TRAVEL GUIDE

|

US/CA: 1-800-929-0152

|

AUS: 1-80068236710

REQUEST A CALL

Loire Valley Bike Tours

The Loire Valley is one of the most rewarding places in Europe to explore by bicycle. Following the famous Loire à Vélo routes, our Loire Valley bike tours take you along France’s longest river through a landscape of fairy-tale castles, celebrated vineyards, medieval towns, and peaceful countryside.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Loire Valley combines world-class heritage with some of France’s most enjoyable cycling. Ride quiet riverside paths to iconic landmarks such as Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, and Villandry, discover the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, and experience the elegance of a region once favored by French kings and queens.

Our Loire Valley cycling tours also reveal another side of the region. Beyond the famous châteaux, you’ll cycle through vineyards producing renowned wines such as Vouvray, Chinon, and Saumur, explore charming riverside villages, and enjoy the relaxed French lifestyle that has earned the Loire Valley its nickname: the Garden of France.

Whether you’re looking for leisurely Loire Valley cycling trips, cultural discoveries, wine experiences, or a classic Loire Valley bike tour, there’s no better way to experience this remarkable region than on two wheels.

Where to Go Cycling in the Loire Valley

Filter by :

Type of trip
Duration of stay
Level

    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Loire Valley Bike & Canoe Tour

    1 Comment(s)

    The Loire Valley from a different point of view ! How many people see the Castle of Chenonceau from a canoe ?! You can on this trip; as well as...

    7 Days / 6 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 1591€
    Trip : Multisport - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Chateau de Chambord to Atlantic Coast

    1 Comment(s)

    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...

    7 Days / 6 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 2247€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Walking Tour

    1 Comment(s)

    Easy Loire Valley hiking trip to Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont Sur Loire, Cheverny, Amboise and Chenonceaux ! The Loire Valley has seen many of France's...

    7 Days / 6 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 1919€
    Trip : Hiking - Standard Activity : Hiking Level :
    Type : Self guided tours, Hiking tour, In...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Amboise Cycling LOOPS

    1 Comment(s)

    The Loire Valley, Cher and Indre Rivers are a harmonious combination of non navigated rivers, rich vineyards and vast forests. Discover the landscapes,...

    5 Days / 4 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 1146€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Loire Valley Family Trip : from Tours to Chinon

    1 Comment(s)

    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...

    5 Days / 4 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 1058€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Loire Valley Secret Castles and Wine

    6 Comment(s)

    This Loire Valley Cycling Tour was created to take you to another part of the region not covered by other trips, and do it at a reasonable rate. The...

    5 Days / 4 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 1228€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    or
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Loire Valley Castles Deluxe

    4 Comment(s)

    This Loire Valley Cycling Tour -- the luxury hotel option to visit the charming Loire Valley by bicycle -- offers the perfect itinerary for rejuvenating...

    7 Days / 6 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 2815€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Upgraded Activity : Hybrid Level :
    or
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Loire Valley Wine Tour

    7 Comment(s)

    You discover a large selection of Loire wine on this trip. From Chinon red wine to bubbly Vouvray wine. White and rosé wine from Montlouis, Azay le...

    7 Days / 6 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 1711€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    or
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Castles of the Loire Valley Classic Tour

    6 Comment(s)

    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...

    5 Days / 4 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 1212€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    or
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Loire Valley Castles and Beauval Zoo in family

    2 Comment(s)

    The Loire Valley in family ! We have designed this trip to be accessible to all. A stay to discover the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau and...

    7 Days / 6 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 2281€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour


    Loire Valley Cycling Tour Loire Valley Classic - Villandry to Chambord Castle Tour

    11 Comment(s)

    This extended bike tour travels around all the famous and breath-taking Loire Valley Castles. You will start in Villandry and its beautiful gardens,...

    8 Days / 7 Nights Loire Valley This tour starts any day of the year. From 2080€
    Trip : Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :
    or
    Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...
    View Tour

Map of Our Loire Valley Tours

CONTACT

Contact a specialist consultant

Loire Valley Bike Tours Through France’s Castle Country

Our Loire Valley bike tours follow some of the most beautiful sections of the famous Loire à Vélo route, taking you through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape shaped by kings, artists, and winemakers. From the spectacular Château de Chambord and the elegant Château de Chenonceau to the royal town of Amboise and the magnificent gardens of Villandry, every day reveals another treasure of the Loire Valley.

