Loire à Vélo: cycle tour from Tours to Nantes Ref. : L22 STD

Your cycling tour in Loire the Valley:

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 | 36 km

This stage takes you through the countryside of the Tours region 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.

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 de Langeais, in its 15th-century splendour, the Château d'Ussé, which inspired Perrault to write his "Sleeping Beauty" fairytale, and Chinon la Médiévale, dominated by its mediaeval castle and famous for its red wine, highly appreciated by Rabelais.

Day 4: Chinon – Saumur | 36 km  (+ optional 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 the Necropolis of the Plantagenêts kings!

Day 5: Saumur – Angers | 57 km

A 1st stage following the “Loire à vélo ” cycling paths towards Cunault church, a masterpiece of the Romanesque art! Then continue towards the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau sheltering the famous and immense Apocalypse Tapestry.

Day 6: Angers – Montjean-sur-Loire | 37 km

A stage in the heart of the Anjou vineyards 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

From countryside and small villages to the big city of Nantes. Discover the charms and secrets of this Art & History city settled on the Loire river banks: its magnificent houses situated in the old neighbourhoods, its cathedral and its  Ducs de Bretagne chateau.

Day 9: Departure during the day

> At the end of the tour:

. Leave your rented bike at the last hotel. We take care of its repatriation.

. Possibility to come back to Tours from Nantes by train : Nantes train station > Tours train station.

> Your rental bike:
VTC GITANE « Silence »  bike - 21 speed gears
Equipped with : 2 rear panniers (saddlebags), 1 map holder, 1 repair kit, 1 pump, 1 lock + 1 counter.
Helmet and reflective vest included.

> You can rent an electric assistance bike!
GIANT « Esprit » or « Elégance » bike - 7 speed gears
Equipped with : 2 rear panniers (saddlebags), 1 map holder, 1 repair kit, 1 pump, 1 lock + 1 counter.
Helmet and reflective vest included.

See the FAQ for more information on the rental bikes.