Loire à Vélo: cycle tour from Blois to Tours along the great chateaux
- Discovery of the Loire Valley greatest chateaux: Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau, Amboise!
- A bit of shopping in Tours … while visiting the old town!
- Loire à Vélo cycling paths!
/ 15 testimonials
Reference : L5
Difficulty : Easy
Linear trip
From March to October
Departure: daily
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
Your cycling tour in the Loire Valley:
Follow the nice ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycling paths along the Loire River and take the time to discover the Greatest châteaux of the Loire Valley, such as Chambord, Chenonceaux and Amboise.
During this tour, enjoy the beautiful towns where you will be staying … for a shopping escapade in the heart of the historical downtowns … or to rest for a while at your hotel.
Day 1 : Arrival in Blois and bike excursion to Cheverny | 50 km
Discover the charming town of Blois, as you stroll along its paved streets punctuated with staircases, and the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.
If you have time enough, ride through fields and vineyards, and a number of villages, via the Château de Troussay, a charming Renaissance manor, and the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished and decorated apartments, which inspired Hergé’s vision of Marlinspike in the adventures of Tintin!
Day 2 : Excursion to Chambord | 40 km
Follow the banks of the Loire river and continue through the rich Domaine de Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic château of the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms. You can also explore its 5433-hectare (13425-acre) park, before setting off again along the country paths towards Blois.
Free visit of the chateau, the Renaissance Splendour built for the glory of François Ist. Chambord boasts 440 rooms and 282 chimneys, it’s the most impressive and prestigious from the Loire Valley. And take time to enjoy the new French style gardens.
Day 3 : Blois – Amboise | 42 km
Follow the ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycling tracks through nice tiny villages to the château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, which majestically dominates the Loire river and the little town, before reaching the city of Amboise and its royal château. The castle’s chapel shelters Leonardo Da Vinci’s tomb, and a few streets further on, you can see the last residence of this genius : the Clos Lucé Manor house.
Discover and taste the local wines, in the cellar of a winegrower or at the Cheverny wine house.
Free chateau entrance which proudly dominates the town and the river and where Catherine de Médicis queen lived.
Follow on your visit discovering the extraordinary International Garden Festival. It’s a real laboratory for contemporary gardens where many landscape creators challenge their imagination with originality.
Vary the pleasures and treat yourself a new way to discover all the wealth that the Loire river can offer. From your canoe, peacefully tame the last wild river in Europe and admire extraordinary views of its fauna and flora, combined with an incomparable feeling of being far from civilization.
Day 4 : Excursion to Chenonceaux | 45 km
Once you have crossed the forest of Amboise, you arrive at the famous Château de Chenonceau, straddling the Cher river, which was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.
Take your time to discover this estate named “Chateau des dames” where reigns elegance and the French way of life. Renaissance masterpiece with architecture unique in the world straddling the Cher River. Don’t miss to visit the flower gardens which was the scene of a famous rivalry in French History: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis.
Day 5 : Amboise – Tours | 26 km or 33 km
Crossing the vineyards of Montlouis discover the numerous cellars producing the region’s famous sweet white and sparkling wines. Then reach the city of Tours to discover the old neighbourhood with its typical half-timbered houses.
Free visit of the Manor House where Leonardo da Vinci, at the request of the French King François 1st, spent the last three years of his life. Discover his workshop and the fabulous machines designed by the inventor. Then go for a walk in the park landscaped around the artistic and visionary universe of the greatest creative genius.
Vary the pleasures and treat yourself a new way to discover all the wealth that the Loire river can offer. From your canoe, peacefully tame the last wild river in Europe and admire extraordinary views of its fauna and flora, combined with an incomparable feeling of being far from civilization (approx. 3h – from April 22nd to September 30th).
Day 6 : Excursion to Villandry | 39 km
Still following the ‘Loire à vélo’ cycling paths, reach Villandry and its famous ‘French style’ Renaissance gardens. Enjoy the ‘Ornamental kitchen Garden’, the ‘Garden of Love’, the ‘Water Garden’ and the ‘Sun Garden’. Come back to Tours following the peaceful countryside routes.
Departure at the end of the day.
Possibility to book an extra night in Tours.
Visit on your own of the famous « French style » Renaissance gardens and castle. The richness of the gardens at Villandry comes from their diversity, which is unique in Europe: a perfect harmony between the immense, decorative kitchen garden, and an ornamental garden based on the theme of ‘love’, water and music gardens, etc.
The little extra with Biking France (optional):
- Private return transfer from Tours to Blois – (on request).
- Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to
. Domaine de Chambord (chateau & gardens)
. château de Chenonceaux
. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
. Parc Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
+ a wine tasting in Cheverny
Select your category
- from March 1st to April 6th
from October 1st to 31st - Departure: daily
250 € / pers.*
360 € / pers.*
560 € / pers.*
- from April 7th to 30th
from May 12th to June 30th
from September 1st to 30th - Departure: daily
250 € / pers.*
360 € / pers.*
560 € / pers.*
- from May 1st to 11th
from July 1st to August 31st - Departure: daily
250 € / pers.*
360 € / pers.*
560 € / pers.*
Category's details
• 5 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 6 days
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
•
A personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route
•
City taxes
•
Hotline 7 days a week
• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (5 nights included)
•
Transfer from Tours to Blois and personal bike repatriation
• 5 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 6 days
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
•
A personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route
•
City taxes
•
Hotline 7 days a week
• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (5 nights included)
•
Transfer from Tours to Blois and personal bike repatriation
• 5 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 6 days
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
•
A personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route
•
City taxes
•
Hotline 7 days a week
• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (5 nights included)
•
Transfer from Tours to Blois and personal bike repatriation
from 3 to 11 years old : - 20%
from 12 to 15 years old : - 10%
(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )
According to the category(price per person)
(including 5 dinners – excluding drinks)
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
High season
+ 67 € / pers.
+ 57 € / pers.*
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 60 € / pers.*
+ 90 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.*
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 55 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
+ 82 € / pers.
+ 55 € / pers.*
+ 110 € / pers.
+ 85 € / pers.*
from 0 to 2 years old : - 90% / from 3 to 11 years old : - 20% / from 12 to 15 years old : - 10%
(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )
Extras
If you bring your own bike.
SCOTT bike – “Sub Sport 20”
. Domaine de Chambord (chateau & gardens)
. château de Chenonceaux
. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
. Parc Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
+ a wine tasting in Cheverny
(for children: a discount will be applied according to ages – after booking)
- from 6 to 11 years old
- from 12 years old
+ 20 € / pers.
+ 30 € / pers.
- Baby seat :
- Trailer :
- 'follow-me' tandem :
+ 30 € / pers.
+ 90 € / pers.
+ 90 € / pers.
(in the case of a single person per booking)
Your accommodation
Your cycle hire
(bike included in this tour)
A bike that favors an upright, comfortable position, ideal for leisure riding.
OPEN frame, until 1m83
CLOSED frame, from 1m83
- 1 rear pannier
- 1 front pannier with a map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 smartphone holder
- 1 lock
- 1 bottle cage
Helmet not provided.
A “sport” bike that favors a more athletic position and riding style.
OPEN frame, until 1m83
CLOSED frame, from 1m83
- 1 rear pannier
- 1 front pannier with a map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 smartphone holder
- 1 lock
- 1 bottle cage
Helmet not provided.
OPEN frame
- 1 rear pannier
- 1 front pannier with a map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 smartphone holder
- 1 lock
Helmet not provided.
(These models of e-bikes may be replaced by another one, similar)
We provide bikes and equipment for children such as :
- children’s bike
(from 16 to 24 inches – from 1,05m to 1,45m / from 3’5’’ to 4’9’’)
- “follow-me” tandem
(for children from 5 to 8 years old – about 1,05m / 1,30m – from 3’5’’ to 4’4’’)
The “follow-me” is a clever coupling device that allows you to attach the child’s bike to your bike with ease. It can be removed easily to let the child ride alone.
- trailer
(for baby or 25 kg maximum children)
- baby seat
(for baby or 22 kg maximum children, fixed on the rear rack)
- Bikes will be delivered at our shop.
- At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at our partner, we will pick them up.
> How to arrive in Blois
> Return
Your journey
Tour description
Mix of cycling paths or signposted routes for cyclists (about 75%) and small traffic roads.
Bike stages trip profiles:
(click below to see the trip profile of each stage)
Excursion to Cheverny : 50km / elevation gain: 299m / elevation loss: 299m
Excursion to Chambord : 40km / elevation gain: 208m / elevation loss: 208m
Blois – Amboise : 42km / elevation gain: 200m / elevation loss: 211m
Excursion to Chenonceaux : 45km / elevation gain: 343m / elevation loss: 338m
Amboise – Tours (via Loire à Vélo) : 26km / elevation gain: 116m / elevation loss: 115m
Amboise – Tours (via Vouvray vineyards) : 33km / elevation gain: 289m / elevation loss: 290m
Excursion to Villandry : 39km / elevation gain: 195m / elevation loss: 194m
Navigation app
Besides the maps, we also provide a personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route.
