Amboise in the Loire Valley
France Bike Tours
Bike tour featuring vineyards & castles in the Loire Valley
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length4 days
- Prices from€575 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Experience the France of Kings, in the heart of the valley of the Loire Castles! During this luxurious bike tour in France, you will have your choice of three levels of accommodations, and from which you will have your choice of cycling itineraries.
Amboise is set upon the southern bank of the Loire and is overlooked by an inspiring 15th-century château. This was the childhood home of Charles VIII and the final resting place of the great Leonardo da Vinci, who, as a guest of the king, came to Château Amboise in December 1515 and lived and worked in the nearby Clos Lucé.
From your hotel, you will be able to cycle to the various Touraine Vineyards and discover many treasures of history, architecture, and culture each day.
Highlights
- France Art de Vivre
- French cuisine and wine
- Lovely French landscapes
- Chateaux!
- Le Clos Lucé and Da Vinci display
- Vouvray Vineyards
We have many other tours in France including hiking, bike & boat, or more specifically, the Loire Valley for you to explore!
Itinerary
Please note that we highly recommend that you book an extra night both before and after your tour so that you can fully experience the different itineraries and full chateaux package offered. In this way, you can arrive to your chosen accommodation, rest and recover, and be ready for cycling the next day. As well, at the end of your last excursion, you do not have to worry about being ready to check-out after a full day on the bike.
Itinerary 1: Arrival in Amboise + Montlouis: 21 mi. (33 km)
This is an excursion through the heart of the Montlouis vineyards, whose wines tend to reflect earthy and mineral notes. There is the possibility to visit the Aquarium de Touraine and the magnificent Château de la Bourdaisière and its gardens. Upon arrival back in Amboise, be sure to stroll about and visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé, made from pink bricks and tufa stones. Leonardo da Vinci lived here for the last 3 years of his life and you can see firsthand the genius of the famous inventor. Forty of his fabulous machines are displayed at Le Clos Lucé such as the first automobile, the metric counter, the paddleboat, the machine gun – and the life-size flying machine.Itinerary 2: Chenonceau, 28 mi. (45 km)
Once you have crossed the forest of Amboise, you will come to the famous Château de Chenonceau, uniquely built over the Cher River. Nicknamed the Ladies Castle and once the residence of Catherine de’ Medici, it was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history between her and Diane de Poitiers, mistress of the king. It is French history at its best; passionate, scandalous, and torrid. Upon the death of King Henry II, Catherine banned Diane from Chenonceau, sentencing her to live out the rest of her days in obscurity at a castle in Anet.Optional: Canoe trip on the Cher River, possible from June to October. See pricing
Enjoy a canoe trip offering you an extraordinary point of view on the Château de Chenonceau (approx. 2h).Itinerary 3: Vouvray Vineyards, 30 mi. (48 km)
This route leads away from the banks of the Loire to reach the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses, dwellings dug into the slopes, and rock faces of the landscape. The region is famous for its fine and elegant white wines. You will cycle past superb Renaissance private châteaux such as Château de Valmer (remarkable for its Italian and vegetable gardens), and the beautiful Château de Jallanges as well. Be sure to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Vouvray wine!Itinerary 4: Chaumont-sur-Loire, 28 mi. (45 km)
This cycling excursion follows the meandering country roads to the banks of the Loire in Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose 15th-century château proudly dominates the town and the river. The "Festival des Jardins" (garden festival) is held between late May and mid-October, showcasing the art of gardening with new flower arrangements, garden sculptures, and innovation in design.Your tour will officially end on Day 4 so we strongly suggest that you request an addtional night in the level of accommodation of your choosing.
Optional: Chateaux Package. See pricing.
