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Family cycling trip from Blois to Amboise

  • 5 days / 4 days riding
  •  / ref. L29
  • / Difficulty Very Easy
  •  / Linear trip
from 650 €
per person
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Book

Your cycling tour in the Loire Valley:

Enjoy a memorable 5-day trip, at your own pace, with your family in the Loire Valley.
On the Loire à Vélo cycling paths and signposted itineraries, our short stages will bring you through the most prestigious chateaux: from Blois to the Chateau de Chambord, until the medieval city of Amboise, the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci.

You will follow the peaceful Loire River banks and ride through the enchanting Sologne Forest dotted with hidden treasures up to the Château de Cheveny / Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike! For sure your children will appreciate the Natural Bathing Pool near Chambord which is a real environmental feat.

View trip map

Tour highlights

  • The easy bike stages, between cycle paths and marked out itineraries
  • The visit of chateaux de Chambord, Cheverny and the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci.
  • Remember Tintin world at the château de Cheverny
  • Enjoy the “natural bathing spot”, entirely environmental

Day 1 Arrival in Blois


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.

Day 2 Blois – Bracieux (or Tour en Sologne) | 30 km


This route leads you to the prestigious Chambord estate and château, a true masterpiece of French Renaissance style, boasting no less than 440 rooms and built during the reign of Francis I. Stop over in Bracieux, a pretty little Sologne village which has preserved its magnificent 16th-century covered market.

Optional
Visit of the Chateau of Chambord (Included in the "Visit Package")
chateau chambord

RandoVélo

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.

Option
Extra night in Bracieux (or Tour en Sologne) + bike excursion to the "Grand Chambord" Natural Bathing Pool (30 km)
Natural Bathing Pool
Baignade Naturelle du Grand Chambord

This bike excursion brings you the Château de Villesavin and to the new Natural Bathing Pool! An astonishing open-air and organic swimming pool where you can rest and enjoy the surrounding wilderness (from June 25 to end of August).

Day 3 Bracieux (or Tour en Sologne) – Chitenay | 30 km


Enjoy a ride along the small routes of Sologne, between forests and ponds, offering the opportunity to admire beautiful and tiny manorhouses such as château de Troussay, a charming Renaissance manor. Do not miss the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments, which gave Hergé the inspiration for Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike.
Do not hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Cour Cheverny Blanc!

Optional
Visit of Max Vauché chocolate makers (Included in the "Visit Package")

pixabay

Take a guided tour to understand the universe of chocolate, its history and the way it is made. You will discover the passion of Max Vauché and his secrets and you will experience a real visit to the heart of chocolate, with a tasting and other temptations in our boutique.

Optional
Visit of the Chateau of Cheverny + exhibition “the secrets of Marlinspike” (Included in the "Visit Package")
chateau cheverny & expo Moulinsart

RandoVelo / Moulinsart2008

Free visit of the chateau remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments… and where always lives the same heir family since VI centuries!
This chateau inspired Hergé for Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike. Get out the fairy tale, truly to live life size the famous Tintin adventures thanks to interactive exhibition.

Day 4 Chitenay – Chaumont-sur-Loire (or Mosnes) | 27 km (or 36 km)


Cross the vineyards of Cheverny to reach the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century. Then cycle towards the Loire river banks and reach Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose 15th-century château proudly dominates the town and the river. Don’t miss the extraordinary “Festival des Jardins” garden festival between late May and mid-October!

Optional
Visit of the International Garden Festival & Chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire (Included in the "Visit Package")

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 5 Chaumont sur Loire (or Mosnes) – Amboise | 21 km (or 12 km)


For your last cycling day, follow the ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycling tracks before arriving in the charming town of Amboise with its royal château, where the greatest kings of France lived. Do not miss to visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, sheltering an astonishing collection of models representing the fabulous inventions of this Renaissance genius.
Departure at the end of the stage.

Possibility to add an extra night in Amboise.

Optional
Visit of the Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci (Included in the "Visit Package")

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.

Optional
Canoe trip on the Loire river (Mosnes > Amboise)
balade en canoe

ADT37 – JC Coutand

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.

The little extra with Biking France (optional):


  • Private return transfer from Amboise to Blois – on request.
  • Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to

. Domaine de Chambord (chateau & gardens)
. château de Cheverny + “The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall” exhibition
. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
. Clos Lucé – Park Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
. The Max Vauché Chocolate Factory


Select your category

category Standard
category superior

Your accommodation

These hotels offer all the comfort and well-earned rest after a cycling day (private bathroom). A perfect place to enjoy all the centres of interest around.
These hotels provide charming services on high quality as well as a great location.
Pictures for indicative purposes. Depending on the availability.
Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
• Equipped cycle rental for 4 days
• A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)
• Transfer from Amboise to Blois and personal bike repatriation

Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
• Equipped cycle rental for 4 days
• A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)
• Transfer from Amboise to Blois and personal bike repatriation

Children discount :from 0 to 2 years old : - 90%
from 3 to 11 years old : - 30%
from 12 to 15 years old : - 20%

(Children's discounts only apply when triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by at least 2 people paying the full rate)

VTC GITANE bike - 21 speed gears

(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.

SCOTT Sub Sport 20 - 27 speed gears

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.

MOUSTACHE e-bike

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)

Equipment & Bike for children

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’’)

velo enfant

  • “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)

Practical details

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.

 

Your travel appYour journeyHow to arrive in BloisReturn

Your travel app

You’ll have personalized access to our travel app, which you can download onto your smartphone.
This app includes all your cycling stages, tourist and practical content, as well as your accommodation. The application will guide you along your route, like a GPS, during your cycling stages.

If you would like a printed version of the roadbook (including color maps of your stages), please let us know when you book your trip. It will be provided at your first accommodation.

How to arrive in Blois

By train
From Paris Austerlitz train station to Blois train station (about 1h30 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) >> 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/

Return

If you have to come back to the start point:

  • This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France (please contact us).
  • 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 >> Blois train Station (about 20 min by train).
    – Amboise >> 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.)
    – 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 : 5 *****/ 9 testimonials

  • « Belle expérience » 9 *****
    « Très belle expérience avec mes deux petits-enfants de 12 ans et 7 ans. Très bonne organisation. A ... »
    Belgique
  • « Une expérience enrichissante » 9 *****
    « Une expérience enrichissante, des châteaux fabuleux et des vacances differentes à vélo.
    Malgrè la ... »
    France
  • « Très heureux de ce premier voyage » 10 *****
    « Nous sommes très heureux de ce premier voyage “clé en mains” qui a été très fluide (vélos, ... »
    France
  • « Merci Cécile ! » 9 *****
    « Un voyage mémorable, des superbes paysages, du grand air et de belles étapes culturelles. Bravo!  »
    Israël
  • « Séjour attractif » 9 *****
    « De belles routes. Même si le temps n’était pas tjs au rendez-vous, nous avons pu profiter.  »
    France
  • « Parfait avec deux enfants de 7 et 4 ans » 10 *****
    « Super séjour en famille! Ressourçant. Enfants ravis de pédaler, et de visiter les châteaux. Deux coups de ... »
    France
  • « Très bien organisé » 9 *****
    « Très satisfaite de cette première expérience avec ma fille de 14 ans. Très bien organisé et bon accueil ... »
    France
  • « Reliable service » 10 *****
    « Great, reliable service, easy communications – we had a fantastic trip.  »
    Angleterre
  • « Des vacances inoubliables » 9 *****
    « Des vacances inoubliables pour les petits et les grands ! C’était la 1ere fois en vélo, en ... »
    France