Loire Valley Bike & Canoe Tour
With its bike rides, walking tours and canoe excursions, this trip will show you the Loire Valley from a completely different point of view!
The itinerary still takes you through the highlights of the Touraine and you will get the chance to visit the most beautiful places of the Loire Valley: the cities of Amboise, Tours and Chinon ; the chateau d’Usse and the Chenonceau one; the Villandry gardens…
This trip is perfect if you don’t feel like cycling for the entire week but would rather have the option to walk or do other things, like an Adventure Park!
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Loire
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Multisport
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.
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Day 2 : Canoe ride to Chenonceau castle and back to Amboise
Option 1 : 22 Miles - 36 Km
Option 2 : 33 Miles - 53 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 279 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 415 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 you have plenty of time to discover. 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 !
Accommodation : Le Clos D'Amboise - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Hotel La Breche - "Amboise"
Accommodation : Le Choiseul - "Amboise"
Day 3 : Visit Touraine on to Tours
Distance 1 : 20 Miles - 32 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 164 Meters
Amboise to Tours and orienteering around the city! Following bike paths out of Amboise, you will first ride through the vineyards of Montlouis, a famous white wine appellation. Then continue, to the city of Tours (bike friendly!) where you can enjoy a nice lunch and try our hiking to discover "Le Vieux Tours" the original medieval district of the city. Unique to the Old City are its preserved half-timbered buildings and La Place Plumereau, a square with busy pubs and restaurants, where terraces fill the center of the square.
Accommodation : Maison Jules - "Tours"
Accommodation : Ronsard - "Tours"
Accommodation : Chateau de Beaulieu - "Joue-les-Tours"
Day 4 : Cycle to Villandry Gardens then to Azay le Rideu
Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km
Option 2 : 29 Miles - 46 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 200 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 256 Meters
Your today itinerary, once again on an easy road for bike, will take you to Savonnieres and then to the famous gardens of Villandry, which were designed to be in complete harmony with the Renaissance architecture of the chateau. Then you will continue to Azay-le-Rideau, your final destination for today, famous for its Chateau on the Indre River, originally built during the Middle Ages to protect the passage from the road going from Tours to Chinon. The long option gives you the opportunity to visit Sache, chateau of the famous writer Balzac.
Accommodation : Le Grand Monarque - "Azay Le Rideau"
Accommodation : Hotel de Biencourt - "Azay Le Rideau"
Accommodation : Le Grand Monarque - "Azay Le Rideau"
Day 5 : Chateau d’Usse and Chinon
Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km
Option 2 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 185 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 254 Meters
Chateaux Day! Today the itinerary will take you through more Medieval Chateaux. Your first stop is in Langeais, where the Chateau was the temporary lair of lawless armed bands during the Hundred Years War. The next castle has a different ambiance: the Chateau d'Ussé is a fairytale castle, known for having inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty! Finally, you will head to Chinon where you will spend the night and 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"
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Day 6 : Biking, Walking or Adventure Park day
Option 1 : 5 Miles - 8.5 Km
Option 2 : 21 Miles - 33 Km
Option 3 : 27 Miles - 44 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 145 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 276 Meters
Elevation gain 3 : 325 Meters
Loop around Chinon with different options: riding, walking or Adventure Park! Today the choice is yours! We offer 3 different options for activities depending on your preferences!
Hiking: A nice hike of 8.5 km will take you around Chinon through its vineyards and back.
Biking: Ride through sunflower fields and vineyards to take in your last peaceful days in the Loire Valley (44km)
Adventure Park: For the adventurous ones, you will have the option to ride to the park (20km) where you will enjoy zip lining and other activities in the trees! Please note that the park is open daily in April, July and August, on weekends in May, June and September, so if you want to go there, make sure today falls on a weekend during those months. Return to the same hotel.
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Accommodation : Hotel Diderot - "Chinon"
Day 7 : Departure day
Departure after breakfast. Easy train access back to Paris via Tours. We are happy to help with train info, extra nights in Paris, car rental, or other services in France.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2
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 : 3
A small luxury guest house with refined simplicity, la Maison Jules is set in a charming 19th century mansion, with gardens in the heart of the city of Tours, France.
Day : 4
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 : 5, 6
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 : 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
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 : 4
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 : 5, 6
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 : 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
Conveniently located at the heart of Tours' old town at less than 10 minutes walk away from the rail station, Ronsard Hotel combines charm and modernity where comfort meets elegance.
Day : 4
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 : 5, 6
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 (135€) 
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 (135€) 
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 (-40€) |
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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...
Souvenirs
with supplement (+45 €/person)
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 : 279 Meters
Option 2: 33 Miles - 53 Km Elevation gain 2 : 415 Meters
Option 1: 20 Miles - 32 Km Elevation gain 1 : 164 Meters
Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km Elevation gain 1 : 200 Meters
Option 2: 29 Miles - 46 Km Elevation gain 2 : 256 Meters
Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km Elevation gain 1 : 185 Meters
Option 2: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 2 : 254 Meters
Option 1: 5 Miles - 8.5 Km Elevation gain 1 : 145 Meters
Option 2: 21 Miles - 33 Km Elevation gain 2 : 276 Meters
Option 3: 27 Miles - 44 Km Elevation gain 3 : 325 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 1 Dinner (Basic), 2 dinners included (Standard & Upgraded)
- 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)
- Adventure Park Entrance
- Chocolate tasting
- Canoe
- 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 | 1080 € | 150 € | 1530 € |
| Standard | 1290 € | 250 € | 1850 € |
| Upgraded | 1850 € | 580 € | 2700 € |
Activities
| Category | Activity | Price |
| Outdoor activities | Canoeing underneath Chenonceaux - 4 Km | Included |
| Tasting | Bigot chocolatery | Included |
| Outdoor activities | Adventure park (zipline) | Included |
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Souvenirs
| Swag | |
| Discover France Jersey | +45 €/person |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Premium | 275 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Kid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | -40 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 40 € |
| 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
We really loved everything about the trip so only have the highest praise. We especially loved the guesthouse in Tour (la Maison Jules) and Amboise was our favorite town. The GPS was a life saver because I think following the route from the directions alone may have been quite difficult
United States
For the most part all went well and we enjoyed the ride. On our first day out, 6/27, we discovered that we were one helmet short. Fortunately one of our group brought his own helmet so we used it. On 6/29 in the town of Savonnières Arlene was forced into a curb by a city truck and fell. The city took the blame and said they would pay for the broken kick stand. The hotels have all been good and the people great. Thanks for the great job
Brazil
The operator Discover France worked very well for the appropriate profile. We chose the 7-day program: Multisport up graded. • The Bike - 5 days were ideal for the group. • Best hotel in Discovery package was the Chateau de Marçay. · Hotel le Choiseul: • The big positive surprise it was the Troglododo. • Restaurants: the hotel Le Choiseul Amboise was very good. Les Grottes Azay le Rideau with very special menu. • E-Bike is a great solution for everyone. It was great idea to confirm this way for us. Valentina Tks for all support.
Peterson
United States
So far the tour has been great. The hotels are clean, the staff are very nice, and the food is fabulous. We all love the routes we are riding and it is great not to have to carry around luggage.
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