7 Days / 6 Nights
Type: Self-Guided
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Discover the incredible “Garden of France” as you cycle at your own pace. You can stop to admire the stately elegance of centuries-old chateaux or visit a museum, church, or wine cave, always assured that your charming room and a delicious meal are waiting for you at the end of the day. Cycle through the scenic vineyards and fragrant forests south of Tours and visit the incomparable Chateau Chenonceau, the Chateau Chambord (best furnished of all the castles), charming Domaine Chaumont-sur-Loire, and the impressive Chateau de Cheverny. Your luggage will be transported each day from hotel to hotel. Accommodations are in elegant four or five-star chateaux and manors. The food is sumptuous and elegantly served.
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 |
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| March to October | Hotel | $ 2,930 | $ 3,800 | Book here |
Day 1: Arrive in Amboise
You’ll start your tour in the charming city of Amboise, where you can visit the Chateau d’ Amboise with its breathtaking views over the Loire, or Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci converted into a museum. Amboise is easily accessible from Paris by train. Your bike will be waiting for you at the hotel on the day you arrive or by 9 a.m. the next morning.
Day 2: Amboise – Montbazon – 28 miles (45 km)
Follow the “Loire à Vélo” cycling paths through the vineyards of Montlouis and its numerous wine cellars producing the famous sweet or sparkling white wines. Then, take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Proceed along the Touraine countryside to reach your next chateau-hotel in Montbazon. In the small village of Montbazon you could visit one of the oldest fortresses in France, Fortress of Montbazon
OPTION: Extra night in Montbazon + excursion to Azay le Rideau – 34 miles (55 km)
Ride on the “Indre à vélo” cycling paths along the winding Indre River and admire its beautiful mills and typical villages, before arriving in Azay le Rideau with its romantic Renaissance château, elegantly enclosed in its water and greenery setting.
Day 3: Montbazon – Chenonceaux – 25 miles (40 km)
You’ll bike today to the remarkable Chenonceau Castle, jewel of the Loire Valley, with grounds that stretch across the River Cher in a perfect harmony of “water, greenery, gardens, and trees.” It’s one of the most visited landmarks in all of France. The chateau is dedicated to the “Ladies of Chenonceau,” six women under whose influence this elegant chateau developed from a fortified mill.
Day 4: Chenonceaux – Cour Cheverny – 30 miles (48 km)
Leave the Chenonceaux to reach the nice medieval village of Montrichard. It is time to ride through the vineyards of Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre, a perfect illustration of the traditional 15th century building art. A beautiful itinerary through the countryside and vineyards before reaching the famous château of 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.
Day 5: Cheverny Round Trip – Chambord – 31 miles (50 km)
Biking on the small country roads around Cheverny is superb, and today you’ll visit the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux, Chateau de Chambord. With 440 rooms it’s one of the most extravagant commissions of its age. In the evening another regional meal, prepared with fresh products, awaits you in your hotel.
Day 6: Cheverny – Amboise – 31 miles (50 km)
For your last cycling day, ride through the AOC Cheverny vineyards before going back on “Loire à Vélo” cycling tracks! Reach the castle of Chaumont sur Loire. Not to be missed: The International Garden Festival which takes place in the vast park of the Estate. An absolute laboratory for the contemporary creation, where the world famous designers challenge their originality. Then go on, between vineyards and Loire river, to reach the royal city of Amboise.
Day 7: Tour Ends
Your tour will end today, with departure after breakfast.
Bikes are included in the price of the tour. Bikes are well-maintained 21-speed men’s and women’s bikes, equipped with saddlebags, repair kit, odometer, and lock. Bike helmet available on request.
Electric bikes can be rented for this tour ($75 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.
If you want to upgrade your bike, you can rent a Scott Sportster P6 for a $30 supplement for the duration of the tour.
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.
Le Choiseul is a charming 4-star castle-hotel in Amboise, featuring a panoramic view of the Loire River. Below the walls of the Chateau d’Amboise, Le Choiseul is ideal for visiting the royal castles of the Loire Valley. The rooms & suites offer pleasant views over the Italian garden or spectacular views of the scenery.
This castle-hotel in the heart of Loire Valley was built by the famous perfumer François Coty, in the style of 18th century architecture. Located in Amboise, this spectacular building and its beautiful garden grounds dominate the valley. The castle is a relaxing retreat offering a spa, on-site restaurant, and various seasonal events.
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.
Wonderful hotels with great food. Bike routes easy to follow, through lovely woods and mostly small roads. The chateau were great destinations during the day and made each day different and interesting. Transfer of luggage all very smooth and Denise was available for any questions along the way. If you want a self guided bike trip, I would highly recommend Van Gogh Tours. We will definitely use them again!
Natalie Venezia, June 2022
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Van Gogh Tours
Hoorn, The Netherlands
+1(781)646-0096
Office hours 9 am – 5 pm EST
vangogh@vangoghtours.com
