Castles of the Loire
France Bike Tours
A stunning Loire Valley Bike tour
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6–8 days
- Prices from€710 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Biking in the Loire Valley region has proven a haven for cyclists time and again and is rightly referred to as Royal Châteaux Country. (See also our Châteaux Country Tour). Its fertile landscape is generously peppered with grandiose châteaux (more than 300!) amid lush vineyards and rolling green hills.
Highlights
- French villages
- Vineyards and wine
- Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Amboise and its 15th century white stone houses
- Chenonceau
- Cher Valley
- Medieval town of Montrichard
- Cheverny
- Chambord
For a list of all of our bike tours in France follow the link or do the same for all of our cycling tours in the Loire Valley.
Itinerary
You have two different options in regards to the length of tour! Please specify your preference at time of booking.
All distances are approximate. In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as weather, natural disasters, road maintenance, itinerary changes may be necessary.
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Day 2: Blois - Amboise, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 3: Excursion to Vouvray, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Amboise and excursion to Chenonceaux, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cheverny (or Chitenay), 25 or 34 mi. (40 or 54 km)
Day 6: Excursion to Beauregard and Sologne area, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 7: Cheverny (or Chitenay) - Blois, 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Blois
Upon arrival in the old village of Blois, you will be enchanted with its typical paved streets punctuated with staircases. And of course the charming chateau, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.Day 2: Blois - Amboise
Today's path guides you through the forest and vineyards of Mesland appellation until you reach the Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire, that proudly overlooks the Loire River. You cycle on to the beautiful town of Amboise. Here you can see the town's royal chateau where the greatest kings of France and Leonardo Da Vinci once lived.Day 3: Excursion to Vouvray, 28 mi. (45 km)
Leave the Loire banks for a while to reach the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses, and famous for its fine and elegant white wines! On the way you will admire superb Renaissance private châteaux such as château de Valmer (remarkable for its Italian and vegetable gardens), and the beautiful château de Jallanges as well. And don't hesitate to stop for a visit at a local wine producer to sample a glass of Vouvray wine!Day 4: Amboise and excursion to Chenonceaux, 27 mi. (44 km)
After crossing through the Amboise forest, you will reach the famous chateau of Chenonceau. Straddling the Cher River, this royal residence is an exceptional site not only because of the incredible architecture, but the richness of its art collection, the furniture and its decorations, and the incredible history it has. Chenonceau Castle has an exceptional museum collection of the Old Masters’ paintings: Murillo, Le Tintoret, Nicolas Poussin, Le Corrège, Rubens, Le Primatice, Van Loo, as well as an extremely rare selection of Flanders Tapestries from the 16th century.Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cheverny (or Chitenay), 25 or 34 mi. (40 or 54 km)
You will ride along the peaceful Cher river banks to the medieval town of Montrichard, after which you enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Your cycling day ends in Chitenay (in a charming rural inn) or in Cheverny, just around the famous château.Day 6: Excursion to Beauregard and Sologne area, 29 mi. (47 km)
An excursion offering the possibility to visit the Château of Beauregard famous for its Portrait Gallery. Then continue your excursion to the rich and mysterious ‘Sologne’ with magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroads and small private châteaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves.Day 7: Cheverny (or Chitenay) - Blois, 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
An excursion through the Forest of Russy starts the day, with the possibility of a visit to the Chateau of Beauregard, famous for its Portrait Gallery. You may extend your excursion to the rich and mysterious 'Sologne' with magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering the wildlife, ponds at every crossroad, and small, private chateaus hidden behind their vineyards or groves.Day 8: Departure
Chateaux package can be booked, see pricing:
- Domaine de Chambord (château and gardens)
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château and Garden festival)
- Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
- Park Leonardo de Vinci in Amboise
- Château de Chenonceaux
- Wine tasting of Cheverny AOC wines in Cheverny
- Wine tasting in cellar in Amboise (3 wines)
View all our featured bike trips, specials, and news along with 100s of other bike tours in Europe.