Loire Valley Cycling Tours Along the Loire River

Following quiet cycling paths and riverside roads, our Loire Valley cycling tours allow you to experience the region at a relaxed pace. The Loire River, often called Europe’s last wild river, winds through historic towns, fertile countryside, and charming villages built from the region’s distinctive white tuffeau stone. Easy terrain and well-developed cycle routes make cycling in the Loire Valley suitable for riders of all abilities.

Loire Valley Wine and Castle Tours

The Loire Valley is one of France’s most celebrated wine regions. During our Loire Valley wine and castle tours, you’ll discover the vineyards of Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur, and Bourgueil, where generations of winemakers produce elegant white, red, and sparkling wines. Vineyard visits, cellar tours, and wine tastings complement the region’s extraordinary cultural heritage and transform every ride into a journey through French history and gastronomy.

Historic Towns, Villages and Local Life

Beyond its famous castles, the Loire Valley is home to some of the most charming towns in France. Explore Tours, Blois, Saumur, and Amboise, stroll through lively markets, and discover picturesque villages along the Loire River. These authentic encounters are often among the highlights of our Loire Valley bicycle tours, offering a deeper connection with the region’s culture, traditions, and welcoming atmosphere.

Leonardo da Vinci and the Loire Valley Renaissance

Few regions are as closely linked to the French Renaissance as the Loire Valley. In Amboise, visitors can explore the Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and learn about the inventions and ideas that helped shape European history. Combined with the architectural masterpieces of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Azay-le-Rideau, these sites make every Loire Valley cycling trip an unforgettable cultural experience.

Why Discover the Loire Valley by Bike

Often called the Garden of France, the Loire Valley offers the perfect combination of scenic cycling, world-famous castles, renowned vineyards, and exceptional gastronomy. Whether you choose leisurely Loire Valley cycling trips, family-friendly routes, or longer adventures along the Loire à Vélo, exploring the region by bike is one of the most rewarding ways to experience its beauty, history, and timeless charm.

REASONS TO DISCOVER LOIRE VALLEY

Loire Valley Castles

There are about 3000 castles in the area! Here are some of the most remarkable:

  • Chateau de Chambord– Originally built as a hunting lodge for Francis I, this structure has withstood the test of time. It is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world and the largest, by far, in the Loire Valley. The magnificent building boasts several huge towers, 440 rooms, 84 staircases and an incredible 365 fireplaces. It’s surrounded by a park and a game reserve, complete with red deer for hunting purposes. It is certainly a sight to behold.
  • Chateau de Chenonceau– Built on the Cher River allowing the chateau’s unique architecture to be reflected in the water is the “Castle of the Lady”. It is nicknamed to honor the different ladies who played a primary role in designing the castle as it stands today, from its exterior appearance to the rooms inside. Renaissance furniture, a vast ensemble of 16th and 17th century tapestries and a great number of masterpieces are a few of the treasures of its visit. 
  • Chateau Chinon– Located on the Vienne River, the Chateau de Chinon has housed as well as imprisoned many influential French leaders in the past. It was here that Joan of Arc visited the disguised King Charles VII to convince him to build an army to liberate France from England. The Templar Knights carved symbols while incarcerated in the castle’s dungeon, which can still be seen today. The castle is divided by a dry moat into three parts, Fort Saint-Georges to the east, Château de Milieu in the center, and Fort du Coudray to the west.
  • Azay-le-Rideau– Recognized as a French national monument, this castle is one of the earliest French Renaissance chateaux. Azay-le-Rideau is built on an island on the Indre River. Its foundations rise straight out of the water. You do not want to miss visiting this striking structure.
Chartres and its Cathedral

Chartres’s breathtaking cathedral is considered to be one of the best examples of gothic architecture in the entire world. It is therefore a UNESCO World Heritage site and its towers are listed as a French National Monument. Rebuilt on the site of a holy cathedral destroyed by lightning and fire, the Chartres Cathedral was designed and erected to honor the sacred relic Sancta Camisa, which miraculously survived fire and destruction unharmed. The cathedral’s magnificent exterior opens to an even more awe-inspiring interior, with its brilliant colors and detailed stained glass windows. Medieval carvings adorn the doors and porches while hand carved sculptures provide testament to the Christian beliefs while drawing a comparison to the close ties that were believed to exist between God and the Kings and Queens who ruled during that time. A walk through the Chartres cathedral is truly a walk through history.

