Loire Valley - Orléans to Tours
France Bike Tours
A Loire Valley bike tour with many amazing options
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6 days
- Prices from€860 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The three Loire Valley bike tours from Orléans to Tours, Tours to Angers and Angers to Le Croisic can be taken individually or one after the other. Starting in Orléans, the routes travel west all the way to Le Croisic on the Atlantic Ocean.
Tours to Angers route includes Villandry with its famous gardens, a Renaissance château in Azay Le Rideau, the 15th château in Langeais, the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ château in Ussé, the abbey of Fontevraud, the vineyards of Anjou, and the château in Angers.
Angers to Le Croisic route includes the vineyards at Anjou, the rivers Loire and Layon, Champtoceaux in its magnificent setting, Nantes, and the beaches of St. Brévin and Le Croisic.
And this specific itinerary, features the Loire through the historic town of Orléans, the flowered city of Beaugency, the Château of Chambord (see Château Country bike tour), the Château of Blois, the Château of Chaumont, and ‘Clos Luce.’
Highlights
- Château of Chambord: the most popular Château of the Loire Valley
- The beauty of the forests and vineyards of Touraine Mesland
- Vineyards of Montlouis
- Several châteaux that make this region famous
If you are interested in other bike tours in the Loire Valley, all of our bicycle tours in France can be found here or all Loire bike tours here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Day 2: Orlèans - Beaugency (or Tavers), 16 or 19 mi (26 or 30 km)
Day 3: Beaugency (or tavers) - Blois, 29 mi (46 km)
Day 4: Blois - Amboise, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Amboise - Tours, 17 or 21 mi. (27 or 31 km)
Day 6: Departure from ToursAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, route disturbances due to repairs, detours, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Orlèans
Discover Orlèans and its old historical center, situated between the large countryside fields of the Beauce region and the green pastures, ponds, and forests of the Sologne region.Day 2: Orlèans - Beaugency (or Tavers), 16 or 19 mi (26 or 30 km)
Following the wild river banks, you cycle the Loire Valley in peace and serenity through the charming and very flowered city of Beaugency.Day 3: Beaugency (or tavers) - Blois, 29 mi (46 km)
Leaving Beaugency, you bike once again along the river banks passing the prestigious château of Chambord: the most popular Château of the Loire Valley, a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Cycling the Loire Valley further, you follow the path in the direction of Blois. This charming town presents a rich historical heritage with a château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.Day 4: Blois - Amboise, 25 mi (40 km)
Today you discover the beauty of the forests and vineyards of Touraine Mesland until you reach the chateau of Chaumont. This castle, originally built in the 10th century but then burned to the ground in the 15th century by orders from King Louis XI, was rebuilt later in the 15th century. Enjoy the view overlooking the Loire river before cycling on to Amboise and its royal chateau from the 15th-16th century. A little further down the road, you find the last home of Léonardo Da Vinci: Manorhouse of ‘Clos Lucé’.Optional canoe trip on the Loire river (approx. 1h 30).
Day 5: Amboise - Tours, 17 or 21 mi. (27 or 34 km)
Today you bike Loire Valley through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favorite of King Henry IV. Continue to the heart of the city Tours to admire the old quarters sheltering the famous “Place Plumereau” and its half-timbered houses.Day 6: Departure from Tours
Want to book the Chateau package? See pricing!
- Châteaux de Meung sur Loire
- Domaine de Chambord (château and gardens)
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur Loire (château and Garden Festival)
- Park Leonardo da Vince in Amboise
It is possible to combine this tour with Loire Valley: Tours to Angers and Loire Valley: Angers to Le Croisic. Please contact us for details.
You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
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
All rooms with private facilities.Bicycles
![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
![E-Bike]()
E-Bike
Scott E-SUB Active
- E-SUB Alloy universal 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
- E-bikes have 80 to 100 km autonomy.
![Child trailer]()
![Follow-me tandem]()
![Trail-a-bike]()
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 5 nights
- Breakfasts
- Hotel to hotel luggage transfer
- 27-speed Scott Sub Sport 20 hybrid bicycle (men’s and women’s frames, please specify)
- Included bike accessories: one rear pannier, handlebar bag, odometer, repair kit, lock, and pump (4-day rental)
- Route descriptions and maps (one set per room)
- Luggage transfer (Allowance is one piece per guest weighing no more than 20 kg. Additional pieces will require a surcharge of €20/piece)
- GPS files (must be requested in advance!)
