Castles of the Loire Valley - Amboise & Blois
This bike tour is a great way to discover castles of the Loire Valley. Start your trip in picturesque Amboise before cycling to the famous Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord and finally arriving in Blois.
The tour includes visiting other castles such as Cheverny and Chaumont and cycling through beautiful landscapes and gardens. The terrain is mostly flat and well adapted to casual biking.
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 : 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. If you arrive early enough, take the chance to visit the nearby Clos Lucé or the Royal chateau of Amboise. Orientation and bike set up tonight.
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 2 : Loop ride to Chateau de Chenonceau from Amboise
Option 1 : 22 Miles - 36 Km
Option 2 : 33 Miles - 53 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 279 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 415 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 : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 3 : Cycle to Blois
Distance 1 : 27 Miles - 43 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 300 Meters
Depart from Amboise and ride through many small villages, stopping at privately owned chateaux on the way. For lunch, why not stop at the famous Gardens festival and Chateau of Chaumont for a picnic followed by a visit! Then you will either go on a short and quiet ride to Blois or choose the longer option riding through sunflower fields and deep countryside of the area to visit more chateaux such as Fougeres and Beauregard.
Accommodation : Mercure Blois Centre - "Blois"
Accommodation : Hotel Anne de Bretagne - "Blois"
Accommodation : Mercure Blois Centre - "Blois"
Day 4 : Loop Ride to Chateau de Chambord and Cheverny
Option 1 : 29 Miles - 47 Km
Option 2 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Option 3 : 39 Miles - 63 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 275 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 305 Meters
Elevation gain 3 : 382 Meters
Today, you will again have 2 ride options. The short option takes you to the famous Chambord, where you can enjoy the magnificent architecture and unique features. Then you can enjoy a chocolate tasting in a chocolate factory in a nearby charming village before heading back to Blois with a stop at the Chateau de Villesavin. On the longer option, after Chambord, you will continue south to the Chateaux of Cheverny, Troussay and Beauregard. Those are easy rides on flat terrain, just enjoy the scenery imagining how and why the kings chose this area as their vacation place!
Accommodation : Mercure Blois Centre - "Blois"
Accommodation : Hotel Anne de Bretagne - "Blois"
Accommodation : Mercure Blois Centre - "Blois"
Day 5 : Departure Day
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Blois by train for Paris or other destination.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 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, 4
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 : 1, 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, 4
The hotel Anne de Bretagne is located a stone's throw from the historical center of the city. Whether you come to Blois to discover the Loire Castles or for a stopover on the Loire Valley roads by bike, the hotel Anne de Bretagne will make your stay in Blois an exceptional moment with its personalized rooms. Let yourself be seduced by the family spirit and the conviviality that reigns here... No elevator and hotel not air-conditioned (a column fan in each room).
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, 4
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.
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 
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 - Premium
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( 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 - Standard
ORBEA MX 20p or 24p - ( or equivalent) with supplement (-30€) |
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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
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Option 1: 22 Miles - 36 Km Elevation gain 1 : 279 Meters
Option 2: 33 Miles - 53 Km Elevation gain 2 : 415 Meters
Option 1: 27 Miles - 43 Km Elevation gain 1 : 300 Meters
Option 1: 29 Miles - 47 Km Elevation gain 1 : 275 Meters
Option 2: 32 Miles - 52 Km Elevation gain 2 : 305 Meters
Option 3: 39 Miles - 63 Km Elevation gain 3 : 382 Meters
Included
- 4 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 1 dinner included
- 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.
