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Loire Valley

Cycle tour in Loire: From Orléans to Tours

Reviews (8) :
4.88 / 5
Reference L1001
  • Itinerant trip
  • 10 days
  • Very easy
  • From April to October
  • Minimum age 1 year
From
Prices
1199€ / pers.
Book here
  • Itinerary
    • From Orléans to Tours, ride along the “Loire à vélo” cycling paths and discover France’s most prestigious chateau de la Loire: Blois, Chambord, Amboise, Cheverny, Beauregard, Chaumont, Le Clos-Lucé, Chenonceau... The Loire Valley is on the Unesco World Heritage List and is perfect for a cycling holiday: cycling paths and roads take you across forests, plains and vineyards on a flat itinerary. Day after day, your cycle tour reveals the wonders of this enchanting area: the magic of Chambord, the delicious Loire wines tasting, the medieval town in Tours and the iconic chateau de Chenonceau. This bike trip combines on a wonderful way the beautiful landscape, the unmissable chateaux de la Loire and the delicious French cuisine.

    Day 1
     
     

    Arrival in Orléans

    Orléans was a very flourishing city during medieval times and has hosted many famous figures such as Saint-Aignan, Calvin and of course Jeanne of Arc. Discover its rich history by visiting the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, the crypt of Saint-Aignan, the restored house where Jeanne of Arc stayed and the many manisions like Hôtel Groslot or Hôtel des Créneaux.

    Day 2
     
     

    Orléans - Beaugency

    Bike
    39km
    Ride leisurely on the river banks surrounded by a lush vegetation to Cléry St André basilica, where the French King Louis XI is buried. You go further along the river to Meung-sur-Loire. This small medieval town was the residency of the archbishops of Orléans and inherited a nice collegiate church. Stop at the castle and stroll aroung the historic center before heading to your final destination of the day, Beaugency overlooked by its 11th century dungeon.

    Day 3
     
     

    Beaugency - Blois

    Bike
    49km
    You continue your ride to Blois, enter chateau de Chambord’s magnificent forest and take a peek at the sculpted salamanders engraved on the walls of Loire’s most extravagant castle. You pass through quiet villages before getting back along the river and enjoying a wonderful view on Blois old town. Discover the charms of the chateau de Blois, which was the stage of many court plots. Look carefully at the spiral staircase and be amazed by this architectural marvel.

    Day 4
     
     

    Blois - Cheverny

    Bike
    24km
    You cycle to Cheverny on small country roads lined with rape fields and vineyards. Cheverny castle is the one who inspired Hergé to draw Moulinsart castle in the comic book Tintin. It stands out thanks to its rich furniture.
       

    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 5
     
     

    Cheverny - Chaumont-sur-Loire region

    Bike
    29/40km
    2 route options
    Today you have the choice of two bike routes. if you like, stroll through the Chateau de Beauregard’s art gallery. You’ll find over 327 portraits of famous European leaders that forged history between 14th and 17th Century. Looking for something more active? Ride through vineyards before arriving in front of the Fougeres-sur-Bieve drawbridge. Your ride then takes you on a delightful route as you follow the toues, or traditional boats along the path from Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. The city is famous for its fairy tale castle as well as the International Garden Festival which displays over 30 themed gardens with a variety of garden art. After marveling at the castle and gardens.

    Day 6
     
     

    Chaumont sur Loire region - Amboise

    Bike
    11/22km
    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.

    Day 7
     
     

    Amboise

    Let the medieval atmosphere of this city seduce you. Admire the machines designed by Leonard da Vinci which are surprisingly up-to-date in Clos-Lucé, the last place where he lived and died.

    Day 8
     
     

    Day trip to the castle of Chenonceau

    Bike
    45/70km
    2 route options
    Your tranquil bike route today leads you through idyllic natural beauty with rivers and forests, leading to the most iconic Chateaux de la Loire, the "Chateau de Chenonceau". This historical castle had an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, restored and saved the castle. Today it is one of the most photographed castles in France. If you like, continue riding along the banks of the Cher River until you reach the underground city near Bourre. This suberranan city can be viewed to experience what life was like living in a cave-structure. You’ll see an amazing reconstruction of an underground city.

    Day 9
     
     

    Amboise-Tours

    Bike
    26/34km
    2 route options
    Today you have a choice about which wine route to take to get to the charming town of Tours. Both routes offer great scenery and pleasant ride! One route leads you through Vouvray’s sparkling wine vineyards with picture-postcard scenery. The other route leads you through the Montlouis-sur-Loire stunning white wine region.
       