- City taxes
- 7-day hotline
What’s Not Included
- All travel to/from tour start and finish
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees or excursion fees (see pricing)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Arrival possible daily from March 1 to October 31, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are 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
2023
Standard Superior Deluxe Twin/double $ 1352 £ 782 $ 1,274 € 860 ₪ 3244 NZ$ 1476 NOK 9599 kr 9917 $ 957 $ 1525 £ 882 $ 1,437 € 970 ₪ 3659 NZ$ 1665 NOK 10827 kr 11185 $ 1,079 $ 1902 £ 1100 $ 1,793 € 1210 ₪ 4565 NZ$ 2077 NOK 13506 kr 13953 $ 1,346 Single supplement: $ 338 £ 195 $ 319 € 215 ₪ 811 NZ$ 369 NOK 2400 kr 2479 $ 239 $ 519 £ 300 $ 489 € 330 ₪ 1245 NZ$ 566 NOK 3683 kr 3805 $ 367 $ 770 £ 445 $ 726 € 490 ₪ 1849 NZ$ 841 NOK 5469 kr 5650 $ 545 Supplement for traveling alone* $ 236 £ 136 $ 222 € 150 ₪ 566 NZ$ 257 NOK 1674 kr 1730 $ 167 *Single supplement also applies.
Extra Options
Dinners included
Standard Superior Deluxe 5 dinners (excluding drinks) $ 307 £ 177 $ 289 € 195 ₪ 736 NZ$ 335 NOK 2177 kr 2249 $ 217 $ 354 £ 204 $ 333 € 225 ₪ 849 NZ$ 386 NOK 2511 kr 2595 $ 250 $ 369 £ 214 $ 348 € 235 ₪ 887 NZ$ 403 NOK 2623 kr 2710 $ 261 Bike options
Electric bike rental (4 days) $ 55 £ 32 $ 52 € 35 ₪ 132 NZ$ 60 NOK 391 kr 404 $ 39 Extra day hybrid touring bike rental $ 31 £ 18 $ 30 € 20 ₪ 75 NZ$ 34 NOK 223 kr 231 $ 22 Extra day electric bicycle rental $ 47 £ 27 $ 44 € 30 ₪ 113 NZ$ 51 NOK 335 kr 346 $ 33 Tandems, child bikes, child trailer, and child seats are available for this tour. Ask us.
Extra nights
Orleans Standard Superior Deluxe Twin/double $ 108 £ 63 $ 102 € 69 ₪ 260 NZ$ 118 NOK 770 kr 796 $ 77 $ 132 £ 76 $ 124 € 84 ₪ 317 NZ$ 144 NOK 938 kr 969 $ 93 $ 223 £ 129 $ 210 € 142 ₪ 536 NZ$ 244 NOK 1585 kr 1637 $ 158 Single supplement: $ 71 £ 41 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 170 NZ$ 77 NOK 502 kr 519 $ 50 $ 102 £ 59 $ 96 € 65 ₪ 245 NZ$ 112 NOK 726 kr 750 $ 72 $ 165 £ 95 $ 156 € 105 ₪ 396 NZ$ 180 NOK 1172 kr 1211 $ 117 Tours Standard Superior Deluxe Twin/double $ 108 £ 63 $ 102 € 69 ₪ 260 NZ$ 118 NOK 770 kr 796 $ 77 $ 124 £ 72 $ 117 € 79 ₪ 298 NZ$ 136 NOK 882 kr 911 $ 88 $ 190 £ 110 $ 179 € 121 ₪ 456 NZ$ 208 NOK 1351 kr 1395 $ 135 Single supplement $ 71 £ 41 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 170 NZ$ 77 NOK 502 kr 519 $ 50 $ 71 £ 41 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 170 NZ$ 77 NOK 502 kr 519 $ 50 $ 165 £ 95 $ 156 € 105 ₪ 396 NZ$ 180 NOK 1172 kr 1211 $ 117 Excursions
Visit package* $ 108 £ 63 $ 102 € 69 ₪ 260 NZ$ 118 NOK 770 kr 796 $ 77 *Includes entrance to the following:
- Château de Meung sur Loire Park Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
- Domaine de Chambord (château + gardens)
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
Transfers
Paris CDG to Orleans On request Tours to Paris CDG On request Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
Easy self-guided hotel tour with 4 days of cycling from 16 to 29 miles per day. Terrain is mostly flat with some rolling hills.
