Cycling Loire Valley (West)

by Détours de Loire
Region
Loire Valley
Duration
4 days
Guided Status
Self-Guided
Difficulty
N/A
D-Score™
D1 - Beginner Friendly

Overview

Self-guided bike tour from Tours to Saumur. Cycling on the “Loire à Vélo” itinerary, along the Cher River, you soon reach Château de Villandry. You keep on pedaling through the country towards Azay-le Rideau. Today you cycle towards Langeais and its 15th Century fortress, and later you reach Château d’Ussé, the enchanting castle of Sleeping Beauty. You proceed through woods and vineyards of the Chinon area – wine tasting is recommended en route! – and you arrive in the medieval town of Chinon. You cross a picturesque landscape enameled with white stone villages and smaller chateaux: here you are in the heart of the Touraine County. You come back to Chinon along the “ _Route des Vins_ “, following the hillside overlooking the quiet course of the Vienne river. Across the peaceful countryside where famous medieval French author François Rabelais spent his youth, you reach the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the biggest abbeys of western Christendom. Discover the exceptional sites of **Candes-Saint-Martin** and **Montsoreau** , two of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Ride across the Saumur-Champigny vineyards where wine tasting is recommended! Discover Saumur and its Château overlooking the Loire River.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Tours / Azay-le-Rideau

36 km 0 m

D1

Tours / Azay-le-Rideau

Day 2: Azay-le-Rideau / Chinon

38 km 0 m

D1

Azay-le-Rideau / Chinon

Day 3: Chinon / Chinon

49 km 0 m

D1

Chinon / Chinon

Day 4: Chinon / Saumur

43 km 0 m

D1

Chinon / Saumur

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

B&B

What's Included

Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support

About the Loire Valley

Read full regional guide