+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!
(on the minimum basis of 2 pers.)
Reference : L5
Difficulty : Easy
Linear trip
From March to November 2019
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 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 “Châteaux 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 (visit of the gardens)
+ a wine tasting in Amboise (3 wines)
Select your category
- from March 1st to April 5th 2019
from November 1st to 30th 2019 - Departure: daily
- from April 6th to June 30th 2019
from September 1st to October 31st 2019 - Departure: daily
- from July 1st to August 31st 2019
- Departure: daily
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.
+ 25 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.
+ 85 € / pers.
+ 65 € / pers.
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 55 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.
+ 105 € / pers.
+ 80 € / 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 (visit of the gardens)
+ 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
- 2 rear panniers (saddlebags)
- 1 map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
- 1 counter
- Helmet
VTC SCOTT bike
Universal frame
- 2 rear panniers (saddlebags)
- 1 map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
- 1 counter
- Helmet
Equipment & Bike for children
We provide bikes and equipment for children such as:
• children’s bike (from 18 to 24 inches)
• trail-a-bike (for children from 5 to 9 years old)
• trailer (for baby or 25 kg maximum children)
• baby seat
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 can provide on request the GPX files of your bike stages, as well as a suggestion of free mobile application.
How to arrive in Blois
By car:
From A10 highway > Exit n° 17 « Blois ». Then follow direction « Blois Centre Ville ».
By train:
From Paris Austerlitz train station to Blois train station.
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 : / 33 testimonials
France
travel date: 02 May 2019.
Pas habitués aux randonnées cyclistes, nous avons passé une formidable semaine en famille à visiter les châteaux du bord de Loire grâce à la super orga de rando vélo et aux pistes cyclables de la région. À recommander en famille !
France
travel date: 07 October 2018.
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié cette très belle semaine de découverte des châteaux de la Loire à vélo, la parfaite organisation de ce séjour itinérant de Blois à Tours, l’excellent choix des restaurants (en particulier à Amboise).
UK
travel date: 22 September 2018.
From my first email enquiring about details you have been more that efficient, helpful and reliable. All the hotels have been really nice. . Everything ran like clockwork from the bikes to the cases being at each hotel on time. Thank you so much for organising an amazing holiday and leaving me with fantastic memories. I look forward to using your services again.
France
travel date: 14 August 2018.
Des hôteliers et des restaurateurs bien au fait des choses, très accueillants et sympathiques. La pratique des “vouchers” est bien au point.
Belgique
travel date: 13 July 2018.
Nous nous sommes décidés juste un mois avant le départ pour la randonnée des châteaux de la Loire en vélo…et magiquement, tout a été bien orchestré avec des carnets de route bien clairs, des vélos robustes et faciles, des transports de bagages sans soucis, des accueils dans les hôtels très sympathiques…sans oublier la visite des magnifiques châteaux et de leurs luxuriants jardins.
Belgique
travel date: 29 June 2018.
Superbe voyage d’introduction aux Châteaux de la Loire! Paysages beaux, châteaux extraordinaires et un circuit bien planifié et organisé.
France
travel date: 29 June 2018.
Magnifique parcours de découverte des châteaux emblématiques de la Loire via des circuits bien signalés et bien entretenus sans aucune difficultés.
USA
travel date: 19 June 2018.
We really enjoyed our biking trip through Rando Velo. The accommodations and food were great. The biking paths were beautiful and routes were well described. The staff was very responsive to our questions. What a wonderful way to explore Loire Valley!
Australia
travel date: 27 May 2018.
We enjoyed 6 days in the Loire Valley cycling from Blois to Tours, seeing Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont, Chenonceau and Villandry Chateaux. All the arrangements went to plan (luggage transfer, hotel check-in, restaurants, breakfasts, bike equipment, Chateau tickets,etc), and we particularly enjoyed the pre-arranged dinners at restaurants in Blois, Amboise & Tours. The hotels were well located with friendly staff. The e-bikes were great for the hills. Overall, a great experience, and very easy to get around the Loire Valley on bikes.
USA
travel date: 15 May 2018.
We really enjoyed our trip to the Loire region and the support we received from Rando Velo. They were very responsive and willing to answer any questions or accommodate special requests along the way. This was a really special way to enjoy the region the way it was meant to be enjoyed – out of doors and close to nature!
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
