Cycle the second section of the Loire a Vélo on this 6-day self-guided tour
Embark on the second section of the 800km long Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) on this 6-day self-guided cycling tour. The Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) is an epic cycling route that begins in Cuffy and ends at Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins in Western France. The Loire a Vélo makes up the western section of the EV6 (Rivers Route), a trans-European cycling route that spans from France to Romania. This cycling tour will have you completing the 2nd stage of the Loire a Vélo as you ride from Orléans to Saumur.
The Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur tour will introduce you to France's spellbinding Loire Valley as you explore one of Loire's most culturally rich areas. Easy cycling routes will have you navigating the Centre-Val de Loire, exploring Orléans, Blois, Amboise and Villandry, then crossing over into the Pays de la Loire region as your tour ends in Saumur.
Experience a real-life fairytale as you explore the famous Pays des Châteaux (Land of Castles), visiting the 15th-century Château d'Amboise, once called home by King Charles VIII. Pedal rolling vineyards and sample the exquisite wines of Montlouis-sur-Loire, where the world-famous Montlouis wines are produced. Discover a land of castles and gardens as you explore Villandry, but not before making a quick stop in Tours, known as the heart of the "Garden of France."
Explore the Loire Valley on two wheels. Book this magical cycling tour today!
Highlights of the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur
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Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Known as the grand gateway to the heart of the Loire Valley and a former capital in the Middle Ages, Orléans is a modern town with a lively atmosphere and it's here that your cycling tour begins.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orléans
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle Historic Towns to Blois
Your cycling tour begins with a mesmerizing route that has you bound for the countryside towards an area known for the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire. Tracing the high banks of the river, you’ll enjoy magical views of rolling hills and the Loire as your steadfast companion for the ride. Your route will have you pedalling through the historic towns of Meung-Sur-Loire and Beaugency, both well worth hopping off your bike to explore briefly.
Then, a relaxed flat track takes you to Blois as you enter the whimsical world of the ‘Pays des Châteaux’ (Land of Castles).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Blois
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Trace the Loire’s South Bank to Amboise
Departing Blois this morning you’ll trace the Loire’s south bank, pedalling gently rolling hills and vineyards to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Returning to the Loire tracing the Beuvron River, you’ll enter the historical region of Touraine. Take in the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire and its impressive gardens, or perhaps take a well-earned break with a visit to a local winegrower, enjoying a tasting of a superb local Sauvignon Blanc.
Continuing the route, you’ll lay eyes on the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where the famous Leonardo da Vinci once stayed.
Concluding a mesmerizing day on the bike, you’ll embark on some short climbs to your accommodations in Amboise, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Amboise
Distance: 43km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore the Montlouis Wine Region
An exceptional day awaits you as you ride towards the home of the famous Montlouis wines, produced in Montlouis-sur-Loire. The unique, high-quality grapes grown here result from an ideal microclimate, highly influenced by the Loire and Cher rivers' uniting. Spend some time exploring the vineyards and treat yourself to a tasting (or two!) before setting back out on the road for Tours, the capital of the idyllic area known as the "Garden of France."
Tracing the Cher's southern bank, you'll happen upon the Château de Villandry and its spectacular formal gardens. Villandry is the place you'll call home for the evening. Settle into your accommodations and enjoy the romantic charm of this town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villandry
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Bec do Cher and Anjou to Saumur
Depart Villandry this morning via the Bec do Cher, again tracing the Loire as you ride to the Château of Ussé. Spot the Indre flowing out into the Loire and soak in the beautiful views of the river’s small islands wholly covered in water birds.
Continue the route to Candes-St-Martin. Not long after, you’ll find yourself navigating the paths of the striking Anjou-Touraine natural reserve. Pedalling alongside sprawling vineyards, you’ll ride to the beautiful Château de Saumur where your cycling route ends.
Enjoy a wonderful dinner in Saumur tonight celebrating the completion of a section of the Loire a Vélo, raising a toast to a magical week spent in the Loire Valley!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saumur
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Departure
Breakfast marks the end of this splendid trip in the Loire Valley. If you’ve booked some extra nights in Saumur, or your departure time permits, spend some time exploring the town’s castle and its prestigious riding academy, Cadre Noir.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Standard accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $995 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $650 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $650 USD
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,475 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $895 USD
- Sharing a double room: $875 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $925 USD
Accommodation on the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences that can make your stay more pleasant. You can book the deluxe hotel option for 3 and 4-star hotels.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Standard hotels
Hôtel Oceania Orléans in Orléans ★★★
Guests will enjoy views of the Loire from this contemporary hotel featuring stylish, modern rooms and several great amenities including a 24-hour bar.
Hôtel Anne de Bretagne in Blois ★★★
Guests will enjoy their stay at this pleasant hotel that boats a sunny terrace and comfortable rooms.
Hotel Le Chaptal in Amboise ★★
Located in the heart of the city, the modern Hotel Le Chaptal is freshly renovated and ready to open guests with open arms.
Hôtel Aub le Colombien (Villandry) ★★★
Hôtel Auberge Le Colombien in Villandry is a charming inn providing a cozy and welcoming stay, ideal for guests exploring the historic attractions and beautiful gardens in Villandry and its vicinity.
Ibis Styles Saumur Gare Centre in Saumur ★★★
This is a lovely hotel comprised of 63 stylish rooms offering guests superb views of the Loire River during their stay.
Deluxe hotels
Empreinte Hôtel in Orleans ★★★★
Comfort and relaxation sets the tone at this deluxe and stylish hotel where you can treat yourself at the hotel spa or cozy up in the lounge.
Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre (Blois) ★★★★
Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre in Blois is a modern and comfortable accommodation, offering guests a pleasant stay with amenities and convenience for exploring the historic city of Blois and its attractions.
Hôtel Bellevue in Amboise ★★★
Enjoy a stay at the foot of the Château d'Amboise from where you’ll enjoy incredible views of not just the castle itself, but also the pretty Loire River.
Hôtel Aub le Colombien in Villandry ★★★
A cozy atmosphere and warm ambience make this hotel and restaurant the perfect choice in Villandry. Guests can also enjoy its proximity to several historical sites in the town.
Hôtel Anne d'Anjou in Saumur ★★★★
This elegant 18th-century hotel invites its guests to enjoy a wide array of modern amenities and is just a short walk to the city center of Saumur.
What’s Included in the Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Orléans and after the tour in Saumur are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the overnight locations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage are included throughout the tour (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Upgrade to deluxe hotels
- Optional activities or excursions
- Wine tastings and visits
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
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