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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.
A Discovery Tour of the Loire - Fixed base holiday
Fixed base cycling holiday that showcases the best of the Loire
Offered by:
Loire Life Cycling Holidays
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 25 81 98 51
Tour length:
5 days/6 nights
Price:
From €1075 per person
See the best of the Loire on this unique centre-based cycling holiday. The flexible and self-guided routes, which have been carefully mapped out to take in 30-50km each day, will take you to spectacular chateaux, along gentle river towpaths and quiet rural roads, through beautiful vineyards, and to ancient caves and market towns. Price includes bike hire and accessories, plus local support, 6 nights' accommodation, and all breakfasts and evening meals with wine. Swimming pool, hot tub, wifi and laundry facilities all included at your base, an 18th century chambre d'hôte set in woodlands. This tour has been running since 2009 with a high rate of repeat business.
Along the Leisurely Loire
A gentle meander along the Loire from Blois to Saumur
Enjoy this gentle exploration of the beautiful Loire River. Ride from Blois to Saumur, taking in vineyards and chateaux as you enjoy daily rides of no more than 32km. See Amboise and its Royal Château, or Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s old manor house, before enjoying a night in Tours. From here, take the voie verte bike path to Villandry Château and its medieval vegetable gardens, before heading on to Saumur. The hotels on this route offer genuine French charm and wonderful regional fare, whilst the B&Bs provide an opportunity for you to discover truly ‘local’ restaurants.
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.
Blois to Tours – The Valley of the Kings
A ride rich in history and beauty along the Loire
Offered by:
Abicyclette
Phone number:
+33 (0)2 30 96 49 54
Tour length:
7 days / 6 nights
Price:
From €620
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
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 - Loire Single Centre Tour
A single-base holiday with plenty to do and see in the stunning Loire
Offered by:
BSpoke Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0) 20 3944 2785
Tour length:
3, 5 or 7 nights
Price:
From £455 per person
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, 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 regions 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.
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.
Château to Château en Vélo
Ride in the footsteps of France's kings and queens
Pedal gently among stunning castles, through fields of sunflowers and along rows of vineyards, samping the local food and wine en route. Highlights include the medieval town of Amboise, Clos Lucé (the home of Leonardo da Vinci), Château de Chenonceau, the most photographed chateau of the Loire, and Château de Cheverny, the château behind Tintin. Included in your tour are 5 days' cycling, accommodation and some meals, full and detailed route notes and maps, bike hire (electric bikes are also available), luggage transfers between hotels, plus station transfers. All you have to do is ride!
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.
Coast-to-Coast France – St Malo to Nice Fully Supported
Traverse France from end-to-end with help all the way
Offered by:
Green Jersey French Cycling Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)1300 350 555
Tour length:
18 days with 16 days of riding
Price:
From £2495
This is an ultimate France coast-to-coast ride, fully supported and guided. Two-thirds of days are in the 50-60-mile (80-90-km) bracket – with a few shorter ones thrown in – so it's achievable but still challenging, especially as your luggage will be carried for you (no panniers!) This trip highlights the wonderful diversity of France and is suitable for all recreational cyclists. It passes through simply stunning countryside and visits some of the most famous sites in the country – from Mont St Michel to an optional ascent of the iconic Ventoux. Price includes fully guided on-road support and luggage transfers, 14 nights' B&B, and most meals. Can be tailored for groups. St Malo to Sete and Calais to Nice also available.
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.
Cycle the Loire - Land of Kings
Take in the grandeur of the Loire's chateaux country
The beautiful Loire Valley is renowned for the grandeur and majesty of the magnificent châteaux that line the banks of this regal river. Slightly less well-known is the region just to the south of Orléans - the Sologne - where shimmering lakes and picturesque villages of timber-framed, red-brick houses nestle amid the luxuriant woodland. This trip is a mix of roads-less-travelled as well as Loire highlights such as the grand chateaux at Blois, Chaumont and Chambord. It's an easy pedalling tour on riverside lanes, forest tracks and dedicated cycle paths, staying in top-quality family-run hotels en route. All accommodation, bike hire, route notes and maps, plus baggage transfer included. Ebikes are also available.
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 à vélo from Tours to Angers
A week by the waters of the beautiful Loire
Offered by:
Abicyclette
Phone number:
+33 (0)2 30 96 49 54
Tour length:
6 days / 5 nights
Price:
From €555
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 Prestige en Vélo
See the chateaux of the Loire in true style
Enjoy this luxury cycling holiday staying in elegant accommodation that reflects the style of this classic region. Explore quiet back roads and visit the fascinating old towns of Amboise and Blois, not forgetting to leave time to discover the famous wines of the region. All the big-name chateaux are on your route, along with beautiful gardens and lovingly restored manor houses. This is an elegant and relaxing way to experience one of France's most stunning and most popular cycling routes.
Loire Valley Secret Castles and Wine
Discover new gems in the crown of the Loire Valley
Offered by:
Discover France
Phone number:
+1 800 929 0152 (US toll free); +1 800 823 710 (Australia toll free); +1 800 929 0152 (any other country)
Tour length:
5 days / 4 nights
Price:
From €760
This Loire Valley Cycling Tour was created to take you to a part of the Loire region not covered by other trips. The flat-to-rolling terrain is perfect for cycling and is filled with castles, vineyards and colourful landscapes. The tour starts in Joue les Tours and will take you to Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais, the Chateau de Villandry and Ussé, and the famous Fontevraud Abbey. You will also cycle through some important wine regions such as Chinon and Saumur for some wine tasting. All the best of the Loire Valley by bicycle! The price of this tour includes 4 nights' accommodation in superior hotels, daily breakfast at each hotel, 3 dinners, hybrid bike rental, local tour contact, road book, including detailed maps, tourist information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets, 1 GPS for every 1-3 people, all luggage transfers, and technical and emergency support at all times.
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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