- Châteaux of Amboise
- Park Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise
- Château of Chenonceaux
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + garden festival)
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Choose one of the following categories:
Standard category: 2 and 3 star
Superior category: 3 and 4 star
Deluxe category: 4 star
In the day-to-day itinerary you will find the name of the preferred hotel. If you cannot be accommodated in the preferred hotel, you will be informed and offered alternative accommodations. Price change may be incurred.Bicycles
Accessories
Included accessories
- Counter (one per booking)
- One bottle (100% recyclable)
- Repair kit and life/visibility jacket
- Pump
- Lock
- Front pannier with map holder
- Rear rack and pannier (2 panniers on e-bike)
Supplemental accessories
- Child trailer (up to 5 years old)
- Maximum weight: 37kg
- Steel structure
- 2 seats with a security system
- Wheels: 20" quick release
- Waterproof polyester hood
- Anti-insect net
- Storage at the back
- Repair kit
- 'Follow-me' tandem (5 to 8 years old)
- Lock and life jacket
- Trail a bike (5 to 8 years old)
- Aluminium frame
- Adjustable seat post
- Wheel: 20"
- Lock and life jacket
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 3 nights
- Breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- 27-speed Scott Sub Sport 20 bike. Both men and women’s frames available (please specify when you book).
- Included accessories: 1 rear pannier, handlebar bag, repair kit, pump, and odometer (4-day rental)
- Route descriptions and maps (one set per room)
- GPS tracks available (must be requested in advance!)
- Luggage transfer (Allowance is one piece per guest weighing no more than 20 kg. Additional pieces will require a surcharge of €20/piece)
- City taxes
- 7-day hotline
What’s Not Included
- All other meals
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to various chateaux (can be booked for a supplement)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals are possible from March 1 to October 31, 2023
Daily arrivals are possible from March 1 to October 31, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Standard category Superior category Deluxe category Twin/double $ 974 £ 508 $ 847 € 575 kr 85451 ₪ 2374 ¥ 91810 Mex$ 11088 NZ$ 1041 NOK 6784 kr 6820 $ 616 $ 1135 £ 592 $ 987 € 670 kr 99569 ₪ 2767 ¥ 106978 Mex$ 12920 NZ$ 1213 NOK 7904 kr 7947 $ 718 $ 1583 £ 826 $ 1,377 € 935 kr 138951 ₪ 3861 ¥ 149290 Mex$ 18030 NZ$ 1693 NOK 11031 kr 11091 $ 1,002 Single supplement $ 169 £ 88 $ 147 € 100 kr 14861 ₪ 413 ¥ 15967 Mex$ 1928 NZ$ 181 NOK 1180 kr 1186 $ 107 $ 389 £ 203 $ 339 € 230 kr 34181 ₪ 950 ¥ 36724 Mex$ 4435 NZ$ 416 NOK 2713 kr 2728 $ 246 $ 618 £ 322 $ 538 € 365 kr 54243 ₪ 1507 ¥ 58279 Mex$ 7038 NZ$ 661 NOK 4306 kr 4329 $ 391 Standard category Superior category Deluxe category Twin/double $ 991 £ 517 $ 862 € 585 kr 86937 ₪ 2416 ¥ 93406 Mex$ 11281 NZ$ 1059 NOK 6902 kr 6939 $ 627 $ 1279 £ 667 $ 1,112 € 755 kr 112201 ₪ 3118 ¥ 120550 Mex$ 14559 NZ$ 1367 NOK 8907 kr 8955 $ 809 $ 1617 £ 843 $ 1,407 € 955 kr 141924 ₪ 3944 ¥ 152484 Mex$ 18415 NZ$ 1729 NOK 11267 kr 11328 $ 1,023 Single supplement $ 195 £ 102 $ 169 € 115 kr 17090 ₪ 475 ¥ 18362 Mex$ 2218 NZ$ 208 NOK 1357 kr 1364 $ 123 $ 491 £ 256 $ 427 € 290 kr 43097 ₪ 1198 ¥ 46304 Mex$ 5592 NZ$ 525 NOK 3421 kr 3440 $ 311 $ 660 £ 344 $ 574 € 390 kr 57958 ₪ 1610 ¥ 62271 Mex$ 7520 NZ$ 706 NOK 4601 kr 4626 $ 418 Extra Options