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Day 2: Blois - Amboise, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 3: Amboise and Excursion to Chenonceaux, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 4: Chenonceaux - Cheverny (or Chitenay), 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
Day 5: Cheverny (or Chitenay) - Blois, 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
Day 6: Departure from BloisDay 1: Arrival in Blois
Upon arrival in the old village of Blois, you will be enchanted with its typical paved streets punctuated with staircases. And of course the charming chateau, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.Day 2: Blois - Amboise, 26 mi. (42 km)
Today's path guides you through the forest and vineyards of Mesland appellation until you reach the Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire, which proudly overlooks the Loire River. You cycle on to the beautiful town of Amboise. Here you can see the town's royal chateau where the greatest kings of France and Leonardo Da Vinci once lived.Day 3: Amboise - Chenonceaux, 27 mi. (44 km)
After crossing through the Amboise forest, you will reach the famous chateau of Chenonceau. Straddling the Cher River, this royal residence is an exceptional site not only because of the incredible architecture, but the richness of its art collection, the furniture and its decorations, and the incredible history it has. Chenonceau Castle has an exceptional museum collection of the Old Masters’ paintings: Murillo, Le Tintoret, Nicolas Poussin, Le Corrège, Rubens, Le Primatice, Van Loo, as well as an extremely rare selection of Flanders Tapestries from the 16th century.Day 4: Chenonceaux - Cheverny (or Chitenay), 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
You will ride along the peaceful Cher river banks to the medieval town of Montrichard, after which you enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Your cycling day ends in Chitenay (in a charming rural inn) or in Cheverny, just around the famous château.Day 5: Cheverny (or Chitenay) - Blois, 25 or 31 mi. (40 or 50 km)
During this last stage, you will discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château of Chambord, a real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis the 1st.Day 6: Departure
Departure from Blois following breakfast.Chateaux package can be booked, see pricing.
- Château de Chambord (château and gardens)
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château and Garden Festival)
- Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
- Château de Chenonceaux
- Wine tasting of Cheverny AOC wines in Cheverny
View all our featured bike trips, specials, and news along with 100s of other bike tours in Europe.
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Choose one of the following categories:
Standard category: 2 and 3 star
Superior category: 3 and 4 star
Deluxe category: 4 starBicycles
Accessories
Included accessories
- Helmet
- 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
- Child helmet and repair kit
- 'Follow-me' tandem (5 to 8 years old)
- Lock, child helmet, and life jacket
- Trail a bike (5 to 8 years old)
- Aluminium frame
- Adjustable seat post
- Wheel: 20"
- Lock, child helmet, and life jacket
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 5 or 7 nights
- Breakfasts
- 27-speed hybrid touring bicycle (Scott Sub Sport 20) available in men’s and women’s frames. Please specify.
- Included accessories: One rear pannier, handlebar bag, lock, map holder, odometer, repair kit, pump, and helmet
- Luggage transfer
- Route information and maps (one set per room)
- GPS tracks (must be requested in advance!)
- 7-day hotline
What’s Not Included
- Individual arrival to Blois
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals possible from March 1 through October 31, 2021
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2021
8 Day Tour
Standard Superior Deluxe Tour Package $ 1456 £ 819 $ 1,446 € 925 NZ$ 1556 kr 9524 $ 1,152 $ 1794 £ 1010 $ 1,782 € 1140 NZ$ 1918 kr 11737 $ 1,420 $ 2227 £ 1253 $ 2,212 € 1415 NZ$ 2381 kr 14569 $ 1,763 Single supplement $ 378 £ 213 $ 375 € 240 NZ$ 404 kr 2471 $ 299 $ 692 £ 390 $ 688 € 440 NZ$ 740 kr 4530 $ 548 $ 905 £ 509 $ 899 € 575 NZ$ 968 kr 5920 $ 716 7 dinners, excl. drinks $ 362 £ 204 $ 359 € 230 NZ$ 387 kr 2368 $ 287 $ 441 £ 248 $ 438 € 280 NZ$ 471 kr 2883 $ 349 $ 496 £ 279 $ 492 € 315 NZ$ 530 kr 3243 $ 392 Supplement for single traveler: $ 134 £ 75 $ 133 € 85 NZ$ 143 kr 875 $ 106
