Loire Valley Secret Castles

This Loire Valley Cycling Tour was created to take you to a part of the Loire region not covered by other trips. The flat-to-rolling terrain is perfect for cycling and is filled with castles, vineyards and colorful landscapes.
The tour starts in Joue les Tours and will take you to Azay le Rideau, Langeais, the Chateau de Villandry and Ussé, and the famous Fontevraud Abbey. You will also cycle through some important wine regions such as Chinon and Saumur for some wine tasting.
All the best of the Loire Valley by bicycle!

Price from : 760€
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Loire
Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights
Level : or
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day

Click below to see hotels versions.

Day 1 :   Arrive in Joue les Tours

Arrival in Saint Pierre des Corps-Tours TGV station, located only 1h from Paris by train. Transfer to your charming hotel in Joue les Tours or Tours on your own.

Day 2 :   Villandry to Azay le Rideau

Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km  Option 2 : 29 Miles - 46 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 200 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 250 Meters 

Going first to fantastic gardens at the famous Villandry, you will ride alongside the Cher and Loire Rivers and along the Loire a Velo route. After, continue toward Azay le Rideau and that classic chateau, where you can spend plenty of time to visit the castle and possibly see the sound and light show. This renaissance era castle is considered a classic design and its setting alongside the Indre River is magic.

Day 3 :   Azay le Rideau to Chinon

Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km  Option 2 : 28 Miles - 45 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 200 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 256 Meters 

Ride from Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon for a full day of cycling around castles. Your first stop is in Langeais, where the Chateau was the temporary lair of lawless armed bands during the Hundred Years War. Then the ride continues to the Chateau of Usse, a fairytale castle which is reputed to have inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty and a "must" for all Walt Disney's fans. You will then finish by riding to Chinon, home to a few interesting museums, where you can taste some of the local wine, made famous in the writings of Francois Rabelais.

Day 4 :   Chinon to Saumur

Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km  Option 2 : 29 Miles - 46 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 190 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 380 Meters 

Ride from Chinon to Saumur, home of a beautiful castle and delicious wine. You will start your ride to Saumur with a stop at the Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the most beautiful and largest abbeys in Europe. Then as you approach Saumur, you will begin to see the magnificent Chateau overlooking the Loire River and surrounded by endless vineyards.

Day 5 :   Departure day

Departure after a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel.

Average / Day : Distance : 39.83 Km / 24.83 Miles - Elevation gain : 246.00 Meters

Click below to see hotels versions.


Day : 1

An 18th century manor house in the heart of the Loire valley with beautiful gardens. Jean-Pierre Lozay "Master chef of France" will introduce you to his gastronomic cuisine accompanied by a very large choice of excellent French vintage wines selected by Jean-Marc Lozay.


Day : 2

In the heart of the Valley of the Kings, where the Touraine is the most authentic, sits Le Grand Monarque. Located in Azay le Rideau, the hotel offers a charming stay and relaxation. During your stay you'll discover its enchantment, a peace of mind to yourself, a great comfort, and an art of living accompanied with genuine French cuisine.


Day : 3

Hotel Diderot is like arriving at a friend's house with the charm of an authentic dwelling built in the fifteenth century and modified in the eighteenth century. It's just a few hundred meters from the town center, the medieval quarter and the chateau. On the terrace, you will remember your visits to chateaux or vineyards, while drinking a glass of the Chinon wine praised by Francois Rabelais.


Day : 4

On the Loire river banks, near the historic center town, beneath the Castle which gave immortal fame to the " Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry", this private mansion house built in the 18th century still echoes with the ardors of restoration heroes and military romance ...A historically graded fa?_ade, a magnificient staircase crowned by a trompe-l'oeil celling, designs of Percier and Fontaine, Napoleon's architects, ... so many historical marks that you contemplate with emotion.


Day : 1

An 18th century manor house in the heart of the Loire valley with beautiful gardens. Jean-Pierre Lozay "Master chef of France" will introduce you to his gastronomic cuisine accompanied by a very large choice of excellent French vintage wines selected by Jean-Marc Lozay.


Day : 2

In the heart of the Valley of the Kings, where the Touraine is the most authentic, sits Le Grand Monarque. Located in Azay le Rideau, the hotel offers a charming stay and relaxation. During your stay you'll discover its enchantment, a peace of mind to yourself, a great comfort, and an art of living accompanied with genuine French cuisine.