Dinners included
Standard category Superior category Deluxe category 2 dinners included (excluding drinks) $ 152 £ 79 $ 133 € 90 kr 13375 ₪ 372 ¥ 14370 Mex$ 1735 NZ$ 163 NOK 1062 kr 1068 $ 96 $ 161 £ 84 $ 140 € 95 kr 14118 ₪ 392 ¥ 15169 Mex$ 1832 NZ$ 172 NOK 1121 kr 1127 $ 102 $ 169 £ 88 $ 147 € 100 kr 14861 ₪ 413 ¥ 15967 Mex$ 1928 NZ$ 181 NOK 1180 kr 1186 $ 107 Extra nights
Standard category Superior category Deluxe category Amboise B&B $ 107 £ 56 $ 93 € 63 kr 9362 ₪ 260 ¥ 10059 Mex$ 1215 NZ$ 114 NOK 743 kr 747 $ 68 $ 161 £ 84 $ 140 € 95 kr 14118 ₪ 392 ¥ 15169 Mex$ 1832 NZ$ 172 NOK 1121 kr 1127 $ 102 $ 295 £ 154 $ 256 € 174 kr 25858 ₪ 719 ¥ 27782 Mex$ 3355 NZ$ 315 NOK 2053 kr 2064 $ 186 Single room supplement $ 59 £ 31 $ 52 € 35 kr 5201 ₪ 145 ¥ 5588 Mex$ 675 NZ$ 63 NOK 413 kr 415 $ 38 $ 119 £ 62 $ 103 € 70 kr 10403 ₪ 289 ¥ 11177 Mex$ 1350 NZ$ 127 NOK 826 kr 830 $ 75 $ 178 £ 93 $ 155 € 105 kr 15604 ₪ 434 ¥ 16765 Mex$ 2025 NZ$ 190 NOK 1239 kr 1245 $ 113 Bikes and accessories
Electric bike rental $ 59 £ 31 $ 52 € 35 kr 5201 ₪ 145 ¥ 5588 Mex$ 675 NZ$ 63 NOK 413 kr 415 $ 38 Extra day e-bike rental $ 51 £ 26 $ 44 € 30 kr 4458 ₪ 124 ¥ 4790 Mex$ 578 NZ$ 54 NOK 354 kr 356 $ 32 Extra day standard bike rental $ 34 £ 18 $ 29 € 20 kr 2972 ₪ 83 ¥ 3193 Mex$ 386 NZ$ 36 NOK 236 kr 237 $ 21 Trailer bikes, tandems, children's bikes, and baby seats are available. Please ask.
Additional excursions
Canoe trip on the Cher river $ 32 £ 17 $ 28 € 19 kr 2824 ₪ 78 ¥ 3034 Mex$ 366 NZ$ 34 NOK 224 kr 225 $ 20 Chateaux package $ 117 £ 61 $ 102 € 69 kr 10254 ₪ 285 ¥ 11017 Mex$ 1331 NZ$ 125 NOK 814 kr 818 $ 74 Transfers
One way transfer, Paris CDG to Amboise (up to 4 pax) On request Extra luggage transfer (per piece/per day) $ 34 £ 18 $ 29 € 20 kr 2972 ₪ 83 ¥ 3193 Mex$ 386 NZ$ 36 NOK 236 kr 237 $ 21 Dinners included
Standard category Superior category Deluxe category 2 dinners included (excluding drinks) $ 178 £ 93 $ 155 € 105 kr 15604 ₪ 434 ¥ 16765 Mex$ 2025 NZ$ 190 NOK 1239 kr 1245 $ 113 $ 178 £ 93 $ 155 € 105 kr 15604 ₪ 434 ¥ 16765 Mex$ 2025 NZ$ 190 NOK 1239 kr 1245 $ 113 $ 178 £ 93 $ 155 € 105 kr 15604 ₪ 434 ¥ 16765 Mex$ 2025 NZ$ 190 NOK 1239 kr 1245 $ 113 Extra nights
Standard category Superior category Deluxe category Amboise B&B $ 107 £ 56 $ 93 € 63 kr 9362 ₪ 260 ¥ 10059 Mex$ 1215 NZ$ 114 NOK 743 kr 747 $ 68 $ 178 £ 93 $ 155 € 105 kr 15604 ₪ 434 ¥ 16765 Mex$ 2025 NZ$ 190 NOK 1239 kr 1245 $ 113 $ 295 £ 154 $ 256 € 174 kr 25858 ₪ 719 ¥ 27782 Mex$ 3355 NZ$ 315 NOK 2053 kr 2064 $ 186 Single room supplement $ 68 £ 35 $ 59 € 40 kr 5944 ₪ 165 ¥ 6387 Mex$ 771 NZ$ 72 NOK 472 kr 474 $ 43 $ 135 £ 71 $ 118 € 80 kr 11889 ₪ 330 ¥ 12774 Mex$ 1543 NZ$ 145 NOK 944 kr 949 $ 86 $ 178 £ 93 $ 155 € 105 kr 15604 ₪ 434 ¥ 16765 Mex$ 2025 NZ$ 190 NOK 1239 kr 1245 $ 113 Bikes and accessories