How to arrive in Blois
By train:
From Paris : Austerlitz train station to Blois train station (about 1h35).
For more information, do not hesitate to visit : www.sncf.com/en
By plane:
- From Roissy CDG airport:
– Roissy Charles de Gaulle T.2 train station >> St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Blois train station (by regular train).
– RER B >> Paris centre – stop ‘Chatelet Les Halles >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station.
www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-charles-de-gaulle/public-transport
www.transilien.com/en
www.ratp.fr/en/plans-lignes
- From Orly airport:
– Taxi transfer to Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station.
– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus) : from Orly Sud > > Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 6 + line 5 >> Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station.
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlybus.php
– Orly Val (automatic metro) >> Paris – stop ‘Antony’ >> RER B – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 6 + line 5 >> Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station.
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php
- From Beauvais airport:
– Taxi transfer to Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station
– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station.
www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/acces-et-transports/navettes/
- From Tours airport:
– Taxi transfer or TRAM (tramway – from stop « Terminus Vaucanson ») line A >> Tours train station >> Blois train station.
www.tours.aeroport.fr/gp/Parking-and-Transport/309
- From Nantes airport:
– Taxi transfer or Bus shuttle « TAN » : Nantes train station >> Blois train station.
www.tan.fr/fr/menu/se-deplacer/tan/navette-aeroport/
Return
If you have to come back to the start point:
- This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France.
- A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
(Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility).
– Tours Station >> Blois train Station (by train).
– Tours >> Blois (by taxi).
If you have to return to Paris (city centre) / Paris Airports:
- This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France.
- A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
(Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility.)
– Tours Station >> Paris Austerlitz Station (by train).
– Tours Station >> Paris Montparnasse Station (by TGV train).
– Tours Station >> Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station (by TGV train).
Nearby airport:
– Tours airport : www.tours.aeroport.fr/home
Trip overall rating : / 15 testimonials
France
travel date: 14 August 2023.
On a pu visiter les châteaux sans avoir à subir les embouteillages, et la Loire est magnifique. Merci aussi pour la réactivité sur les pépins mécaniques !!
France
travel date: 14 August 2023.
Bravo pour cette excellente qualité de service tout au long de nos échanges, un spécial merci à Guillaume ainsi qu’à son collègue Antoine!
Canada
travel date: 05 August 2023.
Très beau séjour de vélo. Le coup de cœur de mon voyage, Bonne organisation. Bons hébergements.
France
travel date: 30 July 2023.
Une superbe expérience pour découvrir des châteaux magnifiques. Les étapes sont parfaitement adaptées pour une famille avec enfants.
France
travel date: 19 June 2023.
Tout était parfait, aussi bien les itinéraires, que les visites des châteaux, les hébergements, les restaurants, le transfert de bagage. Tout était parfaitement organisé! Nous recommandons vivement !!!
USA
travel date: 13 June 2023.
I would recommend Randovelo and will look to do another trip in the future. They provided great information prior to the trip and were available when needed. My group was very satisfied with the itinerary, routes, accommodations, and food. Many told me it was “a trip of a lifetime”.
Canada
travel date: 04 April 2023.
Beautifully organized and supported.
France
travel date: 11 September 2022.
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour grace à l’organisation sans faille de Randovelo . Nous avons découverts de très beaux parcours, avons été très bien accueilli dans les hotels partenaires et l’équipe Randovelo a été extrêmement reactive face à nos différentes demandes. Nous recommandons cette belle aventure.
France
travel date: 04 September 2022.
Agréable séjour service client très professionne. Un superbe séjour!!! Hâte de découvrir de nouvelles régions avec Randovelo
Germany
travel date: 26 August 2022.
Wir sind als Familie (2 Erwachsene, ein 12-jähriges Mädchen) in der letzten Augustwoche die Tour “La Loire à Vélo et ses grands châteaux de Blois à Tours” gefahren und fanden es alle großartig! Die Ziele waren sehr gut ausgewählt, die Strecken gingen zum größten Teil über Fahrradwege oder sehr wenig befahrene Straßen und waren gut zu bewältigen. Wir fanden es sehr gut, jeweils zwei Übernachtungen in einer Stadt (Blois, Amboise und Tours) zu haben, so hat man genügend Zeit, sich auch diese Städte in Ruhe anzuschauen. Die Hotels, vor allem in Blois und Tours, waren gut ausgewählt, zentrumsnah und sehr charmant, und auch die Halbpension war sehr gut, besonders hervorzuheben ist “Le chien jaune” in Tours. Wir hatten eine tolle Woche und werden sicher nochmal mit Rando Vélo fahren.