+33(0)2 54 78 62 52Loire à Vélo: cycle tour from Orléans to Saumur
- The variety of landscapes, between wild Loire, Troglodytes, chateaux and vineyards
- The discovery of towns filled with History: Orléans, Tours, Amboise and Blois
- The Chinon red wine Vs the Montlouis white wine
Reference : L22
Difficulty : Moderate
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 Loire the Valley:
Discover the Loire river in its finery! From Orléans to Saumur, the Loire à Vélo trails guide you from prestigious vineyards to amazing landscapes. Ride in the heart of a beautiful historical heritage built with the elegant local white tufa stone and meet typical wild fauna and flora all along the Loire river banks.
Day 1 : Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans, the nice city settled on the Loire river banks with its imposing cathedral dominating the town.
Day 2 : Orléans – Beaugency | 26 km
Leave the city easily by following the “Loire à Vélo” trails and follow the Loire river banks up to the nice chateau de Meung-sur-Loire. Continue to the flower-filled city of Beaugency overlooked by its 11th century dungeon.
P-Forget CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Free visit of this chateau which has two faces: a mediaeval facade and a classic style facade. It is one of the oldest chateaus in the French department of the Loiret and hosted many famous names in French history, like François 1st or Louis XI. It also served as a prison… so don’t miss the dungeons and the torture chamber!
Day 3 : Beaugency – Blois | 45 km
Leaving Beaugency and the loire river, discover the Sologne area and of course Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance period. Continue following the cycling paths in the direction of Blois which presents a rich historical heritage with the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.
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 4 : Blois – Amboise | 42 km
Follow the ‘pays des châteaux’ cycling tracks 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 5 : Amboise – Tours | 27 km or 34 km
Crossing the vineyards of Montlouis discover the numerous cellars producing the region’s famous sweet white and sparkling wines. Then follow the Loire river to reach the city of Tours. Take the time to discover its sublime historic district with typical half-timbered houses.
You also have the opportunity to stroll in the heart of the picturesque vineyards of Vouvray, lined with troglodyte houses and famous for its fine and elegant white wines.
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 : Tours – Azay le Rideau | 43 km
A start along the Cher river, still on the “Loire à Vélo” trails up to the famous French classical gardens of Villandry. Continue towards the castle of Langeais, splendor of the 15th century, then towards Azay le Rideau in the Indre Valley, with its romantic château, a Renaissance marvel in a water and greenery setting.
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 : Azay le Rideau – Chinon | 39 km
From one valley to the next: the Vienne Valley. This stage reveals several marvels, such as the Château d’Ussé, which inspired Perrault to write his “Sleeping Beauty” fairytale, and Chinon “la Médiévale”, in the heart of the vineyards and dominated by its mediaeval castle, where Joan of Arc met the King of France there in 1429! No need to say that Chinon is famous for its red wine …
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.
pixabay
Discover and taste the ‘Chinon’ appellation wines, in the cellar of a winegrower.
Day 8 : Chinon – Saumur | 36 km (+ option 12 km)
To end your journey, the “Loire à Vélo” routes 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. Continue along troglodyte sites and vineyards before reaching Saumur overshadowed by its imposing château.
Option : you will have the opportunity to reach Fontevraud abbey, Europe’s largest remaining monastic complex which is the Necropolis of the Plantagenêts kings!
Departure at the end of the stage.
Possibility to book an extra night in Saumur.
The little extra with Biking France:
- Private return transfer from Saumur to Orléans – (rate on request).
- Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to
. Domaine de Chambord (chateau & gardens)
. château de Meung-sur-Loire
. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
. Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
. château d’Azay-le-Rideau
+ a wine tasting in Chinon
Select your category
- from March 1st to April 9th
from November 1st to 30th - Departure: daily
265 € / pers.*
380 € / pers.*
525 € / pers.*
- from April 10th to 30th
from May 31st to June 30th
from September 1st to October 31st - Departure: daily
265 € / pers.*
380 € / pers.*
525 € / pers.*
- from May 1st to 30th
from July 1st to August 31st - Departure: daily
265 € / pers.*
380 € / pers.*
525 € / pers.*
Category's details
• 7 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 7 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
• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (7 nights included)
•
Transfer from Saumur to Orléans and personal bike repatriation
• 7 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 7 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
• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (7 nights included)
•
Transfer from Saumur to Orléans and personal bike repatriation
• 7 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 7 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
• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
•
Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
•
Single room supplement (7 nights included)
•
Transfer from Saumur to Orléans 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 )
According to the category(price per person)
(including 7 dinners – excluding drinks)
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
+ 75 € / pers.
+ 60 € / pers.*
+ 130 € / pers.
+ 85 € / pers.*
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 50 € / pers.
+ 30 € / pers.*
+ 65 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 60 € / 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
If you bring your own bike.
. Domaine de Chambord (chateau & gardens)
. château de Meung-sur-Loire
. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival)
. Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
. château d’Azay-le-Rideau
+ a wine tasting in Chinon
(for children: a discount will be applied according to ages – after booking)
- Baby seat :
- Trailer :
- Trail-a-bike :
- 'follow-me' tandem :
+ 35 € / pers.
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 80 € / pers.
(in the case of a single person per booking)
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 Orléans
> Return
Your journey
Tour description:
Exclusively cycling paths or signposted routes for cyclists.
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 Orléans
By train:
From Paris Austerlitz train station to Orléans train station (about 1h10 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) >> Orléans train station (by regular train).
– RER B >> Paris centre – stop ‘Chatelet Les Halles >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Orléans 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 >> Orléans train station.
– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus) : from Orly Sud > > Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 6 + line 5 >> Austerlitz train station >> Orléans 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 >> Orléans train station.
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php
- From Beauvais airport:
– Taxi transfer to Paris Austerlitz train station >> Orléans train station
– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Orléans 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 >> Orléans train station.
www.tours.aeroport.fr/gp/Parking-and-Transport/309
- From Nantes airport:
– Taxi transfer or Bus shuttle « TAN » : Nantes train station >> Orléans 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).
– Saumur train Station >> Orléans train Station (about 2h by train).
If you have to return to Paris (city centre) / Paris Airports:
- 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).
– Saumur train Station >> Angers St Laud train station (by train) >> Paris Montparnasse train station (by TGV train).
– Saumur train Station >> Angers St Laud train station or Saint Pierre des Corps train Station (by train) >> 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
– Poitiers Airport : www.poitiers.aeroport.fr/en
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
