Join us for a wonderful and a relaxing journey through France’s Loire Valley, a valley abounding in beautiful chateaus, unspoilt nature, lush landscapes, and historic towns! Over 8 days, we’ll cycle along beautiful and quiet roads and paths, taking our time soaking up the unparalleled atmosphere. Our adventure starts in the city of Tours, and once you get here, everything else is taken care of—transfers, luggage transfers, food, e-bike rental, and the most gorgeous accommodation imaginable. There’s no better way to explore the vibrant Loire Valley than by cycling through it and staying at the loveliest boutique hotels!
We begin our Loire Valley adventure in Tours, an elegant episcopal city in the heart of the valley. After settling into the hotel, we meet our guide at 4 pm in the lobby for a walking tour of the historic old town—wandering the Renaissance houses lining the Place Plumereau and admiring the stunning Gothic cathedral. The evening ends with a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant in the old town.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Château Belmont in Tours
We start the day at Château de Villandry, home to one of the finest Renaissance gardens in France. Then we set off on our first cycling stage, riding gently along the Loire to the fairytale Château d’Ussé—the inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty. A picnic lunch in the scenic countryside breaks up the ride before we transfer to the charming town of Saumur for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Cycling: 41 km (25 mi)
Accommodation: Saint Pierre Boutique Hôtel, Saumur
We spend the morning exploring Saumur by bike—a town famous for its sparkling wines and equestrian traditions. We visit the magnificent Château de Saumur for panoramic views over the Loire Valley, then dip into the world of sparkling wine with a visit to a local cellar. The day ends with dinner in Saumur’s lively old town.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 37 km (23 mi)
Accommodation: Saint Pierre Boutique Hôtel, Saumur
We cycle through tranquil countryside to Fontevraud Abbey—the largest monastic complex in Europe and the final resting place of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart. We then continue to Chinon, the hometown of François Rabelais and a royal seat during the time of Joan of Arc, where an evening stroll takes us through medieval streets and up to the imposing château perched above the Vienne River.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 44 km (27 mi)
Accommodation: Hotel in Chinon
We ride out from Chinon through the vineyards of Touraine, renowned for their Cabernet Franc wines, stopping at Château Le Rivau with its 12 themed gardens. In the afternoon, we transfer to the picturesque village of Azay-le-Rideau to visit its stunning Renaissance castle—a masterpiece of grace and elegance. Our hotel is just steps away, right in the heart of the old town.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 44 km (27 mi)
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-Rideau
We ride through the scenic Indre Valley, passing charming villages and green landscapes, toward the breathtaking Château de Chenonceau—spanning the River Cher like a graceful bridge. Inside, we admire paintings by Rubens and Tintoretto and learn how Catherine de Medici had a three-storey gallery and banqueting hall built atop the water in the 16th century. We spend the night at a romantic château hotel nearby.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 63 km (39 mi)
Accommodation: Château de Chissay, Chissay
A short transfer brings us to Amboise, where we visit Clos Lucé—Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence. We then cycle through gardens and vineyards to the Château de Chaumont, perched above the Loire, before continuing to Chambord, the valley’s most majestic castle with its iconic multi-towered silhouette. A final transfer brings us back to Tours for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 59 km (37 mi)
Accommodation: Château Belmont, Tours
After breakfast, our Loire Valley adventure comes to a close. Depart by train or arrange a transfer in advance.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
To join this Loire Valley e-bike tour, good fitness is required. Over the course of the trip, you’ll cover a total of 288 km (179 mi) by e-bike.
The most you’ll cycle in a day is 63 km (39 mi). The routes mostly follow small, quiet rural roads, almost all of which are paved. The terrain is largely flat and easy-going, with two days taking you through rolling hills and vineyards. Check the itinerary for day-by-day distances.
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It’s advisable to pack clothing suitable for both warm and cooler, possibly unstable weather conditions. There may be potential temperature shifts between morning and evening. Don’t forget to bring a sweater and windbreaker, and be prepared with rain gear as well. Additionally, considering the stylish ambiance of three of the restaurants, we suggest gentlemen bring a jacket for evening wear!
The climate in the Loire region is characterized by mild temperatures, warm summers, and moderate winters, often likened to a Mediterranean climate. This favorable weather contributes significantly to its renown for fruit and wine cultivation. From April to October, the conditions are perfect for cycling and exploring the region’s natural beauty. It’s advisable to check local weather conditions before your arrival to ensure the best experience.
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Premium rental bikes are included in the price of your tour. Your guides offer the VELO DE VILLE AEB CLASSIC e-bike, a convenient step-through frame for easy mounting and maximum comfort. Powered by a Bosch motor system (Active Line, Active Line Plus, or Performance Line) and a 400 Wh battery, these bikes offer a reliable range for your daily explorations. They are equipped with a smooth-shifting Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and a suspension fork for added comfort on varied terrain. The durable Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus tires provide excellent puncture protection for a worry-free journey.
Group sizes and pricing
Loire Valley bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has cyclists under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Loire Valley bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
Solo travelers are welcome to join, but adding the single room surcharge is mandatory—this will be automatically sorted at checkout once you tell us if you’re traveling alone or with someone else.
The starting point of your Loire Valley bike tour is the city of Tours in France. To get there, it’s best to fly into Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). You can either take the train or rent a car to Tours—it will take you anywhere between 2 and 3 hours.
You’ll meet your guide at 4 pm on Day 1 in the lobby of the Hotel Chateau Belmont in Tours.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.