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).
The fertile landscape is generously peppered with grandiose châteaux (more than 300!) amid lush vineyards and rolling green hills.
Along the “Loire à Vélo” or the “Pays des Châteaux” cycle paths, this itinerary allows you to reach the most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley!
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, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Excursion to Vouvray, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 4: Amboise and excursion to Chenonceaux (via Montlouis), 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cheverny (or Chitenay), 25 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 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, 25 mi. (40 km)
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, 30 mi. (48 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 (via Montlouis), 26 mi. (42 km)
After crossing through the Amboise forest, you will reach the famous chateau of Chenonceaux. 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.Optional: Canoe trip on the Cher River offering an extraordinary view of the Château of Chenonceau
Day 5: Chenonceaux - Cheverny (or Chitenay), 25 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 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)
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 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
- Château de Valmer (including one wine tasting)
- 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.
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Day 2: Blois - Amboise, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Amboise and Excursion to Chenonceaux, 26 mi. (42 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, 25 mi. (40 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 (via Montlouis), 26 mi. (42 km)
This stage through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire will take you to the Cher valley and the famous chateau of Chenonceau straddling the Cher River. This was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history, that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers‘s garden followed by the Catherine de Medici garden. Relax under the shadow of one of the huge park trees as the rhythm of the river reveals the story about these rival women.Day 4: Chenonceaux - Cheverny (or Chitenay), 25 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 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
![Men's Scott Sub Sport 20]()
![Women's Scott Sub Sport 20]()
Hybrid Bike
Scott Sub Sport 20 women's or men's bike
- E-SUB Alloy frame
- Flat handlebar
- Water bottle cage
- 27 speed (Shimano Alivio or Altus)
- Flat pedal
- Shimano disc brakes
- Racktime with spring
- Front / Rear Axa Blue Line Lights
![Scott E-SUB Active]()
E-Bike
Scott E-SUB Active
- E-SUB Alloy frame
- Flat handlebar
- Water bottle cage
- 9 speed (Shimano Acera)
- Bosch Active 400Wh battery
- Flat pedal
- Shimano disc brakes
- Racktime with spring
- Front Axa Blue Line / Rear B&M Top Light
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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 & dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals possible from March 1 through October 31, 2022
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2022
8 Day Tour
