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Castles of the Loire

France Bike Tours

A stunning Loire Valley Bike tour

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 ad 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.

8 Day Tour

	Standard	Superior	Deluxe
Tour Package	£ 732 $ 1,474 € 846 NOK 8108 kr 7484 $ 973	£ 896 $ 1,805 € 1036 NOK 9928 kr 9165 $ 1,191	£ 1121 $ 2,258 € 1296 NOK 12420 kr 11465 $ 1,490
Single supplement	£ 177 $ 357 € 205 NOK 1965 kr 1813 $ 236	£ 337 $ 680 € 390 NOK 3738 kr 3450 $ 449	£ 484 $ 976 € 560 NOK 5367 kr 4954 $ 644
7 Dinners included (excl. drinks)	£ 190 $ 383 € 220 NOK 2108 kr 1946 $ 253	£ 229 $ 462 € 265 NOK 2540 kr 2344 $ 305	£ 259 $ 523 € 300 NOK 2875 kr 2654 $ 345

Supplement for single traveler: £ 69 $ 139 € 80 NOK 767 kr 708 $ 92

6 Day Tour:

	Standard	Superior	Deluxe
Tour Package	£ 564 $ 1,136 € 652 NOK 6248 kr 5768 $ 750	£ 676 $ 1,363 € 782 NOK 7494 kr 6918 $ 899	£ 810 $ 1,633 € 937 NOK 8980 kr 8289 $ 1,078
Single supplement	£ 138 $ 279 € 160 NOK 1533 kr 1415 $ 184	£ 160 $ 322 € 185 NOK 1773 kr 1637 $ 213	£ 177 $ 357 € 205 NOK 1965 kr 1813 $ 236
5 Dinners included (excl. drinks)	£ 138 $ 279 € 160 NOK 1533 kr 1415 $ 184	£ 160 $ 322 € 185 NOK 1773 kr 1637 $ 213	£ 138 $ 279 € 160 NOK 1533 kr 1415 $ 184

Supplement for single traveler: £ 69 $ 139 € 80 NOK 767 kr 708 $ 92

extra options

2019:

Extra day bike rental Scott Sub Sport 20: £ 13 $ 26 € 15 NOK 144 kr 133 $ 17 Electric bike supplement - 8 day tour: £ 39 $ 78 € 45 NOK 431 kr 398 $ 52 Electric bike supplement - 6 day tour: £ 22 $ 44 € 25 NOK 240 kr 221 $ 29 Extra day electric bike rental: £ 22 $ 44 € 25 NOK 240 kr 221 $ 29 Trailer/child bike and child seat are available.
Extra nights, Blois
Standard: £ 48 $ 96 € 55 NOK 527 kr 487 $ 63 Single supplement: £ 22 $ 44 € 25 NOK 240 kr 221 $ 29 Superior: £ 67 $ 134 € 77 NOK 738 kr 681 $ 89 Single supplement: £ 39 $ 78 € 45 NOK 431 kr 398 $ 52 Deluxe: £ 86 $ 173 € 99 NOK 949 kr 876 $ 114 Single supplement: £ 56 $ 113 € 65 NOK 623 kr 575 $ 75 Chateax package, 8 day tour: £ 78 $ 157 € 90 NOK 863 kr 796 $ 104 Chateax package, 6 day tour: £ 61 $ 122 € 70 NOK 671 kr 619 $ 81 Transfer, 1 - 4 people, one way, from Paris CDG to Blois: £ 285 $ 575 € 330 NOK 3163 kr 2919 $ 380 From 5 people: on request

please note

Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Information to read before you book.

We recommend purchasing bike trip insurance.

Please see our FAQ.

Travel
Closest international airport to your tour start is Paris Charles De Gaulle (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 to 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, it will cost approximately €10.
To look up or reserve train tickets: http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers
Climate
Average high/low temperature in degrees Fahrenheit for Orleans (near Blois) is: March 54/36, April 60/40, May 66/46, June 72/52, July 76/55, August 75/55, September 70/51, and October 60/44.
Remarks
Electric bicycles available upon request

Where You’ll Stay

Choose between standard (2 to 3 star hotels), superior (3 star hotels), or the deluxe (4 star hotels).

What’s Included

Accommodation for 5 or 7 nights in standard, 2 and 3 star hotels, superior, 3 and 4 star hotels, or deluxe 4 star chateau hotels
Breakfasts
21-speed hybrid touring bicycle (Scott Sub Sport 20) available in men's and women's frames. Please specify.
One rear pannier, handlebar bag, lock, map holder, odometer, repair kit, pump, and helmet
Luggage transfer
Route information & maps (one set per room)
GPS tracks (must be requested in advance!)

What’s Not Included

Individual arrival to Blois
Lunches and dinners
Bicycle Protection
Travel Insurance

Extra Stay

Extra night in Blois possible by request.

Tour	Bike
Type	Self Guided
Skill	Easy–Moderate
Length	6–8 days
From	€652 Rates
	Client Reviews

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Tour Dates

2019:
Arrival possible daily from March 1 through October 31

Skill Level

This is an easy to moderate self-guided hotel tour with predominantly flat but some hilly terrain and average daily distances of about 28 miles a day. Some days can be shortened. Electric bicycles available upon request.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

You have different options in regards to length of tour

8 day tour

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 31 mi. (40 or 50 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: Departure

Day 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 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 to 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 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 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 Malinspike 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

6 day Tour

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 Blois.

*All distances are approximate.

DAY 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 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: 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, 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 Malinspike Hall" exhibition
Château de Chenonceaux
Wine tasting of Cheverny AOC wines in Cheverny

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Customer Feedback

Linda H. 8 months ago
Excellent routes, well marked and the Châteaus are breath taking. Make sure you have a rain coat.
Reply
Ann S. 1 year ago
I have enjoyed the Castles of the Loire bike trip in France very much. This was my first organized bike trip. The scenery was beautiful, and the architecture was stunning. The meals were delicious. I have recommended this trip to my friends. I am looking forward to my next bike trip in France.
Reply
Rod C. 2 years ago
The amazing all inclusive 3-4 course dinners at the end of the day were great. The castles were great to see.
Reply
Tim Stoepker 6 years ago
Great trip. We loved the country-side, the villages, the vineyards, small country roads with no cars, easy to read maps, the wonderful restaurants and chateau. We had no problem without having a guide and the people in the towns and staff at the hotels were very friendly and always willing to help. This was our second Trip-Site bike trip and it was great. Thanks.
Reply
Gai Jordan 6 years ago
Did Castle of the Loire 3rd week of sept 2012. The weather was nice though we did get rain on our first afternoon. No complaints at all. We picked the 2 star option and were more than happy. All hotels clean and comfortable and the staff helpful and friendly. Food was fantastic. Bikes were also fabulous and the intinery/directions easy to follow (even when we got ourselves a little lost, easy to get back on track). We are 50 and of average fitness, the bike riding was not too hard. We will definately look at another tour soon. Thanks for the memories!
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Brian Surgenor 7 years ago
Did Castles of the Loire with another couple. No complaints. Bikes were great. Meals were great. Accommodations were great. Weather was great (didn't rain at all !). Only glitch was the lack of an in-house meal on the monday (Oct 17) at Auberge Du Centre in Chitenay.
Reply