Cycle the Loire In Style

This cycling tour is perfectly suited to cyclists that are venturing
on their first cycling trip or perhaps haven’t ridden for a few years. It is also well suited for keen cyclists looking for laid back pace on flat terrain.

Most of the time you will be cycling on quiet back roads and dedicated cycle paths. However, in order to connect the various routes, you will cycle for short distances on busier urban roads. Please do be mindful of other road users at all times.

This tour is graded easy. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

Accommodation is in a selection of lovingly converted château hotels, each with its own gardens, history and a reputation for gourmet dining. We'll always try to place you at the properties listed in your itinerary, though during peak season we may occasionally need to use an alternative of a similar standard.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Breakfast is included each day, and dinner is included on most evenings, with a set menu of gourmet, locally sourced cuisine often featuring a modern twist on French classics. On one evening your hotel's restaurant may be closed, in which case dinner isn't included that night and you're given a discount to dine independently nearby. Lunches aren't included, so you're free to pick up a picnic from a local shop, stop at a café or restaurant along the way, or arrange a packed lunch from your hotel at check-in.

This tour is available to start on any day of the week. Spring brings pleasant warm days with the château gardens in bloom. Summer months (June to August) are hotter, with the riverbanks providing good spots for a picnic, so pack plenty of sunscreen and carry extra water on these days. Come September, the Loire celebrates its wine harvest, so you may come across a local festival along the way.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

If you need an excess luggage allowance, please contact us before your final payment so we can arrange this in advance.

It’s vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.​

This route follows well-signposted cycle paths for most of its length, with just a few short stretches on busier urban roads connecting one path to the next.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Paris's airports (Orly and Charles de Gaulle) connect to all major European and worldwide cities. From Paris (Gare Montparnasse) you can take a train to Tours (around 1 hour 15 minutes), and from there an included private transfer brings you to your first accommodation (around 20 minutes). Check Trainline Europe for timetables.

The tour finishes further along the Loire. From here you can take a taxi (not included) to the nearest train station, then a train back to Paris (Gare Montparnasse) with one change in Tours, taking around 2 hours 15 minutes. Check Trainline Europe for timetables.

You'll need your standard cycling gear. Bike hire comes with a pannier rack and bag, a pump, lock, a basic repair kit, and handlebar phone mount. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

Since you'll have your bike with you, shortening or skipping sections may not be easy. For the best local advice on transport options for cyclists, please consult your accommodation provider or reach out to our local bike partner, where applicable.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation

This region is popular, especially in the summer months, so we'd suggest booking as soon as your plans are in place.

We hire bikes suited to the terrain, including e-bikes for a bit of extra assist, in a range of sizes - just let us know your height when booking so we can get your frame right. If you would like to bring your own bike then, in the majority of cases, this is not a problem – please contact us to talk it through. We encourage all cyclists to wear a helmet, and it is law in many countries across Europe. We recommend bringing your own helmet for hygiene and safety reasons, however on most tours you can hire one.

The following bikes are available for hire:

Touring Bike (Arcade): women's frame (45cm & 49cm) or men's frame (48cm & 56cm), 21 speeds across 3 chainrings, aluminum frame, Shimano Altus rear derailleur, V-brakes, a wide comfortable saddle.

Hybrid Bike (Giant Escape City Disc 2): unisex frame in sizes XS-XL (including a women's-specific frame), 8 speeds across 2 chainrings, aluminum frame, disc brakes.

E-bike (Pegasus): 36V/13.4Ah/500W battery, Bosch motor, 8-speed hub gears, a range of roughly 60-140km depending on power mode.

Gravel Bike (Bulls Grinder 1): unisex, lightweight aluminum frame, 2x8 speed drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes, available in sizes 49-58. Recommended only for experienced cyclists who understand the riding position and have the fitness needed for this style of biking.

Tandem bikes aren't available on this tour. Brand and model may vary depending on availability, and the minimum age for e-bike hire is 16.

When booking, let us know your height for bike sizing, and your head circumference if you'd like to hire a helmet. Bike hire includes a repair kit, helmet (though we recommend bringing your own), pannier bag (gravel bikes include a small frame and rear bag instead), handlebar bag, lock, lights, water bottle holder, and a battery charger for e-bikes. We'd also recommend bringing your own phone mount.