Gardens of Villandry

The gardens surrounding the Chateau de Villandry are often referred to as the most beautiful gardens in the world. Among the 15 acres of different gardens featured at Villandry, there is a water garden, vegetable gardens and incredible ornamental flower gardens, all of which are strategically laid out in formal patterns and linked together with low hedges. Give your legs a break from pedaling, while you take a stroll through an assortment of picture-perfect gardens. Like all the castles in the Loire Valley, the Chateau de Villandry is part of what makes the Loire Valley a World Heritage site and it is currently open to the public for tours.

Loire Valley Vineyards

A trip to France would not be complete without a visit to the Loire Valley. Perfectly located nearby Paris, it offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the French countryside with quiet riverbanks and countless vineyards. The Loire Valley is known for its great wine, and cycling through the villages and vineyards you must go on a wine tasting tour!

Although most people come to the Loire Valley to visit the ancient castles, the gorgeous landscape is often the reason why they come back. If you are looking for picturesque towns off the beaten path, the Loire Valley is the perfect region, as it hosts several of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”.  

Amboise and its castle

Amboise was once home of the French royal court and The Royal castle became one of the favorite royal residences. It was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries and introduced Italian style and taste into the Loire Valley. Nearby is a smaller castle, Le Clos Lucé, where Leonardo Da Vinci lived and worked for a few years. Today it is a museum dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci, and gives good insight into his work and genius in different fields such as art, civil and military engineering, architecture and urban planning, anatomy, botany…
Make sure you visit the “Parc Mini Châteaux” a 2 hectare park with the most significant châteaux of the Loire on a 1/25 scale. Really amazing!

LOIRE VALLEY FOOD AND WINE

As you probably already know, the Loire Valley is wine country. From the dry white Muscadet, Pouilly Fume and Sancerre wines to the light red Saumur, Bourgueil and Chinon, the Loire Valley wines are famous worldwide. Our Wine Tour gives you the opportunity to take part in wine tasting sessions of some of the most delicious French wines. Don’t miss out!

The Loire Valley also offers some fine cuisine. Try the very typical Fricassee d’escargots au Sancerre – snails cooked in Sancerre wine!
And don’t leave without tasting the goat cheese specialties: the Crottin de Chavignol and the Valancay. Served warm on a bed of greens or in a cheese pie, they are delicious.

LOIRE VALLEY GEOGRAPHY

The Loire Valley is located in the center of France, with the Loire River symbolically dividing the country in two. This slow-moving river, the longest of France (1012 km), crosses the beautiful regions of Touraine (the area around the city of Tours) and Anjou (the area around Angers).

Both valleys are covered with vineyards producing some of the best wines in France. And they are also home to many castles (more than 3,000!). Among the most famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley, our tours will bring you to the Chateau de Chambord, Chateau d’Amboise, Chateau de Chenonceau and many more!

LOIRE VALLEY HISTORY

For centuries, the Loire River was used for transportation between the Atlantic and the heart of France. During the Hundred Year’s War, the river marked the boundary between French and English territory. It has always played an important and critical part in the History of France.

Most of the Loire Valley castles were not built to protect people against enemies but to illustrate the prosperity of France. Indeed, it is in the Loire Valley that the king Francois Ist (1515-1547) and his court chose to build castles to be able to lead a life-style inspired by the new humanist values of the Renaissance and to celebrate beauty, luxury and refinement.

You can also find your Alps bike tour, your France castle tour, your Massif Central bike tour or your Nord of France bike tour.