7-Day Loire Valley Chateaux and Vineyards Bike Tour

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 Château 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Blois Centre, BloisView More
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 28.5 miles (45.9 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,200 feet (366 meters) ascent, 1,125 feet (343 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat to gently rolling countryside on quiet paved roads and bike paths.

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 Château 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.

Settle in and enjoy time to soak up its lively streets and riverside setting.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise, AmboiseView More
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 25 miles (40.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 945 feet (288 meters) ascent, 991 feet (302 meters) descent
Terrain: Rolling terrain on quiet country roads and dedicated cycling paths

Begin the day at Clos Lucé, 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 Château 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.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Cite Royale, LochesView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 28.7 miles (46.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,331 feet (406 meters) ascent, 1,282 feet (391 meters) descent
Terrain: Rolling quiet roads and riverside cycling.

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 Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, set on its own island in the Indre River.

Arrive with time to settle in, relax and explore the town’s inviting streets at your own pace.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-RideauView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 37.7 miles (60.7 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,919 feet (585 meters) ascent, 2,007 feet (612 meters) descent
Terrain: Flat to gently rolling roads

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 Château de Langeais, while others can take a convenient vehicle transfer back to Azay-le-Rideau and enjoy a more relaxed afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-RideauView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 44.9 miles (72.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,825 feet (861 meters) ascent, 2,820 feet (859 meters) descent
Terrain: Rolling roads with a few climbs and country lanes.

Cycle through the peaceful Loire countryside and along the river to the medieval Château de Langeais. From here, continue toward the magnificent Château 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.

This evening, raise a glass to the week’s adventures and the miles you’ve shared over a farewell aperitif and dinner.
Accommodation: Chateau de Beaulieu, Joue-les-ToursView More
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 26.3 miles (42.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,284 feet (391 meters) ascent, 1,269 feet (387 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat riding along quiet roads and dedicated cycling paths.