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Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its medieval châteaux, colorful and majestic gardens, and wonderful wines and cuisine. Whether you walk or cycle, this peaceful region of France will leave you with a sense of wonder.

Cycle the mostly flat, dedicated Loire Valley cycle path from Orléans to Chinon, with only 30–45 km a day so there's plenty of time for the châteaux, or base yourself in Blois and Amboise for loop rides to Chambord and Chenonceau. Walk the Châteaux Trail from Chinon to Amboise, or Cycle the Loire In Style, dining and staying in upscale château hotels.

Every trip includes carefully chosen hotels and guesthouses, luggage transfers, navigation in our app and 24/7 support.

4 routes

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Routes in Loire Valley

  • France

    Loire River Cycle Path: Orleans to Chinon

    • Cycling
    • 8 days
    • Easy
    from$2,235CAD pp
    View Route
  • France

    Loire Valley: The Châteaux Trail

    • Walking
    • 7 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$2,500CAD pp
    View Route
  • France

    Cycle the Chateaux of the Loire

    • Cycling
    • 7 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$2,230CAD pp
    View Route
  • France

    Cycle the Loire In Style

    • Cycling
    • 6 days
    • Easy
    from$4,575CAD pp
    View Route

Here's why the Loire Valley is a favorite with self-guided travelers:

  • Majestic châteaux, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry
  • Easy cycling on dedicated, mostly traffic-free paths
  • Peaceful riverside walking trails
  • Classic French cuisine and local wines
  • Upscale château hotels on Cycle the Loire In Style

Loire Valley like a local

  • Which trips can I take in the Loire Valley?

    Three biking trips – Cycle the Châteaux of the Loire, the Loire River Cycle Path from Orléans to Chinon, and Cycle the Loire In Style – and one walking trip, Loire Valley: The Châteaux Trail.

  • What's the terrain like?

    Mostly flat, on dedicated cycle paths and peaceful riverside trails, making the Loire perfect if you've never tried a cycling trip before.

  • Which châteaux will I see?

    Chambord, the largest in the Loire, Chenonceau, which spans the River Cher, fairy-tale Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry, famous for its Renaissance gardens.

  • When's the best time to visit the Loire Valley?

    Our Loire trips run from spring to early fall, between April and October. Each trip page shows the dates it runs.

  • Where will I stay?

    In carefully chosen hotels and guesthouses, each providing a warm welcome – and in upscale château hotels on Cycle the Loire In Style.

  • What wildlife might I see?

    Look out for buzzards, woodpeckers and European bee-eaters, and for beavers, reintroduced around 30 years ago and now commonly seen along the river.

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    Lavender, hilltop villages and the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

    View all 4 routes

Know before you go

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    People behind the scenery: Rhona’s Favorite Château in the Loire Valley

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    Read blog

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