Cycle amongst the Loire valley châteaux from Blois to Tours
From Blois to Tours, cycle along the Loire to discover France's most prestigious castles. The Loire Valley, a Unesco World Heritage site, is ideal for cycling vacations.
A week's cycling between Blois and Tours to discover a rich heritage
Cycle along France's most prestigious castles: Blois, Chambord, Amboise, Cheverny, Beauregard, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Clos Lucé, etc.
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is ideal for cycling vacations: cycle paths and tracks take you through forests, plains and vineyards on flat terrain. Day by day, as you cycle through this enchanted region, you'll discover the magic of Chambord, taste Loire wines, and be seduced by the city of Amboise before continuing on the wine route to Tours. This holiday is all about pleasure, fresh air and diversity.
Program
Discover the charms of the old town and the Chateau of Blois, the scene of many court intrigues. Let yourself be enchanted by the perfume of power still wafting through the chateau in Catherine de Médicis' poison cabinet.
- 43 km
- 68 km
Start your ride by pedaling through Chateau de Chambord’s lush forest with massive trees. Take a peek at the stone bridge salamadenders engraved on the walls of Loire’s most extravagant castle. Leaving the castle, you can enjoy a bucolic jaunt to Neuvy, with its many ponds (+ 26 kms), or head more quickly to Bracieux. As you enjoy the shade from hundred-year-old tree, you’ll follow the trail along Crosson creek to the Chateau de Cheverny. The inspiration for Moulinsart Castle came from the Tintin comic books.
Discover all the secrets of chocolate making, learn about the history of cacao tree plantations and observe the work of chocolate makers. Of course at the end of the tour you'll be able to taste a selection of chocolates. Dogs not allowed.
Take a self guided tour of the castle and its gardens of this must-see estate, a veritable work of art in the Loire Valley.
We recommend to allow at least 2h for this visit.
- 19,00 € € Entrée adulte (18 ans et plus)
- 0,00 € € Entrée enfant et jeune (moins de 18 ans et moins de 26 ans Européens)
- 29 km
- 41 km
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.
This stage is longer or shorter depending on where you're staying the night (+ 10Km or - 7Km).
Take a self guided visit of the castle and the estate, enjoy the art and garden exhibitions as part of the International Garden Festival (from April 19 to November 2).
We recommend that you allow 3 hours for your visit.
- 21,00 € € Entrée adulte (18 ans et plus)
- 13,00 € € Entrée jeune (12 à 17 ans)
- 6,00 € € Entrée enfant (6 à 11 ans)
- 0,00 € € Entrée tout petit (moins de 6 ans)
- 13 km
- 22 km
Ride directly to the beautiful city of Amboise and let the medieval atmosphere of this city seduce you. Discover the architecture of the “château d’Amboise”, which is iconic of the transition period from Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Take time to discover this charming town, overlooked by a majestic Renaissance château reflecting in the river. Behind the castle gates, you'll plunge into the sumptuous world and intrigues of the Counts of Amboise. At the Clos Lucé manor house, marvel at the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last years in Amboise. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with medieval houses and manor houses, and stroll along the quays along the Loire River.
Take a self guided tour of Leonardo da Vinci's last living place : the castle, Leonardo's workshop, the cultural park and the "Leonardo da Vinci, painter and architect galeries".
We recommend that you allow 2 hours for your visit.
- 19,50 € € Entrée adulte (18 ans et plus)
- 14,00 € € Entrée jeune (7 à 17 ans)
- 0,00 € € Entrée enfant (moins de 7 ans)
- 46 km
- 70 km
Let us guide you through the forest and along the river banks to the Renaissance masterpiece, the Chateau de Chenonceau on the Cher, a Loire château born of the whims of a favorite. You can also continue your ride to an underground city and a mushroom cellar near Bourré (+ 24 Km).
Take a self guided tour of the castle and its gardens and discover the great history of the site, also called the ladies' castle.
We recommend that you allow 2 hours to this visit.
- 18,00 € € Entrée adulte (18 ans et plus)
- 15,00 € € Entrée jeune (7 à 17 ans)
- 0,00 € € Entrée enfant (moins de 7 ans)
- 28 km
- 35 km
Today, you can choose between two wine routes to Tours. Both routes offer superb scenery and a pleasant drive! One takes you through the postcard-perfect vineyards of Vouvray, where you can stop off at the Vouvray cellars for a visit and wine tasting. The other route takes you through the white wine region of Montlouis-sur-Loire, where you can plan a visit to the Touraine aquarium at Lussault-sur-Loire, France's largest freshwater aquarium.
Enjoy a tour and a tasting to discover 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.
After breakfast, discover the charms and liveliness of old Tours, before leaving 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 or Tours and then train to Blois.
By train: arrive at Blois-Chambord train station, 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. 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)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 31 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
- Fairly easy
- ~ 31 km/day
- Itinerant