Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Oceania Orléans in Orléans
Guests will enjoy views of the Loire from this contemporary hotel featuring stylish, modern rooms and several great amenities including a 24-hour bar.
Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur
Prices
Highlights
Cycle the second section of the Loire a Vélo on this 6-day self-guided tour
Embark on the second section of the 800km long Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) on this 6-day self-guided cycling tour. The Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) is an epic cycling route that begins in Cuffy and ends at Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins in Western France. The Loire a Vélo makes up the western section of the EV6 (Rivers Route), a trans-European cycling route that spans from France to Romania. This cycling tour will have you completing the 2nd stage of the Loire a Vélo as you ride from Orléans to Saumur.
The Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur tour will introduce you to France's spellbinding Loire Valley as you explore one of Loire's most culturally rich areas. Easy cycling routes will have you navigating the Centre-Val de Loire, exploring Orléans, Blois, Amboise and Villandry, then crossing over into the Pays de la Loire region as your tour ends in Saumur.
Experience a real-life fairytale as you explore the famous Pays des Châteaux (Land of Castles), visiting the 15th-century Château d'Amboise, once called home by King Charles VIII. Pedal rolling vineyards and sample the exquisite wines of Montlouis-sur-Loire, where the world-famous Montlouis wines are produced. Discover a land of castles and gardens as you explore Villandry, but not before making a quick stop in Tours, known as the heart of the "Garden of France."
Explore the Loire Valley on two wheels. Book this magical cycling tour today!
Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Known as the grand gateway to the heart of the Loire Valley and a former capital in the Middle Ages, Orléans is a modern town with a lively atmosphere and it's here that your cycling tour begins.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Orléans
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Cycle Historic Towns to Blois
Your cycling tour begins with a mesmerizing route that has you bound for the countryside towards an area known for the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire. Tracing the high banks of the river, you’ll enjoy magical views of rolling hills and the Loire as your steadfast companion for the ride. Your route will have you pedalling through the historic towns of Meung-Sur-Loire and Beaugency, both well worth hopping off your bike to explore briefly.
Then, a relaxed flat track takes you to Blois as you enter the whimsical world of the ‘Pays des Châteaux’ (Land of Castles).
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Blois
- Distance
- 64km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Trace the Loire’s South Bank to Amboise
Departing Blois this morning you’ll trace the Loire’s south bank, pedalling gently rolling hills and vineyards to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Returning to the Loire tracing the Beuvron River, you’ll enter the historical region of Touraine. Take in the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire and its impressive gardens, or perhaps take a well-earned break with a visit to a local winegrower, enjoying a tasting of a superb local Sauvignon Blanc.
Continuing the route, you’ll lay eyes on the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where the famous Leonardo da Vinci once stayed.
Concluding a mesmerizing day on the bike, you’ll embark on some short climbs to your accommodations in Amboise, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Amboise
- Distance
- 43km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 Explore the Montlouis Wine Region
An exceptional day awaits you as you ride towards the home of the famous Montlouis wines, produced in Montlouis-sur-Loire. The unique, high-quality grapes grown here result from an ideal microclimate, highly influenced by the Loire and Cher rivers' uniting. Spend some time exploring the vineyards and treat yourself to a tasting (or two!) before setting back out on the road for Tours, the capital of the idyllic area known as the "Garden of France."
Tracing the Cher's southern bank, you'll happen upon the Château de Villandry and its spectacular formal gardens. Villandry is the place you'll call home for the evening. Settle into your accommodations and enjoy the romantic charm of this town.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Villandry
- Distance
- 50km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Bec do Cher and Anjou to Saumur
Depart Villandry this morning via the Bec do Cher, again tracing the Loire as you ride to the Château of Ussé. Spot the Indre flowing out into the Loire and soak in the beautiful views of the river’s small islands wholly covered in water birds.
Continue the route to Candes-St-Martin. Not long after, you’ll find yourself navigating the paths of the striking Anjou-Touraine natural reserve. Pedalling alongside sprawling vineyards, you’ll ride to the beautiful Château de Saumur where your cycling route ends.
