Loire Valley Family Trip : from Tours to Chinon
This stay in the heart of the Loire Valley is ideal for the whole family! Indeed we invite you to explore the Loire and its castles on itineraries suitable for everyone. Your children will be delighted to explore the treetop adventure park. Young and old alike will find their happiness in the many castles that you can visit such as Villandry, Chinon and the castle of Ussé and its treasure hunt.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Loire
Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrival in Tours
Arrival to the Saint Pierre des Corps-Tours TGV station, located only 1h from Paris by train. Transfer on your own by taxi to Tours and settle at your charming hotel.
Accommodation : Le Grand Hotel de Tours - "Tours"
Accommodation : Hotel Mondial - "Tours"
Day 2 : From Tours to Villandry
Distance 1 : 13 Miles - 21 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 94 Meters
For this first day from Tours you will follow the Cher and the Loire almost from the beginning to the end! Start your bike ride in the direction of Savonnières, then in the famous gardens of Villandry, which were designed to be in perfect harmony with the architecture of the castle.
Accommodation : Le Haut des Lys - "Villandry"
Accommodation : Le Chat Courant - "Villandry"
Day 3 : From Villandry to Azay le Rideau
Distance 1 : 17 Miles - 27 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 118 Meters
Today you will walk along the Loire River during the first part of your itinerary, start your day in the direction of Langeais where you can visit the medieval city center. Then head to Azay-le-Rideau, your final destination today, famous for its castle on the Indre River, originally built in the Middle Ages to protect the passage of the road from Tours to Chinon.
Accommodation : Le Grand Monarque - "Azay Le Rideau"
Accommodation : Hotel de Biencourt - "Azay Le Rideau"
Day 4 : From Azay le rideau to Chinon
Distance 1 : 22 Miles - 35 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 185 Meters
Ride from Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon for a full day of cycling, 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, house to a few interesting museums, where you can taste some of the local wine, made famous in the writings of Francois Rabelais.
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Day 5 : Departure from Chinon
You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure. (Depart on your own). Easy train access back to Paris via Tours. We are happy to help with train info, added nights in Paris, car rental, or other services in France.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
Located in Tours, this hotel offers comfort in a family home atmosphere, with the guarantee of professional services. In the heart of the city, between Place Plumereau, Rue Colbert and Rue Nationale, 10 minutes walk from the train station and the congress centre. Follow the cobblestones of our streets steeped in history to visit the many restaurants nearby. Thanks to its easy parking, you can follow the Loire River, reach the castles and all the places of interest of this beautiful region by car, motorbike or bicycle!
Day : 2
Opposite the Château de Villandry, on the other side of the river Cher, at the gateway to the Loire Anjou Touraine Regional Natural Park... The Loire Valley is a world-famous region famous for its castles and its gentle way of life, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site... Whether you are looking for tourism or leisure activities, we will share with you our passion for our region where many riches await you... Come and recharge your batteries by the pool or in the garden of this establishment.
Day : 3
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 : 4
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 : 1
As soon as you enter, the lines and design of the furniture instantly plunge you into the atmosphere of the thirties. The Grand Hotel de Tours has indeed called upon a designer for the renovation of its rooms and the decoration of our lounge. The Grand Hotel de Tours offers Comfort, Superior, Premium, Triple, Family (for 2 adults and 2 children) and Junior Suites and Suite rooms.
Day : 2
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villandry is one of the gateways to the Loire-Anjou Natural Park and certainly the international reference for French-style gardens. Located just above the village and its castle, the hotel Le Haut des Lys is a beautiful bourgeois house made of tufa. Welcome to the hotel Le Haut des Lys !
Day : 3
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 : 4
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.
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 (95€) 
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 (95€) 
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
Click below to see activities per trip version.
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Option 1: 13 Miles - 21 Km Elevation gain 1 : 94 Meters
Option 1: 17 Miles - 27 Km Elevation gain 1 : 118 Meters
Option 1: 22 Miles - 35 Km Elevation gain 1 : 185 Meters
Included
- 4 nights of accommodation in hotels or Guest house 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.
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- 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 Tours:
Train from Paris : 1 hours 30 with direct trains
Departure Chinon:
Train to paris : 3 hours with change of train in Tours
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 € | 150 € | 965 € |
| Standard | 695 € | 200 € | 1070 € |
Activities
| Category | Activity | Price |
| Tickets | Natural History Museum | +4.2 €/person |
| Outdoor activities | Accrobranche Gadawi Park | +20 €/person |
| Tickets | Visit Château de Villandry | +10 €/person |
| Tickets | Langeais castle | +15 €/person |
| Tickets | Maurice Dufresne Museum | +12 €/person |
| Tickets | Chinon castle | +10.5 €/person |
| Tickets | Ussé Castle + treasure hunt | +14 €/person |
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 95 € |
| Premium | 230 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 95 € |
| Kid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 20 € |
| 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 |
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