6 Days / 5 Nights
Type: Self-Guided
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Discover the incredible “Garden of France” at your own pace, stopping to admire the stately elegance of centuries-old chateaux, always assured that your room and dinner will be waiting for you at the end of the day. You will cycle through the scenic vineyards and fragrant forests west of Tours and visit the must-see castles of Azay le Rideau, Angers and the Villandry Gardens, as well as the delightful, though less well known, Saumur and Chinon chateaux. Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel.
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 | $ 1,650 | $ 2,190 | Book now |
Day 1: Arrival in Tours
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.
Day 2: Tours – Azay-le-Rideau – 25 miles (44 km)
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.
Day 3: Azay-le-Rideau – Chinon – 22 miles (35 km)
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!
Day 4: Chinon – Saumur – 22 or 30 miles (36 or 48 km)
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 will visit the Fontevraud abbey, Europe’s largest remaining monastic complex which is also the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt kings!
Day 5: Saumur – Angers – 35 miles (57 km)
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.
Day 6: Tour Ends
You 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 ($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 Oceania L’Univers hotel is located just across from the town hall in Tours. Here you will find a mix of tradition and modern design. The hotel sports an impressive collection of portraits of notable guests, but also offers a newly renovated rooms, a pool, and spa area, all with an emphasis on modern materials and color palettes. The hotel staff can advise you on the historical sites of Tours, and also on upcoming cultural and social events.
The Grand Monarque hotel, located in the center of Azay-le-Rideau, is only meters away from the largest castles of the Loire Valley. This former 18th century post office has become a charming hotel where dark tones and exposed beams mingle with the clarity of the tufa stone. You will find a small haven of peace on the hotel terrace, surrounded with old trees. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant and bar.
Hotel de France is an ideal place to discover the sweet lifestyle of Chinon, including very flavorful food and excellent wine. The hotel offers a beautifully renovated, 16th century building complete with stylish, comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the chateau and a charming square with a fountain. Inside, you will find a friendly staff, authentic charm, comfort, and respect for tradition.
This beautiful 18th century mansion is situated on the banks of the Loire river, just walking distance to the historical city center of Saumur. The hotel façade, listed as a “Historical Monument,” has a sumptuous staircase beneath a Trompe l’Oeil ceiling, and drawings by emperor Napoleon I’s architects. Here you will find many suggestions of the past, as well as all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
The Hotel De France has changed a lot since it’s opening in 1893. Back then, the Bouyer family offered guests a candle, logs for the fireplace, and water. Still a family business today, you will find extremely modern amenities including beautiful lounges, and an award-winning gastronomic restaurant and brasserie on-site. The hotel is also ideally located just in front of the Angers train station.
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Van Gogh Tours
Hoorn, The Netherlands
+1(781)646-0096
Office hours 9 am – 5 pm EST
vangogh@vangoghtours.com
