Loire Valley Castles Deluxe
Explore the Loire Valley from Amboise to Saumur, cycling past breath-taking castles and gardens such as Chenonceau or Villandry along the way. You will also have the time to taste some great wines in the Chinon and Saumur vineyards.
This tour offers different itinerary options, all of which are perfect for bike riding. From casual bikers to more experienced ones, this program will amaze everyone.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Loire
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
or 
or 
Type : On the way
Category : Biking
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in Amboise
From Paris, you can take the TGV to Saint Pierre des Corps and then a taxi to Amboise. Transfer on your own and settle into your hotel. Arrive in Amboise and head to your deluxe hotel just near the castle. Settle in and visit the village and sites. Amboise is a small town with much to see and do; among which is the Clos Lucé (where Leonardo DaVinci lived) and the chateau. Orientation in the evening and gourmet dinner in your deluxe hotel tonight.
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 2 : Loop Ride From the Chateau de Chenonceau to the Chateau d’Amboise
Option 1 : 22 Miles - 36 Km
Option 2 : 33 Miles - 53 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 279 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 415 Meters
A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and alleys of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini Chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping down to the fabulous Chenonceau castle that must be discovered with plenty of time to visit. Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher river and improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. For the long option you will continue on to Montrichard, La Genaudière and St. Regle before returning to Amboise.
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 3 : Ride Through the Loire Valley Vineyards to Montbazon
Distance 1 : 26 Miles - 42 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 314 Meters
Start riding on a nice paved bike lane in the middle of the vineyards of Montlouis. Then you have the opportunity to visit the Chateau Bourdaisiere. Before reaching your deluxe lodging, you can first visit the Donjon of Montbazon.
Accommodation : Domaine de la Tortiniere - "Veigne"
Day 4 : Cycle to Villandry and Azay le Rideau Castles on to Luynes
Option 1 : 30 Miles - 49 Km
Option 2 : 33 Miles - 53 Km
Option 3 : 43 Miles - 69 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 290 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 300 Meters
Elevation gain 3 : 450 Meters
You start with a nice ride through the rolling countryside to the site of the castle of Azay le Rideau (option: visit the Chateau of Villandry). Situated along the Indre River, this is one of the most classic chateaux from the Renaissance period. You will then cross the Loire river to discover the chateau of Langeais. After that you will start cycling toward Luynes with a nice and relatively long countryside ride. Arrive at the deluxe Domaine de Beauvois for the night.
Accommodation : Château de Beauvois - "Luynes"
Day 5 : Chinon to Fontevraud Abbey to Saumur
Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km
Option 2 : 29 Miles - 46 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 625 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 308 Meters
Your day starts with a taxi transfer to the wine town of Chinon. Chinon is famous for its castle as well; dating back to Joan of Arc and medieval times. From Chinon, you will have a leisure ride toward the famous and historic Abbaye de Fontevraud. This double monastery dates back to the year 1110. It is still a functioning abbey and open to visitors. After your visit, continue to your hotel nearby with gourmet dinner.
Accommodation : Château de Verrières - "Saumur"
Day 6 : Loop Ride Around Saumur
Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 385 Meters
Visit the town of Saumur and its chateau: the great Chateau de Saumur itself stands high above the town. The Saumur castle was originally built in the tenth century by Thibault le Tricheur, comte de Blois, as a fortified stronghold against Norman raid. The loop tour today takes you to Montreuil Bellay chateau. Return to the same hotel.
Accommodation : Château de Verrières - "Saumur"
Day 7 : Departure Day
You can leave at your leisure after breakfast. Trains from Saumur to Tours and Paris are available. Extra nights can be arranged.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2
Located at the edge of the Loire and at the foot of the Royal Castle of Amboise, homeland of Leonardo da Vinci, the hotel Le Choiseul is a charming house typically from Tours built in 18th century. The hotel enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the Valley of Loire castles. Le Choiseul has 30 rooms of 5 different categories, from the most elegant apartment to the most delightful room. They offer pleasant views over the Italian garden, the Loire and the Château d'Amboise.
Day : 3
The Domaine de la Tortinière is a boutique hotel in the heart of the châteaux of Loire Valley. The hotel is situated just 15 kilometres from Tours in the Touraine area, where the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley region are waiting to be discovered and reveal their secrets. Our charming bedrooms combine classic style with modern comfort and conveniences and, in some cases, a magnificent view over the Indre valley. Guests may savour a gastronomic meal out in the open or in the dining room at the Domaine de la Tortinière’s restaurant before setting off on another exploration of the Loire Valley châteaux.
Day : 4
This 16th and 17th century manor house, surrounded by 350 acres of wooded parkland, stands on the western outskirts of Tours, overlooking the Briffaut lake. Since its transformation in 1967, the Domaine has been constantly embellished and enlarged, but its style has been maintained. It is an oasis of peace which stars of the arts and show business, such as Robert de Niro, Jessye Norman and Grace Kelly or the leading racing drivers in the Le Mans 24 hour race found attractive.
Day : 5, 6
Peacefully set in a four acre park, right in the midst of Saumur, Verrieres allows you to discover the charm and History of the Loire Valley. Verrieres has nevertheless kept its private mansion atmosphere, with its authentic decoration and its period furniture.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (135€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (135€) 
The SCOTT Addict RC 20 Disc comes with all the great features of the Addict, but is equipped with disc brakes. A lightweight HMF Carbon frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra, Syncros components and Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes combine to create a lightning fast climber that performs at its best in ALL weather conditions. Saddle Bag Containing: • Toolkit • Tire levers • Patch kit • 2 spare tubes • 1 hand pump. • Helmet • 2 souvenir water bottles • Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Road bike - Performance
SCOTT ADDICT RC 20 DISC - ( or equivalent) with supplement (205€) 
Having racked up stage wins in the Tour de France, wins at Milan San Remo and Liege Bastogne Liege just to name a few, it is safe to say that the FOIL has made a name for itself in recent years. Available in S, M, L.
Road bike - Premium
SCOTT FOIL 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (275€) 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Standard
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement (40€) 
The ORBEA MX 20 or 24 (or equivalent) is a truly functional bike for smaller riders who like a race inspired style. With this bike let your children ride totally safe.
Kid bike - Standard
ORBEA MX 20p or 24p - ( or equivalent) with supplement (-40€) |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
GPS are included on most of our tours since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 22 Miles - 36 Km Elevation gain 1 : 279 Meters
Option 2: 33 Miles - 53 Km Elevation gain 2 : 415 Meters
Option 1: 26 Miles - 42 Km Elevation gain 1 : 314 Meters
Option 1: 30 Miles - 49 Km Elevation gain 1 : 290 Meters
Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km Elevation gain 1 : 625 Meters
Option 2: 29 Miles - 46 Km Elevation gain 2 : 308 Meters
Option 1: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 1 : 385 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 4 gastronomic dinners included at your hotel
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Arrival city is Amboise, which accessible via train from Paris to St Pierre des Corps, then taxi to your first hotel. 1 hour by TGV. Departure from Blois with direct trains to Paris. (1hr 45)
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Upgraded | 1990 € | 670 € | 2990 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| GPS | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Performance | 205 € |
| Premium | 275 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Kid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | -40 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 40 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions