*Luxury trip* Cycling the Loire Valley and its vineyards
Discover the Loire Valley while staying in luxurious accommodation. The route alternates between prestigious vineyards, renowned castles and cave valley.
- Loire Valley
- 5 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 40 km/day
- Itinerant
Luxury and cycling in the Loire Valley
Discover the Loire Valley by bike from Tours to Saumur while staying in outstanding accommodation. You begin this luxurious journey in Tours with its beautiful cathedral and half-timbered houses. You then cycle along the Loire and past sumptuous châteaux: Villandry and its gardens, Azay-le-Rideau and its water mirror, and Ussé, the castle of Sleeping Beauty. You cycle through Touraine’s renowned vineyards, do not hesitate to stop off at a winemaker’s to taste his wines. You then discover Fontevraud and its magnificent abbey, home to the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. The end of the itinerary alternates between vineyards and troglodyte villages, all the way until Saumur and its imposing château.
We can also offer a selection of customized activities on request.
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.
- 52 km
- + 119 m
Keep on cycling along the Loire river and ride on the dike to get to the caslte of d’Ussé which inspired the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Then, you follow the Val de Vienne to Montsoreau. Take the time to visit its flowery streets, troglodytes and its castle. You end your day in Fontevraud and its magnificent abbey.
- 33 km
- + 247 m
Today's route alternates between troglodyte villages and vineyards. Several options are available to you along the Loire or by the hillsides but your paths will meet in the village of Souzay-Champigny where you will pedal in the heart of a magnificent troglodyte complex. Stop to taste the wines of Saumur. At the end of this enchanting itinerary, you will discover the city of Saumur and its castle with impressive dungeons. You might be staying a kilometers outisde of Saumur on the banks of the Loire.
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.
You will have a personalized welcome meeting at 6 pm or the next morning at 9 am, at your convenience.
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.
We will pick you up at Tours train station to take you to your accommodation.
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.
We will drive you to Saumur train station from your accommodation.
- Loire Valley
- 5 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 40 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
They've just returned from their travels!
We also recommend...
- Loire Valley
- Fairly easy
- ~ 40 km/day
- Itinerant