From: $1,790 USD
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 to visit a museum, church, or wine cave, always assured that your charming room is waiting for you at the end of the day. Beyond Orléans, the Loire Valley lazily spreads out in this pleasant climate. On your tour you’ll pass through the medieval village of Beaugency to arrive at the doorsteps of Chambord, a magical castle only imagined in dreams. You’ll continue on to Cheverny – perhaps the most beautiful and refined of all the chateaux in the Loire – and then Blois, a royal city with an eclectic history. Further along the River Loire you will reach Chateau Chaumont and its splendid park, Amboise with its royal chateau, and then Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. Via the vineyards of Montlouis you’ll pedal into the interesting University city of Tours to discover its well-preserved half-timbered houses.
Green = Open | Yellow = Limited | Red = Full
Accommodation | Double | Single | |
Hotels | $ 1,790 | $ 2,390 |
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
You’ll spend the day exploring beautiful Orléans on the River Loire with its picturesque, well-preserved neighborhoods. Orléans is the home of Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France, and is known for the awe inspiring Sainte Croix Cathedral, comparable to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Although Orléans was severely bombed in World War II (first by the Germans and then by the Allies) it still preserves some of its old buildings. The city is also famous for its university, one of the most prestigious in France.
Day 2: Orléans – Beaugency – 16 miles (26 km)
This morning you’ll pedal along the Loire to the flower-filled city of Beaugency with its imposing 11th century dungeon looming high above the streets. Beaugency has conserved the charm of a small medieval city and you can visit the Notre Dame Abbey, the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices of Beaugency), and the 14th century bridge. Beaugency has a violent military history: it was the site of the famous Battle of Beaugency when it was freed by Joan of Arc.
Day 3: Beaugency – Blois – 28 miles (45 km)
Today you’ll visit the impressive Chateau de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux. With 440 rooms it’s one of the most extravagant commissions of its age. Then you’ll bike on to Blois. Its famous chateau features four distinct architectural styles and houses the Musées des Beaux Arts and Archeology. St Louis Cathedral and numerous other churches and gardens decorate the city and are worth a visit.
Day 4: Blois – Amboise – 25 miles (40 km)
You will cycle through the forests north of Blois and past scenic vineyards to the impressive Château de Chaumont, strategically located high above the River Loire and offering a majestic view over the river. Continuing to the charming town of Amboise, you might visit the Château d’ Amboise with its breathtaking views on the Loire, or Château Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci now converted to a museum.
Day 5: Amboise – Tours – 17 or 19 miles (27 or 31 km)
Today you’ll cycle to fascinating Tours, passing by the vineyards and caves of Montlouis, renowned for its sweet white and sparkling wines. Later you will pass by Chateau de la Bourdaisière, believed to be the birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the beautiful mistress and favorite of King Henri IV. Continuing to the center of Tours, you’ll discover this lively, flower-filled, university city on the River Loire with its fascinating medieval quarter, the famous “Place Plumereau,” and lovely half–timbered houses.
Day 6: Tour Ends
Your tour will end today with departure after breakfast – or you can extend your vacation by biking on to Angers (see our Tours to Angers itinerary). The combined tour would be 10 days and 9 nights long, with just one day in Tours.
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 ($80 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.
Situated on the banks of the Loire River, Empreinte Hotel & Spa is 4-star boutique hotel offering a range of wellness facilities, a bar and a meeting room. Guests can enjoy free access to the sauna, steam room and herbal tea room.A buffet breakfast, including sweet, savoury items and local products is served every morning in the breakfast room.
Ecu de Bretagne is located at the heart of the Loire Valley châteaux district. Around thirty minutes from Orléans, the authentic medieval village of Beaugency has witnessed the annals of French history and is situated near the Valley of Kings. Take advantage of this perfect location to visit the châteaux that proudly stand along the river. This charming and welcoming hotel features rooms with antique decor, an on-site restaurant and brasserie, and a pool where you can unwind.
Mercure Blois Center is located 500 m from Blois city center, on Quai Saint Jean. Guests have free access to the fitness center and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the old town, Blois Chateau can be reached within 20-minutes by walk.
This is a sumptuous 17th century house was converted into a charming hotel in 2003 and upgraded into a luxury hotel in 2011, still retaining its character. Hotel Le Clos d’Amboise is located in the very heart of the Royal City of Amboise. This is the authentic and picturesque part of the historic city that contains Francois Ist’s chateau, as well as Leonardo da Vinci’s residence, the Clos Lucé. The hotel stands apart with its discreet charm, its proximity to pedestrian shopping streets, and a terrace overlooking an immense lawn with century-old trees.
This hotel is situated in the old city centre of Tours with only 3 minute walk to the train station. Enjoy the hot tub after your last day of biking. Popular points of interest near Oceania L’Univers Tours include Basilica of Saint Martin, Hotel Goüin Museum and Les Halles de Tours Market. The nearest airport is Tours Val de Loire Airport, 3.1 mi from the hotel.
Great trip, great value. The hotels were excellent and the restaurants had great food and good service (with the exception on one restaurant that was a bit overwhelmed). The online GPS maps were great and easy to follow. Overall, one of the best trips ever.
Alan Rooks (Group of 13 Family and Friends), September 2022
Van Gogh Tours
Hoorn, The Netherlands
+1(781)646-0096
Office hours 9 am – 5 pm EST
vangogh@vangoghtours.com
