Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

★★★★★4/5 (4)
6 nights
18 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 1308
Bike tour in France
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Family-friendly bike tours
Book this tour
Ask a tour advisor

Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

★★★★★4/5 (4)

Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Family-friendly bike tours

6 nights
18 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 1308
Bike tour in France

Book this tour
Ask a tour advisor
Why book with us?

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Enjoy the scenery that composes this stunning region

    This cycling trip leads you along the peaceful Loire River, through the enchanting Sologne Forest, and to numerous historic estates and chateaux. You'll enjoy the short stages, which have been designed to allow you ample time to explore the sites. From Blois to the Chateau de Chambord, until the medieval city of Amboise, the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci, you'll appreciate the charm and hidden treasures of the River Valley.

    • Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. Inhabae@Unsplash
    • Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France. Dorian Mongel@Unsplash
    • Vineyards en route! Bill Williams@Unsplash
    • Château de Cheverny, France. Dorian Mongel@Unsplash
    • Hot-air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, France. Damien Chaudet@Unsplash
    • Fine French dining!
    • Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. StefanK@Unsplash
    • A Chinon rosé wine made from Cab franc in the Loire Valley, France. CC:Agne27
    • Loire Valley dining! James Fink@Flickr
    • Biking the Loire Valley - Châteaux Bike Tour in France

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Blois
    • Chambord estate
    • Bracieux and its 16th-century covered market
    • Château de Cheverny
    • Open-air natural swimming pool
    • Sologne natural forest and countryside
    • Château de Troussay
    • Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre
    • Chaumont sur Loire and its "Festival des Jardins"
    • Amboise and its château
    • Manoir du Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours.

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

    Photos 

  • Tour Photos

    Traveler photos

    • Chateau Chambord (photo by Michael Beiley)
    • Chaumont sur Loire (photo by Michael Beiley)
    • We made it to Amboise! (photo by Susan B)
    • Chambord (photo by Susan B)
    • Early morning along the Loire (photo by Susan B)

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    Day 1: Arrival in Blois
    Discover the charming town of Blois, as you stroll along its paved streets punctuated with staircases, and the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.
    Overnight in Blois.

    Day 2: Blois – Bracieux (19 miles/30 km | elev: +135m)
    This route leads you to the prestigious Chambord estate and château, a true masterpiece of French Renaissance style, boasting no less than 440 rooms and built during the reign of Francis I. Then stop in Bracieux, a pretty little Sologne village which has preserved its magnificent 16th-century covered market.
    Overnight in Bracieux.

    Day 3: Excursion to "Baignade Naturelle du Grand Chambord" et Cheverny (18 miles/29 km | elev: +155m)
    A bike excursion to the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments, which gave Hergé the inspiration for Captain Haddock's Marlinspike. Then proceed towards a brand new natural swimming pool! An astonishing open-air and organic swimming pool where you can rest and enjoy the surrounding wilderness (open between Jun 25-Aug 31).
    Overnight in Bracieux.

    Day 4: Bracieux – Chitenay (21 miles/33 km | elev: +172m)
    Enjoy a ride along the small routes of Sologne, between forests and ponds, offering the opportunity to admire beautiful and tiny manor houses such as château de Troussay, a charming Renaissance manor. Don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Cour Cheverny Blanc!
    Overnight in Chienay.

    Day 5: Chitenay – Chaumont-sur-Loire (17 miles/28 km | elev: +135m)
    Cross the vineyards of Cheverny to reach the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small, fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Then cycle towards the Loire River banks and reach Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose 15th-century château proudly dominates the town and the river. Don't miss the extraordinary "Festival des Jardins" garden festival between late May and mid-October!
    Overnight in Chaumont-sur-Loire.

    Day 6: Chaumont sur Loire – Amboise (14 miles/23 km | elev: +160m)
    For your last cycling day, follow the 'Loire à Vélo' cycling tracks before arriving in the charming town of Amboise with its royal château, where the greatest kings of France lived. Do not miss to visit the Manoir du ClosLucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, sheltering an astonishing collection of models representing the fabulous inventions of this Renaissance genius.

