Cycle the Loire Valley
Experience Overview
The Loire Valley is renowned for its picturesque countryside, charming villages and impressive food and wine. Combine this with cycling, and you’ve got a perfect way to discover the region. Cycle alongside the serene Loire River, visit a selection of classic chateaux, marvel at the manicured gardens and far-reaching vineyards, indulge in local delicacies and enjoy a glass of wine on a Loire River small boat cruise. This small-group adventure through the Loire Valley on a seven-day active cycling journey through the countryside is sure to delight the senses and fulfil all your French fantasies.
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.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1622
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Support vehicle,Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AMXL
Starts: Blois, France
Finishes: Angers, France
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,385 ($484 /day)
Itinerary
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:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Chateau de Chambord
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Chateau de Chenonceau
Optional Activities:
- Chateau du Clos- entrance (18 EUR)
- Chateau de Cheverny (14 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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. Stop in for a vineyard visit, then continue cycling on 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 Activities:
- Chateaux Villandry & Gardens
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Activities:
- Loire River Small Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Chateau d'Usse (14 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
John - Traveled, September 2023
Cycling along the Loire River is a relaxing way to visit with decent stops for coffee and some very nice biscuits.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Laura - Traveled, August 2023
This trip has been on my bucket list for several years and met every expectation. It was a perfect combination of physical and intellectual stimulation. The chateaux and cathedrals we visited were well chosen for the diversity of experiences and importance in French history. The routes we cycled were varied and beautiful. Our guide and support driver were top notch, lovely people. I highly recommend! And we ate well along the way! A++
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/31/2023
Sharon - Traveled, July 2023
An amazing trip lead by outstanding team. The moment you join the trip, you immerse into the wonders and delights of the Loire Valley. An experience that you will not forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Katie - Traveled, July 2023
Best trip ever! I loved every minute of the Loire cycling adventure. Our guides (Saf, Fred & Andrea) were fantastic, the food/wine amazing, the Chateau's were incredible and cycling through fields of sunflowers, wheat, hay and through small villages was pure magic. We had coffee breaks and lunch along the way and ended each day with dinner as a group. I highly recommend this trip!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Linda - Traveled, May 2023
It was a beautiful ride. However, the 2 guides took a lot of the enjoyment out of the ride. One spoke to me disrespectfully and they could not recognize that some of us were dehydrated and one suffered from heatstroke. They need some training in this area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2023
Kathyn - Traveled, May 2023
A perfect combination of cycling and chateau visits. We loved seeing this extraordinary part of France up close while wheeling along peaceful river paths and country roads. Magnifique!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2023
Allyson - Traveled, May 2023
This trip was simply amazing. The French countryside was so beautiful, and each day was a perfect blend of cycling, touring, and free time. Our leader (Fred) and our driver (Dani) went above and beyond. I feel more refreshed than I have in a very long time. I’m short, I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Carmen - Traveled, September 2023
We enjoyed a wonderful cycling trip with a great team from Intrepid and a group of liked minded cyclists. Countryside was interesting and the Chateaux we visited beautiful in different aspects. A great holiday experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Hannelore - Traveled, September 2023
Loved this trip. Each day riding along the Loire offered stunning views and chateaux with an ideal mix of exercise and exploration. Our leader Safia and our driver/gear guru Dani were wonderfully kind, fun and helpful. Accommodations were clean and comfortable. Overall felt like a blissful week in a fairy tale. Thank you, Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Charles - Traveled, September 2023
We have enjoyed two Intrepid bike tours, one in France, and one in Italy. The website trip information provided for each tour was accurate and the tour guides and support drivers were excellent. Both tours were well planned. The bikes were well maintained, the overnight accommodations were comfortable, and we enjoyed meeting and riding with people from other countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Cheryl - Traveled, May 2023
Our team leader, Ali, was very good at managing our bike ride-compete with water, toilette, lunch & coffee stops, plus group dinners(!). It was so fun and relaxing to cycle through the French countryside with cool morning starts’ sun and forest shade, castles, flowers, food and wine. I just loved the camaraderie and being outside. PS I had an e- bike which I found very nice for hills and catching up.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2023
Linda - Traveled, May 2023
· Traveled May 2023 It was a beautiful ride. However, the 2 guides took a lot of the enjoyment out of the ride. One spoke to me disrespectfully and they could not recognize that some of us were dehydrated and one suffered from heatstroke. They need some training in this area. Review submitted 12 Jul 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2023
Sofia - Traveled, May 2023
The Loire valley cycling trip was a dream! The entire path we cycled was along the banks of a river, with beautifully paved ways through forests, meadows with wild flowers and just stunning nature with birds chirping throughout. The entire tour was the most relaxing holiday and none of us felt like the cycling was particularly strenuous, even though we were all amateurs -> a relaxed stretch of riding was always followed by a coffee or a lunch or a visit to a castle, with the occasional treat of a wine tasting at the end of the day. Fred and Dani (taking the roles of tour guide, driver, mechanic, life coach) are just amazing people and the ultimate dynamic duo, they took such incredibly good care of us so we didn't have a care in the world. Brain off, pedalling through nature on, castles and wine - what is there not to like?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2023
Allyson - Traveled, May 2023
This trip was simply amazing. The French countryside was so beautiful, and each day was a perfect blend of cycling, touring, and free time. Our leader (Fred) and our driver (Dani) went above and beyond. I feel more refreshed than I have in a very long time. I’m short, I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Kara - Traveled, April 2023
I am not a cyclist, but I have been won over to how this is an excellent way to enjoy visiting a country. The countryside was beautiful, the cycling was invigorating, and the leader took all of the guess work out of the trip. I will definitely do this again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2023
Dawn - Traveled, October 2022
We had a wonderful time cycling the Loire River Valley. Beautiful scenery, gorgeous castles and amazing food! France is very friendly to bicycles and that was a nice feeling. This trip was like being in a wonderful, spectacular dream!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2022
Judy - Traveled, October 2022
If you are looking for an up close and personal introduction to the Loire Valley, this is the trip for you! There is nothing more peaceful and uplifting than riding along the Loire in the sunshine, passing through small villages and stopping at impressive chateaux along the way. I enjoyed getting to know my cycling companions and experiencing the wonderful wine and food specialties of the region.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2022
David - Traveled, June 2022
This was a fun, relaxing, and delicious experience, and we would happily do it all over again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2022
Lisa - Traveled, May 2022
The cycling tour with Intrepid was perfectly suited to me. Not only did I get plenty of exercise, but I sampled many local restaurants and enjoyed world renown historical destinations. Intrepid planners did a perfect job of offering a wonderful sampling of local and regional attractions which were within my travel budget . I can't wait to book another tour-I trust Intrepid to give me a fun and informative travel experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2022
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