What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local bike guide with extensive knowledge of the area Six days of biking Seven nights of 3-star & 4-star accommodations in double/twin rooms* Breakfasts, dinners, and packed lunches as indicated in the itinerary Luggage transfers Visits to the Château de Chenonceau, Château d’Ussé and Clos Lucé Tourist taxes What’s not included: Transportation to Blois and from Angers Drinks Entrance fees to tourist attractions and castles not mentioned above Bike and biking gear (can be rented) Trip insurance *Your guides can help you organize an additional night in a hotel in Blois or Angers after the tour. If you would like that, feel free to let them know before the trip.

How fit do I need to be?

This trip is an easy to moderate cycling adventure that is possible for most moderately experienced cyclists. You need to be able to manage an average physical activity level each day for 6 consecutive days. The itinerary mainly follows bike paths and small paved roads. It avoids main roads with heavier car traffic as often as possible. You will be cycling stages of 28 to 61km/17.4 to 37.9 mi per day which accounts to about 2 to 5 hours of cycling daily. If you can manage this, you should be good to go!

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Clothing: Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling Socks – Sport-specific padded socks, one pair for every day of the trip. No cotton Sun hat – wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo Cycling gloves – padded gloves meant specifically for cycling Cycling shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long-sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection) Cycling pants & shorts – nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings Windbreaker – a lightweight wind-resistant jacket or pullover Warm top – mid-weight wicking sweater or pullover such as merino wool, fleece, or polypropylene Insulating jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: This item may not be needed in summer months) Rain gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants, look for side zippers that will easily allow them to be pulled over footwear Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities Cycling gear: Saddlebag Personal luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack for extra items and casual clothes Cycling helmet – comfortable fitting, with rain cover Hydration system – 2+ L capacity, water bottles or bladder/hose system Extra water bottle Headlamp – preferably with an LED bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries Picnic/lunch kit – knife, plate/bowl, a box with a closeable lid, utensils, etc. Phone & charger – a local SIM card or international plan may be needed Small power bank – optional, but recommended Map or phone holder for handlebars Waterproof travel case or pouch – used to keep important documents & phones safe from weather/water Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm First aid kit Personal toilet paper kit Toiletries Contact lenses & glasses – bring a back-up pair Prescription medication – with an emergency backup supply Money – some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use. Optional items: Backpack – a small-sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover Travel power adapter – Voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz, E-type plugs Support braces – joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries Sleep mask & ear plugs Bug repellent Quick drying towel or bandana(s) If you choose to rent a bike from your guides, the cycling helmet, saddlebag, and a handlebar phone holder will come included with the bike. Your guides emphasize that you should not bring cotton hiking or cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear, and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1. It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 but older than 14 may be permitted to join the trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Minors under 14 years of age cannot participate in this tour. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Blois, France, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Paris International Airport . From there, the easiest way to get to Blois is by taking the train from Paris Austerlitz train station to Blois, which will take you less than an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a bus there. You will meet your guides in Blois at the check-in of your hotel around 3pm. More details on the hotel will be provided by your guide.

Safety measures in Loire Valley, France

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

LOIRE VALLEY | FRANCE

Loire Valley Bike Tour: Chateaux, Wine & Beyond

A view of Amboise in Loire Valley, France

A vineyard and a windmill in Loire Valley

A vineyard and a man pouring wine in Liore Valley

A close up of French macarons in Loire Valley

A woman cycling in Angers Chateau, France

From $2,240 ()

Season: June through September

Duration: 8 days

Accommodation: 3-star and 4-star hotels

Difficulty:

Guide: Grand Angle

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Accommodation
Things to know

You know it for the wine, castles & picturesque countryside – but did you know that Loire Valley is best experienced by bike? We will spend 6 days riding smooth, scenic country paths from village to village, château to château, winery to winery. Off the road, we will stay in modern hotels, dine in authentic restaurants, and visit all the must-see historical sites, like the Royal Castle of Blois, Fontevraud Abbey, Angers Museum and so much more! If you want to experience everything Loire Valley has to offer from the back of a two-wheeler, this trip was tailor-made for you.

Adventure highlights

Ride spectacular landscapes

Ride France’s most scenic bike paths, including sections of the famous EV6
Explore ancient castles

Visit the greatest chateaux & historical sites of the Loire Valley
Taste world-class cuisine

Taste local food & wine in one of Europe’s most famous culinary regions

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Uncover the magic of the Loire Valley on an unforgettable 8-day bike holiday. Explore iconic sites like Amboise, the Royal Château of Blois, and the Angers cathedral, indulge in world-class food & wines, and cycle the most beautiful sections of the Loire area. Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy!

