Loire Valley - Châteaux Country (based in one hotel)
France Bike Tours
Royal stay in the heart of the Loire, land of castles & wine
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length4 days
- Prices from€655 Rates
Overview
On this bike tour in châteaux country in France, you will discover the most famous castles of the Loire such as Chambord, Cheverny, Blois Chaumont, and more, all from your chosen accommodation in Chitenay or Cheverny.
You will be situated in the very heart of France’s third-largest wine region and home to many of the country’s finest châteaux.
In peaceful, rustic Chitenay, you will be accommodated in a 3-star family-run Auberge with charm and character, huge fireplaces, lovely decor, and comfortable, relaxing rooms. Enjoy the savors of the local gastronomy in its elegant restaurant!
In Cheverny, you will enjoy accommodations in a 4-star hotel château, a refined environment marked with charm and abundant history, surrounded by green, in the heart of the Cheverny AOC vineyards.
Highlights
- Château de Chambord: 16th-century "castle of castles". Built to serve as a hunting lodge for King François. It is the largest in the region with 3000 acres of beautiful gardens and pristine nature. Due to its very distinct French Renaissance architecture, the château is one of the most recognizable in the world.
- Château of Cheverny: 17th-century castle with magnificently adorned interior rooms as well as a renowned collection of tapestries, furniture, and other objets d’art.
- Château Chaumont -sur-Loire: 11th century, once home to Catherine de' Medici who entertained Nostradamus and other astrologers here.
These are just some of the over 300 châteaux to be found in the area!
A comprehensive list of all of our bike tours in France can be found here or take a look at one of our many bicycle tours in Europe.
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, route disturbances due to repairs, detours, etc.
In Chitenay
Excursion 1: Arrival in Chitenay and excursion to Cheverny, 14 mi. (23 km)
Today's Loire cycle route takes you through fields and vineyards, and a number of villages via the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its elegantly furnished and decorated apartments, which inspired Hergé’s vision of Marlinspike in the adventures of Tintin.Excursion 2: Château de Chambord, 35 mi. (56 km)
Cycle through the rich Domain of Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendor, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms.Excursion 3: Blois, 20 mi. (33 km)
Through the forest to finally reach the Loire River banks and the nice town of Blois, worth visiting for its old quarter and also its Château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.Excursion 4: Excursion to Chaumont-sur-Loire, 24 mi. (39 km)
Passing by the countryside routes before reaching the Loire banks at Chaumont-sur-Loire where you can visit the lovely Château overlooking the Loire. The ‘garden festival’ where you will be able to admire different interpretations of artistic garden compositions based on a common theme takes place every year in its majestic park.Additional bike excursions are available
- Château de Beauregard (16 km)
- Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre (23 km)
- Sologne area (41 km)
- Château de Beauregard + Sologne area (46 km)
Châteaux package (see pricing)
- Domaine de Chambord (château and gardens)
- Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
- Wine tasting of Cheverny AOC in Cheverny
In Cheverny
Excursion 1: Arrival in Cheverny and excursion to Sologne area, 24 mi. (35 km)
Cross the rich and mysterious ‘Sologne’ with magnificent landscape featuring beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroad, and small private châteaux, hidden behind their vineyards or groves. Between ponds and heathlands, you explore old typical Sologne villages. Do not miss to stop for a wine tasting in a local producer along your route, afterall, you are in the Cheverny appellation!Excursion 2: Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, 33 mi. (52 km)
Continuing on country lanes, you reach the banks of the Loire at Chaumont-sur-Loire where the Château of the same name towers over the small town and the valley. It was built in the 10th century by Count Eudes II. The count hoped the castle would be an imposing fortress protecting Blois from any outside invaders. The 21 hectares of land have been landscaped into an impressive park and gardens. From April to the end of October, the Château hosts the International Garden Festival showcasing different interpretations of artistic garden composition based on a common theme.Excursion 3: Chambord, 31 mi. (50 km)
On this excursion, you cycle the lovely "Pays des Châteaux" cycling paths to Chateau of Villesavin before reaching the famous Chateau of Chambord, the most majestic château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms.Excursion 4: Blois, 29 mi. (47 km)
Through numerous typical villages, reach the Loire river banks and the nice town of Blois, worth visiting for its old quarter and also its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Then return through the forest of Russy.Another wonderful option available for this tour is a hot air balloon ride! You will drift over the Loire Valley and enjoy a unique view of the chateaux. Pricing on request.
