Self Guided From
€460
  • chateau of Chambord park: 4,500 hectares of forest
  • castle "of the two queens" in Chenonceau
  • Clos-Luce, home of Leonardo da Vinci
7 Days
6 Nights
197 Total kms
39.4 km/day (avg)
mini-map
<p>"Douce France" or "Jardin de France". This is how the region is known by the people of the Loire. Take a bike tour through this vibrant cultural landscape, enjoy the harmonious way of life where man has found his rightful place in nature.<br /><br /> The Loire offers a unique experience to rediscover the outdoors. As you travel to the heart of the Loire region you will pass châteaux and abbeys, historic cities, and classic small villages. All around you white tufa stone and black slate color the landscape of the region. Let the royal river lead you to the grand gates of the famous châteaux: Chenonceaux, a sumptuous bridge on the river Cher; Chaumont, a delicate fortress in the forest; Blois, where French history unfolded; Amboise, home to the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci; Chambord, with its 380 chimneys and 406 rooms, representing the apotheosis of the Loire Castles. Discover this beautiful region as you cycle an easy, relaxing route on secondary roads, through forests, and along the river Loire and its tributaries. <br /><br />This self guided tour is perfectly suitable for you even if you are not trained and for families with children. You will stay in three hotels (in Blois, Amboise and Tours) and you will alternate circular and itinerant stages. This represents the best solution in case of bad weather, or in case you get tired, or even if you want to skip a bike day and visit a different castle. Blois, Amboise and Tours are frequently bond by train, so you can always have an alternative to the bike tours. This is especially good for families, because you can choose what to do every day, following your kids needs and rhythms.</p>

Tour Route

Day
1
Blois

Day 1: Blois

Individual arrival in Blois. Hotel check-in and free time to visit the town.

Day
2
Blois

Day 2: Blois - Chambord - Blois (43 / 27 mi.)

After crossing the Loire and the Sologne countryside, you enter the park of the chateau of Chambord, 4,500 hectares of forest inhabited by deer and wild boars. Visit of the magnificent castle which was built by François I on a project by Leonardo da Vinci. Return to the hotel through the forest of Boulogne.

43km
Day
3
Blois
to
Amboise

Day 3: Blois - Chaumont - Amboise (46 / 29 mi.)

Following the river Loire you arrive at the castle of Chaumont, that was built on a cliff overlooking the Loire by Pierre dAmboise. It was then purchased by Catherine de Medici: she sent there Diana of Poitiers for revenge and kept for her Chenonceau. Always following the river Loire you arrive in Amboise, a picturesque town on the left bank where the castle stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Visit of the castle.

46km
Day
4
Amboise

Day 4: Amboise - Chenonceau - Amboise (35 / 22 mi.)

From the valley of the river Loire to the valley of the river Cher: through the Forest of Amboise you will reach the castle of Chenonceau, so-called "of the two queens", Diana and Catherine. This is certainly the most beautiful and the most visited castle, with its magnificent arches over the river. After another nice ride along the Cher we come back to Amboise. Visit to the Clos-Luce, home of Leonardo da Vinci. In the museum inside the house are several models of his inventions, and in the park there are 1:1 scale models that allow you to interact and to experience directly these fabulous machines.

35km
Day
5
Amboise
to
Tours

Day 5: Amboise - Tours (31 / 21 mi.)

From Amboise, along tre river Loire, you cycle through the famous vineyards of Vouvray, between the tufa cliffs that overlook the river. You will arrive in Tours, the most important city in the region. Visit of the old town, of the cathedral and of place Plumereau.

31km
Day
6
Tours
to
Tours

Day 6: Tours - Villandry - Tours (42 / 26 mi.)

From Tours along the river Cher you reach the castle of Villandry, famous for its "jardin potagers". The famous gardens of Villandry are the most beautiful example of French Renaissance architecture, built under the influence of Italian gardeners. You go back to Tours on a nice cycle path.

42km
Day
7
Tours

Day 7:

End of services after breakfast.

FAQs

    • accommodation in hotel of the selected category in double room with private bath
    • 6 breakfast (Day 2 through Day 7)
    • luggage transport (1 luggage per person – max 20 Kg)
    • informative material
    • Verde Natura martphone App with tour map, itinerary, points of interest, services and GPS position
    • service hotline.
    • journey to Blois and from Tours
    • lunches and dinners
    • drinks
    • bike rental
    • city tax
    • extras

  • CYCLING INFO
    This tour is suitable for everyone, and is an ideal first time tour. The daily stages are from 31 to 46 per day, approx. 2h30 to 3h30 of easy cycling per day.

    Terrain: Mostly flat with couple of very short climbs which can be done easily on foot
    Roads: 80% asphalted roads, 20% white country roads
    Bikes: city bikes
    Participants: minimum 2 pax
    Luggage transport: yes (+ Assistance Plus from 24/07 to 21/08)
    Suitable for children: from 2 to 4 years on child seat; from 1 to 3 years in the trailer; from 5 to 7 years old on slip streamer, after 8 years old with their own bike.

  • SUPPORT SERVICE PLUS

    This cycling tour includes our SUPPORT SERVICE PLUS, an exclusive service that only Verde Natura offers to ensure you are at ease during your bike tour, especially if this is your first bike tour experience. In addition to the classic luggage transport and emergency telephone number, we provide roadside assistance and/or recovery in case of emergency (illness, mechanical problem that cannot be repaired with the repair-kit). Simply notify us and within a short time our team member will reach you to solve the problem. If necessary you will be transported to your hotel.

Prices


14
Jul
18
Aug


15
May
13
Jul


19
Aug
30
Sep

Self Guided / per person
Standard Adult Double €460€460€460
Adult Triple €345€345€345
Adult Single €650€650€650
Youth €275€275€275
Child €275€275€275
Infant €275€275€275
Premium Adult Double €670€670€670
Adult Triple €400€400€400
Adult Single €940€940€940
Youth €290€290€290
Child €€€
Infant €€€

Notes
Departures 2019: on Sundays from 14/07 to 18/08; every day from 15/05 to 13/07 and from 19/08 to 30/09

Extras

Bike rental €85
e-Bike rental €75
;

Contact Us

Related tours

;