+33(0)2 54 78 62 52Loire à Vélo: cycle tour from Blois to Tours along the great chateaux
- Discovery of the Loire Valley greatest chateaux: Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau, Amboise!
- 2 nights in each hotel to fully enjoy Blois, Tours and Amboise
- A bit of shopping in Tours … while visiting the Old Town!
Reference : L5
Difficulty : Easy
Linear trip
From March to November
Departure: daily
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
> Download tour program
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 Chambord | 40 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.
For your first bike excursion, follow the banks of the Loire 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.
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.
Day 2 : Excursion to Cheverny | 49 km
Your itinerary takes you 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!
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 3 : Blois – Amboise | 39 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.
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 : Excursion to Chenonceaux | 43 km + option 8 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.
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.
pixabay
Discover and taste the ‘Touraine Amboise’ appellation wines, in the cellar of a winegrower.
Day 5 : Amboise – Tours | 24 km or 32 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.
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 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.
chat. Villandry
Visit on your own of the famous « French style » Renaissance gardens. 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.
Day 7 : Departure during the day
The little extra with Biking France:
- Private return transfer from Tours to Blois – optional.
- Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to
. Domaine de Chambord (chateau & gardens)
. château de Cheverny + “The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall” exhibition
. 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 Amboise (3 wines)
Select your category
- from March 1st to April 10th
from November 1st to 30th - Departure: daily
205 € / pers.*
380 € / pers.*
500 € / pers.*
- from April 11th to June 30th
from September 1st to October 31st - Departure: daily
205 € / pers.*
380 € / pers.*
500 € / pers.*
- from July 1st to August 31st
- Departure: daily
205 € / pers.*
380 € / pers.*
500 € / pers.*
Category's details
• 6 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
3 dinners (drinks not included)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 6 days with helmet
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps, detailed route directions in French or English and tourist brochures
•
City taxes
•
Hotline 7 days a week
• 3 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (6 nights included)
•
Transfer from Tours to Blois and personal bike repatriation
• 6 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
3 dinners (drinks not included)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 6 days with helmet
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps, detailed route directions in French or English and tourist brochures
•
City taxes
•
Hotline 7 days a week
• 3 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (6 nights included)
•
Transfer from Tours to Blois and personal bike repatriation
• 6 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
3 dinners (drinks not included)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 6 days with helmet
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps, detailed route directions in French or English and tourist brochures
•
City taxes
•
Hotline 7 days a week
• 3 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (6 nights included)
•
Transfer from Tours to Blois and personal bike repatriation
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 )
'Bike extra' & various
If you bring your own bike.
- Baby seat :
- Trailer :
- Trail-a-bike :
+ 30 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.
(in the case of a single person per booking)
According to the category(price per person)
(including 3 dinners – excluding drinks)
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 50 € / pers.
+ 30 € / pers.*
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
+ 90 € / pers.
+ 65 € / pers.*
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 55 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.*
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.*
+ 100 € / pers.
+ 85 € / pers.*
from 0 to 2 years old : free / 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
. Domaine de Chambord (chateau & gardens)
. château de Cheverny + “The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall” exhibition
. 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 Amboise (3 wines)
(for children: a discount will be applied according to ages – after booking)
(up to 4 persons)
fromTours to Blois
(booking possible in case of private return transfer)
Your accommodation
Your cycle hire
VTC GITANE bike - 21 speed gears
Man or Lady frame
- 1 rear pannier
- 1 front pannier with a map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
- 1 counter
- 1 high visibility jacket
- 1 bottle cage
- 1 bottle free of charge, 100% recyclable, BPA free, Made in France
- Helmet
VTC SCOTT bike
Universal frame
- 2 rear panniers
- 1 front pannier with map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
- 1 counter
- 1 high visibility jacket
- 1 bottle cage
- 1 bottle (100% recyclable, BPA free, made in France)
- Helmet
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’’)
- trail-a-bike
(permanent coupling system for children from 5 to 8 years old – from 1,20m to 1,30m / from 4’ to 4’4’’)
- “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 the 1st hotel.
- At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, 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.
GPX files
Besides the maps and detailed itinerary, we also provide the GPX files of your bike stages, as well as a suggestion of free mobile application (if you do not have a bike touring GPS).
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 : / 43 testimonials
Great Britain
travel date: 21 September 2019.
Breath taking views along the routes! Opportunity for great conditioning with the varied terrain.
Sweden
travel date: 13 September 2019.
Well organized and well documented tour.
USA
travel date: 24 August 2019.
We did the six-day Loire Valley tour. It was our first such tour. We were pleased with the service. Much of the routes were on quiet roads or bike-only trails. Beautiful countryside. Nice hotels. The company took care of so many reservations and luggage delivery that it made the trip really easy for us.
France
travel date: 20 August 2019.
Nous recommandons ce séjour très bien organisé qui permet de visiter des chateaux merveilleux et profiter aussi des paysages magnifiques de la Loire
France
travel date: 17 August 2019.
Tres belle première experience avec rando velo
Switzerland
travel date: 16 August 2019.
We asked for a tailor-made tour and Randovélo replied very positively to our special wishes.
France
travel date: 10 August 2019.
Deuxième périple d’une semaine avec RandoVélo. Toujours aussi efficace tant au niveau de la conception d’un voyage sur-mesure qu’à celui de l’assistance. Nous repartirons donc avec plaisir avec RandoVélo sans attendre plus de 10 ans cette fois-ci.
USA
travel date: 11 July 2019.
We had a wonderful tour with four children-ages 17, 9, 7, and 5-and 70 year old grandmother. The Loire Valley is a cyclist’s dream, and Randovelo provided seamless service. Merci!
USA
travel date: 11 July 2019.
Randovelo provided us with a tremendous experience! Very responsive, good bikes, interesting bike paths. And one truly outstanding restaurant in Amboise. What a fantastic experience.
USA
travel date: 16 May 2019.
A beautiful area, some stunning suggested chateaux to visit, and immaculate organisation of routes, luggage etc.
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
