8 Days / 7 Nights
Type: Self-Guided
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
While the Loire River is well known for its impressive chateaux and picturesque landscape, the region also has a rich gastronomic tradition. During this 8 day and 7 night cycle journey you’ll have ample opportunity to appreciate some of the region’s finest restaurants while discovering by bike the many other attractions, including the famous chateaux of Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord, the Leonardo da Vinci Mansion in Amboise, and the forests and vineyards of the Cher and Loire Valleys. Staying in comfortable four-star hotels and cycling an average of 25-30 miles each day, this trip represents the perfect balance of activity and indulgence. We invite you to relax in the Loire Valley!
Green = Open | Yellow = Limited | Red = Full
Prices are per person in US$ – inclusive bike rental *This tour can be guided upon request
| Choose your own Start Date | Accommodation | Double | Single |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March to October | Hotel | $ 2,250 | $ 2,950 | Book now |
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Today you’ll arrive in Blois, leaving time to visit the city and the beautiful Chateau de Blois. At night, between June 5 and September 20, it’s also possible to attend the Light and Sound show at the castle. We invite you in the afternoon to pick up your bike from the office. We adjust your bike and will provide you extra accessories if needed.
Day 2: Blois to Amboise – 25 miles (40 km)
You will cycle through the forests north of Blois and past the Mesland appellation vineyards to the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, which is strategically located high above the River Loire. From there, you’ll continue to the charming town of Amboise with its m
agnificent Royal Chateau overlooking the river. You can stroll through the medieval Market Square and visit the Château of Clos Lucé, a museum dedicated to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 3: Roundtrip to Vouvray – 30 miles (48 km)
Leave the Loire banks for a while to reach the picturesque Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses, and famous for its fine and elegant white wines! On the way you will admire superb Renaissance private châteaux such as Château de Valmer (remarkable for its Italian and vegetable gardens), and the beautiful Château de Jallanges as well. And don’t hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Vouvray wine!
Day 4: Amboise to Chenonceaux – 26 miles (42 km)
Today, go to Château de Chenonceau ! This stage through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire will take you to the Cher valley! Then reach the famous Chateau of Chenonceau straddling the Cher River, which was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers‘s garden, then the Catherine de Medici’s one. Take a breath, under the shadow of one of the huge park trees, at the rhythm of the river murmur that will tell you stories about these 2 rival women.
Day 5: Chenonceaux to Cheverny (or Chitenay) – 25 or 31 miles (40 or 50 km)
Ride along the peaceful Cher riverbanks to the medieval town of Montrichard. Then leave the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Your cycling day ends in Chitenay (in a charming rural inn) or in Cheverny, close to the famous château.
Day 6: Round trip to Chateau Beauregard and Sologne area – 29 miles (47 km)
Today you’ll bike through the Forest of Russy and can visit the wonderful Chateau de Beauregard with its gallery of 363 portraits of French nobility. You can extend your biking with an exploration of the charming and mysterious Sologne region with magnificent landscapes, beautiful forests, ponds, and small private châteaux hidden behind their vineyards and groves.
Day 7: Cheverny (or Chitenay) – Blois – 25 or 31 miles (40 or 50 km)
A highlight today will be your visit to the Chateau de Cheverny, still privately owned and beautifully furnished. It was built between 1604 and 1634 and never altered, presenting an immaculate picture of symmetry and harmony. You might also see the famous hounds used for local hunting by the descendant of the original owner. Then you’ll head through the Parc de Chambord to the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux, the spectacular Chateau de Chambord, a jewel of the French Renaissance built under King Francois I.
Day 8: Tour Ends
Your tour ends today with departure after breakfast.
Bikes are included in the price of the tour. Bikes are well-maintained 27-speed men’s and women’s bikes, equipped with pannier, steering weel bag, repair kit, smartphone holder, front/rear lighting and lock. Bike helmet on request.
Electric bikes can be rented for this tour ($100 per person).We advise you only to rent an electric bike if you have first tried one at home. They’re heavier than regular bikes and therefore can be difficult to maneuver. In addition, you can rent children’s bikes, child seats, and bike trailers.
Included in the tour price you’ll receive daily buffet breakfast and dinner. For the buffet breakfasts there’s an assortment of cold meats and cheeses, eggs, bread, jams, cereal, yogurt, fruit, coffee, and tea. For lunches you will be in a town so you can find lunch at a restaurant on your own. Dinners are three-courses with either a set menu or a choice of two options. We can accommodate many types of dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy free. Please indicate these requests at the time of booking.
The hotels listed below are examples of those usually used on the tour. Depending on availability, you may be booked in a different hotel of equal quality.
Fully renovated in early 2017 with an ultra-modern design, the Mercure Hotel in Blois is a great place to experience the city center. This town is not only your gateway to the castles of the Loire Valley, but an enjoyable retreat in itself. There are many fitness and leisure activities available, and you will be charmed by the hotel’s on-site “Wine Not?” bar and brand new “Le Quai” restaurant.
Experience an unforgettable stay at a manor converted into a luxury hotel in Amboise. At the center of the royal city, Manoir Saint-Thomas is a peaceful retreat, surrounded by a beautiful leafy park. This charming residence offers comfortable rooms, a breakfast area, and a luxurious outdoor pool. Here you will be within easy reach of the chateau, the Clos Lucé, and the rest of the Loire Valley.
The Bon Laboureur is a charming inn located just a stone’s throw from the most beautiful chateaus in the Loire Valley. The building is a former post office whose foundations date back to 1786. Although the clatter of horse hooves and carriage wheels no longer fill the courtyard, the Jeudi family has successfully preserved the erstwhile charm of the house, adding comfortable rooms, pleasant lounges, and a highly-regarded restaurant.
This castle hotel, located in Cheverny in the heart of Loire Valley, is marked with charm and abundant history. The residence offers multiple reception and lounge areas decorated with antique furniture. Here you can enjoy breakfast, dinner, drinks, or just a moment of leisure. On the grounds, you can roam under the foliage of rare species and century-old trees. Be sure to look for the recently restored 19th century chapel on site.
Have you been on this tour? Please leave your review here
[wprevpro_usetemplate tid=”2″]
Van Gogh Tours
Hoorn, The Netherlands
+1(781)646-0096
Office hours 9 am – 5 pm EST
vangogh@vangoghtours.com
