Spend 6 days cycling the Loire’s majestic Pays des Châteaux on this self-guided tour
France’s Loire Valley is yours to discover on the 6-day self-guided Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling tour.
This spectacular cycling tour of France’s Loire Valley will introduce you to the valley’s bountiful collection of marvellous châteaux as you explore an area of the Loire known as Pays des Châteaux (Land of Castles).
Beginning and ending in the lovely town of Blois, you’ll enjoy mesmerizing cycling routes that you can enjoy at your own pace as you pedal your way through the beautiful French countryside. Each stop on the tour beholds a majestic château to discover, sweeping you up in the fairytale world of France’s most famous castles, as you cycle from Blois to Amboise, Chenonceaux, Chambord and finally returning to Blois.
Compliment wonderful days on the bike with fantastic dining experiences as you eat your way through the Loire Valley. Escape to the whimsical world of France’s Pays des Châteaux on this unforgettable cycling tour of the Loire Valley!
Highlights of the Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour
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Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour
Day 1 Arrival
Your cycling tour begins in the picturesque hillside town of Blois. Blois is distinguishable by its blue roofs, its grand facades, and of course, the magnificent Royal Château de Blois, which towers proudly at the heart of the city.
Once you’ve settled into your accommodations here, pop out for a walk to experience the serene atmosphere of Blois, making sure to see the Royal Château while out and about.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Blois
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Historic Region of Touraine
Rise and shine as you prepare to experience the marvellous Loire Valley by bike today! Departing Blois, you’ll trace the southern bank of the majestic Loire. Flanked by gently undulating hills and sprawling vineyards, you’ll ride to Cande-sur-Beuvron.
You’ve now entered the historical region of Touraine! Continue on the riverbank, where you’ll soon spot the elegant Château de Chaumont, initially founded in the 10th century. Then, press on to explore the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where the famous Leonardo Di Vinci once stayed.
Unwind with a well-deserved glass of local Sauvignon Blanc this evening as you reflect on a beautiful first day of riding.
Overnight Location: Hotel Amboise
Distance: 43km, 265m of ascent, 295m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Château de Chenonceaux
Today you’ll enjoy a pleasant ride through the prestigious Montlouis wine region, passing through Montlouis-sur-Loire towards the Château de Chenonceaux. The spectacular Château straddles the Cher River in 5 arches, making it a truly extraordinary sight to behold.
Now that you’ve arrived in Chenonceaux, you’ll choose from two local cycling routes to finish off the day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chenonceaux
Distance: 41km, 315m of ascent, 316m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Gué Péan, Fougère sur Bièvre, and Chitenay
Bound for a gorgeous rural hotel situated among lovely gardens, you’ll depart the Cher Valley this morning headed for Chitenay. Along the route, you’ll encounter the impressive 15th-century medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre and another in Gué Péan before continuing to Chitenay.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chitenay
Distance: 35km, 298m of ascent, 264m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Château de Cheverny and Château de Chambord
Your final day of cycling will be no less spectacular than the rest, as today you’ll experience two of the Loire’s most sumptuously furnished châteaux. Ride to Château of Cheverny, then continuing to the grand Châteaux de Chambord, constructed under Francios I and comprised of over 440 stately rooms.
Return to the hilly streets of Blois, where your route comes to an end. Enjoy a farewell dinner here this evening, celebrating the passing of this magical route!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Blois
Distance: 50km, 178m of ascent, 200 of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Departure
Your tour ends this morning following breakfast. Pack up, check out, and head to the airport to depart.
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 –30th, 2024:
- Single room: $995 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $595 USD
Departure on May 1st – September 30th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,025 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $695 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $625 USD
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $995 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $595 USD
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st –30th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $875 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $825 USD
Departure on May 1st – September 30th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,525 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $875 USD
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $875 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $825 USD
Accommodation on the Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour
This tour is available with either standard or deluxe hotels. Hotels on the standard tour are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences. Hotels on the deluxe tour are 3-star and 4-star and offer modern conveniences.
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 Accommodation
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 La Roseraie Chenonceaux (Chenonceaux) ★★★
Hôtel La Roseraie in Chenonceaux is a charming and comfortable accommodation, providing guests a pleasant stay near the famous Château de Chenonceau, offering convenience for exploring the historic attractions in the area.
Hotel Auberge du Centre in Chitenay ★★
Enjoy this family-friendly setting with a nice pool, on-site golf course, and a bar and lounge.
Hôtel Anne de Bretagne in Blois ★★★
Guests will enjoy their stay at this pleasant hotel that boats a sunny terrace and comfortable rooms.
Deluxe Accommodations
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 Le Clos D'Amboise (Amboise) ★★★★
Hôtel Le Clos D'Amboise in Amboise is a charming and elegant accommodation, providing guests with a comfortable and sophisticated stay in close proximity to the historic attractions and scenic beauty of Amboise.
Hôtel La Roseraie Chenonceaux (Chenonceaux) ★★★
Hôtel La Roseraie in Chenonceaux is a charming and comfortable accommodation, providing guests a pleasant stay near the famous Château de Chenonceau, offering convenience for exploring the historic attractions in the area.
Hotel Auberge du Centre in Chitenay ★★
Enjoy this family-friendly setting with a nice pool, on-site golf course, and a bar and 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.
What’s Included in the Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour and after the tour in Blois are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the accommodations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is 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
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Deluxe hotel option
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Loire Valley: The Land of Castles Cycling Tour
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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