad

    On the 2019-07-14 by Fünf Fischköppe
    Für alle, die mit Kindern zum ersten Mal die Loire-Region erkunden, genau die richtige Wahl. Wir würden jederzeit wieder mit Le Velo Voyageur an der Loire verreisen!

    Superbe semaine sportive et culturelle en famille,on a adoré!!

    On the 2018-11-12 by Magali
    Merci au Vélo Voyageur pour cette merveilleuse organisation, vélo au top, le choix des auberges/hôtels également, distances adaptées pour les jeunes enfants (6ans1/2), bon rythme.... A consommer sans modération!

    Un voyage à vélo en famille

    On the 2018-08-26 by Boris
    Nous sommes une famille de 5 personnes (2 adultes et 3 enfants - 7, 5, et 2 ans) et nos vacances dans la région de la Loire ont été magnifiques, grace au Vélo Voyageur! Les routes choisies était si pittoresques, les chateaux si magnifiques, et l'accueil dans les hôtels si chaleureux.... Le materiel était de très bonne qualité et le service baggages était très ponctuel. Notre fille de 2 ans était dans la remorque, et nos fils de 5 et 7 ans avait chaqu'un son propre vélo. Pour l'ainé le parcours était parfait, mais pour le cadet il était un peu difficile. Il lui aurait fallu un vélo suiveur au lieu de son propre vélo, ou bien un itinéraire composée principalement de pistes cyclables protégées et non pas de routes partagées. Attention: les dénivelés sur l'itinéraire entre Mosnes et Amboise sont assez importants. Ce n'est pas complètement plat.

    Superbe séjour

    On the 2018-07-09 by Sabine
    Nous recommandons très vivement ce séjour sur la Loire durant lequel vélo et visites culturelles sont très bien équilibrées. Allez-y sans hésitation. Le voyage correspond à 100 % au descriptif fait sur le site. Les vélos sont de très bonne qualité. Bonne literie, excellent accueil et copieux petits déjeuners dans tous les hôtels proposés. Félicitation au vélo voyageur pour son organisation sans faille… nous repartirons sans hésitation avec cette organisation.

    Organisation quasi-parfaite

    On the 2015-08-25 by Daniel 88
    Séjour très bien organisé, tant dans la préparation que dans le déroulement. Très bonnes prestations d'ensemble(Hôtels, réservations visites, vélos adaptés, équipés et bon état) Bon rapport qualité prix. Parcours étudiés avec un minimum de circulation automobile permettant une activité découverte très détendue. Lecture des plans et parcours très complètes, précises et faciles. Je pense renouveler ce type de voyage et séjour. Je recommande sans restriction.

    Une belle expèrience en famille

    On the 2015-08-23 by gilles
    Une façon très intéressante et accessible de découvrir une belle région en alliant culture et déplacement au rythme des vélos : un vrai plaisir de ne pas utiliser la voiture pendant une semaine. Une organisation parfaite : carnet de route très précis, vélos de qualité, bagages toujours au RDV et accueil dans les hôtels, les restaurants, les châteaux très sympa. Nous conseillerons à notre entourage de tenter l'expèrience.

    Sympa en famille

    On the 2015-08-20 by Anne
    un séjour très agréable, chaque jour nous découvrons un nouvel endroit à visiter, les enfants sont aux commandes pour trouver le bon itinéraire, et chaque soir nous avons apprécié la qualité des hôtels.

    Great family fun

    On the 2015-07-28 by Peter
    A wonderful holiday, with excellent quiet routes, to a fabulous part of France. Highly recommended

    Amazing family adventure in the Loire Valley

    On the 2015-07-20 by Family from Victoria, BC, Canada
    Our family of four (children aged 7 & 9) just finished a week of cycling in the Loire Valley from Blois to Amboise courtesy of Le Velo Voyageur. Each day we rode 35-45km on safe, relatively flat trails and bike paths. The distances were just perfect and the scenery was beautiful. We had absolutely no complaints from the kids and we were always pleasantly surprised at the end of each day to discover which beautiful hotel had been chosen for our stay. The accommodations were carefully selected - the kids often had their own room or a bunk bed, and there were always great restaurant options nearby. Each day was broken up with an adventure for the family - a donkey ride through the forest, a visit to a chocolate factory, or a tour of a local castle (always with some kind of treasure hunt component to keep the kids engaged). We were very happy with the equipment and clear directions provided, including a list of recommended restaurants with approximate price ranges. We were initially planning to request a trailer or tandem bike for our 7 year old daughter, but in the end she wanted to ride her own bike and she had no trouble keeping up with the family and covering the required distances. The cycling paths are very well marked and protected from traffic. In rare instances where we rode in traffic, we never felt that our young kids were in any danger - the drivers were always very courteous. We would not hesitate to recommend this company to others looking for a unique family holiday. What a wonderful way to see the French countryside! When we compared notes with other cycling groups that we encountered, we felt that we had found the best value for our money by choosing Le Velo Voyageur. The day that we returned our bikes, we spent some time on their website dreaming about which cycling holiday we would try for our next vacation...

    Vélo dans la Loire

    On the 2015-06-08 by Richard et Nathalie
    Grâce a la bonne organisation de vélo voyageur, nous avons découvert une belle région de la France, avec de bon vélo ,de belle auberge régionale, Des pistes cyclables agréables. Une bonne logistique pour les trajets journaliers. Les bagages toujours au bon endroit et a temps..Château magnifique et produit du terroir délicieux. Une belle maniere de voyager et de découvrire une région avec une bonne organisation. Merci au vélo voyageur.
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