    Today, you have the option to paddle the peace and tame waters of the last wild river in Europe. From the canoe you can admire the flora and fauna that inhabit the water and shorelines of the Loire river between Mosnes and Amboise. The trip takes about 1.5 hrs.
    Overnight in Amboise.

    Day 7: Departure during the day

    Photos

    • Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. Inhabae@Unsplash
    • Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France. Dorian Mongel@Unsplash
    • Vineyards en route! Bill Williams@Unsplash
    • Château de Cheverny, France. Dorian Mongel@Unsplash
    • Hot-air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, France. Damien Chaudet@Unsplash
    • Fine French dining!
    • Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, France. StefanK@Unsplash
    • A Chinon rosé wine made from Cab franc in the Loire Valley, France. CC:Agne27
    • Loire Valley dining! James Fink@Flickr

    View more photos

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Photos Accommodation 

  • Accommodation

    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

    You will enjoy superior accommodations in 3- and 4-star hotels.

    Blois: Hotel Mercure

    Chambord: Relais de Chambord

    Chitenay: Auberge du Centre

    Mosnes: Domaine des Thomeaux

    Amboise: Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise

    Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Daily program Bikes 

  • Bikes

    Standard touring bike

    VTC GITANE bike - 21 speed gears
    Included in this tour

    A bike that favors an upright, comfortable position, ideal for leisure riding.

    Step-through frame (as pictured) - sizes available up to 183 cm / 72 inches
    Men's frame (cross-bar frame, not pictured) - sizes available for 183 cm / 72 inches or greater

    • 1 rear pannier
    • 1 front pannier with a map holder
    • 1 repair kit
    • 1 smartphone holder
    • 1 lock
    • 1 bottle cage

    Helmet not provided.

    Trekking bike

    SCOTT Sub Sport 20 - 27 speed gears
    A “sport” bike that favors a more athletic position and riding style.

    Step-through frame (as pictured) - sizes available up to 183 cm / 72 inches
    Men's frame (cross-bar frame, not pictured) - sizes available for 183 cm / 72 inches or greater

    • 1 rear pannier
    • 1 front pannier with a map holder
    • 1 repair kit
    • 1 smartphone holder
    • 1 lock
    • 1 bottle cage

    Helmet not provided.

    Electrically assisted bike

    MOUSTACHE e-bike or similar

    • 1 rear pannier
    • 1 front pannier with a map holder
    • 1 repair kit
    • 1 smartphone holder
    • 1 lock

    Helmet not provided.

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Also available for rent on this tour are children's bikes, trailers, or baby seats. Please contact us for additional details.

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are available, free of charge but they must be reserved at the time of booking. The use of a helmet is mandatory for children less than 12 years old (whether riders or passengers). For older children and adults, even if it’s not mandatory we strongly recommend it! 

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Accommodation Dates & Prices 

  • Dates & Prices

    Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.



    Apr 22–30 (Daily)Apr 22–30 (Daily) from € 1308Book
    May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) from € 1308Book
    Jun 1–30 (Daily)Jun 1–30 (Daily) from € 1308Book
    Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) from € 1308Book
    Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) from € 1308Book
    Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) from € 1308Book
    Oct 1–30 (Daily)Oct 1–30 (Daily) from € 1308Book

    Show pricing details and extra options →

    Included services

    • 6 nights accommodation
    • Standard touring bike
    • Breakfasts
    • 1 dinner
    • Luggage transfers (1 luggage 20kg per person)*
    • Travel information including maps, detailed route directions, and tourist brochures (1 set per room)
    • Personalized navigation app showing points of interest along the route
    • Hotline for emergency support 7 days/week
    • City taxes

    Optional Chateaux package (entrance fees to the mentioned sites)

    • Domaine de Chambord and its gardens
    • Parc Leonard de Vinci à Amboise
    • Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
    • The Max Vauché Chocolate Factory (visit & tasting)
    • Château de Cheverny + "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition

    *additional luggage with surcharge, see price chart

    Tour Company

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Bikes Other Details 

  • Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

    Surface and terrain

    The Loire à Vélo tour routes alternate between quiet roads with little traffic, dedicated bike paths, no-thoroughfare roads open only to local residents and non-motorized vehicles, and cycle lanes along roadways. This tour is designed to offer low daily cycling distances so you have plenty of time for off-bike visits of the sites along the way.