6 Day Tour
Standard Superior Deluxe Tour Package $ 1117 £ 629 $ 1,110 € 710 NZ$ 1195 kr 7310 $ 884 $ 1353 £ 762 $ 1,344 € 860 NZ$ 1447 kr 8854 $ 1,071 $ 1605 £ 903 $ 1,594 € 1020 NZ$ 1716 kr 10502 $ 1,271 Single supplement $ 260 £ 146 $ 258 € 165 NZ$ 278 kr 1699 $ 206 $ 448 £ 252 $ 445 € 285 NZ$ 480 kr 2934 $ 355 $ 645 £ 363 $ 641 € 410 NZ$ 690 kr 4221 $ 511 5 dinners, excl. drinks $ 260 £ 146 $ 258 € 165 NZ$ 278 kr 1699 $ 206 $ 299 £ 168 $ 297 € 190 NZ$ 320 kr 1956 $ 237 $ 370 £ 208 $ 367 € 235 NZ$ 395 kr 2420 $ 293 Supplement for single traveler: $ 134 £ 75 $ 133 € 85 NZ$ 143 kr 875 $ 106
Extra Options
8-day version
Electric bike rental: $ 118 £ 66 $ 117 € 75 NZ$ 126 kr 772 $ 93 Extra day electric bike rental Scott Sub Sport 20: $ 47 £ 27 $ 47 € 30 NZ$ 50 kr 309 $ 37 Extra day hybrid touring bike rental: $ 31 £ 18 $ 31 € 20 NZ$ 34 kr 206 $ 25 Chateaux package: $ 181 £ 102 $ 180 € 115 NZ$ 194 kr 1184 $ 143
- Domaine de Chambord (château and gardens)
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château and Garden festival)
- Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
- Park Leonardo de Vinci in Amboise
- Château de Chenonceaux
- Two wine tastings
6-day version
Electric bike rental: $ 63 £ 35 $ 63 € 40 NZ$ 67 kr 412 $ 50 Extra day electric bike rental: $ 47 £ 27 $ 47 € 30 NZ$ 50 kr 309 $ 37 Extra day hybrid touring bike rental: $ 31 £ 18 $ 31 € 20 NZ$ 34 kr 206 $ 25 Chateaux package: $ 142 £ 80 $ 141 € 90 NZ$ 151 kr 927 $ 112
- Château de Chambord (château and gardens)
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château and Garden Festival)
- Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
- Château de Chenonceaux
- Wine tasting of Cheverny AOC wines in Cheverny
All versions
Extra nights: Blois
Standard: $ 91 £ 51 $ 91 € 58 NZ$ 98 kr 597 $ 72 Single supplement: $ 39 £ 22 $ 39 € 25 NZ$ 42 kr 257 $ 31 Superior: $ 116 £ 66 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 125 kr 762 $ 92 Single supplement: $ 71 £ 40 $ 70 € 45 NZ$ 76 kr 463 $ 56 Deluxe: $ 149 £ 84 $ 148 € 95 NZ$ 160 kr 978 $ 118 Single supplement: $ 102 £ 58 $ 102 € 65 NZ$ 109 kr 669 $ 81Trailer, tag-along, and baby seats are available. Just ask.
Transfers:
From Paris CDG to Blois:
1- 4 people, sharing the cost: coming soon
5 - 8 people, sharing the cost: coming soonExtra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate self-guided hotel tour that is predominantly flat but with some hilly terrain and average daily distances of about 28 miles a day. Some days can be shortened. Electric bicycles available upon request.
Airport Info
Closest international airport to your tour start is Paris Charles De Gaulle International Airport (CDG).
Local Travel
From the CDG airport:
From the TGV station, you can access train to St Pierre des Corps where you will transfer to an intercity train to Blois.
Train travel from/to Blois from the airport is approximately 2½ to 3½ hours depending on connections.
If you are arriving at another airport, please let us know and we can send you arrival information from Orly Airport, Beauvais Airport, or Tours airport.
From Paris Center:
From Paris Austerlitz station, you can take a train to Blois.
From Blois station by taxi to mooring location, cost is approximately €10.
Please 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. Perhaps not as warm as those in the far south of France, but a far more comfortable heat. A good website to visit to research regional weather including average high/low temperatures and average rainfall is weatherbase.com.
Recommended
Book the Chateaux Package which includes entrance fees to the mentioned sites. See day to day itinerary and pricing.
Remarks
Electric bicycles available upon request. E-bikes are Scott E sub Active with a universal frame, 9 speeds, and come equipped with 2 rear panniers, 1 handlebar bag with map holder, 1 repair kit, 1 pump, 1 lock, 1 mileage counter, and helmet. E-bikes have 80 to 100 km autonomy. Tandem bicycles may be available for this tour on request, based on availability.
Important to know
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
Extra night in Blois possible on request.
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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