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Tours: Loire Valley-Centre
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Search for tours:4 days along the Loire Valley from Blois to Amboise
An easy meander along the Loire Valley for all abilities
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0) 1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
4 days
Price:
From €369
This is a very easy Loire Valley bike ride for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The route is along established bike paths and quiet roads, making it a safe and easy weekend getaway for young and old. Visit the Loire's famous chateaux (including Blois, Chenonceau, Amboise, Cheverny, Beauregard, Chaumont and Le Clos Lucé) at a leisurely pace, stopping to take photos or taste wine en route. This is an enchanting river ride that will give you a true taste of the Loire – and make you want to come back. It's also been tried and tested by Bérangère and Eugénie at Le Vélo Voyageur, who started cycling across France when they were 22; they never stopped.
A 3-day escape between Blois and Amboise along the Loire Valley
A short leisure ride to see the highlights of the Loire Valley
Bike along the Loire river on the Loire à vélo bike paths between two of the Loire Valley's must-see destinations. Discover some of the most prestigious castles in France, including the Château de Blois, the Château de Chenonceau, the Châteaux d’Amboise, Cheverny, Beauregard, Chaumont, le Clos Lucé – the list goes on. The Loire really is an enchanting region: stop to taste the delicious wine, feast on local produce, and be seduced by the medieval city of Amboise. This is a self-guided ride along cycle paths and small country roads through vineyards and forest. Three words to describe this bike trip: pleasure, fresh air (OK, so that's two on its own) and diversity.
A Cycling Week from Tours to Saumur
A gentle meander along the Loire à Vélo, plus a day canoeing
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €799
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Loire Valley by riding on the Loire à Vélo route between Tours and Saumur. Meandering between the Loire valley and the Vienne valley, the route goes on little country roads, passing the most prestigious castles – such as Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and Ussé (the castle of the Sleeping Beauty) – en route. Admire the ever-changing colours along the river as the traditional boats bob up and down between the sand banks. There's also a day set aside to take a canoe out on to the Loire. Bérangère (pictured) and Eugénie set up Le Vélo Voyageur to share the best bits of their homeland with others. This is their favourite Loire itinerary.
Along the Loire from Tours to Angers
Charming B&Bs, fairytale castles, delicious Loire wines to share
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
4 days
Price:
From €349
Discover the beauty of the Loire Valley by biking from Tours to Angers. The itinerary follows the Loire river to meet prestigious castles such as Villandry, Langeais, Ussé (the castle of Sleeping Beauty) and the fortress at Angers with its wonderfully preserved medieval tapestry. Discover the changing colours of the Loire, its the traditional boats (toues) bobbing between sandbanks, the vineyards of Saumur, and the Abbey of Fontevraud. Discover the region's cave houses, or simply be carried away by the magic of one of France's most captivating regions.
Canoe + Bike Escape Tours and Saumur (4 days)
A leisurely ride through vineyards to the famous chateaux of the Loire
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
4 days
Price:
From €385
Bérangère and Eugénie began to cycle across their home country at the age of 22. Year after year they hand-selected the finest routes and hidden treasures. Now, via Le Vélo Voyageur, they are inviting you to share them. Encounter the breathtaking beauty of the Loire valley by riding between Tours and Saumur. Meandering between the Loire valley and the Vienne valley, the bike route follows little country roads passing by the most prestigious castles, the chateaux de la Loire such as Chateau de Villandry, Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau or Chateau d'Ussé, the castle of the Sleeping Beauty. You will not only admire the changing colours of the Loire River and the traditional boats floating between the sand banks, but also the vineyards of Chinon and Saumur, the abbaye de Fontevraud and the cave houses lining the valley. Give in to the magic of a cycling holiday in the Loire.
Chateau de Candes Single Centre Loire Cycling
A self-guided cycling break from the fixed base in the Loire
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7760
Tour length:
3-7 night options
Price:
From £355
This single-centre holiday in the Loire Valley is based around the cobbles village of Candes-St-Martin, classified as one of France's most beautiful villages so you can also expect all original stone buildings. Candes-St-Martin sits on the point of confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers and has a charming cobbled village square, complete with 12th century church and an excellent local restaurant. A short walk along the river is Montsoreau, an old river port, and its château, setting of a famous Dumas novel, is the only one in the Loire Valley built into the riverbed itself. This self-guided holiday includes five cycle routes, with maps and route notes, as well as three walking itineraries (there are also other local activities you can add). The price includes self-catering accommodation in stylish, fully-equipped apartments in Chateau de Candes, bikes, pannier bags, water bottles and repair kits for the duration of your stay, support from a local representative and a welcome pack upon arrival which includes two bottles of local wine as a nice extra touch.