Standard Superior Deluxe Tour Package $ 1546 £ 825 $ 1,419 € 965 ₪ 3461 NZ$ 1639 kr 10133 $ 1,112 $ 1890 £ 1009 $ 1,735 € 1180 ₪ 4232 NZ$ 2004 kr 12391 $ 1,360 $ 2331 £ 1244 $ 2,139 € 1455 ₪ 5219 NZ$ 2471 kr 15278 $ 1,677 Single supplement $ 384 £ 205 $ 353 € 240 ₪ 861 NZ$ 408 kr 2520 $ 277 $ 705 £ 376 $ 647 € 440 ₪ 1578 NZ$ 747 kr 4620 $ 507 $ 921 £ 492 $ 845 € 575 ₪ 2062 NZ$ 976 kr 6038 $ 663 7 dinners, excl. drinks $ 384 £ 205 $ 353 € 240 ₪ 861 NZ$ 408 kr 2520 $ 277 $ 465 £ 248 $ 426 € 290 ₪ 1040 NZ$ 492 kr 3045 $ 334 $ 553 £ 295 $ 507 € 345 ₪ 1237 NZ$ 586 kr 3623 $ 398 Supplement for solo traveler (single supplement also applies): $ 136 £ 73 $ 125 € 85 ₪ 305 NZ$ 144 kr 893 $ 98
6 Day Tour
Standard Superior Deluxe Tour Package $ 1185 £ 633 $ 1,088 € 740 ₪ 2654 NZ$ 1257 kr 7770 $ 853 $ 1426 £ 761 $ 1,308 € 890 ₪ 3192 NZ$ 1511 kr 9345 $ 1,026 $ 1698 £ 906 $ 1,558 € 1060 ₪ 3802 NZ$ 1800 kr 11131 $ 1,222 Single supplement $ 264 £ 141 $ 243 € 165 ₪ 592 NZ$ 280 kr 1733 $ 190 $ 473 £ 252 $ 434 € 295 ₪ 1058 NZ$ 501 kr 3098 $ 340 $ 681 £ 363 $ 625 € 425 ₪ 1524 NZ$ 722 kr 4463 $ 490 5 dinners, excl. drinks $ 280 £ 150 $ 257 € 175 ₪ 628 NZ$ 297 kr 1838 $ 202 $ 312 £ 167 $ 287 € 195 ₪ 699 NZ$ 331 kr 2048 $ 225 $ 409 £ 218 $ 375 € 255 ₪ 915 NZ$ 433 kr 2678 $ 294 Supplement for solo traveler: $ 136 £ 73 $ 125 € 85 ₪ 305 NZ$ 144 kr 893 $ 98
Extra Options
8-day version
Electric bike rental: $ 120 £ 64 $ 110 € 75 ₪ 269 NZ$ 127 kr 788 $ 86 Extra day electric bike rental Scott Sub Sport 20: $ 48 £ 26 $ 44 € 30 ₪ 108 NZ$ 51 kr 315 $ 35 Extra day hybrid touring bike rental: $ 32 £ 17 $ 29 € 20 ₪ 72 NZ$ 34 kr 210 $ 23 Chateaux package: $ 184 £ 98 $ 169 € 115 ₪ 412 NZ$ 195 kr 1208 $ 133
- 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
- Château de Valmer (including one wine tasting)
- One wine tasting of Cheverny AOC wines in Cheverny
Canoe trip on Cher River: $ 32 £ 17 $ 29 € 20 ₪ 72 NZ$ 34 kr 210 $ 23
6-day version
Electric bike rental: $ 64 £ 34 $ 59 € 40 ₪ 143 NZ$ 68 kr 420 $ 46 Extra day electric bike rental: $ 48 £ 26 $ 44 € 30 ₪ 108 NZ$ 51 kr 315 $ 35 Extra day hybrid touring bike rental: $ 32 £ 17 $ 29 € 20 ₪ 72 NZ$ 34 kr 210 $ 23 Chateaux package: $ 144 £ 77 $ 132 € 90 ₪ 323 NZ$ 153 kr 945 $ 104
- Domaine de Chambord (château & gardens)
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château & Garden Festival)
- Château de Cheverny & "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
- Château de Chenonceaux
- One wine tasting of Cheverny AOC wines in Cheverny
Canoe trip on Cher River: $ 32 £ 17 $ 29 € 20 ₪ 72 NZ$ 34 kr 210 $ 23
All versions
Extra nights*: Blois
*Don't forget to reserve extra day bike rental as well if you prefer
Standard accommodations:
July & August:
Twin double: $ 93 £ 50 $ 85 € 58 ₪ 208 NZ$ 98 kr 609 $ 67 Single supplement: $ 56 £ 30 $ 51 € 35 ₪ 126 NZ$ 59 kr 368 $ 40 Other months:
Twin double: $ 85 £ 45 $ 78 € 53 ₪ 190 NZ$ 90 kr 557 $ 61 Single supplement: $ 56 £ 30 $ 51 € 35 ₪ 126 NZ$ 59 kr 368 $ 40
Superior accommodations:
Twin/double: $ 127 £ 68 $ 116 € 79 ₪ 283 NZ$ 134 kr 830 $ 91 Single supplement: $ 80 £ 43 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 179 NZ$ 85 kr 525 $ 58
Deluxe accommodations:
Twin/double: $ 152 £ 81 $ 140 € 95 ₪ 341 NZ$ 161 kr 998 $ 110 Single supplement: $ 104 £ 56 $ 96 € 65 ₪ 233 NZ$ 110 kr 683 $ 75Trailer, tag-along, and baby seats are available. Just ask.
Transfers:
From Paris CDG to Blois:
1- 4 people, sharing the cost: $ 577 £ 308 $ 529 € 360 ₪ 1291 NZ$ 611 kr 3780 $ 415 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.
