Itinerary

This cycling tour in the Loire Valley is a great alternative to see the more classic Tours. The cycling routes are flat-to-rolling and takes you to some of our favorite castles. While cycling through the beautiful countryside or visiting castles, why not take time for wine tasting in Chinon or Saumur.
 

Day 1: ARRIVE IN JOUE LES TOURS

Taking the TGV (High Speed train) is the most practical option to come to Tours. The train arrives at  Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station just outside of Tours. Transfer from the train station to the hotel in Joue-Les-Tours on your own.

Day 2: VILLANDRY TO AZAY LE RIDEAU

Your first stop of the day is at the Villandry castle with its breathtaking gardens. On the way, you will enjoy riding next to the Cher and Loire rivers and along the Loire à Vélo route. After the Villandry castle, the ride continues to Azay le Rideau, located alongside the Indre river. A magical spot and a remarkable example of the Renaissance Castles!

Day 3: AZAY LE RIDEAU TO CHINON

Today's ride is one that goes from castle to castle. When you leave Azay-le-Rideau the first destination is Langeais. An interesting fact is that the castle in Langeais used to be the lair of bandits during the Hundred Years War. Contrasting with bandits, the next castle on the route is the castle that has inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty. The final part of the ride takes you to Chinon, a city with interesting museums and local wine that is famous from the writings of Francois Rabelais (16^th Century).

Day 4:  CHINON TO SAUMUR

Time to leave Chinon and enjoy the ride to Saumur. The first stop is at The Royal Abbey of  Fontevraud - one of the biggest and most beautiful abbeys in Europe. The latter part of the ride is dominated by vineyards and the proximity of the Loire river as you approach Saumur.

Day 5: DEPARTURE DAY

The trip is now over, and it is time to leave the Loire valley, but if you feel like the stay has been a little too short, extra nights can be arranged.

Accommodation

With its beautiful gardens, Château de Beaulieu offers you a sumptuous room in the 18th Century style.

Located in Tourraine, Le Grand Monarque Hotel welcomes you in charming and relaxing dwelling. 

This authentic and typical house gives you the impression that time stopped in the 18th Century. 

A mater-piece of art, this mansion house transports you in Napoleon's time where the decoration with a trompe-l'oeil is typical. 

Hotel may change according to availability. Should the initial provider be unavailable we will offer accommodation at a parallel quality level.

This tour includes

• Bikes
• 1 night in Chateau de Beaulieu 3* in Joue-Les-Tours with dinner
• 1 night in Hotel Le Grand Monarque 4* in Azay-Le-Rideau with breakfast
• 1night in Hotel Diderot in Chinon 3* with Breakfast
• 1 night in Hotel Anne d'Anjou 4* with breakfast

This tour does not include

• Personal expenses
• Extras
• Entrance fees 
• The cost of additional drinks
• Breakfast for day 1
• Lunches
• Dinners except day 1 
• Gratuities

Additional information 

Loire Valley tours from Tours (save time and money with the TGV).

Tours being only 70 minutes away from Paris by TGV, here is our train timetable recommendation : to be advised shortly.