7-Day Loire Valley Chateaux and Vineyards Bike Tour

by Discovery Bicycle Tours
Region
Loire Valley
Duration
7 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
2
D-Score™
N/A - Unknown

Overview

Ride from Tours through the heart of the Loire Valley on a 7-day France bike tour linking grand châteaux, medieval towns and celebrated wine country. You’ll cycle to Chambord, Chenonceau and Villandry, visit Leonardo da Vinci’s final home, browse the market in Loches, picnic beside the route and explore the vineyards and historic streets of Chinon. Begin in Tours, your journey follows quiet country lanes and dedicated bike paths to some of the region’s most celebrated castles, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos Lucé, Langeais, and Villandry. Along the way, you’ll stroll through the medieval streets of Loches with a local guide, visit the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, enjoy leisurely picnics, and have the chance to sample the renowned wines of Chinon. Each day blends rewarding rides with memorable cultural experiences, giving you the perfect balance of active exploration and relaxed French living. In the evenings, settle into a thoughtfully selected mix of elegant château hotels, historic boutique properties, and comfortable countryside retreats, each reflecting the character of the Loire Valley. Rich in history, local flavors, and natural beauty, this tour shows you why the Loire has long been known as the “Garden of France.” Day 1: Welcome to the Loire Valley & Cycle to Château de Chambord. Meet your guides in Tours before transferring to Blois, where you'll be fitted to your bike and introduced to the week ahead. Then set off along quiet country roads through the Loire Valley, passing peaceful farmland and charming villages on your way to the magnificent Chateau de Chambord. Enjoy time to explore its grand rooms and sprawling royal estate before settling into your hotel. Later, relax and freshen up, then gather with your fellow travelers for a warm welcome dinner. Day 2: Cycle Amboise via Château de Chaumont. Set off through the Loire Valley's peaceful countryside, passing quaint villages as you make your way toward the charming town of Amboise. Along the route, stop to explore the beautiful gardens of Chateau de Chaumont, known for their creative landscapes and sweeping views over the Loire River. Continue cycling through quiet forests, open farmland and picturesque vineyards before arriving in Amboise, one of the region's most historic towns. Day 3: Leonardo da Vinci & Château de Chenonceau. Begin the day at Clos Luce, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, where you can explore the rooms and gardens that reflect his remarkable life and ideas. Then set off by bike through the peaceful Loire countryside toward the spectacular Chateau de Chenonceau. Pause for a picnic lunch before touring this elegant castle, famously spanning the River Cher. Afterward, continue riding along quiet roads and through scenic farmland before arriving in the medieval town of Loches, with its winding streets and centuries of history. Day 4: Medieval Loches to Azay-le-Rideau. This morning, wander through the beautifully preserved medieval streets of Loches as the town comes alive for market day. Browse the colorful stalls and choose a few local treats for this afternoon's picnic before returning to your bike. Then ride along peaceful country lanes through the Loire Valley countryside to the fairy-tale Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau, set on its own island in the Indre River. Day 5: Vineyards, Chinon, & Château de Langeais. Today's ride winds through the vineyards surrounding Chinon, one of the Loire Valley's most celebrated wine regions. Pause for lunch, then enjoy free time to explore Chinon's historic streets, visit its hilltop fortress or sample local wines. From here, choose the ride that feels right for you. Stronger riders can extend the day's mileage and continue toward Chateau de Langeais, while others can take a convenient vehicle transfer back to Azay-le-Rideau and enjoy a more relaxed afternoon. Day 6: Villandry & Return to Tours. Cycle through the peaceful Loire countryside and along the river to the medieval Chateau de Langeais. From here, continue toward the magnificent Chateau de Villandry, celebrated for its extraordinary Renaissance gardens. Enjoy time to wander among the colorful flower beds, ornamental ponds and neatly clipped hedges before setting out on your final ride into the vibrant city of Tours. Day 7: Au Revoir, Loire Valley. After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to the Tours Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station, where your Loire Valley cycling adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guides and fellow travelers, taking home wonderful memories of chateau-lined roads, vineyard views and shared moments along the way. 6 nights' accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, Highly experienced trip leaders, Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1), All activities outlined in the itinerary, Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled, All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities, Branded t-shirt and bag, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals, Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries, Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!, Queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away, Customer Care Team's calls prior to your trip, Your own online space with everything required for your adventure. Accommodations: One of the highlights of this Loire Valley journey is the variety of accommodations, each offering a distinctly different perspective on the region's rich history and culture. From elegant chateau estates and beautifully restored historic residences to charming boutique hotels nestled in medieval towns, every stay has its own unique personality. You'll experience everything from refined countryside luxury surrounded by manicured gardens to atmospheric hotels set within centuries-old royal cities, creating an authentic sense of place throughout the tour. While the style of each hotel varies, they all share a focus on warm French hospitality, comfortable rooms, and exceptional locations that place you close to the Loire Valley's iconic chateaux, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Whether enjoying riverside views in Amboise, relaxing in a chateau hotel surrounded by parkland, or staying within the historic walls of Loches, the accommodations are carefully chosen to complement the character of each destination and enhance your overall experience of one of France's most enchanting regions.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides

About the Loire Valley

A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.