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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 €359
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 €929
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 €385
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.
Blois to Tours – The Valley of the Kings
A ride rich in history and beauty along the Loire
Offered by:
Abicyclette Voyages
Phone number:
+33 (0)2 30 96 49 54
Tour length:
7 days / 6 nights
Price:
From €640
It is not by chance that this region was once called the 'Garden of France'. Let yourself be guided through the parks and castles in this flat, cool and green country. From castle to castle, Blois, Amboise, Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceaux andn others offer many opportunities to enter the most beautiful residences of French royalty. In the footsteps of François I, Joan of Arc or Leonardo da Vinci, this is much more than a bike trip, it’s a journey back in time. Stages that take you to the heart of the great cities of the valley allow you to understand part of the history of France. This is a trip to the land of kings, queens and artists who made history. The price of this self-guided tour includes 24/7 phone assistance, GPS guided itinerary, luggage transfers, bike rental and accommodation with a number of different options to cater for all budgets
Campervan hire in France for DIY trips
Airbnb-style website for motorhome hire in France
Offered by:
Goboony
Tour length:
As long as you want!
Price:
Cost of van hire depends on length of hire and type of van
Hiring a campervan for cycling in France provides you with your own accommodation, while also giving you the flexibility and speed to cycle in multiple regions within a quick timeframe, removing the need to take your bike on trains. Skip from one region to another, move on to a different valley in the Alps or explore a route further along the coast with ease. Goboony is an Airbnb-style website that links campervan owners all over Europe directly with people wanting to hire campervans. You can search by country – and in English – making it easy to find a van in France and to understand the rules and fineprint of van hire. You can also search for vans based on whether they have bike carriers. The website offers discounts for long-term hire – you get 5% off for a two-week hire and 10% off for a 4-week hire. Be warned that finding campervan hire in France can be like gold dust in July for the Tour de France, so make sure you book well ahead.
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 €429
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 £510
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 £875
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 €889
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 £1035
This self-guided tour harnesses the power of e-bikes to make it easier for you to see even more of this beautiful part of France. Saddle up on 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.
Grand Tour of the Loire by E-bike
Get a little boost as you breeze around the beautiful Loire Valley
Offered by:
BSpoke Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 3883 6437
Tour length:
4 or 7 nights
Price:
From £825
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.
Grand tour of the Loire Chateaux
From chateau to chateau along the Loire River from Tours to Angers
Offered by:
France Bike Trips
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 58 14 04 35
Tour length:
7 days
Price:
From €785
This is a charming self-guided route in the heart of the Loire, taking in numerous UNESCO World Heritage classified chateaux along the way, including Amboise, Chenonceau, Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, Chinon, Saumur and Angers. This is an enchanting tour for all abilities, making the most of a superb cycle network along tranquil waterways, all the while discovering the immense cultural and architectural heritage of the region. It's an opportunity to visit the area’s many wine cellars and vineyards, as well as the troglodyte caves of Turquant and Souzay-Champigny. To top it all off, the majority of the itinerary is on dedicated bike routes. Distance: 35-50km per day. E-bike upgrade available.
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:
3 or 6 nights
Price:
From £1075
Famed for its grand chateaux – home down the 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 an 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-bikes are available upon request and 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL.
Leisurely Loire
A charming and relaxing tour through the breathtaking Loire region
Offered by:
BSpoke Cycling Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0) 20 3918 7325
Tour length:
9 nights
Price:
From £2135
Take your time to explore the regal Loire valley, home to countless castles and vineyards. Every part of this charming part of the world exudes a sense of class and refinement, with charming villages, grand castles and excellent local wine producers, each offering their own compelling reason to visit. This self-guided tour aims to encapsulate everything that makes this region so special – enjoy it at your own pace. The price includes delightful 3 and 4-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis, 5 evening meals, fully serviced 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.
Loire à vélo from Tours to Angers
A week by the waters of the beautiful Loire
Offered by:
Abicyclette Voyages
Phone number:
+33 (0)2 30 96 49 54
Tour length:
6 days / 5 nights
Price:
From €560
From Tours with its attractive wooden houses dating back to the 15th century, this gentle paced self-guided tour will initially take you west along the banks of the river Cher. Take in the vibrant and colourful gardens at Château de Villandry before picking up the river Indre, which will guide you to Chinon and its 12th century fortress. Then from Saumur's castle, you'll ride through the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park with lots of chance to try local wines and produce along the way. The valleys around here have inspired many artists and maybe you too will find new inspiration. The price of this tour includes 24/7 phone assistance, GPS guided itinerary, luggage transfers, bike rental and accommodation with a number of different options to cater for all budgets.
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 £475
Château de Candes is a delightfully quirky centre-base in the charming cobbled village of Candes-St-Martin. The sumptuous and stylish maisons, lofts and apartments are scattered around the grounds and within the immediate vicinity of the stunning main castle building. Candes-St-Martin is on the list of ‘plus beaux villages de France’, or the most beautiful villages of France. A short walk (or ride) along the river is the village of Montsoreau, an old river port from the medieval period when the Loire was a major trade route. Its chateau, the setting of a famous Dumas novel, is the only one in the Loire valley built in the riverbed itself. There are some great activities on offer for when you’re having a break from cycling. Take a trip to the Cadre Noire equestrian school in Saumur, visit local chateaux, canoe on the Loire and Indre rivers or indulge in a one-day wine tasting tour. You will also be able to visit the ancient abbey at Fontevraud, with its mix of historical and contemporary attractions, sample the produce of the region's different wine appellations in one of the many local caves, paddle along the Vienne river between Chinon and Montsoreau in a canoe. The price of this tour includes touring bikes, water bottle and accessories, self-catering apartments, full tour information, detailed navigational material, often including GPS maps, local support whenever needed. E-bikes available on request, flights and transfers available on request and full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL.
Loire Valley Experience
Benefit from 35 years of guiding experience to see the best of the Loire
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0) 20 3944 8857
Tour length:
7 nights
Price:
From £2335
Experience a classic Cycle for Softies destination in a new way as part of a guided trip. The route takes in all the towns, attractions and hotels that the Softies team has been visiting for more than 35 years now. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, fairytale castles, cultural towns and vineyards fully guided and without having to worry about maps or guidebooks. Few places in the world are as well suited to exploring by bicycle as the Loire, making this a wonderfully accessible tour for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The price includes delightful 3 and 4-star hotels on a B&B basis, 5 evening meals, fully serviced touring bikes with panniers, water bottle and repair kit, guided cycling and a support vehicle, riding snacks and drinks each day, entry fees/inclusions as per itinerary and luggage transferred between your hotels. E-bike upgrades are available on request. All bookings have 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL.
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 £655
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
Offered by:
BSpoke Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7750
Tour length:
4 or 6 nights
Price:
From £895
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-guided tour, with bikes, panniers and handlebar bags included, along with stacks of local knowledge, and full route maps and notes. Flights from the UK can also be arranged and included in your itinerary. Electric bikes available 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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