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Duration
13 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
Meals
  • 12 Breakfasts

Price

$2490USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: ULV

Trip highlights


  • Cycling from the heart of the Loire Valley, along the Loire river, to the Atlantic coast
  • Discovering many historical towns such as Blois, Tours and Chinon
  • Exploring the many grand chateaux
  • Sampling some of the many excellent wines in the local vineyards
  • Enjoying the culinary specialities of the region

An epic cycle journey of nearly 500km following the banks of the Loire River from Orléans to the Atlantic Coast, following the cycling path 'Loire à vélo'. Discover the royal valley as you cycle along the majestic river where thousands of treasures await including numerous chateaux, wonderful landscapes and regional gastronomic delights. Discover the charms of the western part of the Loire valley, from Angers all the way to St Brevin Les Pins. A chance to visit the typical countryside of vineyards and chateaux, of salterns and marshes, and to finally 'take the plunge' into the Atlantic Ocean.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On your arrival in Orléans make your way to the first hotel. Dependent on your arrival time, we recommend spending time exploring the old historical centre. Orléans is situated between the large countryside fields of the Beauce area and the green pastures, ponds and forest of Sologne.

Meals:  Nil

Follow the wild river banks today, and cycle in calm and serenity to the charming town of Beaugency. This afternoon you can visit the Hall of Honour, in the town hall, with its 8 impressive embroidered wall hangings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Other notable sites include Chateau de Dunois, the Abbey church and the clock tower. 159m ascent, 172m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will leave Beaugency along the river banks, passing the prestigious château of Chambord, the widest château in the Loire Valley and a Renaissance masterpiece. Continue cycling towards Blois, known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries, and its serene atmosphere. The château in Blois offers an excellent illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. 328m ascent, 345m descent

Meals:  B

Cycle to the chateau of Chaumont, overlooking the Loire river. It is worthwhile stopping here, and the grounds are usually open to the public. The Chateau itself is famous for its luxurious stables and there is often free wine tasting at the base of the driveway. The cycle continues to Amboise and its royal chateau dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Nearby you can also visit Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last home. 337m ascent, 343m descent

Meals:  B

Today's cycle will take you via the vineyards of Montlouis to Tours. After approx 15km you have the option to visit the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, which was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médicis. Continue to Montlouis, with its numerous cellars offering prestigious sweet white or sparkling wines. The ideal microclimate, close to where the Loire and Cher unite, produces grapes of a unique quality. Discover this for yourself during a visit to a wine cellar or a lunch break. A fine track leads to Tours, the friendly capital of what is called ´the garden of France'. Here great experiences await including the magnificent cathedral and basilica, the Olivier Debré Art Centre, the Botanical Garden, the flavours of the markets... 419m ascent, 434m descent

Meals:  B

Cycle to Savonnières and visit the 'Petrifying Grottoes'. These limestone caves are used to create quite interesting ceramics. You will then proceed to Villandry with its chateau and famous gardens. These gardens are unmatched in Europe and have three superposed terraces. Continue to Sache and visit the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. You will eventually arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau set over the Indre river. 336m ascent, 339m descent

Meals:  B

This morning you will cycle towards Langeais and its 15th century chateau, a typical medieval fortified castle where you can admire wonderful tapestries and furniture. Then ride towards the 'Sleeping Beauty' chateau in Ussé which inspired the famous fairy tale by Perrault. Overnight in the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne river. It is possible to visit numerous cellars and sample the famous red wine appreciated by Rabelais. 276m ascent, 292m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will cycle towards the impressive Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the greatest monastic cities in Europe from 1101 to 1804. Eleanor of Aquitaine spent her last days here and it is the necropolis of the Plantagenet sovereigns. Napoleon saved the abbey from destruction in 1804, transforming into a penitentiary and it remained a prison until 1985. Continue to the lovely town of Saumur. 491m ascent, 458m descent

Meals:  B

Cycle along the southern bank of the river where you can admire the monuments of local white tuff stone, such as the church in Cunault and St-Maur Abbey. Once in St-Mathurin-sur-Loire you follow the northern bank of the Loire through a former swamp that was drained in the Middle Ages. Some time later you see tracks of the old slate quarries of Trélazé. Then enjoy crossing the Authion River via a little chain ferry. Your destination is the peaceful city of Angers, with its chateau housing the famous Apocalypse Tapestry. 695m ascent, 680m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will cycle from the heart of the vineyards of Anjou along the banks of the Loire via Chalonnes, at the confluence of the Loire and Layon rivers, riding through typical small villages and natural landscapes, where life runs in rhythm with the river. Continue via Montjean to Mauges-sur-Loire vicinity, where you stay overnight. 348m ascent, 360m descent

Meals:  B

The cycle today is quite peaceful as you follow the cycling path to the town of Champtoceaux, which marks the boundary between Anjou and Brittany. From here continue to ‘Les Folies Siffait’ a former romantic gardens where plants and stone buildings still remain - a peaceful place with wonderful views over the Loire river. Continue along the river until you reach the capital of the western area, Nantes. This dynamic city offers a large choice of sights to visit, including a chateau and Ile de Versailles and its Japanese gardens. Don't miss L’île de Nantes, home to extraordinary outsized machines including the giant elephant. Enjoy sightseeing through the numerous pedestrian and cycle-friendly streets. 442m ascent, 447m descent

Meals:  B

Leave Nantes via a small boat across the river and continue on the cycling path of 'Loire à vélo'. Later in the day you will follow a narrow canal for a peaceful cycle through marshlands and countryside. This will bring you to the estuary of the Loire river at St Brevin les Pins. St Brevin is a seaside resort with a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and pine tree forest - an ideal place to relax after a long cycling day. 337m ascent, 335m descent

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in St Brevin after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights if you'd like to extend your stay to visit the beautiful Atlantic Coast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 12 breakfasts - breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 12 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies)
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • 21 speed mens or ladies bike (electric bike available on request - supplement applies) equipped with a pannier, helmet, bike lock, map holder and repair kit
  • Tourist tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Orleans and from St Brevin
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • E-bike hire, supplement applies
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2 Daily cycles are between 26 and 60km / 16 and 37.5mi on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

DN1
.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2490USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-bike supplementUSD$230
  • Upgrade hotels SupplementUSD$410
  • Single Supplement - standard hotelsUSD$760
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - standard hotelsUSD$810
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - upgrade hotelsUSD$1220
  • Single Supplement - upgrade hotelsUSD$1220
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Videos

Cycling the Loire Valley & Burgundy | France Tours | UTracks

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