The Loire Valley's greatest chateaux by bike

from 500 € / pers.
/ 36 testimonials
Reference : L3
5 days / 4 days riding
Difficulty : Moderate
Round trip
From March to November
Departure: daily
Electric bike rental possible > Book this trip

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 greatest château country:

Set off to discover the treasures of the Loire Valley by bike: châteaux, lakes and forests … and use this royal river as your guide from one prestigious château to the next.

Day 1 : Arrival in Blois


Possibility to explore the town with its narrow alleys, punctuated with staircases, and the château, a perfect illustration of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.

Day 2 : Blois – Amboise | 40 km


Follow the ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycling tracks through nice tiny villages to the château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, which proudly dominates the river. Then continue through the ‘Touraine Amboise’ vineyards to the charming town of Amboise with its royal château, where the greatest kings of France lived.

OptionVisit of the International Garden Festival & Chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire (Included in the "Visit Package")

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.

OptionLocal wine tasting (Included in the "Visit Package")
dégustation

pixabay

Discover and taste the local wines, in the cellar of a winegrower or at the Cheverny wine house.

OptionCanoe trip on the Loire river (Mosnes > Amboise)
balade en canoe

ADT37 – JC Coutand

Vary the pleasures and treat yourself a new way to discover all the wealth that the Loire river can offer. From your canoe, peacefully tame the last wild river in Europe and admire extraordinary views of its fauna and flora, combined with an incomparable feeling of being far from civilization.

Option Extra night in Amboise + bike excursion to Vouvray vineyards (45 km)

Possibility to plan an extra bike excursion to Vouvray vineyards, surrounded by troglodyte houses, and famous for its fine and elegant white wines!

Day 3 : Amboise – Chenonceaux | 42 km


This stage through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire takes you to the Cher valley and Chenonceaux, famous for its Renaissance château elegantly straddling the Cher river.

OptionVisit of the Chateau of Chenonceau (Included in the "Visit Package")
chat chenonceau

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.

OptionCanoe trip on the Cher river
balade en canoe

JF Souchard Canoe company

Enjoy a canoe trip offering you an extraordinary point of view on the Château de Chenonceau! Admire the bucolic shores of the Cher river and appreciate the outstanding beauty of the Château de Chenonceau as you pass under the arches of the castle (approx. 2h – from the 1st weekend of June to October).

Day 4 : Chenonceaux – Chitenay or Cheverny | 40 km or 54 km


Ride along the peaceful Cher river banks to the medieval town of Montrichard. Then leave the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château du Gué Péan and the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century, before ending the day in the charming village of Chitenay or Cheverny.

Day 5 : Chitenay or Cheverny – Blois | 50 km or 40 km


A richly coloured route via the Château de Cheverny, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments, leading on to the prestigious Château de Chambord, a true masterpiece of the French Renaissance boasting no less than 440 rooms, built during the reign of François I in the heart of a well-preserved natural site.
Departure at the end of the stage.

Possibility to book an extra night in Blois

OptionVisit of the Chateau of Cheverny + exhibition “the secrets of Marlinspike” (Included in the "Visit Package")
chateau cheverny & expo Moulinsart

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.

OptionVisit of the Chateau of Chambord (Included in the "Visit Package")
chateau chambord

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.

The little extra with Biking France (optional):


Our « Visit 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)
+ a local wine tasting

Select your category

standard category
Reference: L3 STD
superior category
Reference: L3 SUP
deluxe category
Reference: L3 LU
Low season
  • from March 1st to April 7th
    from November 1st to 30th
  • Departure: daily
 
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
500 € / pers.
180 € / pers.*
640 € / pers.
240 € / pers.*
890 € / pers.
460 € / pers.*
Mid season
  • from April 8th to May 5th
    from May 30th to June 30th
    from September 1st to October 31st
  • Departure: daily
 
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
530 € / pers.
180 € / pers.*
660 € / pers.
240 € / pers.*
830 € / pers.
460 € / pers.*
High season
  • from May 6th to 29th
    from July 1st to August 31st
  • Departure: daily
 
