4-day family holiday in the heart of the Loire Valley castles
- The variety of landscapes at each stage
- Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chaumont sur Loire ... the most elegant castles!
- The possibility to choose between short and long stages
/ 4 testimonials
Reference : L6
Difficulty : Easy
Round trip
From March to November
Departure: daily
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
Your bike ride around Amboise and Chenonceaux
Rendez-vous in Amboise, a pretty royal city, for a cycling tour through the most emblematic châteaux of the Loire Valley. Discover the Château de Chenonceau, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and its astonishing International Garden Festival, not forgetting the Manoir du Clos Lucé where the genius of Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life!
In 3 days, ride along the Loire river, through the vineyards of the Touraine Amboise appellation, between forests and sunflower fields… and why not dare to take a little canoe trip on the Cher river to pass under the majestic arches of the Château de Chenonceau.
Day 1 : Arrival in Amboise
Stroll through the nice royal city of Amboise, settled on the Loire river banks and proudly dominated by its 15th and 16th century castle. In the chapel of the castle is the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, and a few streets further on the last home of this creative genius: the Manoir du Clos Lucé.
Day 2 : Amboise – Chenonceaux | 22 km (or 42 km via Montlouis)
Get on your bike and ride peacefully to the famous château de Chenonceau, nicknamed the Ladies’ castle. Original and majestic, it is the perfect embodiment of the elegance of Renaissance castles.
An extension to Montlouis-sur-Loire and its vineyards is possible, offering nice glimpses of the Château de la Bourdaisière and Château de Nitray, as well as a beautiful ride along the Cher.
F-Charel – CRT centre
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.
JF Souchard Canoe company
Enjoy a canoe trip offering you an extraordinary point of view on the Château de Chenonceau! Admire the bucolic shores of the Cher river and appreciate the outstanding beauty of the Château de Chenonceau as you pass under the arches of the castle (approx. 2h – from the 1st weekend of June to October).
Day 3 : Chenonceaux – Chaumont-sur-Loire | 25 km (or 53 km via Montrichard)
A last look at Chenonceau Castle before leaving the Cher Valley to join the banks of the Loire river. Follow the signposted roads across the fields to Chaumont-sur-Loire, where the château proudly overlooks the Loire river from the cliff top. Let be surprised by the International Garden Festival, which never ceases to reinvent itself every year! An amazing walk between contemporary art and lush gardens.
You can extend your tour through the vineyards of Touraine to the ruins of the former Abbey of Aiguevives and the authentic medieval village of Montrichard.
C. Diaz
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.
Day 4 : Chaumont-sur-Loire – Amboise | 21 km
For your last day, alternate between Loire river banks and the vineyards… but still on the “Loire à Vélo” trails! Take a leisurely ride to Amboise, where a stop at the Manoir du Clos Lucé is a must. Visit the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, stroll through the park and its pleasant landscaped path. Unless you prefer the more confidential Château Gaillard? Magnificently restored and open since 2014, the castle was the site of the first Renaissance gardens in France on the initiative of Dom Pacello de Mercogliano, the most famous gardener in Europe in 1500.
Departure at the end of the day.
Possibility of an extra night in Amboise.
Clos Lucé
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.
The little extra with Biking France (optional):
Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to
. château de Chenonceaux
. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
. Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
Select your category
- from March 1st to April 5th
from November 1st to 30th - Departure: daily
140 € / pers.*
280 € / pers.*
- from April 6th to May 5th
from May 30th to June 30th
from September 1st to October 31st - Departure: daily
140 € / pers.*
280 € / pers.*
- from May 6th to 29th
from July 1st to August 31st - Departure: daily
140 € / pers.*
280 € / pers.*
Category's details
• 3 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
1 dinner (drinks not included)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 3 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
• 2 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (3 nights included)
• 3 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
1 dinner (drinks not included)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 3 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
• 2 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (3 nights included)
from 3 to 11 years old : - 50%
from 12 to 17 years old : - 20%
(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )
According to the category(price per person)
(including 2 dinners – excluding drinks)
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 35 € / pers.*
+ 90 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.*
from 0 to 2 years old : - 90% / from 3 to 11 years old : - 50% / from 12 to 17 years old : - 20%
(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )
Extras
If you bring your own bike.
. château de Chenonceaux
. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
. Parc Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
(for children: a discount will be applied according to ages – after booking)
- Baby seat :
- Trailer :
- 'follow-me' tandem :
+ 15 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.
(in the case of a single person per booking)
Your accommodation
Your cycle hire
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 Randovélo/Biking France office.
- At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.
> How to arrive in Amboise
> Return
Your journey
Tour description
Only cycle paths or signposted routes for cyclists.
Navigation app
Besides the maps, we also provide a personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route.
How to arrive in Amboise
By train
From Paris Austerlitz train station to Amboise train station (about 1h40 by train).
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) >> Amboise train station (by regular train).
– RER B >> Paris centre – stop ‘Chatelet Les Halles >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Amboise 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 >> Amboise train station.
– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus) : from Orly Sud > > Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 6 + line 5 >> Austerlitz train station >> Amboise 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 >> Amboise train station.
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php
- From Beauvais airport:
– Taxi transfer to Paris Austerlitz train station >> Amboise train station.
– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Amboise 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 >> Amboise train station.
www.tours.aeroport.fr/gp/Parking-and-Transport/309
- From Nantes airport:
– Taxi transfer or Bus shuttle « TAN » : Nantes train station >> Amboise train station.
www.tan.fr/fr/menu/se-deplacer/tan/navette-aeroport/
Return
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.)
– Amboise Station >> Paris Austerlitz Station (by train).
– Amboise Station >> Saint Pierre des Corps Station >> Paris Montparnasse Station (by TGV train).
– Amboise Station >> Saint Pierre des Corps Station >> Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station (by TGV train).
Nearby Airports
– Tours Airport : www.tours.aeroport.fr/home
– Nantes Airport : www.nantes.aeroport.fr
Trip overall rating : / 4 testimonials
France
travel date: 17 August 2022.
Nous avons beaucoup aimé notre voyage, les étapes étaient parfaites pour laisser le temps de faire des visites dans une région magnifique. Les hôtels et transports de bagages étaient impeccables. Les vélos très bien, mais on aurait vraiment eu besoin de rétroviseurs, comme il y avait beaucoup de vélos sur les pistes.
France
travel date: 03 August 2022.
Excellent séjour, de très beaux parcours en vélo qui varient les paysages, de magnifiques sites à visiter.
France
travel date: 13 July 2022.
Nous avons passé un très bon séjour le long de la Loire et cette formule (boucle rando) a été appréciée par toute la famille ! Merci pour le bon déroulement et réactivité de randovélo. Tout c’est bien passé et choix des hotels aussi très bien.
France
travel date: 19 August 2021.
Très agréables vacances. Actives et enrichissantes. A notre rythme. Accueil sympathique sur les lieux d’accueil. On a beaucoup aimé la promenade en canoé à Chenonceau et le clos lucé est un lieu très intéressant