Amboise Cycling Loops
This bike tour will take you around Amboise to explore the Loire Valley and its numerous castles. From the Chateau d’Amboise to the Chateau de Chenonceau and Chaumont, you will have a chance to visit some Loire Valley vineyards and taste the famous Vouvray wines before cycling back to Amboise.
The countryside follows rivers and tree-lined paths, which is very nice for bike riding. This program is perfect for families or those looking to have some easier cycling options.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Loire
Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights
Level :
or 
Type : On a loop
Category : Bike
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 the early afternoon and start discovering your host city with a walking tour around Amboise! Once you are done, we will meet you at the hotel for your orientation, bike set up and see how you did on the walking tour! (we suggest arriving around 2pm to have time to do the walking tour).
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 2 : Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau d’Amboise
Option 1 : 22 Miles - 36 Km
Option 2 : 31 Miles - 50 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 140 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 404 Meters
Canoeing and chocolate tasting! 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. Once at Chenonceau, ride to Civray, just a mile away to start your canoe ride! You will drop off your bikes there, and they will take you to the start of the itinerary. You will then canoe downstream for almost 2 hours, and pass under the Chateau de Chenonceau. Pick up your bikes and ride back to Amboise where you can enjoy a reward: a chocolate tasting in front of the Chateau of Amboise! Return to the same hotel.
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 3 : Bike tour of the Vouvray vineyards
Option 1 : 26 Miles - 42 Km
Option 2 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 355 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 377 Meters
A quiet bike tour on the other side of the Loire through gentle, verdant landscapes, far removed from the main roads - visit the Moncontour wine museum and taste some wine in their cave (included). About Vouvray wines : Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region and it produces splendid wines from the dry and austere to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. You will then cross Montlouis white wine appellation and ride in the middle of the vineyards on a bike trail.
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 4 : Chateau de Chaumont
Option 1 : 27 Miles - 44 Km
Option 2 : 30 Miles - 48 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 345 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 241 Meters
From Amboise you will first cross many typical small villages where you can find a small Chateau in almost every one ! Then follow the Loire river toward the village and the feudal castle of Chaumont sur Loire where the annual International Garden Festival is held each year (starting in June). Return to Amboise via back country paths.
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 5 : Departure day
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure. Other cycling itineraries are possible if you wish to extend this type of tour a little longer. We can offer rides to Montlouis vineyards, Montrichard and its medieval castle ruin, or by round trip train to Blois you can ride toward Chambord.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2, 3, 4
This is a sumptuous 17th century house converted into a charming hotel in 2003 and upgraded into a luxury hotel in 2011 retaining its character. Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise**** is located in the very heart of the Royal City of Amboise, in the authentic and picturesque historic part of the city that contains Francois 1er chateau, and further on, Leonardo da Vinci's residence, the Clos Lucé.
Day : 1, 2, 3, 4
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 : 1, 2, 3, 4
At a distance of 500 yards from the town center in the shadow in the raised garden, this residence dating from the begining of the 20th century (renovated in 2000) has been able to preserve the tradition of the "art de vivre" in Touraine. This charming hotel (without air conditioning) welcomes you with its familial and friendly atmosphere.
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 (100€) 
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 (100€) 
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise. Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Road bike - Performance
TREK EMONDA SLR7 - ( or equivalent) with supplement 
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 - Premium
ORBEA MX 20p or 24p - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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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 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...
Click below to see activities per trip version.
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Option 1: 22 Miles - 36 Km Elevation gain 1 : 140 Meters
Option 2: 31 Miles - 50 Km Elevation gain 2 : 404 Meters
Option 1: 26 Miles - 42 Km Elevation gain 1 : 355 Meters
Option 2: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 2 : 377 Meters
Option 1: 27 Miles - 44 Km Elevation gain 1 : 345 Meters
Option 2: 30 Miles - 48 Km Elevation gain 2 : 241 Meters
Included
- 4 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each 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
Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- Chocolate tasting
- Wine tasting
- Self-guided walking tour of town
- Canoe
- 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 to St Pierre des Corps which is about. 1 hour by TGV from Paris. Then take a taxi to the hotel in Amboise. If you stay at La Breche, you can take the train to the Amboise station and walk to the hotel.
