Tours to Angers

You will arrive in Tours leaving time to visit this lively, flower-filled university city on the River Loire. Explore its fascinating medieval quarters, the famous “Place Plumereau,” and its well-preserved half-timbered houses. Your bike and route information will be waiting for you at your first hotel.

Passing through the Valley of the River Indre, you’ll make several interesting stops en route to Azay-le-Rideau. You will visit the beautiful Châtaeu and gardens of Villandry, the last of the large chateaux built on the banks of the Loire during the Renaissance. Saché is the next chateau on your route, and was the writer Honoré de Balzac’s home during his most productive years. Next you’ll visit the Chateau Azay le Rideau, a 16th century masterpiece situated in an elegant waterside setting, and one of this region’s architectural gems. It was built between 1518 and 1523 during the reign of King Francois I and houses a lovely collection of Renaissance portraits and tapestries.

Elevation gain +310 Feet (95m)

Today you’ll cycle to the town of Langeais to visit its striking 15th century chateau. In 1491, the arranged marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany was celebrated here.

From Langeais, you’ll follow our route through Ussé, home of the brilliant white stone castle that inspired the great fairytale writer Perrault to create Sleeping Beauty. From Ussé, you will pedal away from the river through meadows and woodland to pick up the “Route des Vignobles,” which passes through vineyards and presents some opportunities for wine tasting along the way. Later you’ll cycle along the River Loire again to medieval Chinon, situated on the banks of the River Vienne. This historic old town, with its narrow streets and gabled houses, is famous for its feudal dungeon and most revered guest, Joan of Arc. In the evening you’ll enjoy a delightful French dinner and taste local wines which have contributed greatly to the Chinon’s glowing reputation!

Elevation gain +655 Feet (200m)

Follow the “Loire à Vélo” routes which will lead you to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin (where you can visit the magnificent 12th and 13th century collegiate church) and to the beautiful village of Montsoreau. Continue along troglodyte sites and vineyards before reaching lovely town of Saumur. Saumur is also famous for its splendid mushroom varieties. You’ll pass caves burrowed out of the rock, used for mushroom growing, storing sparkling wines, as well as dwellings as you approach this underappreciated ancient town.

You have the oppertunity to visit the Fontevraud abbey, Europe’s largest remaining monastic complex which is also the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt kings! (extra 8 miles).

Option: Canoe trip on the Vienne & Loire rivers (€ 35 per person). From the fortress of Chinon, glide over the water between freshness and silence, to reach the superb village of Candes-Saint-Martin, at the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne. Now sail the Loire river to Montsoreau and its castle, the only one in the whole Loire valley to welcome you with its feet in the water! (approx. 3h).

Elevation gain +655 Feet (200m)

Today you final ride will take you to the lovely city of Angers and its towering medieval chateau, “King Rene’s Castle of Love,” which houses the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry and is well worth a visit.

Elevation gain +1000 Feet (305m)

You tour ends today with departure after breakfast.