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
550 € / pers.
180 € / pers.*
680 € / pers.
240 € / pers.*
960 € / pers.
460 € / pers.*

Category's details

Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages
• Equipped cycle rental for 4 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

Not including :

• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)

Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages
• Equipped cycle rental for 4 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

Not including :

• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)

Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages
• Equipped cycle rental for 4 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

Not including :

• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)

Children discount :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 )

According to the category(price per person)

standard category
Reference: L3 STD
superior category
Reference: L3 SUP
deluxe category
Reference: L3 LU
Half board supplement

(including 4 dinners – excluding drinks)

+ 130 € / pers.
+ 170 € / pers.
+ 210 € / pers.
Extra night in Blois
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
* Single supplement
Low season
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
High season
+ 65 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
Low season
+ 75 € / pers.
+ 55 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 75 € / pers.
+ 55 € / pers.*
High season
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 55 € / pers.*
Any season
+ 90 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.*
Extra night in Amboise + bike excursion to Vouvray vineyards (45 km)

(including : 1 extra night's accommodation in a two-person bedroom / 1 breakfast / map and itinerary / 1 day cycle rental - VTC hybrid bike)

* Single supplement
Any season
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 35 € / pers.*

Any season
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 60 € / pers.*

Any season
+ 160 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.*

Children discount :
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

• Bike discount
If you bring your own bike.
-50 € / pers.
• Upper range bike supplement
+35 € / pers.
• E-bike supplement
+ 70 € / pers.
• « Visit Package »

. 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)
+ a local wine tasting

(for children: a discount will be applied according to ages – after booking)

+ 85 € / pers.

• Canoe trip on the Loire river (Mosnes > Amboise)
- from 6 to 11 years old
- from 12 years old

+ 20 € / pers.
+ 30 € / pers.
• Canoe trip on the Cher river
+ 18 € / pers.
• Equipments
- Baby seat :
- Trailer :
- 'follow-me' tandem :

+ 20 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.
• 'Solo' supplement
(in the case of a single person per booking)
+ 85 € / pers.

Your accommodation


standard category


These hotels offer all the comfort and well-earned rest after a cycling day (private bathroom). A perfect place to enjoy all the centres of interest around.
superior category


These hotels provide charming services on high quality as well as a great location.
deluxe category


These accommodations are selected for their impeccable and prestigious service.
Pictures for indicative purposes. Depending on the availability.

Your cycle hire

VTC GITANE bike - 21 speed gears

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.

Possibility to rent an electric assistance bike :
MOUSTACHE (or SCOTT) e-bike
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’’)

velo enfant

  • “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 in our Randovélo/Biking France office.
• At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.

> Your journey
> How to arrive in Blois
> Return

Your journey

Tour description

Mix of cycling paths or signposted routes for cyclists (60%) and small traffic roads.

Bike stages trip profiles:
(click below to see the trip profile of each stage)

Navigation app

Besides the maps, we also provide a personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route.

How to arrive in Blois

By train
From Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station (about 1h30 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) >> Blois train station (by train).

– RER B >> Paris centre – stop ‘Chatelet Les Halles  >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station (by train).
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 (by train).

– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus) : from Orly Sud > > Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 6 + line 5 >> Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station (by train).
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 (by train).
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php

  • From Beauvais airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station (by train).

– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> >> Metro line 1 + line 10 >> Paris Austerlitz train station >> Blois train station (by train).
www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/acces-et-transports/navettes/

Return

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)
    – Blois Station >> Paris Austerlitz Station (by train)
    – Blois Station >> Saint Pierre des Corps Station (by train) >> Paris Montparnasse Station (by TGV train)
    – Blois Station >> Saint Pierre des Corps Station (by train) >> Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station (by TGV train)

Nearby airport:
– Tours Airport : www.tours.aeroport.fr/home


Trip overall rating : / 36 testimonials

Michelle
USA
travel date: 15 September 2022.
" So happy we did this trip! "

We really enjoyed our trip. As seniors, this trip was absolutely perfect… the route is, for the most part, flat so we never felt tired or uncomfortable. So happy we did this trip!!!! The person who initially was corresponding with me, was very professional, patient, answered all my questions, clarified everything and greeted us upon arrival. He took time to explain everything with us. When I needed support, the office responded immediately ( when my smart phone ran out of power) so I was able to know what hotel to go to.

