Castles of the Loire
France Bike Tours
A stunning Loire Valley Bike tour
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6–8 days
- Prices from€852 Rates
Overview
Biking in the Loire Valley region has proven to be a haven for cyclists time and again, and it is rightly referred to as Royal Châteaux Country.
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. After settling into your hotel, you'll go pick up bikes and accessories at the bike shop.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. After settling into your hotel, you'll go pick up bikes and accessories at the bike shop.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.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Choose one of the following categories:
Standard category: 2 and 3 star
Superior category: 3 star
Deluxe category: 4 starBicycles
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
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 5 or 7 nights
- Breakfasts
- 27-speed standard 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, and pump
- Luggage transfer (Allowance is one piece per guest weighing no more than 20 kg. Additional pieces will require a surcharge of €20/piece)
- Route information and maps (one set per room)
- Personalized navigation app
- 7-day hotline
What’s Not Included
- Individual arrival to Blois
- Lunches & dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Helmets (free of charge, must be reserved in advance)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals possible from March 1 through 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
8 Day Tour
Standard Superior Deluxe Twin/double $ 1817 £ 959 $ 1,643 € 1093 kr 167683 ₪ 4480 ¥ 187204 Mex$ 20165 NZ$ 1996 NOK 13030 zł 4801 S$ 1628 kr 13055 $ 1,202 $ 2183 £ 1152 $ 1,974 € 1313 kr 201434 ₪ 5381 ¥ 224885 Mex$ 24223 NZ$ 2398 NOK 15652 zł 5768 S$ 1956 kr 15683 $ 1,444 $ 2698 £ 1425 $ 2,440 € 1623 kr 248993 ₪ 6652 ¥ 277980 Mex$ 29943 NZ$ 2964 NOK 19348 zł 7129 S$ 2417 kr 19385 $ 1,784 Single supplement $ 640 £ 338 $ 579 € 385 kr 59065 ₪ 1578 ¥ 65941 Mex$ 7103 NZ$ 703 NOK 4590 zł 1691 S$ 573 kr 4598 $ 423 $ 786 £ 415 $ 711 € 473 kr 72565 ₪ 1939 ¥ 81013 Mex$ 8726 NZ$ 864 NOK 5639 zł 2078 S$ 705 kr 5650 $ 520 $ 1297 £ 685 $ 1,173 € 780 kr 119664 ₪ 3197 ¥ 133595 Mex$ 14390 NZ$ 1425 NOK 9298 zł 3426 S$ 1162 kr 9316 $ 858 7 dinners, excl. drinks $ 472 £ 249 $ 427 € 284 kr 43570 ₪ 1164 ¥ 48642 Mex$ 5240 NZ$ 519 NOK 3386 zł 1248 S$ 423 kr 3392 $ 312 $ 577 £ 305 $ 522 € 347 kr 53235 ₪ 1422 ¥ 59433 Mex$ 6402 NZ$ 634 NOK 4137 zł 1524 S$ 517 kr 4145 $ 382 $ 628 £ 332 $ 568 € 378 kr 57991 ₪ 1549 ¥ 64742 Mex$ 6974 NZ$ 690 NOK 4506 zł 1660 S$ 563 kr 4515 $ 416 6 Day Tour
