Chateau de Chambord to Atlantic Coast
This extended bike tour is a picturesque way to travel from Blois along the Loire River all the way to the Atlantic Coast.
On the way you will visit the most famous Loire Valley Castles, like le Chateau de Chambord or Villandry. You will also go through the Saumur vineyards and be able to taste some Chinon wine before finally relaxing on the Atlantic Coast. This trip also includes visiting some beautiful cities such as Angers and Nantes and cycling through typical French villages.
The itinerary is perfect for cycling but you will need to have experience for longer rides to enjoy it.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Loire
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
or 
Type : On the way
Category :
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Discover Blois and its chateau
Arrive in Blois which is located only 1.5 hours from Paris by train. Enjoy the afternoon to walk around and discover the royal town and its Chateau. Orientation and bicycle set up in the evening at the hotel.
Accommodation : Mercure Blois Centre - "Blois"
Accommodation : Hotel de France et de Guise - "Blois"
Day 2 : Château de Chambord to Amboise
Option 1 : 50 Miles - 81 Km
Option 2 : 57 Miles - 91 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 395 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 498 Meters
You should start early on this day if you want to take time to visit the castles. Today the ride starts out quiet and the anticipation builds up as you approach the forest of Chambord that hides the most famous of the Loire chateaux until the last moment when you come into the clearing and see the site!
Coming out from the park of Chambord, you will have the possibility to try some chocolate, visit Bracieux village and/or two other famous castles: Cheverny and Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire and its International Garden Festival. At the end of your ride you arrive in Amboise. The short option does not go to Cheverny.
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Day 3 : To Chinon through Villandry
Distance 1 : 54 Miles - 87 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 431 Meters
Today you go through the history of France and its different types of castles. Today's ride is mostly on bike lane roads. The first part of your ride will take you through the vineyards of Montlouis, before reaching Tours. You pass nearby the chateau of Villandry with its famous gardens and the medieval village of Langeais with its massive castle.
At last you can have a look at the sleeping beauty Chateau of Usse before reaching the town where Jeanne of Arc met King Charles VII : Chinon.
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Day 4 : Saumur wine and Fontevraud abbey on to Angers
Distance 1 : 59 Miles - 95 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 603 Meters
Wine day ! Leaving the vineyards of Chinon, you will then go through the vineyards of Saumur, Champigny and finally Anjou at the end of your ride. On your way, you will be able to visit the largest abbey in Europe: Fontevraud, definitely worth a stop! Some of the highlights for today also include the chateau and city of Saumur and the fortress of Angers.
Accommodation : Hotel de France Angers - "Angers"
Accommodation : Hotel Marguerite d'Anjou - "Angers"
Day 5 : Angers to Nantes
Distance 1 : 62 Miles - 100 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 527 Meters
Riding day with short hills and long distance, so we recommend starting early ! The ride today will be very peaceful, along the Loire River, with very little traffic.
Your destination today is Nantes, a very dynamic city which is great for cyclists since they have pushed and developed the use of bikes and bike friendly roads in town. On the way you will discover small and typical French villages with their unique Churches (St Florent le Vieil, Ancenis).
Accommodation : Hotel Voltaire Opera - "Nantes"
Accommodation : Hotel Voltaire Opera - "Nantes"
Day 6 : Cycle to the Atlantic Coast to Pornic
Distance 1 : 52 Miles - 84 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 511 Meters
The ride today will take you to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean for your last night! First, you can make a stop and visit the extraordinary artistic project "Machines de l'Ile", which represents the invented worlds of Jules Verne. Then go through the charming fishing village of Trentemoult. During the last part of your itinerary, you will ride on small roads all the way to the Ocean. You will ride along the coast for a few miles before reaching your hotel in Pornic.
Accommodation : Hotel Alliance - "Pornic"
Accommodation : Hotel Le Mauritia - "Pornic"
Day 7 : Departure Day
Departure after breakfast. You can take a train back to Paris via Nantes or add extra nights to your trip!
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
The hotel Mercure Blois Centre, completely renovated, is located in the heart of the chateaux of the Loire. It is ideally located, facing the river Loire and 5 minutes away from the city centre, the Royal castle and House of Magic. Enjoy our spacious rooms with contemporary design. You have access to the Spa from 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week. Our restaurant, le Quai St-Jean, provides regional and refined cuisine. Paying enclosed private car park according to availability.
Day : 2
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.
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
The Hotel De France Angers is located just few steps away from the City centre as well as from the Castle Fortress of Medieval. The hotel is easily accessible as it is sited very close to the TGV train station. You can even discover plenty of attractions around the city such as the Batea promenade L'Hirondelle, Chateau De Brissac and many others.Rooms: All the 55 rooms at the hotel are immaculately furnished and equipped with the latest amenities that address the changing needs of its future guests. All the rooms are beautifully decorated to offer you the calm and the serenity after a days touring.Restaurant:Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant that serves a variety of delicacies accompanied by a selection of wines.
Day : 5
Hotel Voltaire Opera is located in the Nantes Centre Ville neighborhood in Nantes, 41.8 km from Pornic and 49.9 km from Saint-Nazaire. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. You will find a shared lounge at the property.
Day : 6
Lying between Brittany and the Vendée and looking out over the Atlantic, Pornic is ideally situated. It enjoys a microclimate all its own, at once sunny and invigorating. With its elegant facade which at one time fronted the town's casino, the Centre Alliance Pornic Thalassothérapie overlooks the La Source Beach. Today it provides all the amenities of a 3-star hotel along with modern facilities and an on-site sea-water therapy unit.