Think of booking extra nights!
Option: Hot air balloon flight (see pricing)
Can you imagine drifting slowly over the architectural masterpieces of the Loire Valley in a hot air balloon
guided by the winds? Take off and enjoy from the sky an original view of the chateaux: an unforgettable
moment! (early in the morning or evening according weather conditions)Châteaux package (see pricing)
- Domaine de Chambord (château and gardens)
- Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition
- Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
A wine tasting of "Cheverny AOC" wines in Cheverny
See our showcase of bicycle tours, features, and news or view all bike tours in the Loire Valley.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
You can choose between:
Deluxe (4-star): Hotel Relais des Trois Chateau in Cheverny
Superior (3-star): Auberge du Centre in Chitenay (with swimming pool)Bicycles
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
- Child helmet and repair kit
- 'Follow-me' tandem (5 to 8 years old)
- Lock and life jacket
Inclusions
What’s Included
Superior 3-star accommodation
- Accommodations for 3 nights
- Daily breakfast
- 2 dinners, daily menu + “Denis Papin” menu
- Route information & maps (one set per room)
- 27-speed hybrid touring bike (Scott Sub Sport 20). Both men & women’s frames available. See bike tab for more information.
- GPS files (must be requested in advance!)
- City taxes
- 7-day hotline
- Accommodations for 3 nights
- Daily breakfast
- 2 dinners (auberge & gastronomic) with drinks included
- Route information and maps (one set per room)
- 27-speed hybrid touring bike (Scott Sub Sport 20). Both men’s and women’s frames are available (please specify when you book). See bike tab for more information.
- Personalized navigation app
- City taxes
- 7-day hotline
Deluxe 4-star accommodation
What’s Not Included
- 1 dinner
- Drinks (unless specified) & lunches
- Entrances to excursions (may be booked with supplement)
- Helmet rental (free of charge, must be reserved in advance)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals possible from March 1 to October 31, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
2024
Superior option in Chitenay March, April, & Oct May to September Twin/double $ 1088 £ 573 $ 984 € 655 kr 100416 ₪ 2673 ¥ 109969 Mex$ 12217 NZ$ 1196 NOK 7809 zł 2891 S$ 971 kr 7774 $ 719 $ 1179 £ 621 $ 1,067 € 710 kr 108848 ₪ 2898 ¥ 119203 Mex$ 13243 NZ$ 1296 NOK 8464 zł 3134 S$ 1052 kr 8427 $ 780 Single supplement $ 274 £ 144 $ 248 € 165 kr 25296 ₪ 673 ¥ 27702 Mex$ 3078 NZ$ 301 NOK 1967 zł 728 S$ 244 kr 1958 $ 181 $ 329 £ 173 $ 297 € 198 kr 30355 ₪ 808 ¥ 33243 Mex$ 3693 NZ$ 362 NOK 2361 zł 874 S$ 293 kr 2350 $ 217 Balneo room supplement (3 nights)* On request $ 131 £ 69 $ 119 € 79 kr 12111 ₪ 322 ¥ 13263 Mex$ 1473 NZ$ 144 NOK 942 zł 349 S$ 117 kr 938 $ 87 * Includes a bathroom with a spa bath and 1 free access to hotel spa area
Deluxe option in Cheverny All tour dates Twin/double $ 2756 £ 1453 $ 2,494 € 1660 kr 254489 ₪ 6775 ¥ 278700 Mex$ 30962 NZ$ 3031 NOK 19790 zł 7327 S$ 2460 kr 19702 $ 1,823 Single supplement $ 712 £ 375 $ 645 € 429 kr 65768 ₪ 1751 ¥ 72025 Mex$ 8002 NZ$ 783 NOK 5114 zł 1894 S$ 636 kr 5092 $ 471 Extra Options
Extra nights
Superior Option in Chitenay March, April, & Oct. May through Sept.
