Bike loop around Tours: between castles and "Loire à Vélo" cycling paths
7 days / 5 days riding / ref. L34 / Difficulty Moderate / Round tripper person
Your cycling tour in the Loire Valley:
From the nice city of Tours, your cycling tour allows you to follow the wild banks of the Loire river to the prestigious vineyards of Chinon, still surrounded by hundred-year-old stone walls.
Stroll on the “Loire à Vélo” or the “Indre à Vélo” cycle paths which guide you on the routes of the Loire Valley must-sees: the châteaux de Chenonceau and Azay le Rideau, the abbey of Fontevraud with its romantic destiny and the “French” Renaissance gardens of Villandry, without forgetting the Royal city of Amboise.
Tour highlights
- Stay 2 nights in the heart of the medieval city of Chinon
- Alternate between vineyards and waterways
- The historic treasures of Touraine
Day 1Arrival in Tours
Take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Take a look at the splendid gothic cathedral.
Day 2Tours – Chinon | 56 km
Along the “Loire a Vélo” cycling paths, this stage takes you via the famous French classical gardens of Villandry to Langeais and its 15th century château which was built as a fortress. Then ride towards the chateau of Ussé, whose many turrets, pinnacles and dormer windows inspired Perrault to write his famous fairytale ‘Sleeping Beauty‘. Stay in the beautiful city of Chinon, where you have the possibility to visit numerous cellars where the famous red wine which was highly appreciated by Rabelais is matured.
chat. Villandry
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.
pixabay
Discover and taste the ‘Chinon’ appellation wines, in the cellar of a winegrower.
Day 3Excursion to Fontevraud | 52 km
Follow the “Loire à Vélo” routes which 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, listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Now leave the Loire river to Fontevraud abbey, the Europe’s largest remaining monastic complex which is also the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt kings! Then follow the roads in the heart of the Chinon vineyards to reach the beautiful medieval city of Chinon, famous for its red wine!
Sylvain Brajeul
Free visit of this imposing and vast abbey, founded in 1099. It houses the recumbent tomb effigies of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart! This masterpiece of Romanesque art has other discoveries in store, such as the cloisters and gardens, or the chapter house.
Clan
Embark on a canoe trip on the Vienne river! From the fortress of Chinon, glide over the water between freshness and silence, to reach the superb village of Candes-Saint-Martin, at the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne. Now sail the Loire river to Montsoreau and its castle, the only one in the whole Loire valley to welcome you with its feet in the water! (approx. 3h – from April 22nd to September 30th).
Day 4Chinon – Azay le Rideau | 43 km
Ride in the heart of the most prestigious parcels of the Chinon vineyards before reaching one of the “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”: Crissay-sur-Manse. Continue through the sweet Touraine countryside, via the capital city of basketry: Villaines-les-Rochers, and reach Azay-le-Rideau : charming village and impressive Renaissance Castle, which carved walls reflect on the surrounding water.
Léonard de Serres
Free visit of this chateau, which is a real jewel of the Loire Valley. Built during the reign of the French King, François 1st, today it is considered a model of French Renaissance architecture. Its exceptional location, on an island in the middle of the River Indre, gives it a pleasant, romantic atmosphere.
Day 5Azay le Rideau – Chenonceaux | 61 km
First, follow the very bucolic cycling route « Indre à Vélo »: ride on the mill road with pretty mansions unto the Medieval Fortress of Montbazon sheltering the oldest keep in France still standing. Continue to the former Cormery abbey before joining the Cher Valley and Chenonceaux. Its chateau is famous for its Renaissance château spanning the Cher river still steeped in the memories of the famous French History ladies: Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.
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 6Chenonceaux – Tours (via Amboise) | 48 km
Follow the “Cher à vélo” bike paths then ride through the forest to reach the Royal city of Amboise, its château (where lived the greatest Kings of France) and the Clos Lucé Manor House. Leonardo da Vinci lived here at the request of the French King François 1st! Then cross the vineyards of Montlouis following the “Loire à Vélo” cycling tracks and discover the numerous cellars producing the region’s famous sweet white and sparkling wines. Reach the city of Tours to end your cycling trip.
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.
Day 7Departure during the day
The little extra with Biking France (optional):
Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to
. château de Chenonceau
. château d’Azay-le-Rideau
. Park Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
. Fontevraud Abbey
+ a wine tasting of Chinon wines
Documents
> Download tour programSelect your category
Your accommodation
• 6 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 5 days
•
A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
•
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 (6 nights included)
• 6 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 5 days
•
A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
•
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 (6 nights included)
• 6 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
•
Equipped cycle rental for 5 days
•
A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
•
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 (6 nights included)
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 )
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’’)
- “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 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.
Your journey
Tour description
Mix of cycling paths or signposted routes for cyclists (about 80%) and small traffic roads.
Bike stages trip profiles
(click below to see the trip profile of each stage)
- Tours – Chinon : 56 km / elevation gain : 296m / elevation loss : 313m
- Excursion à Fontevraud : 52 km / elevation gain : 363m / elevation loss : 364m
- Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau : 43 km / elevation gain : 255m / elevation loss : 247m
- Azay-le-Rideau – Chenonceaux : 61 km / elevation gain : 382m / elevation loss : 363m
- Chenonceaux – Tours (via Amboise) : 48 km / elevation gain : 280m / elevation loss : 295m
How to arrive in Tours
By train:
From Paris Montparnasse train station >> Tours train station (about 1h by TGV 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 >> Tours train station (by TGV train).
www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-charles-de-gaulle/public-transport
- From Orly airport:
– Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Tours train station.
– Bus shuttle (Le Bus Direct) : from Orly Sud or Ouest >> Line 1 >> Paris Montparnasse train station >> Tours train station.
www.lebusdirect.com/en/lines-and-schedules/orly-airport-paris-etoile-champs-elysees-line.html
– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus) : from Orly Sud or Ouest > > Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 4 >> Montparnasse train station >> Tours train station.
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlybus.php
– Orly Val (automatic metro): from Orly Sud or Ouest >> Paris – stop ‘Antony’ >> RER B – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 4 >> Montparnasse train station >> Tours train station.
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php
www.transilien.com/en
www.ratp.fr/en/plans-lignes
- From Beauvais airport:
– Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Tours train station.
– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> Metro line 1 + line 13 >> Paris Montparnasse train station >> Tours train station.
www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/acces-et-transports/navettes/
- From Tours airport:
– Taxi transfer or TRAM (tramway – from stop « Terminus Vaucanson ») line A >> stop ‘Nationale’ or Jean Jaurès’ or ‘Gare de Tours’.
www.tours.aeroport.fr/gp/Parking-and-Transport/309
- From Nantes airport:
– Taxi transfer or Bus shuttle « TAN » : Nantes train station >> Tours 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).
– Tours train Station >> Paris Austerlitz Station (by train).
– Tours train Station >> Paris Montparnasse Station (by TGV train)
– Tours train Station >> Saint Pierre des Corps train Station (by train) >> Roissy Charles de Gaulle T.2 train station (by TGV train).
Nearby airport:
– Tours Airport : www.tours.aeroport.fr/home