    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Paris, France
    Nearest train station: Blois, France

    Tour end
    Nearest airport: Paris, France
    Nearest train station: Amboise, France

    • From Paris: Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station (about 1h30 by train). .
    • Return transfer to Blois: Amoise train station >> Blois train station (about 20 min by train).
    • Return transfer to Paris: Amboise train station >> St Pierre des Corps train station >> Paris Montparnasse station (about 2h by train + TGV train).

    Tips on getting to and from your tour

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

  • Reviews

      Write a review

    • ★★★★★ Cheryl Sparks 11 months ago

      Scenery and castles and yummy food, oh my!!!

      Very very enjoyable trip. All of the hotels were clean, comfortable and beautiful. Whole experience was great. We found that the app “ Geovelo” worked a lot better for navigation than the app from the bike company.

      What was the date of your tour?
      May 24
      How many tours have you completed?
      4
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 2/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Michael Beiley October 8, 2023

      Mediocre bike trip

      This is our 6th bike trip in Europe as an older couple and our least favorite. The chateaux (chateaus) were the highlights with beautiful gardens and art work. The beginning town of Blois and last town of Ambroise were charming and the best part of the trip. The biking along the Loire the very first day and last day were the prettiest. Most of the biking was along dedicated bikepaths or very quiet roads. Otherwise, the bicycling though flat farmland, small towns with zero to very limited restaurants, and vineyards without opportunity to for tastings was very uninspiring. The tour operator booked us in a hotel for two nights when the restaurant was closed and the nearest town was 4km through a forest at night if we wanted to eat dinner. They also booked a canoe trip for 2:30 when we passed through it was 11:00 a.m and closed (we asked for a refund but they never replied.) The hotels other than the first and last day were very average. Overall, the 4 chateaux and the two 1/2 days biking along Loire river were the highlights, the rest was mediocre.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept-Oct 2023
      How many tours have you completed?
      6
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      • Chateau Chambord (photo by Michael Beiley)
      • Chaumont sur Loire (photo by Michael Beiley)
      • 1/5 Value
      • 1/5 Included meals
      • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 2/5 Hotels or boat
      • 2/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 1/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Tim Cooper September 8, 2023

      Dream trip

      The daily route map was good but it needed specific directions about where to turn and specific streets with noticeable landmarks. This is a critical factor especially when arriving in Ambois and. how to get to the designated hotel.

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 19,02023
      How many tours have you completed?
      8
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 2/5 Ease of navigation
      • 1/5 Tour documents
      • 1/5 Local tour company services
      • 3/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Susan B March 22, 2022

      Best time ever on a bike tour

      We had the most wonderful time on this tour. We are 73 and 75 years old, fairly frequent bike riders at home, and were completely capable of doing this easy route. Mostly flat, had to walk a couple of minor hills, very little riding in traffic. The route was beautiful (we were blessed with great weather in late September), the hotels were outstanding (I recommend taking the dinner package option with the tour; we didn't but ate at the hotels because several were in very small towns. The food was absolutely gourmet.) Our bikes were first class; the whole trip was just magic. People at Biketours.com are super easy to work with. Will definitely use them again.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      4
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • We made it to Amboise! (photo by Susan B)
      • Chambord (photo by Susan B)
      • Early morning along the Loire (photo by Susan B)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection

    Nature, Villages, and Castles

     Other Details Book this tour 

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