Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour

Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour

Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour

Prices

From $550USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Spend 6 days cycling the Loire’s majestic Pays des Châteaux on this self-guided tour

Discover the vineyards, castles, and gardens of the Loire Valley at your own pace.

Explore the famous Pays des Châteaux (Land of Castles) witnessing the splendour of the Loire Valley.

Peruse the pedestrian streets of Blois, taking in its light facades, blue roofs, and its Royal Chateau.

Visit the magical Château de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord, Château d'Amboise, and more.

France’s Loire Valley is yours to discover on the 6-day self-guided Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling tour.

This spectacular cycling tour of France’s Loire Valley will introduce you to the valley’s bountiful collection of marvellous châteaux as you explore an area of the Loire known as Pays des Châteaux (Land of Castles).

Beginning and ending in the lovely town of Blois, you’ll enjoy mesmerizing cycling routes that you can enjoy at your own pace as you pedal your way through the beautiful French countryside. Each stop on the tour beholds a majestic château to discover, sweeping you up in the fairytale world of France’s most famous castles, as you cycle from Blois to Amboise, Chenonceaux, Chambord and finally returning to Blois.

Compliment wonderful days on the bike with fantastic dining experiences as you eat your way through the Loire Valley. Escape to the whimsical world of France’s Pays des Châteaux on this unforgettable cycling tour of the Loire Valley!

Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour

Day 1 Arrival

Your cycling tour begins in the picturesque hillside town of Blois. Blois is distinguishable by its blue roofs, its grand facades, and of course, the magnificent Royal Château de Blois, which towers proudly at the heart of the city.

Once you’ve settled into your accommodations here, pop out for a walk to experience the serene atmosphere of Blois, making sure to see the Royal Château while out and about.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Blois
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Cycle the Historic Region of Touraine

Rise and shine as you prepare to experience the marvellous Loire Valley by bike today! Departing Blois, you’ll trace the southern bank of the majestic Loire. Flanked by gently undulating hills and sprawling vineyards, you’ll ride to Cande-sur-Beuvron.

You’ve now entered the historical region of Touraine! Continue on the riverbank, where you’ll soon spot the elegant Château de Chaumont, initially founded in the 10th century. Then, press on to explore the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where the famous Leonardo Di Vinci once stayed.

Unwind with a well-deserved glass of local Sauvignon Blanc this evening as you reflect on a beautiful first day of riding.

Overnight Location
Hotel Amboise
Distance
43km, 265m of ascent, 295m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Château de Chenonceaux

Today you’ll enjoy a pleasant ride through the prestigious Montlouis wine region, passing through Montlouis-sur-Loire towards the Château de Chenonceaux. The spectacular Château straddles the Cher River in 5 arches, making it a truly extraordinary sight to behold.

Now that you’ve arrived in Chenonceaux, you’ll choose from two local cycling routes to finish off the day.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Chenonceaux
Distance
41km, 315m of ascent, 316m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Gué Péan, Fougère sur Bièvre, and Chitenay

Bound for a gorgeous rural hotel situated among lovely gardens, you’ll depart the Cher Valley this morning headed for Chitenay. Along the route, you’ll encounter the impressive 15th-century medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre and another in Gué Péan before continuing to Chitenay.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Chitenay
Distance
35km, 298m of ascent, 264m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Château de Cheverny and Château de Chambord

Your final day of cycling will be no less spectacular than the rest, as today you’ll experience two of the Loire’s most sumptuously furnished châteaux. Ride to Château of Cheverny, then continuing to the grand Châteaux de Chambord, constructed under Francios I and comprised of over 440 stately rooms.

Return to the hilly streets of Blois, where your route comes to an end. Enjoy a farewell dinner here this evening, celebrating the passing of this magical route!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Blois
Distance
50km, 178m of ascent, 200 of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Departure

Your tour ends this morning following breakfast. Pack up, check out, and head to the airport to depart.

Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour 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

Departure between April 1st and 30th:

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $875USD
  • Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $625USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $550USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $550USD

Departure between May 1st and September 30th:

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $950USD
  • Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $650USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $575USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $575USD

Departure between October 1st and 31st:

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $875USD
  • Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $625USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $550USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $550USD

Deluxe Hotels

Departure between April 1st and 30th:

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,225USD
  • Price per person sharing a double or a twin room: $775USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $675USD

Departure between May 1st and September 30th:

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,275USD
  • Price per person sharing a double or a twin room: $825USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $695USD

Departure between October 1st and 31st:

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,225USD
  • Price per person sharing a double or a twin room: $775USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $675USD
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Accommodation on the Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour

This tour is available with either standard or deluxe hotels. Hotels on the standard tour are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences. Hotels on the deluxe tour are 3-star and 4-star and offer modern conveniences.

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.

Hôtel Anne de Bretagne in Blois

Guests will enjoy their stay at this pleasant hotel that boats a sunny terrace and comfortable rooms.

Hotel 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.

Relais Chenonceaux in Chenonceaux

This comfortable hotel is full of personalized charm, offering guests a pleasant stay in a rustic setting.

Hotel Auberge du Centre in Chitenay

Enjoy this family-friendly setting with a nice pool, on-site golf course, and a bar and lounge.

Hôtel Anne de Bretagne in Blois

Guests will enjoy their stay at this pleasant hotel that boats a sunny terrace and comfortable rooms.

Standard Accommodation

Hôtel 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.

Hotel Bellevue in Puy-l’Eveque

Hotell Bellvue is a small romantic hotel known for its excellent hospitality, located near to local restaurants and shops.

Hôtel le Cheval Blanc in Blere

Rest and rejuvenation of guests is this hotel’s top priority. Guests will enjoy a refreshing outdoor swimming pool and an in-house restaurant during their stay here.

Hôtel Domaine des Roches in Briare

A lovely genteel hotel set in a 19th-century manor house that features an indoor pool and an excellent breakfast.

Hôtel 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.

Deluxe Accommodations

What’s Included in the Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour?

Meals

5 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour and after the tour in Blois are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the accommodations 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
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Visas if required
  • Guide services

Optional Extras

  • Bike rental:
    • Hybrid bike: $95USD
    • E-bike: $150USD
  • Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
  • Airport transfers
  • Deluxe hotel option
  • Optional activities or excursions

Frequenty Asked Questions about Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour

How hard is the Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour?

We rate this tour a 2/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 50km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is mostly flat with some gently undulating hills.

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: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour?

5 breakfasts are included on this tour.

Is this tour guided?

No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided 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.

How do I get to Blois to start this tour?

Fly into the Paris airport of your choice, either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). From both airports, you can reach Blois by train, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. 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: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour?

The tour ends in Blois. You can reach either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY) by train, which takes approximately 1.5 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 Arcade Escape hybrid bikes or Leader Fox INDUKTORA 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).

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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $550USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour a 2/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 50km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is mostly flat with some gently undulating hills.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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