Recommended
Book the Chateaux Package which includes entrance fees to the mentioned sites. See day to day itinerary and pricing.
Remarks
Electric bicycles are available upon request. Tandem bicycles may also 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: Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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?
Photos
![Château de Chenonceau on the Cher River, Loire Valley, France. Wikimedia Commons:Ra-smit]()
![Sancerre Rosé Wine is grown in the Loire Valley. Creative Commons:THOR]()
![Fresh flowers for sale in France! Flickr:kewl]()
![Château d'Amboise and its gardens in Amboise, France. Flickr:benh LIEU SONG]()
![Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Guillaume Capron]()
![Loire Valley has many great local wines! Wikimedia Commons:agne27]()
![Château de Chambord in Chambord, France. Creative Commons:Arnaud Scherer]()
![Château de Cheverny in department Loir-et-Cher, France. Flickr:Benh LIEU SONG]()
![Château de Blois, the former home of several French kings. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Beautiful Amboise in ever-enchanting France! Flickr:@ lain G]()
![Sunflowers grow abundantly in France! Flickr:jeffrey42]()
![Château de Cheverny and gardens in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Vasse nicolas,antoine]()
![Silk screens in the park behind the The Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, Loire Valley. CC:Zeist85]()
![Interior of Château de Cheverny, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Benh LIEU SONG]()
![Château de Blois in Blois, France. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley, France. ©TO]()
![Bridge in Blois, France. ©TO]()
![Bike rest in Chateau de Blois, France. ©TO]()
![Château de Blois. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château de Cheverny, France. Flickr:Shadowgate]()
![Bike stop at Château Chambord. CC: Lieven Smits]()
![Château de Blois, the largest city in the Loire Valley. FlickrL@lain G]()
![Château de Cheverny in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Nabeel Hyatt]()
![Chateau du Clos Lucé, Amboise, France. Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years here. CC:Nadegevillain]()
![Stained glass windows at Chateau de Cheverny, France. Flickr:ho visto nina volare]()
![Gray roofs characterize the Loire Valley region . Blois, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château d'Amboise in teh Indre-et-Loire department. CC:Vadim Kurland]()
![Rivers and chateaux to see in the Loire Valley. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Amboise along the Loire River, France. Flickr:Angelo Brathot]()
![Château d'Amboise along the Loire River in France. Flickr:Moto Itinerari]()
![Fine dining in Amboise, France. Flickr:Jay Cross]()
![Château d'Amboise along the Loire River in France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Amboise, once the home of French royalty is now a quaint village in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Moto Itinerari]()
![Château d'Amboise in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Half-timbered architecture in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Amboise along the Loire River in France. CC:Diliff]()
![View from Château d'Amboise, France. Flickr:Maria Nemes]()
![Town of Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Saumur along the Loire River in France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Amboise was once where the French royal court resided. Flickr:Duane Huff]()
![Interior of the Château d'Amboise in France. Flickr:Maria Nemes]()
![Château de Chenonceau along the Cher River, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Dennis Jarvis]()
![Château de Chenonceau along the Cher River, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château de Chenonceau along the Cher River, Loire Valley, France. CC:Tim Sackton]()
![Macarons are a favorite in France. Flickr:Julien Haler]()
![Château d'Amboise. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château d'Amboise on the Loire River in France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Grey roofs characteristic of Blois, France. Flickr:Nicolas Vollmer]()
![Loire River in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Statue of Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Place Michel Debre in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château de Chenonceau near Chenonceaux, Loire Valley, France. Creative Commons:YvanLastes]()
![Patisserie in France! Flickr:Annie Haradaviot]()
![Château de Chenonceau in the French Renaissance style. Creative Commons:Dennis Jarvis]()
![Cycling fuel at the Patisserie in France. Flickr:Jean-Louis Zimmermann]()
![Château on the Loire in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château de Chenonceau in Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Ploync]()
![Rose in Sologne, France. Flickr:JoyTek]()
![Parade de Masques at Château de Cheverny, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Angelo Brathot]()
![Fine French cuisine! Unsplash:Big Dodzy]()
![Loire River, Amboise, France. Flickr:Nicolas Vollmer]()
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