Loire Valley - Tours to Angers

Day 1: Arrival in Tours
Day 2: Tours - Azay le Rideau, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 3: Azay le Rideau - Chinon, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Chinon - Saumur, 22 mi. (36 km) + optional 7 mi. (12 km)
Day 5: Saumur - Angers, 36 mi. (58 km)
​Day 6: Departure from Angers

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 Tours
Welcome to Tours, a vibrant city in the heart of the Loire Valley. Upon arrival, take time to enjoy the old and lively quarters of the city, especially the enchanting Place Plumereau. This square, surrounded by charming half-timbered houses, is a favorite for both locals and visitors to sit with a coffee or glass of wine and take in the medieval ambiance. A walk through the historic center reveals elegant façades and winding lanes full of boutique shops and traditional restaurants. Be sure to visit the magnificent Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, whose construction spanned nearly 400 years. Its ornate façade and stunning stained-glass windows are among the finest in the region.

Day 2: Tours - Azay le Rideau, 27 mi. (44 km)
Leaving Tours, the ride leads you through the quiet countryside toward the village of Savonnières, nestled along the Cher River. Surrounded by natural scenery, this town offers a serene introduction to the landscapes of the Loire Valley. Continuing on, you arrive in Villandry, a highlight of the region known across France for its château and especially its extraordinary Renaissance gardens, which are designed with geometric precision and planted for both beauty and symbolism. The gardens are a masterpiece in their own right and represent the ideal of harmony between architecture and nature.

Further along the route lies Saché, a small village steeped in literary history. It was here that the great French novelist Honoré de Balzac lived and worked for many years. His former residence, now a museum, reflects the quiet inspiration he drew from the surrounding landscape.

The day ends in Azay-le-Rideau, a charming town on the Indre River. Its iconic Renaissance château seems to float upon the water and is often referred to as a “diamond set in the Indre.” Built during the reign of François I, it beautifully blends Italian elegance with French style and is considered one of the most exquisite châteaux of the Loire.

Day 3: Azay le Rideau - Chinon, 22 mi. (35 km)
Begin the day by heading toward Langeais, where the 15th-century Château de Langeais stands proudly with its original drawbridge and fortified towers. This castle provides a vivid picture of medieval life, with richly decorated rooms, period furniture, and exquisite tapestries.

The journey continues to the Château d’Ussé, a stunning residence set along the forest edge and known as the castle that inspired Charles Perrault's famous tale, Sleeping Beauty. Its turreted silhouette and romantic setting give it a dreamlike quality, and it is easy to imagine the story unfolding within its halls.

Finally, you arrive in Chinon, a town of medieval charm built along the banks of the Vienne River. The Royal Fortress of Chinon dominates the skyline and holds great historical significance, notably as the place where Joan of Arc first met the future King Charles VII in 1429. Chinon is also well known for its red wine, deeply tied to the region’s identity and culture.

Day 4: Chinon - Saumur, 22 mi. (36 km) + optional 7 mi. (12 km)
Before leaving Chinon, take time to explore its winding streets and perhaps stop in one of the many wine cellars offering tastings of the town’s celebrated red wines. The area’s wine tradition was famously praised by Rabelais, who was born nearby. As you leave the town, the route leads you through peaceful countryside toward one of the Loire Valley’s greatest treasures: the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.

This immense monastic complex is the largest remaining in Europe and was once home to monks and nuns living in separate quarters. Its history runs deep, not least because it is the burial site of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Eleanor of Aquitaine, her husband Henry II of England, and their son Richard the Lionheart. Their intricately carved effigies remain on display in the abbey church.

The day concludes in the picturesque town of Saumur, perched on the Loire River and crowned by its elegant château. With its white tufa stone buildings, Saumur exudes grace and tradition and is another celebrated center for wine production in the region.

Optional canoe trip on the Vienne & Loire Rivers (approx. 3 hours)

Day 5: Saumur - Angers, 36 mi. (58 km)
This leg of the journey follows the meandering Loire River, leading you through the vineyards of Anjou, where slopes produce the famous Rosé d’Anjou and Chenin Blanc wines. The ride is scenic and serene, offering postcard-worthy views at every turn.

Your final destination is Angers, a lively city with medieval and modern character. The massive Château d’Angers dominates the city with its 17 cylindrical towers of black schist and white limestone. Inside, it houses the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest known medieval tapestry in the world, measuring over 100 meters in length and created in the 14th century. Angers’ charm extends beyond the château, with its half-timbered houses, riverside promenades, and city squares.

Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, you will depart for your onward arrangements.

Want to book the excursion package? See pricing!

Chateaux package: 

• Chateau d' Azay Le Rideau
• Villandry Gardens
• Fontevraud Abbey
• One wine tasting at Chinon 

It is possible to combine this tour with Loire Valley: Orléans to Tours and Loire Valley: Angers to Le Croisic. Please contact us for details.

Looking for more?  View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe and all bike tours in the Loire Valley.

Accommodations

Choose one of the following categories:
Standard category: 2 and 3-star
Superior category: 3-star
Deluxe category: 4-star

Bicycles

Standard 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

E-Bike

Lundi 27

• Bosch battery
• Ergonomic Moustache handlebar
• Royal Wave or Royal Hertz saddle

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