Day : 1
The hotel Mercure Blois Centre, completely renovated, is located in the heart of the chateaux of the Loire. It is ideally located, facing the river Loire and 5 minutes away from the city centre, the Royal castle and House of Magic. Enjoy our spacious rooms with contemporary design. You have access to the Spa from 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week. Our restaurant, le Quai St-Jean, provides regional and refined cuisine. Paying enclosed private car park according to availability.
Day : 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
Welcome to the Château de Marçay, an island of calm and serenity at the heart of Touraine, a land of Châteaux and History. This 15th century château is built on the ruins of an 11th century fortress. The Château of Marçay offers 30 rooms, all different. Some have a view on the park, others on the main courtyard. The rooms of the château and its wing have been decorated in a «haute époque» style. Rooms in the Pavillon des Vignes are located on the ground and first floors of one of the dependencies of the château. They are facing the vineyards , their private and quiet environment makes them a place where families with children can play safely. The Château de Marçay is located 8km from the city of Chinon.
Day : 4
The Hotel De France Angers is located just few steps away from the City centre as well as from the Castle Fortress of Medieval. The hotel is easily accessible as it is sited very close to the TGV train station. You can even discover plenty of attractions around the city such as the Batea promenade L'Hirondelle, Chateau De Brissac and many others.Rooms: All the 55 rooms at the hotel are immaculately furnished and equipped with the latest amenities that address the changing needs of its future guests. All the rooms are beautifully decorated to offer you the calm and the serenity after a days touring.Restaurant:Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant that serves a variety of delicacies accompanied by a selection of wines.
Day : 5
Hotel Voltaire Opera is located in the Nantes Centre Ville neighborhood in Nantes, 41.8 km from Pornic and 49.9 km from Saint-Nazaire. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. You will find a shared lounge at the property.
Day : 6
Lying between Brittany and the Vendée and looking out over the Atlantic, Pornic is ideally situated. It enjoys a microclimate all its own, at once sunny and invigorating. With its elegant facade which at one time fronted the town's casino, the Centre Alliance Pornic Thalassothérapie overlooks the La Source Beach. Today it provides all the amenities of a 3-star hotel along with modern facilities and an on-site sea-water therapy unit.
Day : 1
Hotel de Guise et de France is a hotel of character located in full town centre of Blois, capital of the Loir et Cher, in region Centers France. Blois is also the beginning of the chateaux of the valley of the Loire. Located in front of the Castle of Blois, the hotel has 50 rooms 1 - 5 persons.The hotel built in 1891, has an unique character: majestic building, breakfast room decorated with wall painting...
Day : 2
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.
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
Located in Angers town centre, Hotel Marguerite d’Anjou is a 2-minute walk from the Chateau d’Angers. Guest rooms at the Marguerite d’Anjou are equipped with a radio, flat-screen TV and satellite channels. They each have a private bathroom, and some rooms are serviced by a lift. The Marguerite d'Anjou’s brasserie features an outdoor terrace, and serves a daily continental breakfast. The hotel also provides free newspapers and a bicycle rental service. The Marguerite D’Anjou Hotel is a 5-minute walk from the SNCF train station and easily accessible by the A11/E60 motorway. Local leisure activities include hiking, fishing and canoeing.
Day : 5
Hotel Voltaire Opera is located in the Nantes Centre Ville neighborhood in Nantes, 41.8 km from Pornic and 49.9 km from Saint-Nazaire. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. You will find a shared lounge at the property.
Day : 6
The hotel is the result of a happy marriage between comfort and modernity. With its 59 rooms, it meets every need, whether you are a professional or a holidaymaker. A breakfast buffet, a bar, room service and a restaurant are on site.
Bikes available for your tour |
|
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) INCLUDED 
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 (70€) 
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 (140€) 
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 (35€) |
|
|
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. |
|
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
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.
- All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLX
Saddle Bag Containing:
- Toolkit,
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 2 spare tubes
- 1 hand pump.
- Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- 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.
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: 50 Miles - 81 Km Elevation gain 1 : 395 Meters
Option 2: 57 Miles - 91 Km Elevation gain 2 : 498 Meters
Option 1: 54 Miles - 87 Km Elevation gain 1 : 431 Meters
Option 1: 59 Miles - 95 Km Elevation gain 1 : 603 Meters
Option 1: 62 Miles - 100 Km Elevation gain 1 : 527 Meters
Option 1: 52 Miles - 84 Km Elevation gain 1 : 511 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- 1 Dinner included
- Road 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
Possibility to upgrade to upgraded rooms on request.
Arrival city is Blois, which is accessible via train from Paris; 1 hour 30 min approx. Departure from Pornic to Nantes with direct trains to Paris. (3.5 hours)
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 | 1390 € | 180 € | 2240 € |
| Standard | 1630 € | 320 € | 2595 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| GPS | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Performance | 70 € |
| Premium | 140 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 35 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Ted
United States
My son Matthew, Richard and I are back in L.A. We had a wonderful cycling experience together. The Scott bikes were great and we eventually learned how to navigate and use the Garmin pretty well. The roads that you picked out were excellent for road biking and avoiding most congested spots - excepting roundabouts and town centers. A few minor suggestions: 1. Have better tire irons for changing tires. The plastic ones were cheap and difficult to use. There were about 4 flats along the way. 2. Try and have the hotels place the luggage in front or in our hotel rooms wherever possible. This would have been an added touch after 50-60 mile rides. The hotels you selected I thought were very good and no issue there. We all loved the lodging in Pornic at trips' end. Keep that one going for other customers. A great way to end the trip with the spa, pool, setting and great food. Thanks again for your assistance and organization. My Best,
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