Extra night (B&B) $ 123 £ 65 $ 111 € 74 kr 11345 ₪ 302 ¥ 12424 Mex$ 1380 NZ$ 135 NOK 882 zł 327 S$ 110 kr 878 $ 81 $ 144 £ 76 $ 131 € 87 kr 13338 ₪ 355 ¥ 14607 Mex$ 1623 NZ$ 159 NOK 1037 zł 384 S$ 129 kr 1033 $ 96 Single supplement extra night (B&B) $ 78 £ 41 $ 71 € 47 kr 7205 ₪ 192 ¥ 7891 Mex$ 877 NZ$ 86 NOK 560 zł 207 S$ 70 kr 558 $ 52 $ 88 £ 46 $ 80 € 53 kr 8125 ₪ 216 ¥ 8898 Mex$ 989 NZ$ 97 NOK 632 zł 234 S$ 79 kr 629 $ 58 Balneo room (extra night) supplement on request $ 42 £ 22 $ 38 € 25 kr 3833 ₪ 102 ¥ 4197 Mex$ 466 NZ$ 46 NOK 298 zł 110 S$ 37 kr 297 $ 27 Deluxe option in Cheverny All tour dates Extra night (B&B) on request Single supplement extra night (B&B) on request Transfers
One way, Paris CDG to Chitenay or Cheverny 1-3 persons, sharing cost on request 4-8 persons, sharing the cost on request Bicycles and accessories
Electric bike rental $ 88 £ 46 $ 80 € 53 kr 8125 ₪ 216 ¥ 8898 Mex$ 989 NZ$ 97 NOK 632 zł 234 S$ 79 kr 629 $ 58 Extra day bike rental $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 kr 2300 ₪ 61 ¥ 2518 Mex$ 280 NZ$ 27 NOK 179 zł 66 S$ 22 kr 178 $ 16 Extra day electric bike rental $ 50 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 kr 4599 ₪ 122 ¥ 5037 Mex$ 560 NZ$ 55 NOK 358 zł 132 S$ 44 kr 356 $ 33 Trailer, child bike, tag along, and child seat are available on request. Extras
Hot air balloon ride* $ 382 £ 201 $ 346 € 230 kr 35260 ₪ 939 ¥ 38615 Mex$ 4290 NZ$ 420 NOK 2742 zł 1015 S$ 341 kr 2730 $ 253 Chateaux package $ 120 £ 63 $ 108 € 72 kr 11038 ₪ 294 ¥ 12088 Mex$ 1343 NZ$ 131 NOK 858 zł 318 S$ 107 kr 855 $ 79 Dinners included On request *Available with both the deluxe and superior versions of this tour but with the superior version, there will be an extra charge for transfer to location. Please ask us for the additional charge. Minimum of 2 ppl. Weather dependent.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
Easy self-guided tour in which you are accommodated in one hotel. The terrain is predominantly flat and your daily distances are adjustable. The excursions suggested in the roadbook are on cycle paths and rural routes with little traffic recommended for cycling by the label “Pays des Chateaux”. Electric bicycles available upon request.
Airport Info
Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG).
Local Travel
Public transportation
From Paris CDG Airport
From the Paris CDG, you can take a train to Blois. Total travel time varies from 3 to 4 hours depending on type of train and time of departure. Usually the trip will entail at least one transfer. Check the SNCF website for schedules. It is beneficial as well to familiarize yourself with the airport via the website and location of the TGV and RER train terminals as both types of trains are possible for your travel to Blois. TGV trains require advanced reservation.
Paris Airport website for travel to/from: http://www.parisaeroport.fr/
Once you arrive to in Blois, it is best to take a taxi to your hotel. The cost is about €50 - €55.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.
Day of Rest
Any day can be used as a day of rest.
Recommended
We recommend that you book the Chateaux package. See the daily itinerary and pricing.
Remarks
Electric bicycles available upon request. E-bikes are Scott E sub Active with 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.
Important to know
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
It is each traveler's responsibility 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, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*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.Extra Stay
Extra nights are always recommended especially in the “garden of France” region, the Loire Valley.
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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