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 : Casual or Hobby or Active
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
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 : 21 Miles - 34 Km
Option 2 : 31 Miles - 50 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 158 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 349 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 : Chateau d'Artigny - "Montbazon"
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
Distance 1 : 35 Miles - 56 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 625 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.
Distance : 49.75 Km / 30.88 Miles - Elevation gain : 358.88 Meters
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
A magnificent 18th century style edifice built by the famous perfume creator, Francois Coty. Its shining white stone is set off perfectly by the green of the 50 acre park surrounding it. A great location for visiting the sites of the Loire region. Located about 16 km from Tours.
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
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 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. All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.
Frame: SUB Sport 20 6061 Tig welding Fork: SF14 NEX DS HLO PM 700C Shifters : Shimano Deore SLM 590 Chain ring & crank arms: Shimano FC-T3010 Black 48x38x26 Cassette: Shimano CS-HG200-9 11-34 T Black Brakes: Tektro Disc Brake SCH-F15 Stem: JD-ST103A Saddle: Syncros Urban Commuter 2.5 Seat post: HL SP-56 Rims/Spokes: X12 Disc, 32h / Pillar Steel 14G Tires: Continental City Ride II or Schwalbe Spicer or Marathon Weight: 17 kg / 37.48 lbs
With its integrated rack, seamless assist and comfortable upright position, the Mavaro is all about freedom: the freedom to enjoy weekend treks or trips to the store, the freedom to escape the car for the daily commute or the freedom to feel the wind in your face - effortlessly.
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. XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLX
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.
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. After all of this sucess, the logical step was to go back to the drawing board to make something even faster. The all NEW FOIL 10 has been designed to be even more aerodynamic, more comfortable, and to still have that incredibly laterally stiff nature. Featuring an HMF Carbon Fiber frame, an integrated FOIL stem and Shimano Ultegra Di2, the FOIL 10 is a race ready machine at a fraction of the cost. Available in S, M, L.
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Equipped with a Shimano fluid transmission specially for tandems, an adjustable stem (that the passenger can adapt under all circumstances) and a RockShox YARI RC fork for your comfort, our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. For an optimal return on your effort and complete confidence, we’re making it available in 27.5-inch tires. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S
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. Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- 1 new bottle
- 2 Tire levers, 1 spare tube, Patch kit, Multi-tool
Accessories
- Rear pannier containing : Helmet / Lock / Pump / 2 Spare tubes
- Handlebar bag containing: Toolkit / Tire levers / Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Odometer
- Flat pedals are included (toe straps on request)
- Saddle bag containing : Toolkit / Tire levers / Patch kit / 2 Spare tubes / 1 Hand pump + Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- Flat pedals are included (toe straps on request)
- 2 souvenir water bottles
Roadbooks
Our road books 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 road books even better. Our road books include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow directions step by step (Cue-sheet). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
GPS
GPS are included on all 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
- 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.
| Price from & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Upgraded | 1990 € | 670 € | 2990 € |
*Please contact us for triple room rates
| Options per person : | |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Performance | 205 € |
| Premium | 275 € |
| Electric Assisted Bike | 135 € |
| Kid Bike Rental | -40 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | 40 € |
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)