Loire Valley Cycle
Loire Valley Cycle
$1490
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting cycling adventure through the heart of France with the Loire Valley Cycle tour. Pedal your way through picturesque landscapes, exploring grand chateaux, charming market places, and the serene countryside. Delight in the region's culinary specialties and sample exquisite wines in local caves. Stay in cozy 2-3 star hotels, with options to upgrade to luxurious 4-star chateau-hotels. Enjoy the convenience of luggage transfers and a detailed information pack to guide your journey. This self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cyclists. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Blois
Location: Blois
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle To Amboise (40Km / 25Mi)
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After collecting your bike from the bike shop, you will follow a quiet road through the forest and vineyards of the Touraine 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.Elevation gain 200m/656ft
Day 3 : Cycle Through The Vineyards Of Vouvray And Return To Amboise (48Km/30Mi)
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Stop along the way to visit a local wine producer and sample a glass of Vouvray wine! Overnight in Amboise.Elevation gain 390m/1280ft
Day 4 : Cycle Through The Cher Valley To Chenonceaux (42Km/26.3Mi)
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Relax 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.Elevation gain 166m/545ft
Day 5 : Pass Through Vineyards To Chitenay Or Cheverny (40Km/25Mi)
Location: Cheverny
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Overnight in Chitenay this evening with standard and 3-4* upgrade hotels, in Cour-Cheverny with the 4-5* upgrade.Elevation gain 173m/568ftIf you booked with the price lock: today ends in Cheverny, near the famous château - or if we cannot confirm here, we book a charming rural inn in Chitenay (supplement applies standard hotels).
Day 6 : Round Cycle To Visit The Chateau Of Beauregard And Sologne Area (47Km/29Mi)
Location: Sologne
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.Elevation gain 228m/748ft
Day 7 : Return To Blois Via The Famous Châteaux Of Cheverny And Chambord (40 Or 50Km/25 Or 31Mi)
Location: Blois
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 in Blois.Elevation gain 290m/951ft
Day 8 : Trip Concludes Blois
Location: Blois
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights in 2 star -
7 breakfasts – breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices.
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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)
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Information pack including route notes, maps and tourist information per room + navigational App
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Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece pp, max 20kg) - excess rates apply
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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).
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Tourist tax
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to and from Blois
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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
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Helmet rental is available only on request, or bring your own
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Lunch and dinner, drinks are not included. A dinner package is available on request for a supplement, which includes 7 dinners at the hotel, excluding drinks.
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Helmet rental
Helmet rental is not available. Please bring your own.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Tour guide
This is a self-guided cycling trip, so no tour guide is included.
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Single supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees are not included. An optional 'chateaux visit' package is available for a supplement, which includes entrance fees.
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Transfers not listed as included
Any transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage beyond the included allowance is not covered.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal items and expenses are not included.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route using the app/GPX files.
Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels
The trip is based in a combination of 2-3 star hotels with upgrade options available to 3-4 star hotels or to 4 star chateau-hotels - supplement applies. The standard hotels are generally small and family run with charming atmosphere that will make you feel at home, and mostly centrally located or just a short walk from town centres. You can experience excellent local cuisine and wine, and in the evenings soak up the warm atmosphere of the hotel amenities (a 7-dinner package is available - ask your consultant) or walk to the nearby village centres.
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Grading
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). ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from Blois is included. During the tour, you will be provided with a 21-speed hybrid bike equipped with pannier, handlebar bag, smartphone holder, and lock, plus one repair kit per booking. Hybrid sports models and e-bikes are available on request for a supplement.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. There are upgrade options available to 3-4 star superior hotels or to 4 star deluxe chateau-hotels for an additional supplement. The standard hotels are generally small, family-run establishments with a charming atmosphere, mostly centrally located or just a short walk from town centers. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 continental-style breakfasts consisting of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included, but a dinner package is available on request for an additional supplement. The package includes 7 dinners at the hotel, excluding drinks. ...more ...less
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What kind of bike is provided for the cycling tour?
A 21-speed hybrid bike equipped with a pannier, handlebar bag, smartphone holder, and lock is provided. Additionally, one repair kit per booking is included. Hybrid sports models and e-bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel is included, with a limit of one piece per person, up to a maximum of 20kg. Excess rates apply for additional luggage.
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Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available during the tour.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Entrance fees are not included in the tour. However, an optional 'chateaux visit' package is available for a supplement, which includes entrance fees.
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Do I need to bring my own helmet for the cycling tour?
Yes, helmet rental is not available, so you will need to bring your own helmet.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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Is this a guided or self-guided tour?
This is a self-guided cycling trip.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Loire Valley Cycle
8 Days Starting and ending in Blois, France
Visiting: Blois, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Cheverny, Sologne
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LVC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided