Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating cycling adventure through the enchanting Loire Valley, France, where history and nature intertwine. This self-guided tour invites you to explore the region's grand chateaux, including the Royal Chateau de Blois and the prestigious Chateau of Chambord. Pedal through picturesque vineyards, savoring the exquisite wines of Vouvray and indulging in the region's culinary delights. With a 21-speed hybrid bike, navigate serene countryside paths and charming market towns, all while enjoying the comfort of family-run hotels. Each day offers a new discovery, from the luxurious stables of Chateau de Chaumont to the Renaissance gardens of Chateau de Valmer. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this journey promises a leisurely pace, allowing you to soak in the Loire's timeless beauty and cultural treasures. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Blois
Location: Blois, Royal Chateau de 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: Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire, 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: Vouvray, Château de Valmer, Château de Jallanges, 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: Montlouis-sur-Loire, Château de Chenonceau, 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: Montrichard, Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Chitenay, 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: Château of Beauregard, Sologne, Chitenay, Cheverny
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: Cheverny, Chambord, 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 -
Travel to and from Blois
Travel to and from Blois is included in the tour package.
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21-speed hybrid bike
A 21-speed hybrid bike equipped with pannier, handlebar bag, smartphone holder, and lock is provided, along with one repair kit per booking.
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Information pack
An information pack including route notes, maps, and tourist information per room, plus a navigational app, is included.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel is included, with a limit of one piece per person, maximum 20kg.
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Tourist tax
Tourist tax is included in the tour package.
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Emergency hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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.
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
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in charming 2-3 star hotels, with options to upgrade to 3-4 star or 4 star chateau-hotels for a supplement. These family-run hotels offer a warm atmosphere, excellent local cuisine, and are mostly centrally located or a short walk from town centers.
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, with a 21-speed hybrid bike provided for the tour. The bike comes 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 bike is provided during the tour?
You will be provided with a 21-speed hybrid bike equipped with a pannier, handlebar bag, smartphone holder, and lock. A repair kit is also included per booking. Hybrid sports models and e-bikes are available on request for a supplement.
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Is the tour guided or self-guided?
The Loire Valley Cycle tour is a self-guided cycling holiday, meaning there is no tour guide included.
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What kind of accommodation is included in 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 hotels or to 4 star chateau-hotels for a supplement.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 continental style breakfasts. Lunch and dinner are not included, but a dinner package is available on request for a supplement, which includes 7 dinners at the hotel, excluding drinks.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel is included, with a limit of 1 piece per person, maximum 20kg. Excess rates apply for additional luggage.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
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.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour?
Travel insurance is mandatory for this tour but it is not included in the package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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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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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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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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, Royal Chateau de Blois, Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire, Amboise, Vouvray, Château de Valmer, Château de Jallanges, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux, Montrichard, Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Chitenay, Cheverny, Château of Beauregard, Sologne, Chambord ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LVC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
