24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 3 nights in 2 star
  • 4 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

Adult$1390USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: LVC

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through the heart of the Loire Valley
  • Exploring the many grand Chateaux
  • Experiencing the market places and rural delights of the region
  • Enjoying the culinary specialties
  • Sampling some of the many excellent wines in local ‘caves’

The Loire River was once the highway between the Atlantic and the heart of France. Its valley was known as the 'playground of kings' - a neighbourhood of impressive chateaux and vast fortune. Travelling by bicycle is a great way to experience this world famous valley. While pedalling at a relaxed pace, you'll discover the best this region has to offer. Take time to soak up the medieval charm of Blois and discover picturesque Amboise overlooked by its impressive fortified chateau. Cycle through countryside crisscrossed with vineyards, duck farms and orchards and the remnants of feudal hunting forests.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your way to Blois and your hotel. Dependent on your arrival time we recommend taking a walk around the town, which is known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere. Worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and 17th century.

Meals:  Nil

After collecting your bike from the bike shop, you will follow a quiet road through the forest and vineyards of the Mesland appellation until you reach the Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire, proudly 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. Continue on the Loire à Vélo' cycling trail through the countryside and vineyards before arriving at picturesque Amboise on the south bank of the Loire River. On arrival you can explore the royal château, where the greatest kings of France and Leonardo Da Vinci lived. Overnight in Amboise.

Meals:  B

Leave the Loire banks for a while to reach the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses and famous for its fine and elegant white wines! On the way you can admire superb Renaissance private châteaux such as château de Valmer, remarkable for its Italian and vegetable gardens, and the beautiful château de Jallanges. And don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Vouvray wine! Overnight in Amboise.

Meals:  B

This stage through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire will take you to the Cher valley and the famous chateau of Chenonceau, straddling the Cher River. The chateau was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history, between Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers‘s garden, then through Catherine de Medici’s. Take a breath in the shade of one of the huge park trees and enjoy the rhythm of the river murmuring these tales. Overnight in the charming town of Chenonceaux on the banks of the Cher river.

Meals:  B

Ride along the peaceful Cher river banks to the medieval town of Montrichard. You then leave the Cher Valley behind and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Your cycling day ends in Cheverny, near the famous château or if we cannot confirm here, we book a charming rural inn in Chitenay (supplement applies).

Meals:  B

Today offers the possibility to visit the Château of Beauregard, famous for its Portrait Gallery. Then continue cycling to the rich and mysterious ‘Sologne’ with its magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroads and small private châteaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves. Return to your hotel in Chitenay or Cheverny in the evening.

Meals:  B

During this last stage you will discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château of Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis I of France. Overnight Blois.

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

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

  • 7 breakfasts – breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star superior hotels or to 4 star deluxe chateau-hotels - supplement applies)
  • Information pack including route notes, maps and tourist information per room + navigational App
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece pp, max 20kg) - excess rates apply
  • 21 speed hybrid bike equipped with pannier, handlebar bag, smartphone holder and lock, plus 1 repair kit per booking (hybrid sports model and e-bike available on request - supplement applies).
  • City taxes
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Blois
  • Meals not listed as included: lunch and dinner, drinks. A dinner package is available on request - supplement applies. The package is 7 dinners at the hotel, excludes drinks. Please ask your consultant
  • Helmet rental is not available - please bring your own
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees - an optional 'chateaux visit' package is available for a supplement which includes entrance fees. See special notes below for details
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2 Daily cycles are between 40 and 54km / 25 or 33.7mi 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 Mar 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

Adult$1390USD

Child$900USD** See below for further details.

Options & Supplements*
  • Hybrid bike (sports model) - upgrade supplementUSD$46
  • Chitenay upgrade supplement (day 5) - 2-3 star hotelsUSD$90
  • child aged 0-2 sharing with 2 adults (standard accom) - baby seat (max 22 kg)USD$110
  • E-bike supplementUSD$150
  • Chateaux package (entrance fees prebooked)USD$150
  • 3-4 star hotels upgrade supplementUSD$320
  • Single supplement - 2-3 star hotelsUSD$540
  • Single supplement - 3-4 star hotelsUSD$630
  • Solo traveller supplement - 2-3 star hotelsUSD$680
  • Solo traveller supplement - 3-4 star hotelsUSD$770
  • 4 star chateau-hotels upgrade supplementUSD$770
  • child aged 3-11 sharing with 2 adults (standard accom)USD$910
  • Single supplement - 4 star chateau-hotelsUSD$1020
  • child aged 12-15 sharing with 2 adults (standard accom)USD$1020
  • Solo traveller supplement - 4 star chateau-hotelsUSD$1170
*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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