    Vouvray wine cellar tour 1h

    Follow the work of the wine growers from winter pruning to the grape harvest, and learn about the selection of the wines which will constitute the "cuvées" of the year.
    		 Included

    Day 10
     
     

    Departure from Tours

    Before you leave, take time to explore the half-timbered houses, churches and museums in Tours. Saint-Gatien Cathedral and Plumerau Square are worth a visit. Then it’s time to say goodbye to you bike as this memorable vacation comes to an end.
  • Accommodation

    • Category A

    You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category B

    You’ll get a good night’s sleep when you stay in these 3-Star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included!
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category C

    You’ll have a wider selection of accommodations when you choosing this 3/4-Star category. Some nights you’ll stay in guaints hotels, and other times you might be in a charming Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy the "vie de chateau" atmosphere in an exceptional environment. Properties are selected for their high standards and impeccable service. Don’t forget...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 peacefully the itinerary and its interesting sites.
    You will have in your travel documents :
    • a detailed map (A4 format) of the itinerary that we drew at the easiest scale to follow for a bicycle rider
    • a step-by-step description of the itinerary (bound A5 format) giving the direction to follow at each intersection
    • a tourist leaflet containing a brief presentation and useful practical information (opening time, price, contact) about the points of interest along the way

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


    GPS tracks
    For this trip, we also provide the GPS tracks on demand in the .gpx format at no extra cost.
  • Practical information
    • To get to departure point:

    • By plane: flight to Paris or Tours and then train to Orléans.
    • By train: inter-regional trains from Paris-Austerlitz station to Orléans Centre. The estimated duration of the trip is 1h05. From Tours, you can take a regional train to Orléans Centre. The approximate duration of the trip is 1h15. 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 20.10€/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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    8 bike travelers reviews 4.88 / 5

    “ Lovely landscape, great sights, excellent food and wine ”

    On the 2023-08-01 by Peter
    We enjoyed 10 relaxed days on a perfectly organized trip through lovely landscapes, with great sights and excellent food. Also our 12 year old daughter was happy! Highly ecommended! Many thanks to Eloïse and the whole staff of Vélo Voyageur!

    “ Biking the Loire Valley ”

    On the 2022-06-22 by Carol
    Levelovoyageur did an outstanding job arranging our bike tour through the Loire Valley. We were happy with every aspect of our trip - the GPS, written directions, the hotels and B&B's - all of it was just great.

    “ Fantastic ”

    On the 2019-06-29 by Els Angules
    Un tour molt equilibrat i ben organitzat

    “ Schöne Radtour entlang der Loire-Schlösser ”

    On the 2018-05-16 by Claudia
    Wir waren eine Woche an der Loire unterwegs, zwischen Orléans und Tours und haben dort die Schlösser und Kathedralen auf dem Weg besichtigt: Les Cathédrales d'Orléans et Tours; les Châteaux suivants: Meung-sur-Loire Chambord Blois Cheverny Chaumont-sur-Loire Chenonceau Le Clos Lucé Außerdem haben wir sehr gut gegessen, insbesondere in Amboise und Tours, und es sehr genossen, die Radwege entlang der Loire und durch die Weinberge zu fahren.

    “ Une belle expérience ”

    On the 2017-09-16 by Laure
    les vacances à vélo permettent de vivre une belle expérience au prés de la nature, du patrimoine et des gens... une vrai bulle de bonheur et de lâché prise surtout quand tout est si bien organisé, il n'y a pas de question à se poser... il n'y a plus qu'à pédaler et profiter!

    “ 10 days-trip "d'Orléans à Tours ”

    On the 2017-08-02 by Ester & Jordi
    We have just come back from a 10 days-trip "d'Orléans à Tours". We had a great time and everything worked out fine: the bikes were comfortable, the information we were provided with was useful; lodgements and restaurants were great and the landscape, castles, towns and villages we saw along the way were lovely. We absolutely recommend this trip! Tot just hem arribat del nostre viatge de 10 dies d'Orléans a Tours. Ens ho hem passat d'allò més bé i tot ha funcionat a la perfecció: les bicis eren còmodes; la informació que ens van proporcionar va ser útil; els allotjaments i els restaurants, fantàstics; i el paisatge, els castells i els pobles i ciutats que vam veure pel camí, encantadors. Recomanem aquest viatge sense cap mena de dubte! Acabamos de llegar de un viaje de 10 días de Orléans a Tours. Nos lo hemos pasado estupendamente y todo ha funcionado a la perfección; las bicicletas eran cómodas; la información que nos proporcionaron, útil; los alojamientos y los restaurantes, fantásticos; y el paisaje, los castillos y los pueblos y ciudades que vimos a lo largo del camino, encantadores. !Un viaje absolutamente recomendable!

    “ voyage sans-souci ”

    On the 2016-09-27 by BENOIT
    J’ai été très satisfait de mon voyage , la qualité des équipements m’a grandement surpris, notamment la bicyclette, bonne hauteur, en excellente condition et une marque de haut de gamme . Tout était parfait , les distances . Ce que j’ai grandement apprécié ce fut les réservations au restaurant, j’ai bien aimé de ne pas me casser la tête après une journée de Vélo, à savoir où j’allais manger.

    “ BEST VACATION EVER! ”

    On the 2014-10-03 by Carlos
    It was awesome! The landscape, the ride, the châteaux, the cities, everything! We had a blast. We were super tired, after riding our bikes for hours and then strolling around trying to see as much as we could, but we were so happy. We fell in love with France. Everyone was incredibly nice and helpful. We came back physically exhausted but mentally rested, nothing that a good two nights sleep couldn't fix. We cannot wait to be back. The bikes were very comfortable, the accommodations were great, we didn't have any problem with our luggage. Merci beaucoup!
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