Airport Info
Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG).
Local Travel
From the Paris CDG Terminal 2 Train Station you can take a train to Orleans. Total trip time can take between 3 to 5 hours depending on connections, and costs around €70. Depending on time schedules, you can either take a TGV train from the airport to Orleans or a RER/IC train from the airport to Paris Austerlitz station and then on to Orleans. Tickets for TGV trains need to be reserved in advance. Please note that TGV travel requires advance reservation. You can visit the SNCF website for more information and to book.
From Orleans Center it is best to take a taxi to your first hotel. On weekdays, a taxi will cost around €27. Weekends andholidays, a taxi costs approximately €36-50.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The climate in the Loire Valley is favorable most of the year, the river often acting as a line of demarcation in France’s weather between the northern climate and the southern. The river has a significant effect on the microclimate of the region, adding a few degrees of temperature. The climate can be cool with springtime frost while wine harvest months may have rain. Summers are hot, however, influences from the Atlantic moderate the temperature with breeze.
Recommended
We advise booking the Chateaux package. See day to day itinerary and pricing for more details.
Important to know
DOCUMENTS
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and 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, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this 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.
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 nights available in Orleans, Tours and Amboise.
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 Chaumont in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Macarons are a favorite in France. Creative Commons:Sunny Ripert]()
![Château de Blois in Blois, Loire Valley, France. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Statue of Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Bridge in Beaugency, France. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Maison de la Magie in Blois in the Loir-et-Cher department. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Château on the Loire in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château de Chambord in Chambord, France. Creative Commons:Arnaud Scherer]()
![Bike rest at the Patisserie in France. Flickr:Christian Guthier]()
![Fine dining in Amboise, France. Flickr:Jay Cross]()
![Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Bike path along the Loire River in Blois. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Château de Blois is a grand wonder! Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château d'Amboise on the Loire River in France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Vast vineyards and tasty grapes in France. Flickr:Will Bakker]()
![Wine & cheese board perhaps in France. Flickr:Joe deSousa]()
![White wines to try. Flickr:vinhosdeprovence]()
![Château d'Amboise and its gardens in Amboise, France. Flickr:benh LIEU SONG]()
![Tours is the largest city in the Loire Valley of France. Creative Commons:Gerard Jalaudin]()
![Outdoor cafe in Tours, France. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Tasty delicacies to fuel the bike rides at the Patisserie! Flickr:Jean-Louis Zimmermann]()
![Château de Blois. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Lunch in the Loire Valley. Flickr:Ben Paulos]()
![Château d'Amboise along the Loire River. Flickr:Angelo Brathot]()
![Château d'Amboise and its gorgeous views. Flickr:Moto Itinerari]()
![Château d'Amboise along the Loire River, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château d'Amboise. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château d'Amboise set amongst vineyards. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Beaugency, France. Photo courtesy TO]()
![Town of Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![View from Château d'Amboise, France. Flickr:Maria Nemes]()
![French food. Flickr:Pierre Lannes]()
![Pedaling for pastries in France. Flickr:aaaceto]()
![Gray roofs characterize Blois, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Amboise was once where the French royal court resided. Flickr:Duane Huff]()
![Château de Blois, the former home of several French kings. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Orleans, France. Creative Commons:Giraud Patrick]()
![Half-timbered architecture in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Loire River in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Château d'Amboise along the Loire River in France. Creative Commons:Vadim Kurland]()
![Town of Amboise. Flickr:Moto Itinerari]()
![Orléans and La Loire. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Rosé Wine is a favorite in France and of course grown here. Creative Commons:Ashley Pomeroy]()
![Saumur along the Loire River in France. Flickr:@lain G]()
![Interior of the Château d'Amboise in France. Flickr:Maria Nemes]()
![Place Michel Debre in Amboise, France. Flickr:@lain G]()
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