+33(0)2 54 78 62 52Loire à vélo: cycle tour from Tours to the Atlantic sea
- The high speed train access to Tours and Le Croisic
- The Loire wildest landscapes
- Go back up the Loire to the Ocean
- After the “sweet Loire Valley”, the nice beaches of Le Croisic !
/ 7 testimonials
Reference : L9
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 the Loire Valley:
Discover the charm of the Western Loire region (Touraine and Pays de la Loire): from Tours to Le Croisic and appreciate the ‘Angevine Sweetness’ (‘Douceur Angevine’) all along the last itineraries of the “Loire à Vélo” routes.
Explore the region of châteaux, ride through prestigious vineyards, follow the Loire “wild” river and “take the plunge” into the Atlantic Ocean in Saint-Brévin. Then, direction Le Croisic, passing through Guérande and its salt marshes to the wild coast which offers splendid landscapes on the ocean.
Day 1 : Arrival in Tours
Take time to visit the old neighbourhoods of the city of Tours, a town steeped in art and history, including the Gothic cathedral of St Gatien and the bustling Place Plumereau with its half-timbered houses.
Day 2 : Tours – Azay le Rideau | 43 km
This first stage takes you along the Cher river via the famous French classical gardens of Villandry to 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 3 : 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”, and Chinon la Médiévale, dominated by its mediaeval castle and 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 4 : Chinon – Saumur | 36 km (+ option 12 km)
Follow the “Loire à Vélo” routes which will lead you along the Vienne river 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 also the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt kings!
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.
Day 5 : Saumur – Angers | 57 km
A bike stage as close as possible to the Loire river to reach the famous town of Angers which will surprise you with its magnificent castle built on Gallo-Roman urban buildings. Appreciate the peaceful city and its chateau which shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
Day 6 : Angers – Montjean-sur-Loire | 37 km
A stage in the heart of the vineyards of Anjou such as “Aubance” and “Layon”. Take the time to stop in Savennières, famous for its dry white wine, and continue to Chalonnes island in the middle of the Loire river.
Day 7 : Montjean-sur-Loire – Champtoceaux | 39 km
A ride along the banks of the Loire river and appreciating its wild landscapes, via the village of Saint Florent le Vieil, to Champtoceaux, a magnificent setting on the borders of Anjou and Brittany.
Day 8 : Champtoceaux – Nantes | 32 km
Continue along the Loire River until reaching the capital of the western area: Nantes. This very dynamic city offers you a large choice of visit and you can enjoy a sight-seeing through the numerous pedestrian streets.
Day 9 : Nantes – Saint-Brévin | 59 km
Leave the city via a small boat to cross the river and continue on the cycling path of ‘Loire à vélo’. Further on, follow a narrow canal for a peaceful moment along marshlands and countryside to finish at the estuary of the Loire river in St Brevin les Pins: a seaside resort which offer a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and Pine trees forest. This is an ideal place to relax after long day biking.
Day 10 : St Brévin – Le Croisic | 53 km or 60 km
From the estuary of the River Loire to the wild sea coast of Le Croisic. Take benefit to discover the superb wetlands of the classified Natural Brière Park before cycling into the famous salt marshes of Guérande. This medieval and fortified city offers you many testimonies of its historical past. Then, continue cycling through before reaching Le Croisic, a fish harbour and a very beautiful village on the coast.
Day 11 : Departure during the day
The little extra with Biking France:
- Private return transfer from Le Croisic to Tours – (rate on request).
- Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to
. château d’Azay le Rideau
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
. Fontevraud Royal Abbey
+ wine tasting in Chinon
Select your category
- from March 1st to April 9th
from November 1st to 30th - Departure: daily
405 € / pers.*
565 € / pers.*
- from April 10th to 30th
from May 31st to June 30th
from September 1st to October 31st - Departure: daily
405 € / pers.*
565 € / pers.*
- from May 1st to 30th
from July 1st to August 31st - Departure: daily
405 € / pers.*
565 € / pers.*
Category's details
• 10 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 9 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 (10 nights included)
•
Transfer from Le Croisic to Tours and personal bike repatriation
• 10 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
•
Luggage transport during the bike stages
•
Equipped cycle rental for 9 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 (10 nights included)
•
Transfer from Le Croisic to Tours 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 10 dinners – excluding drinks)
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 35 € / pers.*
+ 75 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 65 € / pers.
+ 50 € / 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.
. château d’Azay le Rideau
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
. Fontevraud Royal Abbey
+ 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 :
+ 45 € / pers.
+ 100 € / pers.
+ 100 € / pers.
+ 100 € / 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 Tours
> Return
Your journey
Tour description:
Mix of cycling paths or signposted routes for cyclists (70%) 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 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 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
Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
(Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility).
– Le Croisic train Station >> Nantes or Angers St Laud train Station >> Tours train station (about 4h by train + TGV 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
Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
(Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility).
– Le Croisic train Station >> Paris Montparnasse train Station (by TGV train).
– Le Croisic train Station >> Nantes train Station (by train) >> Roissy Charles de Gaulle T.2 train station (by TGV train).
Nearby airport:
– Nantes Airport : www.nantes.aeroport.fr
Trip overall rating : / 7 testimonials
Australia
travel date: 22 September 2019.
A wonderful holiday which surpassed our expectations. For foreign travellers without data on their phone, the map app that was sent to us by Rando Velo before the trip meant the route was pre-downloaded onto the phone and your position was live on the route app like GPS without using data. It made the guidance so easy with this app. The company have done the hard yards to make things as easy and efficient as possible.
France
travel date: 30 July 2018.
Très belle randonnée avec des étapes particulièrement agréables.
France
travel date: 22 August 2016.
les nouvelles sacoches : SUPER ! Détail de l’itinéraire: pourriez-vous mentionner s’il y a des bistrots sympas sur le parcours ?
France
travel date: 26 June 2016.
Globalement tout a fait satisfaits de la prestation
USA
travel date: 07 June 2016.
My husband and I enjoyed biking along the lower Loire using the services provided by Biking France. The bikes were good, the itinerary interesting, the hotels and restaurants fine, the transport of luggage effective.
France
travel date: 01 August 2015.
Excellente organisation, excellente documentation. Hôteliers sympathiques. Alternance bienvenue entre séjour en pleine ville (Angers, Nantes) et petites villes.
Germany
travel date: 07 September 2013.
Dear Team, we had a wonderful tour and want to thank you for organizing it! During the trip from Nantes to St Brevin it rained all the way and we got soaked, but the rest of the trip the weather was great.
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