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) |
| Basic | 640 € | 100 € | 920 € |
| Standard | 980 € | 250 € | 1360 € |
| Upgraded | 1290 € | 490 € | 1900 € |
Activities
| Category | Activity | Price |
| Outdoor activities | Canoeing underneath Chenonceaux - 4 Km | Included |
| Tasting | Bigot chocolatery | Included |
| Wine tasting | Wine Museum of Moncontour | Included |
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
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 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
United States
We had the most amazing time despite two days of rain to start our bike tour. It was beautiful. The hotel were amazing! Five stars! The staff is very friendly, the accommodations were fantastic and the breakfast were beyond our best expectations. Our Discover France guide was right on time and extremely friendly. This is our first experience with a biking tour but according to Mike this is one of the most organized he has experienced. Very detailed maps with step by step instructions and the GPS has been a life saver with its pre-programmed routes already loaded! We have had the misfortune of some flat tires but had everything we needed to make the repairs and get back on the road. Overall, a great experience!
United States
We are very glad with our journey. It was good organized and it was very comfortable to determine our activities by our own. The only issue was with canoe trip. We thought that we could make it in any time, but people from canoe company told us that we should came in certain time. Fortunately they helped us and finally we took canoe trip. I think that we will be back to Discover France for some other routes but not very soon.
United States
We thought the hotel and accompanying restaurant were great - the staff were friendly and helpful, the hotel was neat and clean, the restaurant was very good, it was lovely to not have to worry about getting breakfast in the morning before starting our riding and the staff always had gluten free options for me which was great and sometimes difficult in other places in France. Thank you very much for sending us the smallest adult bike you could for our son - it made a huge difference. We averaged 55 km a day for 3 days - I just don't think our 8-yr old could have done that (let alone remotely kept up to us) on a kid's bike with small wheels. Thank you for taking our word on the abilities of our son and sending an appropriate bike. The lady who brought us our bikes was friendly and had most of the tools we needed. She was not really familiar with bike set-up but fortunately my husband was able to make the necessary adjustments (he switched out the stem on our son's bike - fortunately there was an extra stem that was shorter so it made the bike more comfortable for our son). It would be good to really indicate that for the ride to Chenonceaux if you want to have time to visit the castle, you need to start the day quite early. The canoe ride is a great idea - it's great to get off the bike for a bit and a great way to see the castle. In spring and fall, I think the bike should have lights! It gets dark earlier - there were a couple of times where lights would have been helpful/safer. In overall it was a really nice way to ease into our trip with a few days where everything was organized and reserved in advance before we got into the more spontaneous part of our trip.
Rebecca
United States
We've had a wonderful time in Amboise. We had two good days of biking on Wednesday and Thursday, and decided to stay in Amboise to tour the castle and Clos Lucé in the chilly, rainy weather yesterday. The hotel has been great, with delicious meals and a comfortable bed. The bikes have worked perfectly, and we were very grateful for the good service provided when the GPS stopped working on our second day. Thank you to Discover France for making our time in the Loire valley so trouble-free and relaxing! À la prochaine!
United States
We did enjoy our rides. The bikes were nice and smooth to ride, and the hotel was awesome. We did a balloon trip last nigh and loved it. Thank you for everything! Anne
United States
Trip was great overall. Restaurant in hotel was highly priced for quality of the dinner. Breakfasts were great. Staff were very kind and helpful. I had a problem with my bike the first day (bent rim for front tire) and your company replaced it for the second day. Routes were well planned. Overall I would recommend Discover France as a tour operator and we might take another trip with you in the future.
United States
Everything was great. We had a few hours of rain on day one but the equipment provided made the rain not a big issue. We stayed in chambers d'ôte Le Clos des Tanneurs--excellent accommodation--one of the best we have ever experienced. The owners, Guy et Patrice, were wonderful hosts. Your recommendations for Le Patio and Bigot were both great. Vive gastronomique française! Thank you again
United States
It is great! Dema's bike was too small, but they are bringing us another today. I should have measured him again before we left:(. Everything is beautiful and everyone is very kind and helpful.
Angela
United States
We had a really great time in Amboise even though we were only able to cycle 1 day. Our 2nd day was very wet, windy, and cold so we ended up touring the local chateaus instead. We had a little trouble with the gps but eventually figured it out. Also, the pre-programmed route took us down what appeared to be a logging road! We had to portage over a huge mound of gravel at one point. I suppose that just added to the adventure. Pictures of the day are below. Thanks again for helping us plan our trip. We can't wait for next time! Regards, Angela Neikov
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