Published by Lyn on 30 October 2018
Browse our listings to find a guided or self-guided cycling tour of the Loire Valley.
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Loire cycling holidays
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 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.
Atlantic Coast La Vélodyssée from Nantes to La Rochelle
Ride along the Atlantic coast on the EuroVelo 1 bike route
Offered by:
Abicyclette
Phone number:
+33 (0)2 30 96 49 54
Tour length:
9 days / 8 nights
Price:
From €1085
On this self-guided tour, you'll enjoy the Atlantic section on the La Vélodyssée with its endless sandy beaches to explore. Hop off the bike to take a dip, top up the tan lines or enjoy the pine forests whenever the fancy takes you. Discover the marshlands of Vendée and spend time in colourful ports. Dine in the evenings with a fresh local seafood platter. La Vélodyssée is nearly all flat and signposted, mostly on secured dedicated greenways – it's a perfect introduction to cycling in France. 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.
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
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 Meandering through Mayenne
Backroads and river paths to castles, Roman ruins and markets
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7760
Tour length:
3 to 6 night options
Price:
From £665
This family-friendly Mayenne tour is the perfect introduction to cycling in France. As one of France’s hidden gems, you won’t have to battle the crowds to enjoy the splendid fortified castles, medieval quarters, Roman ruins and traditional markets of the Mayenne. Cycling is a doddle with few hills, quiet roads and pretty sparkling river paths. Starting with two nights at a 3-star château hotel with pool and spa just outside the historic town of Mayenne, you’ll move to a new 3 or 4-star hotel every other day. Each evening you’ll enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Price includes aperitif, hotel, gourmet dinners, breakfasts, bike and equipment hire, maps and tour suggestions, plus luggage transfers.
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 the Atlantic from Nantes to La Rochelle
Enjoy the beaches that hug the Velodyssey Eurovelo 1 bike route
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €795
With this self-guided trip along the Velodyssey cycle route you will experience the wide variety of landscapes that the Atlantic coast has to offer – from sandy beaches and rocky coastlines to marshland and pine forests, charming villages and trendy seaside resorts. The initial part of the itinerary to Pornic feels like Brittany because of the historic heritage and the architecture. Further into the Vendee country is a different story. The land is more open, with agricultural polders, oyster farming land and forests. For the most part, the cycle path is close to the coast, offering the best views of the ocean. Stay each night in one of the welcoming seaside towns scattered along the Vendee coast and end your bike trip in La Rochelle and its old harbour. The price of this tour includes bikes, GPS routes, maps and tourist leaflets, accommodation and panniers. Ebikes and luggage transfers are available as added extras.
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.
From Nantes to La Rochelle - La Vélodyssey
Breeze along the coast in style on this self-guided break
Offered by:
Belle France
Phone number:
+44(0)1580 214 010
Tour length:
7 days / 8 nights
Price:
From £1995
Enjoy the endless beaches and sea views as you cycle along this section of the Velodyssée, the dedicated cycle path that opens up the Atlantic coast to all ages. Fly through pine forests, wetlands and colourful ports and fishing villages, ending up in the historic harbour town of La Rochelle – complete with aquarium and seaside restaurants. Price includes luggage transfers between hotels, comprehensive route notes, bike hire for 7 days' cycling, plus 8 nights' B&B accommodation and some evening meals.
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 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!
On the blog
Nature Is Bike Gravel Festival, Angers, June 25-27, 2021
The Nature Is Bike Festival, organised by the bike-friendly city of Angers in the Loire, is designed to put the marriage of cycling and nature front and centre.
Posted: 1 Mar 2021
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