Dawn
USA
travel date: 14 September 2022.
" Randovelo handled everything seamlessly "

A beautiful area of the country and bike was the perfect way to see it. Randovelo handled everything seamlessly and answered questions quickly. We really enjoyed being able to do the tour at our own pace knowing everything behind the scenes was taken care of.

Gareth
Angleterre
travel date: 05 September 2022.
" Fantastic adventure. "

We had a fantastic adventure, would definitely recommend this as a way to see more of France. I was nervous about cycling in a foreign country but I found the cycle routes to be great, the roads safe, and the directions very clear. This has easily been a highlight of my time spent in Europe.

Katharine
Italie
travel date: 18 August 2022.
" I thoroughly recommend Randovelo "

We had a wonderful trip: well organised, clearly sign-posted, good accommodation and the distances were what we expected and just right. I thoroughly recommend Randovelo and will definitely do another cycling holiday in the future.

Jeanne
France
travel date: 10 August 2022.
" L'équipe de RandoVélo nous concocte une experience très agréable. "

La randonnée en vélo, c’était une toute première fois pour moi, et j’ai adoré. C’était absolument nécessaire pour moi d’avoir un vélo électrique (santé) et ça m’a permis de tenir le coup pour les 4 jours ! Des journées chargées, avec à peu près autant de vélo que de visites, mais ça permet de déconnecter complètement et de se concentrer pleinement sur cette experience riche ! Les routes de Loire sont presque toutes superbes, et l’équipe de RandoVélo nous concocte une experience très agréable avec beaucoup de sympathie. Merci aussi à tous leurs partenaires hébergements/restaurations qui nous ont chouchouté.

Marie Anne
France
travel date: 20 July 2022.
" Nous reviendrons certainement "

Très beau parcours avec de belles visites et de baeux paysages. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié cette première expérience et nous reviendrons certainement.

Jean-Christopohe
France
travel date: 13 June 2022.
" Très belle initiation à la rando Vélo "

Très belle initiation à la rando Vélo (parcours superbe), organisation des bagages au top !

Kimberly
Canada
travel date: 30 May 2022.
" Outstanding way to travel "

This bike trip was a highlight of my France vacation. The serenity of riding and seeing the French countryside on a bike is an outstanding way to travel. I would definitely recommend the e-bike option and adding the wine tour through Vouvray, I met some fabulous local wine producers and tastes some delicious wine!

Michèle
France
travel date: 08 May 2022.
" Nous repartirons avec Rando Vélo "

Accueil et préparation du voyage d’excellente qualité. Bonne prise en compte de nos besoins. A l’écoute. Excellent choix d’hotels. Nous repartirons avec Rando Vélo

Marie Anne
France
travel date: 04 September 2021.
" Je recommande à 100% et j’ai hâte de renouveler l’expérience "

Les vacances à vélo, c’est la liberté ! Bravo à l’équipe de Rando Vélo pour le choix du circuit (pistes cyclables ou routes très peu fréquentées) qui nous permet de découvrir des paysages que l’on n’aurait pas l’occasion de voir en voiture. Les hôtels qui sont choisis avec soin également : situation idéale dans la ville pour pouvoir tout faire à pied une fois sur place, espace pour les vélos sécurisé, petits déjeuners de compétition… Le mix activité sportive et visites culturelles est génial. Et les enfants ont adoré ! J’ai passé de superbes vacances, inoubliables, je recommande à 100% et j’ai hâte de renouveler l’expérience.

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