Châteaux of the Loire Valley Cycle

Overview

A self-guided journey through the beautiful and picturesque Loire Valley, following the course of the region's mighty river and its tributaries. Features included visits to the magnificent châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau. Includes an included wine-tasting tour and exploration of regional architecture built from distinctive 'Tuffeau stone'. A self-guided cycling holiday that includes 7 nights accommodation, 4 dinners, 7 breakfasts, luggage transported, a high-quality bicycle, route notes, and GPS navigation. It also includes entry to Chambord & Chenonceau castles and a wine tasting. The holiday is rated Grade 1: Easy cycling for all with shorter days mainly on the flat, but some gentle ascents. The terrain includes quiet riverside & country lanes, vineyard & woodland trails, and brief city cycles. The average carbon footprint is 80kg CO₂e per person, excluding travel. Accommodation is in four 3-star hotels. Prices start from £1,511pp (excluding flights). The holiday operates from 01 April 2026 - 27 October 2026 and can start any day. The holiday is set in the Loire Valley, famed for its magnificent châteaux and prestigious vineyards, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural landscape and great beauty. It offers a mixture of cycling and scenery, fascinating history, and classic French gastronomy. Itinerary includes arrival in Blois, a circular route from Blois to Domaine de Chambord forest (43km), cycling from Blois to Amboise (44.5km) via Chaumont-sur-Loire, a circular route from Amboise (48.5km) to Château de Chenonceau, cycling from Amboise to Azay-le-Rideau (63km) via Montlouis vineyards and Villandry, cycling from Azay-le-Rideau to Fontevraud (50km) via the River Indre and Candes-Saint-Martin, and a circular route from Fontevraud (34km) to Saumur and Château de Parnay for wine tasting. Accommodation options in Blois include Hotel Anne de Bretagne or Hotel Louise de Savoie (with an upgrade to Fleur de Loire Hotel & Spa). In Amboise, options are Hotel Bellevue or Au Charme Rabelaisien. In Azay-le-Rideau, options are Hotel de Biencourt or Le Grand Monarque. In Fontevraud, the hotel is La Croix Blanche. Optional Paris City Add-On for 2 nights, from £315pp, offering a complete contrast to the cycling holiday. Recommended airports are Tours or Paris CDG. Rail travel from London is also an option. Flight and connecting travel options are detailed for various UK airports to Paris CDG and Tours. Connecting travel by rail or bus from city centre stations is generally included, with taxis for airport transfers. The provided bike is a hybrid bike with 21 gears, a waterproof map case on handlebars, panniers/saddlebags, pump, puncture repair kit, and a lock. Electric bikes are available as an upgrade. Helmets can be hired locally. GPX tracks and route notes are provided. Luggage is transferred between hotels. Customers are responsible for damage to or loss of the rental bike. It's advised to lock it up securely. Flights can be booked through Inntravel for convenience and ATOL protection. For customers outside the UK, Inntravel can book onward travel from London or continental Europe. Single supplements apply for solo travellers. Travel insurance is mandatory. For France, UK citizens need a full British passport but not a visa (a new travel authorization system is being introduced). A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is recommended. The official language is French, and the currency is the Euro. Travel advice is available from the UK FCDO.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included