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Duration
6 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights 2-3 star hotels
  • Optional upgrade available
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

Price

$990USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: LVB

Trip highlights


  • Exploring the beautiful Loire Valley on dedicated bike paths
  • Visiting impressive chateaux
  • Cycling through countryside that is lines with vineyards, orchards and farms
  • Discovering the charming towns of Blois, Amboise and Chitenay
  • Sampling the delicious local delicacies and staying in small, family-run hotels

Explore the valley once known as the 'playground of kings' - an area of impressive chateaux and vast fortune, on a delighful circuit between the Loire and Cher rivers. The cycle distances and many dedicated bike paths make this ideal for anyone of reasonable fitness to complete on a regular hybrid bike or an e-bike. As you cycle, discover the best this region has to offer. Soak up the medieval charm of Blois, discover picturesque Amboise set on the banks of the Loire and overlooked by its impressive fortified chateau, get lost in the maze in the gardens of Chenonceau and sample the local culinary delights. The cycle takes you through countryside crisscrossed with vineyards, duck farms and orchards and the remnants of feudal hunting forests, and the many ornate estates you pass confirm the Loire Valley's reputation as the 'garden of France'.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Arrive Blois and make your own way to your hotel. If you arrive early you can take a walk around the town which is known for its pale stone facades and slate roofs. Its pedestrian streets gracefully preserve a serene atmosphere of lost centuries. Worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, once the residence of several French kings and counts and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

Meals:  Nil

From Blois you will follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you'll cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron then continue along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire river. High on the bank is the elegant chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire, surrounded by beautiful gardens. En route you can visit a wine grower and taste the local wines. Take your time and enjoy the grandeur of the châteaux Royal d'Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. The cycle for today involves some short climbs along the way. Overnight in Amboise. 341m ascent, 345m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will cycle via Montlouis sur Loire to the charming town of Chenonceaux, on the banks of the Cher river. Here you'll find the famous Château de Chenonceau which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. The chateau was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, but this was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médici. There are two cycle routes to choose from: one is a direct route while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Loire and Cher River valleys with options to visit chateaux and villages en route. Overnight in Chenonceaux. 319m ascent, 322m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will leave the Cher Valley behind and enter the Touraine area, passing the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th century architecture. Tonight’s accommodation is a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden in Chitenay. 361m ascent, 338m descent

Meals:  B

On your last cycle stage you can discover the famous and sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny with its gardens and English style park, before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis I. You then return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding its castle. 397m ascent, 414m descent

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Blois. We recommend extending your stay to take the time visiting the beautiful city of Blois - please ask for our rates.

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

  • 5 breakfasts - breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices
  • 5 nights in 2-3 star hotels & B&Bs 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
  • Hybrid rental bike equipped with a pannier, anti-theft device, helmet, bike computer, map holder and repair kit (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Tourist tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Blois
  • 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
  • Transfer 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 16.5 and 50km/10 to 31mi 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. It is considered suitable for beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request).


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

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

$990USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementUSD$90
  • Upgrade supplement 3-4 star hotelsUSD$230
  • Single Supplement - standard hotelsUSD$380
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - standard hotelsUSD$410
  • Single Supplement - upgrade hotelsUSD$650
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - upgrade hotelsUSD$700
*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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