Standard Superior Deluxe Twin/double $ 1416 £ 748 $ 1,281 € 852 kr 130710 ₪ 3492 ¥ 145927 Mex$ 15719 NZ$ 1556 NOK 10157 zł 3743 S$ 1269 kr 10176 $ 937 $ 1649 £ 871 $ 1,492 € 992 kr 152188 ₪ 4066 ¥ 169905 Mex$ 18301 NZ$ 1812 NOK 11826 zł 4358 S$ 1478 kr 11849 $ 1,091 $ 1965 £ 1037 $ 1,777 € 1182 kr 181337 ₪ 4844 ¥ 202447 Mex$ 21807 NZ$ 2159 NOK 14091 zł 5192 S$ 1761 kr 14118 $ 1,300 Single supplement $ 512 £ 270 $ 463 € 308 kr 47252 ₪ 1262 ¥ 52753 Mex$ 5682 NZ$ 563 NOK 3672 zł 1353 S$ 459 kr 3679 $ 339 $ 613 £ 324 $ 555 € 369 kr 56610 ₪ 1512 ¥ 63201 Mex$ 6808 NZ$ 674 NOK 4399 zł 1621 S$ 550 kr 4407 $ 406 $ 914 £ 483 $ 827 € 550 kr 84378 ₪ 2254 ¥ 94201 Mex$ 10147 NZ$ 1005 NOK 6557 zł 2416 S$ 819 kr 6569 $ 605 5 dinners, excl. drinks $ 341 £ 180 $ 308 € 205 kr 31450 ₪ 840 ¥ 35111 Mex$ 3782 NZ$ 374 NOK 2444 zł 901 S$ 305 kr 2449 $ 225 $ 384 £ 203 $ 347 € 231 kr 35439 ₪ 947 ¥ 39565 Mex$ 4262 NZ$ 422 NOK 2754 zł 1015 S$ 344 kr 2759 $ 254 $ 464 £ 245 $ 420 € 279 kr 42803 ₪ 1143 ¥ 47786 Mex$ 5147 NZ$ 510 NOK 3326 zł 1226 S$ 416 kr 3332 $ 307 Extra Options
Bike rental options
Electric bike rental (8 day) $ 131 £ 69 $ 119 € 79 kr 12120 ₪ 324 ¥ 13531 Mex$ 1457 NZ$ 144 NOK 942 zł 347 S$ 118 kr 944 $ 87 Electric bike rental (6 day) $ 88 £ 47 $ 80 € 53 kr 8131 ₪ 217 ¥ 9078 Mex$ 978 NZ$ 97 NOK 632 zł 233 S$ 79 kr 633 $ 58 Extra day electric bike rental $ 53 £ 28 $ 48 € 32 kr 4909 ₪ 131 ¥ 5481 Mex$ 590 NZ$ 58 NOK 381 zł 141 S$ 48 kr 382 $ 35 Extra day standard bike rental $ 27 £ 14 $ 24 € 16 kr 2455 ₪ 66 ¥ 2740 Mex$ 295 NZ$ 29 NOK 191 zł 70 S$ 24 kr 191 $ 18 Trailer, tag-along, and baby seats are available. Just ask.
Transfer
From Paris CDG to Blois (1 to 4 people) On request Excursions
8 day tour Chateaux package $ 193 £ 102 $ 174 € 116 kr 17796 ₪ 475 ¥ 19868 Mex$ 2140 NZ$ 212 NOK 1383 zł 510 S$ 173 kr 1386 $ 128 Canoe trip on Cher River $ 32 £ 17 $ 29 € 19 kr 2915 ₪ 78 ¥ 3254 Mex$ 351 NZ$ 35 NOK 226 zł 83 S$ 28 kr 227 $ 21 Canoe trip on the Loire $ 55 £ 29 $ 50 € 33 kr 5063 ₪ 135 ¥ 5652 Mex$ 609 NZ$ 60 NOK 393 zł 145 S$ 49 kr 394 $ 36 6 day tour Chateaux package $ 140 £ 74 $ 126 € 84 kr 12887 ₪ 344 ¥ 14387 Mex$ 1550 NZ$ 153 NOK 1001 zł 369 S$ 125 kr 1003 $ 92 Canoe trip on Cher River $ 32 £ 17 $ 29 € 19 kr 2915 ₪ 78 ¥ 3254 Mex$ 351 NZ$ 35 NOK 226 zł 83 S$ 28 kr 227 $ 21 Canoe trip on the Loire River $ 55 £ 29 $ 50 € 33 kr 5063 ₪ 135 ¥ 5652 Mex$ 609 NZ$ 60 NOK 393 zł 145 S$ 49 kr 394 $ 36 Extra nights in Blois
Standard Superior Deluxe July/Aug Other months Twin/double $ 118 £ 62 $ 107 € 71 kr 10892 ₪ 291 ¥ 12161 Mex$ 1310 NZ$ 130 NOK 846 zł 312 S$ 106 kr 848 $ 78 $ 105 £ 55 $ 95 € 63 kr 9665 ₪ 258 ¥ 10790 Mex$ 1162 NZ$ 115 NOK 751 zł 277 S$ 94 kr 752 $ 69 $ 140 £ 74 $ 126 € 84 kr 12887 ₪ 344 ¥ 14387 Mex$ 1550 NZ$ 153 NOK 1001 zł 369 S$ 125 kr 1003 $ 92 $ 158 £ 83 $ 143 € 95 kr 14574 ₪ 389 ¥ 16271 Mex$ 1753 NZ$ 174 NOK 1132 zł 417 S$ 142 kr 1135 $ 104 Single $ 100 £ 53 $ 90 € 60 kr 9205 ₪ 246 ¥ 10277 Mex$ 1107 NZ$ 110 NOK 715 zł 264 S$ 89 kr 717 $ 66 $ 88 £ 47 $ 80 € 53 kr 8131 ₪ 217 ¥ 9078 Mex$ 978 NZ$ 97 NOK 632 zł 233 S$ 79 kr 633 $ 58 $ 105 £ 55 $ 95 € 63 kr 9665 ₪ 258 ¥ 10790 Mex$ 1162 NZ$ 115 NOK 751 zł 277 S$ 94 kr 752 $ 69 $ 123 £ 65 $ 111 € 74 kr 11353 ₪ 303 ¥ 12674 Mex$ 1365 NZ$ 135 NOK 882 zł 325 S$ 110 kr 884 $ 81 Extra 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
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.
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?
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