Cycle the Loire Valley Tour by Intrepid Travel

7 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

14 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Blois, France

Ends

Angers, France

Highlights

Cycle along the Loire River, passing by classic quaint villages and the verdant countryside in the north west of France.

You haven’t seen chateaux until you’ve seen the ones in France. Marvel at the Chateau de Chenonceau, which spans the banks of the Cher River, and the acclaimed Chateau de Villandry, among others.

Discover the Loire's charm on a river cruise and toast the moment with a glass of exquisite local wine.

Consider the option of visiting a chateau turned museum, showcasing Leonardo da Vinci’s designs and how he spent his final years of life in the nearby town of Amboise.

Explore the vineyards of Vouvray, near Villandry, for an optional tasting, and discover why this region is known for its aged chenin blanc wines.

Complete your cycling journey in the township of Angers, with its history dating back centuries, and buildings to suit.

Itinerary

Set out on a memorable cycling tour through France’s enchanting Loire Valley, a region celebrated for its storybook chateaux, sweeping vineyards, and riverside charm. Over seven days, this moderate-activity trip guides you from Blois to Angers, passing through Amboise, Villandry, and the Val de Loire. Pedal past elegant gardens and tranquil villages, stopping to savor local wines and culinary delights along the way. The journey includes a scenic small boat cruise on the Loire River, providing a new perspective on this picturesque landscape. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a traveler seeking an active yet culturally rich holiday, this tour offers the perfect balance of outdoor exploration and indulgence. Its unique selling point lies in the immersive experience: you’ll not only see the Loire Valley, but truly live and taste it, making every mile of this bicycle tour a sensory delight.

day 1 - Blois

Bonjour! Welcome to Blois – the gateway to the Loire Valley beautifully situated on the banks of the Loire river. With no activities planned today, you are free to arrive at any time, but ensure you can make an important 6 pm welcome meeting with your group leader and fellow cyclists. Before then, Blois is free for you to explore. Why not head to the Chateau Royal de Blois, or the serene St Vincent de Paul Church, or simply wander the old streets of this charming provincial city.

accommodation:

day 2 - Blois

This morning you’ll begin your cycling adventure through the Loire Valley. After a quick a bicycle fitting, then take a leisurely ride along the banks of the serene Loire River on a dedicated bike-only path to the small riverside town of Saint-Dye-sur-Loire. From here turn inland and ride along narrow tree-lined country roads to the palatial Chateau de Chambord. This beautiful palace, commissioned by Francois I and whose design was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, is a sight to behold, with a central structure adorned with multiple chimneys and sculpted capitals on its terraces. After you’ve explored the palace and its manicured gardens, cycle back on quiet roads and past flat pasture and return to Blois for the evening.

included:Chateau de Chambord

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Amboise

This morning, consider the option of visiting another grand building: Chateau de Cheverny. If you would like to take a visit inside, please let your group leader know the day before, as earlier travel arrangements are necessary to take this optional visit.

Your cycling begins by riding along the plateau and down to the Cher River, where you’ll arrive at Chateau de Chenonceau, and this one’s pretty special. The chateau is set over water, spanning the Cher River, with its gardens to one side of the banks. You will have included entry to explore this beautiful building, admiring the perfect gardens, classic features and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s true fairy tale stuff. After your visit, cycle through the Amboise Forest, re-joining the Loire River at your stop for the evening: the delightful riverside town of Amboise. If you want to see some more chateaux, why not head to Chateau du Clos Luce, the place where Leonardo de Vinci spent the last three years of his life. It is currently a small museum, with grounds that show some working models of his designs and is within walking (or cycling) distance of the main town.
This evening meet back at your hotel for an included dinner, the perfcet opportunity to reflect on your day's cycling adventure.

included:Chateau de Chenonceau

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Villandry

Continue to hug the Loire River as it gently makes it way downstream to the Vouvray vineyards. This wine region is almost exclusively dedicated to chenin blanc, and with its naturally high acidity, the wines produced here age very well. Continue cycling to Tours, cutting across the river on your way to the Chateau de Villandry – arguably the Loire Valley’s most famous chateau. Wander through the vast gardens of perfectly curated gardens and the beautiful U-shaped castle. With time to explore, be sure to stop and smell the roses in these beautiful surroundings.

included:Chateaux Villandry & Gardens

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Saumur

Be ready for a longer - but not overly challenging - day of cycling (approximately 60 kilometres). Begin your ride from Villandry along the banks of Loire River to the Château d'Ussé that Charles Perrault took as inspiration for his castle in the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Opt to visit the castle and grounds before continuing cycling downstream through two beautifully classic French villages – Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau – both perched on the riverside. In Montsoreau cycle past the old troglodyte part of the village where you can see homes, doors and windows cut directly into the cliff before finishing your ride ion the charming town of Saumur.

Park your bike and take to the water on a short but sweet small boat river cruise – remember to toast the moment with an include glass of exquisite local wine. The evening is free for you to explore Saumur’s cobblestoned streets, visit a sparkling wine cellar, or try out one of the fine-dining options in the medieval centre. Today’s ride is mostly flat, but be sure to enjoy a restful evening before another cycling day tomorrow.

included:Loire River Small Boat Cruise

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Angers

Continue your ride down France’s longest river – the Loire. Ride from Saumur alongside the river for around 20 kilometres, then head inland to Brissac-Quince, home to the tallest chateau in all of France. From here, descend gently towards the Loire River and to tonight’s destination: the beautiful and historically significant city of Angers. This evening, perhaps gather your cycling group together for dinner – tonight is definitely cause for celebration.

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Angers

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. However, if you wish to spend more time in Angers, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Boat

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Chateau de ChambordChateau de ChenonceauChateaux Villandry & GardensLoire River Small Boat Cruise

What's Excluded

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