Check-in at your hotel is available after around 3pm.

Once you arrive, you have to visit the Royal Castle of Blois. It is an essential site, as it paints a beautiful picture of the classic architecture and rich history of the castles found in the Loire Valley.

Reminiscent of the Renaissance, the castle was the residence of 7 kings and 10 queens. King François I, Chambord, and Fontainebleau were some of the builders of this impressive structure, and the Duke of Guise was murdered in the castle in 1588 under the command of Henry III.

Meals: Restaurant dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Blois
The first ride of the trip follows the river Loire! The route occasionally diverges from the river, but only to reveal a tapestry of culture and history. We will explore gems like Candé sur Beuvron and the elevated Chaumont Castle, with breathtaking views of the river. Don’t miss the famous garden festival in its park.

The day culminates in Amboise, home to a captivating castle, where we will visit the Clos Lucé (included in the price). Leonardo da Vinci spent his final four years here!

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 43 km / 26.7 mi
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Amboise
If we can’t visit Amboise and the Clos Lucé on Day 2, we can do so this morning. Today, we pedal towards Tours; from Amboise, we will take an extra side trip to visit Chenonceau, one of the pearls of the Loire Valley (included in the price).

Then, we can return to Amboise along the same road and ride to Tours on bike paths. There is also the option to take the train from Chenonceau to Tours (not included in the price). The railway station is right next to the castle.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 26.2 km / 16.3 mi,
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Tours
Optional: Trip to Chenonceau Chateau – 23.8 km/14.9 mi one-way
Get ready for one of the most beautiful stages of the Loire à vélo: following the banks of the Cher to the Renaissance Château of Villandry! We will enjoy its magnificent garden before continuing to the magnificent château of Azay le Rideau. Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, this French Renaissance gem was erected during the reign of Francis I.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 35 km / 21.8 mi
Accommodation: 3-star hôtel in Azay le Rideau
Continuing towards Bréhémont, we will follow the thread of the wild Loire, where magnificent scenery and old-fashioned boats (gabares and fûtreaux) provide soothing authenticity and harmony.

We will visit the Château d’Ussé, the castle that inspired Charles Perrault to write “The Sleeping Beauty” (included in the price). There are 2 routes to Chinon: the quickest one leaves the banks of the Loire at La Huhaudrie to reach Chinon in around 12 km/7.4 mi but with some tough climbs. The classic route follows the Loire on a track, then in 5 km/3.1 mi reaches the confluence of the Indre, then Avoine, Savigny en Véron, and the banks of the Vienne to Chinon.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 38 km / 23.6 mi
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Chinon
Between Touraine and Anjou, we will enjoy a wonderful ride that starts at the banks of the Vienne River and goes to Savigny en Véron. The trip continues until we arrive at the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire rivers and the picturesque village of Candes St Martin.

In Montsoreau, you should take a side trip to visit the Fontevraud Abbey. It is one of the most beautiful heritage sites of the Loire Valley, with polychrome recumbent effigies. It is not a long detour, and you won’t regret it. If you feel like visiting another castle, the one in Montsoreau will also impress you, with a fortress immortalized by Alexandre Dumas.

To go to Saumur from Montsoreau, you only need to ride ~18 km/11 mi, but there are some steep ascents like the 18% graded hill in Parnay. However, the hills are short, and you will enjoy riding through the Saumur Champigny vineyards. When you arrive at the “Domaine de la Bienboire”, you can also choose a new itinerary along the Loire River, which lets you go to Saumur while following the river and avoid the vineyards & hills.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 35 km / 21.8 mi
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Saumur
Optional: Detour to Fontevraud Abbey: about 11.3 km/7 mi
Before leaving town, make sure to visit the Castle of Saumur. Today’s ride is longer, but not too challenging except for the last few kilometers/miles to the high points of Angers. Most of the ride will follow the Loire River to Cunault, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches of the Anjou region.

We will climb towards Joreau Lake passing the Dolmen of Madeleine and proceed down to Gennes. We will then ride in front of the St Maur Abbey, the Benedictine priory of St Rémy. Next, we will cross the Loire River to reach St Mathurin sur Loire, la Daguenière, and Angers through the Trélazé slate quarries. In Angers, you will find a castle surrounded by a fortress built by Saint Louis. Inside, you will see the huge, iconic Apocalypse Tapestry. Don’t miss a walk around the town’s older historic neighborhoods.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Cycling: 59 km / 36.7 mi
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Angers
After a pleasant night in Angers and a filling breakfast, it’s time to check out and mark the end of our adventure in the Loire Valley!