Day : 3

Hotel Diderot is like arriving at a friend's house with the charm of an authentic dwelling built in the fifteenth century and modified in the eighteenth century. It's just a few hundred meters from the town center, the medieval quarter and the chateau. On the terrace, you will remember your visits to chateaux or vineyards, while drinking a glass of the Chinon wine praised by Francois Rabelais.


Day : 4

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.


Day : 1

In the heart of the city of Tours, hôtel Colbert gives you all the comfort of a country house hotel. Take advantage of our ideal location for your stay in Tours. We are right next to the business center, as well as the historic and touristic sites that the rich region of TOURS has to offer. hôtel Colbert is conveniently located on Colbert Street, the oldest street of Tours, with its numerous restaurants and adapted to all kind of budgets.Should you need a night walk or a morning jog, hôtel Colbert is at walking distance from the banks of the Loire or the inevitable plaza of Tours: “Place Plumereau.


Day : 2

Built rue Balzac in the village of Azay-le-Rideau, the hotel de Biencourt was during the 16th century a hotel named White Horse. It later became a place where the real tennis was played before becoming under the Second Empire a school for boys and the village first girls class.Ideally located in the heart of Azay-le-Rideau, just a stone's throw from the castle, you will find here the charm of the past with all the comfort you would expect when away from home. The courtyard garden is an oasis of peace to relax after a long day of discovering.


Day : 3

Hotel Diderot is like arriving at a friend's house with the charm of an authentic dwelling built in the fifteenth century and modified in the eighteenth century. It's just a few hundred meters from the town center, the medieval quarter and the chateau. On the terrace, you will remember your visits to chateaux or vineyards, while drinking a glass of the Chinon wine praised by Francois Rabelais.


Day : 4

Le Londres Hotel & Apartments is ideally located at the heart of the town centre, within walking distance of the château, pedestrian streets and restaurants. Le Londres has perpetuated the tradition of excellent entertaining since 1837. Since July 2005, Le Londres hotel has been undergoing sweeping renovation works. Inspired by its glorious past when it was the Grand hôtel de Londres, we have completely refurbished our hotel rooms with a strong desire to faithfully render the historical spirit of the place by choosing plush textures and noble materials (wood and iron works, tuffeau walls) whilst providing a strong dose of modern comfort in order to perpetuate the nice story that began 175 years ago!

Bikes available for your tour

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.

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 stuff 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

Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.

All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).


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...

Daily Elevation Profiles
Average / Day : Distance : 39.83 Km / 24.83 Miles - Elevation gain : 246.00 Meters
Day 2 :   Villandry to Azay le Rideau

Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 200 Meters 

Option 2: 29 Miles - 46 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 250 Meters 

Day 3 :   Azay le Rideau to Chinon

Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 200 Meters 

Option 2: 28 Miles - 45 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 256 Meters 

Day 4 :   Chinon to Saumur

Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 190 Meters 

Option 2: 29 Miles - 46 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 380 Meters 

Included

  • 4 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
  • Daily breakfast at each hotel, 2 dinners included (Standard & Upgraded), no dinner included with the Basic package.
  • 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
  • Guidance Application (phone not provided)

  • 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 Tours/Joue les Tours, which accessible via train from Paris Montparnasse to St Pierre des Corps. 1hour 10 min by TGV; return from Saumur to Montparnasse, 2 hours 20min.

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)
Basic 760 € 120 € 1100 €
Standard 940 € 160 € 1390 €
Upgraded 1290 € 330 € 1900 €
*Rates vary according to hotel availability and specific start date. Please contact us for triple room rates

Accessories

Accessories
Guidance Application Included
Biking Roadbook Included
Travelbook Included

Bikes available


Bikes available Options per person
Hybrid Bike Rental
    Standard Included
Road Bike Rental
    Standard 100 €
    Premium 210 €
Electric assist bike
    Standard 100 €
Kid Bike Rental
    Standard -30 €
Tandem Bike Rental
    Standard 25 €

I bring my bike Discount of -90€ if you ride with your own bicycle.



Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.

Services available

Services available
Cancelation insurance 6%
Luggage transfer
    On a 2-person basis 155 €/pers

Bot scann is mandatory