The hidden treasures of the Loire à Vélo routes, from Tours to Saumur
7 days / 6 days riding / ref. L4 / Difficulty Moderate / Linear tripper person
Your cycling tour in the Loire Valley:
The Loire à Vélo cycling itinerary gives the opportunity to discover somes hidden places: from the Renaissance gardens of Villandry, ride to one of the most beautiful villages of France, Crissay sur Manse! From the iconic château d’Azay le Rideau, let be seduced by the magic of the both châteaux d’Ussé and château du Rivau, straight out of a fairy tale.
And if the cycling paths wander between wild Loire river banks and toglodyte houses, the Chinon and Saumur vineyards guide you to unexpected mediaeval cities, to the impressive underground tunnels of château de Brézé!
Tour highlights
- A mix between cycling paths and outstanding sideroads
- Montsoreau and Crissay-sur-Manse : ones of the « Most Beautiful Villages of France »
- Chinon and Saumur vineyards
- The elegant chateau d'Azay le Rideau and the surprising château de Brézé
Day 1Arrival in Tours
Don’t miss a visit to the old neighbourhoods of the city of Tours, a town steeped in art and history, including the Gothic cathedral of St Gatien and the famous Place Plumereau with its half-timbered houses.
Day 2Tours – Azay le Rideau | 43 km
Leave easily the town following the Cher and the Loire rivers via Langeais and its chateau, true splendor of the 15th century, until the famous French classical gardens of Villandry. Then, continue to Azay le Rideau in the Indre Valley, with its romantic château, a Renaissance marvel in a water and greenery setting.
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.
Day 3Excursion to Crissay sur Manse & Saché | 48 km
This bike excursion will bring you to the tiny Crissay sur Manse village (listed among France’s most beautiful villages) then to Villaine-les-Rochers, troglodyte village famous for its traditional basketry. Continue riding to château de Saché, a château where the French author Honoré de Balzac lived and wrote.
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 4Azay le Rideau – Chinon | 35 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.
Discover and taste the ‘Chinon’ appellation wines, in the cellar of a winegrower.
Day 5Excursion to Château du Rivau & Chinon vineyards | 43 km
This excursion leads you to the charming little “Notre-Dame” church, hidden into Rivière village. Do not miss its beautiful 11th century mural paintings. Proceed to château du Rivau which evokes the wonderful middle-Age stories and legends, before riding through the most prestigious Chinon vineyards of Cravant les Côteaux.
Visit on your own of this Loire Valley chateau which is unjustly little known. This is a very nostalgic 15th century chateau, which looks like a fortress, with a keep and functioning drawbridge. It is surrounded by a veritable fairy tale garden, made up of, among others, 500 varieties of fragrant roses.
Day 6Chinon – Saumur | 36 km (+ option 12 km)
Follow the “Loire à Vélo” routes which will 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 also the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt kings!
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.
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 7Excursion to Montreuil Bellay & Brézé | 43 km
Following the Thouet river and its bike trail, reach peacefully the magnificent mediaeval city of Montreuil Bellay. Settled on the river, the town has preserved its defensive walls, mediaeval gates and fortress! Continue riding to the most curious of the Loire chateaux: château de Brézé with its outstanding former underground tunnels! Its surrounding dry moats are considered among the deepest in Europe. Come back to Saumur via the « Saumur Champigny » vineyards producing very elegant red wines.
Departure at the end of the stage.
Possibility to add an extra night in Saumur.
Free visit of this chateau… and its incredible trogloditic basement! With its 18m deep dry moats, and impressive network of galleries, it is the largest underground fortress in Europe. An amazing place to visit.
The little extra with Biking France (optional):
- Private return transfer from Saumur to Tours – (on request).
- Our « Visit Package », with entrance fees to
. château d’Azay le Rideau
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
. Fontevraud Royal Abbey
. château de Brézé
. château du Rivau
+ a wine tasting in Chinon
Extend your Loire à Vélo adventure!
To the ocean with our trip: Loire à vélo: cycle tour from Saumur to the Atlantic sea.
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 6 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)
•
Transfer from Saumur to Tours and personal bike repatriation
• 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 6 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)
•
Transfer from Saumur to Tours and personal bike repatriation
• 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 6 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)
•
Transfer from Saumur to Tours and personal bike repatriation
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 partner.
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.
In addition to the app, you’ll receive a complete digital roadbook by email, including color maps of your stages.
If you would like a printed version of the roadbook, 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 70%) and small traffic roads.
Bike stages trip profiles
(click below to see the trip profile of each stage)
- stage Tours – Azay le Rideau : 43 km / elevation gain : 96m / elevation loss : 96m
- excursion to Crissay sur Manse & Saché : 48 km / elevation gain : 340m / elevation loss : 342m
- stage Azay le Rideau – Chinon (Loire à Vélo version) : 32 km / elevation gain : 216m / elevation loss : 233m
- stage Azay le Rideau – Chinon (RandoVélo version) : 36km / elevation gain : 227m / elevation loss : 244m
- excursion to Château du Rivau & Chinon vineyards : 43 km / elevation gain : 190m / elevation loss : 187m
- stage Chinon – Saumur : 36 k / elevation gain : 236m / elevation loss : 227m
- excursion to Montreuil Bellay & Brézé : 42 km / elevation gain : 315m / elevation loss : 304m
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.
- 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 >> Tours train Station about (40 minutes by train).
– Saumur >> Tours (by taxi).
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