France: Loire Valley Cycling
(8 days)

Tour Overview

Carrying on your bikes only what is needed for each day, you ride through the lovely Loire Valley from Chenonceaux, through Montrichard and medieval Amboise, to Chinon and its famous vineyards. This route is rated easy (see below for details) and the average ride between nightstops is about 39km, so there's ample time to visit the many delightful villages, châteaux and vineyards along the way. Riding independently or with several fellow travellers, there is the opportunity for longer, more testing routes if you wish to take in more of the surrounding countryside.

The 21-speed bicycles are ideally suited to the undulating terrain and few hills on the way. Your support driver provides detailed route briefings and transports luggage in a vehicle, leaving you free to cycle unencumbered at your own pace. You don't normally cycle as a group; equipped with maps and guidebooks, and whatever clothing you need, anyone can stop en route wherever they please. You stay mostly in small, simple, family-run hotels, in rooms with en-suite facilities. Since we spend 2 nights at most places, there are several rest days when we are not moving on, when you can choose to cycle as little or as much as you please. Plus, of course, there's every opportunity to enjoy the marvellous wines, fine cheeses and cuisine of the region!

Trip Details

Close Details

Day 1: Join tour Chenonceaux

The hotel is situated in centre of this small village, and close to the beautiful chateau. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 2: In Chenonceaux

Having had a chance to familiarise ourselves with our bikes, we start by exploring the area around Chenonceaux. There is the opportunity to cycle east of the village to Montrichard where we can taste the local wines of the Cher region, or visit the 17th century château of Gue Pean, a gentle introductory ride. Alternatively, you can just follow the local backroads through small, quiet villages. In the afternoon you may like to tour the large Monmousseau winery or visit the Mushroom Museum or a troglodyte dwelling. (Optional rides approx. 30km to 45km cycling depending upon option chosen). Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Cycle to Amboise

Following the River Cher, we pass through the village of Chissay. We cycle through the tranquil forest and several pretty villages to our overnight stop at Amboise. On arrival you may choose to visit Clos Lucé, the house where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last 3 years and now a museum dedicated to his life and work and the Royal chateau on the banks of the Loire. (Approx 25km or 40 km cycling). Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Cycle to Azay-le-Rideau

A longer days' cycling on cross country routes via St Martin-le-Beau and Nitray to Cormery, a town famous for its macaroons, and then along the River Indre, with optional visits to Pont-de-Ruan and Sache, home of Balzac and now the site of an excellent museum of literature. (Approx. 54km cycling). Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: In Azay-le-Rideau

We spend the day in Azay, where we can visit the château and walk in its gardens along the banks of the River Indre. For those wanting to explore further, south-east of Azay is the troglodyte village of Villaines-les- Rochers, now famous for its willow basketweaving. Or north of Azay is Villandry, with its beautifully recreated Renaissance garden, one of the finest in the whole of France. (Optional rides approx. 38km cycling). Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Cycle to Chinon

South-west of Azay, en-route to Chinon and situated between the banks of the Loire and the Forest of Chinon, is the Château d'Ussé – a truly romantic château and reputedly the setting for the fairy tale 'Sleeping Beauty'. On the north bank of the river are the vineyards of Bourgeuil, famous for their velvety red wines. A variety of routes to Chinon are possible, depending on your preferences. (Approx. 35km cycling). Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: In Chinon

Today we suggest you walk through the cobbled streets of the old town of Chinon and up to the château, where Joan of Arc identified the Dauphin, or cycle the circular 'Wine Route' of Chinon southeast along the River Vienne experiencing the famous Chinon vineyards as you go. Alternatively, you can take a westerly direction and visit Fontevraud Abbey, which houses the tombs of the Plantagenet Kings including Henry II and Richard the Lionheart. (Optional rides approx. 43km cycling). Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Tour ends Chinon

Included meals: Breakfast

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Day 1: Join tour Chenonceaux
Day 2: In Chenonceaux
Day 3: Cycle to Amboise
Day 4: Cycle to Azay-le-Rideau
Day 5: In Azay-le-Rideau
Day 6: Cycle to Chinon
Day 7: In Chinon
Day 8: Tour ends Chinon

Dates and Prices

Sat 25 Jun - Sat 02 Jul 2011 (CA$1000)
Sat 02 Jul - Sat 09 Jul 2011 (CA$1040)
Sat 30 Jul - Sat 06 Aug 2011 (CA$1040)
Sat 13 Aug - Sat 20 Aug 2011 (CA$1040)
Sat 23 Jun - Sat 30 Jun 2012 (CA$1060)
Sat 30 Jun - Sat 07 Jul 2012 (CA$1060)

All quoted prices effective at time of publication (Feb. 20, 2011). While not expected, itinerary and prices are subject to change.

1-800-688-1804

France: Loire Valley Cycling(8 days)