Loire Valley Classic - Villandry to Chambord Castle tour

This extended bike tour travels around all the famous and breath-taking Loire Valley Castles.
You will start in Villandry and its beautiful gardens, then continue on exploring the countryside between the Chambord Castle and Blois. You will have the opportunity to visit the picturesque city of Amboise, and the Chenonceau, Usse and Chambord castles among others. Not to mention tasting some Vouvray wine, also among others.
The 247 km bike tour includes several options to choose from according to your wish and cycling level.

Price from : 1140€
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Loire
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level : or 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 Tours

Arrival in Joue-les-Tours. From Paris, you can take a quick 1-hour train ride to St Pierre des Corps, transfer to your hotel on your own. Orientation at your hotel, dinner included at your chateau tonight. If you arrive early, you can spend your free time exploring the old city of Tours. (Dinner is not included in basic version for tonight).

Day 2 :   Villandry and Azay le Rideau Castles

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

After a stop at the outstanding gardens at the famous Villandry, you will ride alongside the Cher and Loire Rivers and along the Loire a Velo route. Continue towards Azay le Rideau and its Classic-style chateau, where you can spend your free time visiting the castle and possibly see the sound and light show. This Renaissance castle is considered a great example of Classic architecture and its setting alongside the Indre River is magic.

Day 3 :   Chateau d’Usse on to Luynes

Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km  Option 2 : 29 Miles - 46 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 152 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 259 Meters 

From Azay you will continue the castles route, first stop the Chateau d'Usse: the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Continue to Langeais on a very quiet bike road by the Loire River. You will stay nearby to Villandry, in Luynes.

Day 4 :   Vouvray Wine and Amboise Castle

Distance 1 : 30 Miles - 48 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 274 Meters 

A flat ride to pass around Tours and then into the wine country of the famous appellation Vouvray. About Vouvray wines: Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region and produces splendid wines from dry wine to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. Continue to the charming Amboise.

Day 5 :   Loop Ride to Explore Chenonceau Castle

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.

Day 6 :   Cycle around the Chateau de Chaumont on to Blois

Distance 1 : 27 Miles - 43 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 300 Meters 

Leave 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? After lunch, you will either go on a short and quiet ride to Blois or choose the longer option riding through sunflower fields, deep countryside, and visit more castles such as Fougeres and Beauregard.

Day 7 :   Loop Ride to Chambord Castle

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 : 380 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! Ride distance is 49km Chambord roundtrip, with Cheverny 63 km.

Day 8 :   Departure Day

Departure from Blois after breakfast, at your leisure. Trains available to Paris.

Average / Day : Distance : 45.64 Km / 28.36 Miles - Elevation gain : 280.82 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

This 16th and 17th century manor house, surrounded by 350 acres of wooded parkland, stands on the western outskirts of Tours, overlooking the Briffaut lake. Since its transformation in 1967, the Domaine has been constantly embellished and enlarged, but its style has been maintained. It is an oasis of peace which stars of the arts and show business, such as Robert de Niro, Jessye Norman and Grace Kelly or the leading racing drivers in the Le Mans 24 hour race found attractive.


Day : 4, 5

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 : 6, 7

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

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

This 16th and 17th century manor house, surrounded by 350 acres of wooded parkland, stands on the western outskirts of Tours, overlooking the Briffaut lake. Since its transformation in 1967, the Domaine has been constantly embellished and enlarged, but its style has been maintained. It is an oasis of peace which stars of the arts and show business, such as Robert de Niro, Jessye Norman and Grace Kelly or the leading racing drivers in the Le Mans 24 hour race found attractive.


Day : 4, 5

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 : 6, 7

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

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

Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, near Tours, this unique and charming boutique hotel is in a former 17th century inn that was recently renovated with modern style. It retains its country feel with exposed beams, stone walls and flagstones.Perfect for relaxation and a get-away from it all, each of the nine rooms has a character of its own. Le XII de Luynes hotel boasts three stars and offers comfortable accommodation between Chinon and Vouvray. This is a non-smoking hotel. All of its rooms are air conditioned and come with a 160 or 180 cm-wide bed, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi connection and a shower or whirlpool bath facility. Several of them contain a mezzanine, accessible via a stepladder that can accommodate up to four people. Some rooms are adjoining to give families or groups space and privacy.


Day : 4, 5

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 : 6, 7

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).

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 : 45.64 Km / 28.36 Miles - Elevation gain : 280.82 Meters
Day 2 :   Villandry and Azay le Rideau Castles

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

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

Day 3 :   Chateau d’Usse on to Luynes

Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 152 Meters 

Option 2: 29 Miles - 46 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 259 Meters 

Day 4 :   Vouvray Wine and Amboise Castle

Option 1: 30 Miles - 48 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 274 Meters 

Day 5 :   Loop Ride to Explore Chenonceau Castle

Option 1: 22 Miles - 36 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 279 Meters 

Option 2: 33 Miles - 53 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 415 Meters 

Day 6 :   Cycle around the Chateau de Chaumont on to Blois

Option 1: 27 Miles - 43 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 300 Meters 

Day 7 :   Loop Ride to Chambord Castle

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 : 380 Meters 

Included

  • 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
  • Daily breakfast at each hotel, 4 dinners included (2 dinners are included in the basic version)
  • 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 to St Pierre des Corps. Then taxi to your hotel on your own. 1hour 10min by TGV. Depart from Blois, 1hour 30min to Paris.

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 1140 € 200 € 1700 €
Standard 1690 € 350 € 2430 €
Upgraded 1820 € 470 € 2655 €
*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 145 €
    Premium 300 €
Electric assist bike
    Standard 145 €
Kid Bike Rental
    Standard -43 €
Tandem Bike Rental
    Standard 50 €

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