2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotels
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: LVB

Trip highlights

  • Exploring the beautiful Loire Valley on dedicated bike paths
  • Visiting impressive chateaux
  • Cycling through countryside lined by with vineyards, orchards and farms
  • Discovering the charming towns of Blois, Amboise and Chitenay
  • Sampling local delicacies and staying in small, family-run hotels

Explore the valley once known as the 'playground of kings' - an area of impressive chateaux and vast fortune, on a delighful circuit between the Loire and Cher rivers. The cycle distances and many dedicated bike paths make this ideal for anyone of reasonable fitness to complete on a regular hybrid bike or an e-bike. As you cycle, discover the best this region has to offer. Soak up the medieval charm of Blois, discover picturesque Amboise set on the banks of the Loire and overlooked by its impressive fortified chateau, get lost in the maze in the gardens of Chenonceau and sample the local culinary delights. The cycle takes you through countryside crisscrossed with vineyards, duck farms and orchards and the remnants of feudal hunting forests, and the many ornate estates you pass confirm the Loire Valley's reputation as the 'garden of France'.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Blois

Finishing Point:

Blois

Carbon Footprint

13kg of CO2-e PP per day

(67kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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Arrive Blois and make your own way to your hotel. If you arrive early you can take a walk around the town which is known for its pale stone facades and slate roofs. Its pedestrian streets gracefully preserve a serene atmosphere of lost centuries. Worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, once the residence of several French kings and counts and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

Meals:  Nil

From Blois you will follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you'll cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron then continue along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire river. High on the bank is the elegant chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire, surrounded by beautiful gardens. En route you can visit a wine grower and taste the local wines. Take your time and enjoy the grandeur of the châteaux Royal d'Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. The cycle for today involves some short climbs along the way. Overnight in Amboise. 204m ascent, 209m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will cycle via Montlouis sur Loire to the charming town of Chenonceaux, on the banks of the Cher river. Here you'll find the famous Château de Chenonceau which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. The chateau was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, and later recovered, after his death, by his widow Queen Catherine de Medici. There are two cycle routes to choose from: one is a direct route while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Loire and Cher River valleys with options to visit chateaux and villages en route. Overnight in Chenonceaux. 126m ascent, 129m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will leave the Cher Valley behind and enter the Sologne area, passing the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th century architecture. Tonight’s accommodation is a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden in Chitenay. 169m ascent, 146m descent

Meals:  B

On your last cycle stage you can discover the famous and sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny with its gardens and English style park, before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis I. You then return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding its castle. 136m ascent, 153m descent

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Blois. We recommend extending your stay to take the time visiting the beautiful city of Blois - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 breakfasts - breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices
  • 5 nights in 2-3 star hotels & B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies)
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • Hybrid rental bike equipped with a pannier, helmet, lock and repair kit (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of max 20kg per person, max dimensions 65 x 40 x30 cm) - a supplement applies for excess
  • Tourist tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Blois
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • E-bike hire, supplement applies
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfer not listed as included
  • Transfers if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details. Note app minimum requirements: Android 11 or newer, Iphone iOS 16 or newer.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, lock and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

Grade 2 - Daily cycles are between 16.5 and 50km/10 to 31mi 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).

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.

Videos

Cycling the Loire Valley & Burgundy | France Tours | UTracks