Informations & Recommendations
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)
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 € | 90 € | 950 € |
| Standard | 740 € | 160 € | 1130 € |
| Upgraded | 1050 € | 350 € | 1575 € |
Activities
| Category | Activity | Price |
| Outdoor activities | Canoeing underneath Chenonceaux - 4 Km | +25 €/person |
| Tasting | Bigot chocolatery | +17 €/person |
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 € |
| 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 |
United States
,It was fantastic!!! We loved the route and the canoe ride was Soooo much fun! We liked the hotel ( especially La Breche) When Joel’s bike broke, the response was immediate and we never lost any time. We wished we had done a longer trip, next time! Discover France was great and helped me figure out what to do for my first France Trip. I would highly recommend Discover France to people
United States
We had the best time! The new bike works great. The La Breche Hotel was lovely. Incredible dinner, thank you for everything. Best,
Susan
United States
Our tour is done, and it was great! The routes and the hotels were are wonderful, and the weather was perfect. Hot, but no rain. Thanks again.
United States
Everything was perfect! An especial highlight to la brete hotel. The people are welcoming, food was great and the place is really charming. At the end of things that might be improved is the GPS. The maps look outdated compared to waze and google maps and the naviagation is not as easy. Anyway, I don’t know wheter are better options on the market... Thanks for all your assistance! We leave today already planning our next trip to Provence! See you!
United States
Everything has been great . The hotels are lovely and the area is beautiful. I do want to let you know, however, that the suggested chocolate factory tour on day 4 only has tours in English in July and August. We were pretty bummed not to get a tour, but we still had a delicious lunch in the town and got some tasty chocolates. Thanks for everything,
Munaretto
United States
We loved the Loire bike trip with Discover France. Everything was as agreed and then some. Info as follows: Bikes: terrific in all aspects, though perhaps the seats were a bit hard. We were given repair kits which we fortunately did not need but were happy to have. Routes: gps was invaluable and reassuring that we were on the right path. The length and sights we saw were great too. Loved seeing the countryside, animals and agriculture. Most routes were on gravel or small country roads which we liked and only occasionally on busier roads which we did not. Hotels: had wonderful service at both hotels and good breakfasts too. The dinner in Amboise included in the tour was outstanding. Wine tasting: another hit! We were joined by 4 others and it was an informative and enjoyable experience ....we shipped some wine home. Your colleague, Ron?, was excellent in explaining everything so we felt very comfortable with the bikes and routes at the start.
Canada
First of all, the overall arrangements and logistics by Discover France made for a very pleasurable experience. Thank you for making the arrangements for us on short notice. We loved our three nights in Clos d'Amboise and although different, the Mercure in Blois was very good. Certainly Chenonceau is the crown jewel of the three château during the trip. Chambord was also wonderful.
Canada
We loved the bike trip and the hotels were great. Our dinner at the Hotel De Breche was absolutely fabulous! Exquisite food and service. The bikes were great too, the gears changed smoothly and we had no problems with them, other than the water bottle holders falling off the handlebars. Other than that, we loved the chateaux, the towns, and the hotels, and had a terrific time. Thank you.
HADLEY
United States
WE LOVED EVERYTHING!! Biking along the paths through small villages, forests, fields was a thrill. Of course the chateaus' are spectacular. The bike equipment was top notch and Rom oriented us with patience and enthusiasm. The lodging was perfect. The B&B in Amboise was charming with friendly hosts. The hotel in Blois was funky with great location and FRIENDLY staff. We couldn't have been happier. I can hardly wait to start looking for our next biking adventure with your company next summer. I'll be looking again for a 4-5 day self guided adventure.
United Kingdom
We have had a great time! The tour was wonderful we enjoyed all the routes and the chateaux along the way. Hotels were comfortable and the hosts very hospitable. They couldn't do enough for us and we really appreciated their attentiveness. The guides and drivers were very helpful and professional particularly organising the electric bike at last minute. It was also very reassuring to know you were happy to accommodate our needs. I hope to return soon! Many thanks
United States
All went well and we had a great time. Loved the routes, was able to see so much variety. The hotels were all very cute and the owners very accommodating. Really liked how organized there were with the luggage, bikes etc. We were able to avoid any significant rain while we were out.
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