2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotels
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days£800GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: LVB

Trip highlights

  • Exploring the beautiful Loire Valley on dedicated bike paths
  • Visiting impressive chateaux
  • Cycling through countryside that is lines with vineyards, orchards and farms
  • Discovering the charming towns of Blois, Amboise and Chitenay
  • Sampling the delicious 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

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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 light facades and blue roofs. Its pedestrian streets gracefully preserve the serene atmosphere of lost centuries. 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 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 castle of 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 Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. The cycle for today involves some short climbs on the way. Overnight in Amboise. total ascent 265m/descent 295m

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, but this was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médici. 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, or nearby Blere if you book the upgrade option. total ascent 315m/descent 316m

Meals:  B

Today you will leave the Cher Valley behind and enter the Touraine 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. total ascent 298m/descent 264m

Meals:  B

During today's cycle 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 the 1st. You then return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding its castle. total ascent 178m/descent 200m

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Blois.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

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 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, anti-theft device, helmet, bike computer, map holder and repair kit (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, 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
  • 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.

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, bike computer, map holder, 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

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – 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).

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Priceper person from

£800GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementGBP£70
  • Upgrade supplement 3-4 star hotelsGBP£180
  • Single Supplement - standard hotelsGBP£290
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - standard hotelsGBP£310
  • Single Supplement - upgrade hotelsGBP£500
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - upgrade hotelsGBP£540
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Cycling the Loire Valley & Burgundy | France Tours | UTracks