Chateaux of the Loire: Castles, Caves & Vineyards
Experience the romance of the Loire Valley
Famed for its magnificent châteaux and wide, lazily flowing rivers, the Loire region is a delight. West of Tours, the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park is characterised by vineyards, rolling farmland, hunting forests and limestone cliffs into which astonishing troglodytic dwellings have been carved. Crowning these beautiful landscapes are some of the Loire's most romantic and elegant châteaux: Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé, Chinon, Villandry and Saumur. With short, easy routes that are largely on the flat, you have plenty of time to visit all of these during your holiday, along with vineyards and mushroom caves (pay locally in all cases). Ebikes are also available.
Classic Chateaux of the Loire
A paradise of castles, wine and glorious countryside
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7760
Tour length:
4-7 night options
Price:
From £495
Fancy a perfect long weekend, or maybe a longer break in the magical valley of the Loire river? Then why not spend your days exploring the Chinon vineyards, the magnificent gardens at the Château de Rivau, the stunning Loire Valley châteaux with their iconic fairytale turrets, and beautiful medieval towns. Stop whenever you desire, perhaps for a wine-tasting session in small independent vineyards, the gardeners’ paradise at Villandry, or the spectacular Son et Lumière show. The price of this tour includes delicious restaurant meals each night, bed and breakfast accommodation, expert support, luggage carried between your hotels and fully serviced touring bikes.
Cycle Amongst the Loire Valley Châteaux from Blois to Tours
Discover the rich tapestries of the Loire Valley – from castles to vineyards
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €789
The Loire Valley, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is perfect for a cycling holiday: cycling paths and roads take you across forests, plains and vineyards on a flat terrain. Be captivated by the wonders of this enchanting area: the magic of Chambord, the delicious Loire wines, the medieval town in Tours and the iconic chateau at Chenonceau. This bike trip combines the beautiful landscape s of the valley with the importance of the river, the unmissable chateaux de la Loire and the delicious French cuisine. This is a favourite of best friends and cycling partners Bérangère and Eugénie, who set up Le Vélo Voyageur to share their French cycling discoveries with visitors from around the world.
E-bike - Loire Valley Discovery
A tour designed so that anyone can enjoy the beautiful Loire Valley
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44(0)20 3944 3218
Tour length:
4 or 7 nights
Price:
From £995 per person
This self-guided tour is based on the Cycling for Softies Classic Châteaux of the Loire itinerary, but it's a new itinerary for 2020 that harnesses the power of e-bikes to make it easier for you to see even more of this beautiful corner of France. Saddle up on our excellent Trek e-bikes and relax as you ride along the rivers, past the châteaux and through the vineyards of the Loire valley. This is the perfect tour for history buffs, wine lovers and foodies who want to squeeze as many interesting experiences as possible into their holiday. The price of this tour includes delightful 3-star and 4-star hotel on a B&B basis with 4 evening meals (7-night itinerary), fully serviced e-bikes with panniers, water bottle and repair kit, detailed route information through the Ride With GPS app, expert on-the-spot support, luggage transferred between your hotels and 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL.
Family Cycling Week from Blois to Amboise
An incredible week cycling on easy paths past majestic castles and vines
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
7 days
Price:
From €709
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is ideal for mini-cyclists. The paths are flat, and distances between towns and villages are short. Discover the Loire at your own pace along secure, traffic-free cycling paths from beautiful Blois to Amboise. Follow short itineraries leading you to the most prestigious castles of the region, including Chambord, Cheverny and Amboise. Don't forget to check out Cheverny castle – the inspiration for Moulinsart castle in Tintin. There's also the chance for some great kids' bonuses, such as a donkey trek. Bike hire, full route notes and maps, accommodation and local advice all included in the price. Suitable for kids as young as 1-year-old in trailers or in bike seats.
Grand Tour of the Loire - E-bike
Get a little boost as you breeze around the beautiful Loire Valley
Offered by:
BSpoke Tours
Phone number:
+44(0)203883 6437
Tour length:
4 or 7 nights
Price:
From £705pp
This itinerary – based on BSpoke's classic Châteaux and Vineyards itinerary – harnesses the power of e-bikes to make it easier for you to see even more of this beautiful corner of France. Saddle up on excellent Trek e-bikes and relax as you ride along the rivers, past the châteaux and through the vineyards of the Loire valley. This is the perfect tour for history buffs, wine lovers and foodies who want to squeeze as many interesting experiences as possible into their holiday. The price of this tour includes delightful 3-star and 4-star hotels, B&B accommodation, fully serviced e-bikes with panniers, a water bottle and repair kit, detailed route information through the Ride with GPS app, expert on-the-spot support, daily luggage transfers and 100 per cent financial security through ABTA and ATOL.
Indulgence - The Loire in Luxury
Decadence and luxury at every turn as you explore the Loire by bike
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0) 20 3944 5216
Tour length:
4 or 7 nights
Price:
From £1285 per person
Famed for its grand chateaux – home down te years to French royals and aristocrats – few other regions in the world exude the same sense of class as the Loire Valley. Today the valley is one of the most popular cycling destinations in the world, thanks to an excellent network of cycle routes, easy terrain and endless list of sites to see. By staying in three chateau hotels, you will experience this decadence first-hand and leave having cycled like a Softie and slept like royalty. The price of this tour includes delightful 4-star and 5-star hotels, breakfasts and some evening meals, fully serviced touring bikes with panniers, water bottle and repair kit, detailed route information through the Ride With GPS app, expert on-the-spot support, luggage transferred between hotels. E-eikes available upon request and 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL.
