Night 1
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.
Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour
Prices
Highlights
Spend 6 days cycling the Loire’s majestic Pays des Châteaux on this self-guided tour
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
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.
Night 2
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 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsRelais Chenonceaux in Chenonceaux
This comfortable hotel is full of personalized charm, offering guests a pleasant stay in a rustic setting.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Auberge du Centre in Chitenay
Enjoy this family-friendly setting with a nice pool, on-site golf course, and a bar and lounge.
Night 5
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.
Standard Accommodation
Night 1
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 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Bellevue in Puy-l’Eveque
Hotell Bellvue is a small romantic hotel known for its excellent hospitality, located near to local restaurants and shops.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel 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.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel 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.
Night 5
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.
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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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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