Electric bike rental $ 93 £ 49 $ 81 € 55 kr 8174 ₪ 227 ¥ 8782 Mex$ 1061 NZ$ 100 NOK 649 kr 652 $ 59 Extra day e-bike rental $ 56 £ 29 $ 49 € 33 kr 4904 ₪ 136 ¥ 5269 Mex$ 636 NZ$ 60 NOK 389 kr 391 $ 35 Extra day standard bike rental $ 29 £ 15 $ 25 € 17 kr 2526 ₪ 70 ¥ 2714 Mex$ 328 NZ$ 31 NOK 201 kr 202 $ 18 Trailer bikes, tandems, children's bikes, and baby seats are available. Please ask.
Additional excursions
Canoe trip on the Cher river (June to October) $ 32 £ 17 $ 28 € 19 kr 2824 ₪ 78 ¥ 3034 Mex$ 366 NZ$ 34 NOK 224 kr 225 $ 20 Chateaux package $ 125 £ 65 $ 109 € 74 kr 10997 ₪ 306 ¥ 11815 Mex$ 1427 NZ$ 134 NOK 873 kr 878 $ 79 Transfers
One way transfer, Paris CDG to Amboise (up to 4 pax) On request Extra luggage transfer (per piece/per day) On request Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate self-guided bike tour on flat terrain in which you will be accommodated in one hotel. You decide how far you want to cycle each day.
Airport Info
Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG).
Local Travel
You will have a couple of options to travel from the airport to Amboise. You can take the TGV from the airport to St. Pierre des Corps, transfer and then take the express regional train to Amboise. You can also take a train via Paris Austerlitz to Amboise. Be sure to research local travel before your tour and note that TGV travel requires advance reservation. You can visit the SNCF website for more information and to book.
Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival. Once Spring arrives in the Loire Valley, the days begin to get longer and the temperatures rise steadily to up around 68° F/20°C. You can have misty starts to the morning clearing away quickly to give very pleasant days and nights. There will be occasional days of rain but rarely for long periods. This is also a good time to visit as there are fewer tourists around! Late spring and into summer brings dependable weather with long dry spells with average daily temperatures around 75°/24°C. July temperatures peak as high as 82°/28°C dropping to 72°/22°C as September approaches. On average, there are 11 days of rainfall during this period. It may not be as warm as those in the far south of France, but a far more comfortable heat. The climate in Amboise is categorized as warm and temperate.
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated a day of rest!
Remarks
Children’s bikes, trailers, FollowMe tandem, and baby seats are available for rental. Just ask.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
Beginning in 2024, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be fully operational. This will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. The application only takes only about 10 minutes and requires a €7 fee. Once your application is approved, this will be valid for 3 years or until the validity of your passport/travel documents. Approval of your application should only take a few minutes, however we do not recommend waiting until the last minute to complete your application.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
Extra Stay
Always recommended!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Loire Valley Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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