Meals: Breakfast

Loire Valley Bike Tour: Chateaux, Wine & Beyond

Adventure Brochure

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Meet your guide

5.00

Grand Angle

Grand Angle was born in 1983, when its founders Jean-Claude and Anne-Marie wanted to professionally do what they enjoy the most in life—spend time in the great outdoors. Today Grand Angle has grown into a tour operator with a great team of guides and in-office experts offering trips throughout Europe. Hiking or biking, on snow or by the sea, luxury or cultural, Grand Angle has it all!

Accommodation

Cozy & modern 3-star & 4-star hotels

During this tour, you will be staying in double bedrooms in B&Bs, 3-star hotels (4 nights), and 4-star hotels (or equivalent) (2 nights), or in guesthouses with the same level of comfort. Single rooms are subject to availability and require a supplement fee.

Note: in Europe, more and more hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses are refusing to participate in the star rating system. Even establishments that were classified a year or two ago are now choosing to not take part. This doesn’t mean that they are of lesser quality – far from it, in fact. If we indicate that an accommodation is “3-star or equivalent”, the establishment may have chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a traditional 3-star establishment.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local bike guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Six days of biking
  - Seven nights of 3-star & 4-star accommodations in double/twin rooms*
  - Breakfasts, dinners, and packed lunches as indicated in the itinerary
  - Luggage transfers
  - Visits to the Château de Chenonceau, Château d’Ussé and Clos Lucé
  - Tourist taxes
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Blois and from Angers
  - Drinks
  - Entrance fees to tourist attractions and castles not mentioned above
  - Bike and biking gear (can be rented)
  - Trip insurance
*Your guides can help you organize an additional night in a hotel in Blois or Angers after the tour. If you would like that, feel free to let them know before the trip.
This trip is an easy to moderate cycling adventure that is possible for most moderately experienced cyclists. You need to be able to manage an average physical activity level each day for 6 consecutive days. The itinerary mainly follows bike paths and small paved roads. It avoids main roads with heavier car traffic as often as possible.

You will be cycling stages of 28 to 61km/17.4 to 37.9 mi per day which accounts to about 2 to 5 hours of cycling daily. If you can manage this, you should be good to go!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

Clothing:
- - Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling
  - Socks – Sport-specific padded socks, one pair for every day of the trip. No cotton
  - Sun hat – wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
  - Cycling gloves – padded gloves meant specifically for cycling
  - Cycling shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long-sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
  - Cycling pants & shorts – nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings
  - Windbreaker – a lightweight wind-resistant jacket or pullover
  - Warm top – mid-weight wicking sweater or pullover such as merino wool, fleece, or polypropylene
  - Insulating jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: This item may not be needed in summer months)
  - Rain gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants, look for side zippers that will easily allow them to be pulled over footwear
  - Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities
Cycling gear:
- - Saddlebag
  - Personal luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack for extra items and casual clothes
  - Cycling helmet – comfortable fitting, with rain cover
  - Hydration system – 2+ L capacity, water bottles or bladder/hose system
  - Extra water bottle
  - Headlamp – preferably with an LED bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
  - Picnic/lunch kit – knife, plate/bowl, a box with a closeable lid, utensils, etc.
  - Phone & charger – a local SIM card or international plan may be needed
  - Small power bank – optional, but recommended
  - Map or phone holder for handlebars
  - Waterproof travel case or pouch – used to keep important documents & phones safe from weather/water
  - Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm
  - First aid kit
  - Personal toilet paper kit
  - Toiletries
  - Contact lenses & glasses – bring a back-up pair
  - Prescription medication – with an emergency backup supply
  - Money – some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.
Optional items:
- - Backpack – a small-sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover
  - Travel power adapter – Voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz, E-type plugs
  - Support braces – joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries
  - Sleep mask & ear plugs
  - Bug repellent
  - Quick drying towel or bandana(s)
If you choose to rent a bike from your guides, the cycling helmet, saddlebag, and a handlebar phone holder will come included with the bike.

Your guides emphasize that you should not bring cotton hiking or cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear, and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 but older than 14 may be permitted to join the trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - Minors under 14 years of age cannot participate in this tour.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Blois, France, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Paris International Airport. From there, the easiest way to get to Blois is by taking the train from Paris Austerlitz train station to Blois, which will take you less than an hour and a half.

Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a bus there.

You will meet your guides in Blois at the check-in of your hotel around 3pm. More details on the hotel will be provided by your guide.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.