Loire Highlights - Castles, caves & vineyards short break
Take a leisurely ride through the heart of the Loire
Famed for its magnificent châteaux and wide, lazily flowing rivers, the Loire region is a delight. With a gentle terrain and plenty of cultural interest, this is perhaps the best corner of France for leisurely days on two wheels, so take your time, pausing at the places of interest en route and enjoying long picnics on the riverbank. Ebikes are also available.
Loire Single Centre Walking and Cycling Holiday
Fixed base self-guided cycling breaks in the Loire
Offered by:
Bspoke Cycling Holidays
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7750
Tour length:
3, 5 or 7 night options
Price:
From £500
This single-centre holiday in the Loire Valley is based in the villages of Montsoreau and Candes-St-Martin, within 1km of each other and both classified as make ‘Le Plus Belle Villages de France’, or the most beautiful villages of France. Expect original stone buildings and cobbled streets. Candes-St-Martin sits on the point of confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers and has a charming cobbled village square, complete with 12th century church and an excellent local restaurant. A short walk along the river is Montsoreau, an old river port, and its château, setting of a famous Dumas novel, is the only one in the Loire Valley built into the riverbed itself. This self-guided holiday includes five cycle routes, with maps and route notes, as well as three walking itineraries (there are also other local activities you can add). The price includes self-catering accommodation in stylish, fully-equipped apartments in Chateau de Candes, bikes, pannier bags, water bottles and repair kits for the duration of your stay, support from a local representative and a welcome pack upon arrival. Oh and two bottles of local wine are thrown in for good measure.
Loire's Chateaux and Vineyards
Pedal gently through fairytale France on this self-guided tour
Offered by:
Bspoke Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7750
Tour length:
4 or 7 nights
Price:
From £565
Soaring high slated turrets are your constant companions on this tour of the famous chateaux of the Loire valley. As you spend 8 days cycling through glorious countryside and medieval towns, you can sample some of the world's finest food and wine while staying in highly rated 3- and 4-star accommodation. Lots of the route is on quiet roads or the Loire à Velo cycle path, so a relaxing ride with a chance to enjoy the natural surroundings is guaranteed. The price includes bed and breakfast, flights and transfers from UK (ask for prices if you're not coming from the UK), luggage transfers, bikes, panniers and puncture repair kits, route maps and instructions, assistance whenever needed and tandems and electric bikes can be provided on request.
Need planning help? Use our bespoke service
Let Freewheeling France help you plan your French cycling adventures
If you want to cycle in France but you're not sure where to go or how to sort it – maybe you're strugglng to find accommodation or the right self-guided or guided ride for you – then this service is for you. It's my own bespoke service that matches your holiday wishlist to the right tour operator or accommodation option for you. This is for riders who need a little support on the road – anything and everything from accommodation advice and route planning to hiring bikes and luggage transfers. I'm working with a network of cycling specialists across France to offer you the best cycling holidays possible – and tailored just for you, your dates and your cycling ability. Hit the brown button below or see this link for details.
Riverside Riding in the Loire
Riverside riding among fairytale chateaux
Take the scenic riverside cycle route along the river Loire as it meanders westwards from Blois to Saumur. A perfect riding tour for anyone hoping to visit the most celebrated châteaux in France and to sample the produce along the way. The cycling days are varied, a perfect mix of tourist sites and countryside, with mileage ranging from 27km per day to 63km (though this can be further tailored for you). This is a self-guied tour, with bikes, panniers and andlebar bags included, alone with stacks of local knowledge, and full route maps and notes. Flights from the UK can also be arranged and included your itinerary. Electric bikes availbale on request.
Single Centre Marine de Loire Cycling Holiday
A self-guided cycling break from the fixed base of Hotel Marine de Loire
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7760
Tour length:
3-7 night options
Price:
From £450
The Marine de Loire sits on the riverbank in the heart of the charming village of Montsoreau which is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. This self-guided holiday which allows you to choose from a range of cycling and walking itinieraries so you can explore the area at your own pace. All routes are fully mapped with notes and you can also try other activites such as canoeing on the Loire and Indre rivers or wine tasting if the fancy takes you. The price includes self-catering accommodation in stylish, fully-equipped apartments located in the converted out-building of this boutique 4-star hotel with use of the hotel facilites such as spa and terrace, bikes, pannier bags, water bottles and repair kits for the duration of your stay, support from a local representative and a welcome pack upon arrival which includes two bottles of local wine to get you off to a nice start!
All accommodation has been checked to ensure it meets our cycle-friendly criteria. We also deal with tour operators personally before adding them to the site. To recommend a great French cycling holiday or a nice bike-friendly place to stay, please email lyn@freewheelingfrance.com
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