Enjoy a wonderful dinner in Saumur tonight celebrating the completion of a section of the Loire a Vélo, raising a toast to a magical week spent in the Loire Valley!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Saumur
- Distance
- 64km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Departure
Breakfast marks the end of this splendid trip in the Loire Valley. If you’ve booked some extra nights in Saumur, or your departure time permits, spend some time exploring the town’s castle and its prestigious riding academy, Cadre Noir.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour of the Loire Valley is always run as a private tour for your group and the price per person depends on the number of people staying in one room, the season and the accommodation type.
Prices below are per person.
Standard Hotels
Departures between April 15th and May 14th:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $975USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $625USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $625USD
Departures between May 15th and September 30th:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $995USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $650USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $625USD
Departures between October 1st and 15th:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $975USD
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $625USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $625USD
Deluxe Hotels
Departures between April 15th and May 14th:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,325USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $850USD
- Price per person sharing a twin room: $850USD
- Price per person sharing a double, twin, or triple room: $850USD
Departures between May 15th and September 30th:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,095USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $850USD
- Price per person sharing a twin room: $875USD
- Price per person sharing a double, twin, or triple room: $895USD
Departures between October 1st and 15th:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,325USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $850USD
- Price per person sharing a twin room: $850USD
- Price per person sharing a double, twin, or triple room: $850USD
Accommodation on the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences that can make your stay more pleasant. You can book the deluxe hotel option for 3 and 4-star hotels.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Anne de Bretagne in Blois
Guests will enjoy their stay at this pleasant hotel that boats a sunny terrace and comfortable rooms.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Le Chaptal in Amboise
Located in the heart of the city, the modern Hotel Le Chaptal is freshly renovated and ready to open guests with open arms.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Le Cheval Rouge in Villandry
Le Cheval Rouge is an idyllic family-friend hotel that has an excellent in-house restaurant as well as a bar and lounge.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsIbis Styles Saumur Gare Centre in Saumur
This is a lovely hotel comprised of 63 stylish rooms offering guests superb views of the Loire River during their stay.
Standard hotels
Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsEmpreinte Hôtel in Orleans
Comfort and relaxation sets the tone at this deluxe and stylish hotel where you can treat yourself at the hotel spa or cozy up in the lounge.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Le Monarque in Blois
This lovely hotel located in Blois’ city center offers guests a relaxing stay in a warm and welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy dining at the in-house restaurant and lounging in the tranquil gardens.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Bellevue in Amboise
Enjoy a stay at the foot of the Château d’Amboise from where you’ll enjoy incredible views of not just the castle itself, but also the pretty Loire River.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Aub le Colombien in Villandry
A cozy atmosphere and warm ambience make this hotel and restaurant the perfect choice in Villandry. Guests can also enjoy its proximity to several historical sites in the town.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Anne d’Anjou in Saumur
This elegant 18th-century hotel invites its guests to enjoy a wide array of modern amenities and is just a short walk to the city center of Saumur.
Deluxe hotels
What’s Included in the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Orléans and after the tour in Saumur are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the overnight locations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route notes and maps
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Upgrade to deluxe hotels
- Optional activities or excursions
- Wine tastings and visits
Frequenty Asked Questions about Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur
How hard is the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur tour?
We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 65km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is almost entirely flat with a few very easy climbs.
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur tour?
5 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Is this tour guided?
No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.
How do I get to Orléans to start this tour?
Fly into the Paris airport of your choice, either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). From both airport you can reach Orléans by train, which takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur tour end?
The tour ends in Saumur. You can reach either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY) by train, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are VELO DE VILLE Trekking A200 24-speed hybrid bikes or VELO DE VILLE CEB 400 Belt e-bikes.
What equipment is included in the bike rental?
The bikes come with a pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for France?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?
The best time to travel to the Loire Valley for this cycling tour is during the shoulder seasons of April-June and September-October when the crowds are lighter than during peak summer months (June-August).
Reviews
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I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 65km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is almost entirely flat with a few very easy climbs.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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