+33(0)2 54 78 62 52The hidden treasures of the Loire à Vélo routes, from Tours to Saumur
- A mix between cycling paths and outstanding sideroads
- The elegant chateau d'Azay le Rideau and the surprising château de Brézé
- Chinon and Saumur vineyards
- Montsoreau and Crissay-sur-Manse : ones of the « Most Beautiful Villages of France »
/ 20 testimonials
Reference : L4
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:
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!
Day 1 : Arrival 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 2 : Tours – 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.
chat. Villandry
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 3 : Excursion 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.
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.
Day 4 : Azay 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.
pixabay
Discover and taste the ‘Chinon’ appellation wines, in the cellar of a winegrower.
Day 5 : Excursion 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.
RandoVélo
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 6 : Chinon – 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!
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.
Clan
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 7 : Excursion 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.
chat. Brézé
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.
Select your category
- from March 1st to May 5th
from November 1st to 30th - Departure: daily
260 € / pers.*
350 € / pers.*
540 € / pers.*
- from May 6th to June 30th
from September 1st to October 31st - Departure: daily
260 € / pers.*
350 € / pers.*
540 € / pers.*
- from July 1st to August 31st
- Departure: daily
260 € / pers.*
350 € / pers.*
540 € / pers.*
Category's details
• 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
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
•
A personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route
•
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
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
•
A personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route
•
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
•
1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
•
A personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route
•
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 )
According to the category(price per person)
(including 6 dinners – excluding drinks)
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 65 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
+ 85 € / pers.
+ 60 € / pers.*
+ 115 € / pers.
+ 105 € / pers.*
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 35 € / pers.*
+ 65 € / pers.
+ 55 € / pers.*
+ 95 € / pers.
+ 60 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 95 € / pers.
+ 60 € / pers.*
High season
+ 105 € / pers.
+ 65 € / pers.*
from 0 to 2 years old : - 90% / 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 )
Extras
If you bring your own bike.
SCOTT bike – “Sub Sport 20”
. château d’Azay le Rideau
. Villandry Gardens (Gardens & Château)
. Fontevraud Royal Abbey
. château de Brézé
. château du Rivau
+ a wine tasting in Chinon
(for children: a discount will be applied according to ages – after booking)
- Baby seat :
- Trailer :
- 'follow-me' tandem :
+ 30 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.
(in the case of a single person per booking)
Your accommodation
Your cycle hire
(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.
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.
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)
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)
> How to arrive in Tours
> Return
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
Navigation app:
Besides the maps, we also provide a personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route.
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
Trip overall rating : / 20 testimonials
France
travel date: 30 August 2022.
Belle découverte de cette région côté vélo. Journées riches de paysages et de lieux de visite à ne pas manquer. Une expérience à vivre, qu on soit seul-e ou à plusieurs. Beaucoup de lieux à ne pas manquer et coups de cœur pour Les visites guidées des châteaux de Villandry et d Azay le rideau
France
travel date: 24 July 2022.
Ce fût une excellente expérience, voyage très bien organisé, nous renouvelerons l’expérience lors de prochaines vacances.
France
travel date: 15 August 2021.
Super parcours mêlant découverte, sport à la gastronomie locale. C’est impressionnant de voir la richesse de cette région en terme de bâtiments, attractions (caves troglodytes…) A faire à son rythme et c’est dépaysant, reposant. Tout est bien organisé (roadbook, parcours fléché… par RandoVélo.
Angleterre
travel date: 07 August 2021.
Un énorme merci à vous pour une vacance inoubliable
Belgique
travel date: 22 July 2021.
Very nice and interesting bike trip in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. We will be back!
France
travel date: 15 July 2021.
Magnifique moyen de visiter une région On est très bien accompagnés par une équipe compétente et charmante, qui apporte un service de grande qualité.
France
travel date: 04 June 2021.
étapes hôtelières choisies avec soin ,accueil chaleureux , guidage aisé. disponibilité téléphonique remarquable et souriante
France
travel date: 17 August 2020.
Très bonne semaine en famille et en vélo électrique entre Tours et Saumur, nous avons apprécié de rouler sans nous soucier de nos bagages, la beauté des paysages et des châteaux de cette région, et nous sommes régalés le soir dans les restaurants proposés. Super expérience en famille (pas très sportive), mais les 50 km quotidiens ont été avalés sans difficulté.
France
travel date: 14 August 2020.
Très beau circuit, bien organisé. Une bien belle région, avec un relief très doux, et de superbes visites. Bravo RandoVélo !
USA
travel date: 18 September 2019.
I highly recommend this company.. beautiful routes, reliable, comfortable bikes, efficient transportation of luggage and good hotel selection.
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
