We noticed that you are based in the United States - click here to visit our USA website. US 

Loire River Cycle Path Orléans to Chinon

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.8 Read 12 reviews
  • Easy cycling along the Loire River
  • Explore the royal towns of Amboise and Blois
  • Visit the historic Châteaux of Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau
  • Riverside picnics with local cheeses and delicacies
  • Discover medieval Chinon, main wine area of the Loire Valley
Ride the easy going Loire River Cycle Path from Orléans to Chinon, spending each night in a different village or town. Peppered with fairy-tale castles and royal towns the Loire River is one of Europe’s finest stretches of river. From the historic stronghold of Orléans, enjoy riverside pedalling to the charming towns of Blois, Amboise, Tours and Chinon. Spend lazy afternoons, relaxing riverside with a picnic of local Loire goat’s cheese and delicious boulangerie bread. Cycle to the perfectly manicured gardens of Château Villandry and explore the ornate Château of Azay le Rideau. At Chinon, Loire’s town of wine, end your journey with a generous glass of Loire Cabernet Franc.

What To Expect

Riding a predominately flat, dedicated cycleway, follow the Loire River through royal towns and villages, discovering chateaux and famous regional cuisine. Stay in centrally located boutique B&B’s and hotels, picked for their traditional French hospitality.

Trip Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveller this holiday would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Accessible by Rail

Grade & Terrain

This cycling tour is graded easy with daily distances between 30 and 45 km each day. It 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 ideal for keen cyclists simply looking for laid back pace on flat terrain. The route follows a combination of dedicated cycle paths, quiet riverside roads and urban streets.

Navigation

You will be provided with detailed route notes and maps to help you find your way. Most of the time you will be cycling on quiet country roads and dedicated cycle paths. You will also cycle for short distances through busy urban environments. Please be mindful of all road users, adhering to local traffic laws at all times.

Accommodation Information

Each evening will be spent in boutique  B&B’s and 3* hotels. We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed below, but on occasion, especially during peak season, we do use alternate accommodation of equal or higher standard. Examples of accommodaiton are listed below.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party or are travelling as a solo cyclist single rooms are available subject to a supplementary payment. 

Meals

Breakfast is included each day at your hotel and usually consists of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats and granola. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking.  Lunches and dinners are not included. One of our favourite experiences of the Loire is to pick up local cheeses and boulangerie breads for a riverside picnic. As you will be staying the heart of each village or town, there are extensive cafes and restaurants to choose from in the evening. You will find a number of recommendations in your information pack.

Included
  • 7 Nights in B&B’s or 3* hotels
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • Baggage transfer
  • Detailed information pack, route notes and maps
  • GPX tracks and access to our GPS navigation app
  • 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
Excluded
  • Travel to Orléans / from Chinon
  • Bike hire (standard hybrid)
  • Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
  • Chateaux entrance fees (payable locally)
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel insurance (required)
Extras
  • Additional nights along the route
  • Bike hire (standard hybrid)

When To Go

This trip is available to start on any day from April to October and is subject to availability. Peak months in Loire are June, July and August so we would suggest contacting us as soon as your plans are finalised.

Getting to the Start

Air: Paris Orly and Paris Charles De Gaulle airports connect to all major European and worldwide cities. From Paris, it is possible to connect with Orléans via train (approx 1hr journey).

Tours Val de Loire is located in the heart of the Loire and is serviced by Ryanair from both the UK and European airports. Journey time from Tours is approx 30mins by airport bus, with onward train services connecting to Orléans (approx 1hr30mins).

Ferry: The French ports of St Malo and Le Havre are an approximate 4hr drive. The popular port of Calais is also a 4hr drive. Direct Ferries have details of route crossings and sailing times to the UK.

Getting from the End

Train: Onward travel to Tours is around 1hr journey time and regular services to Paris are between 1hr30mins and 2hrs30mins. For full details of timetables and costs can be accessed via The Trainline Europe.

Ferry: The closest ferry ports to Chinon are St Malo and Le Havre and are an approximate 3hrs 30mins drive. The popular port of Calais is a 5hr drive. Direct Ferries have details of route crossings and sailing times to the UK.

Baggage Transfer

Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20 kg). If you require excess baggage allowance do contact us prior to travel.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as good shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Trek 7.3 hybrid bikes are available for hire. All bikes are equipped with a pannier, trip computer and spare inner tube along with a pump.

Many people also choose to hire an e-bike. The added battery power provides assistance when required. For more information on how EBikes work click here.

If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know the height and frame size you currently ride. Alternatively we’re happy to answer any questions you have about the hire bike.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate hybrid or touring bike for this trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?
How far in advance do I need to book?
When is the best time of year?
How do the baggage transfers work?
What happens if I cant cycle a stage?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Orleans Day 2 Cycle to Beaugency 20 miles / 32 km Day 3 Cycle to Blois 22 miles / 35 km Day 4 Cycle to Amboise 26 miles / 42 km Day 5 Cycle to Tours 17 miles / 28 km Day 6 Azay le Rideau 20 miles / 32 km Day 7 Cycle to Chinon 27 miles / 44 km Day 8 Onward Travel

Blog Articles

You May Also Like

  • In Style
    Type In Style
    6 Days 5 Nights
    Cycle the Loire In Style
    Relaxing cycling in the Loire Valley by day then dine and stay in upscale châteaux hotels by night.
    Highlights
    • Pedal between the Loire’s famous châteaux
    • Riverside forest cycling between elegant towns
    • Spend each night in a stylish château hotel
    Grade
    Comfort
    From £1,595.00
  • Slower Adventures
    Type Slower Adventures
    7 Days 6 Nights
    Cycle the Châteaux of the Loire
    Discover the châteaux and palaces of the Loire Valley on this easy going cycling trip.
    Highlights
    • Relaxed cycling in the beautiful Loire Valley
    • Pedal between the region's iconic chateaux
    • Pause for delicious afternoon pastries and café
    Grade
    Comfort
    From £745.00
  • Slower Adventures
    Type Slower Adventures
    8 Days 7 Nights
    Cycling in Provence: The Luberon Valley
    Cycle classic Provence, exploring the Luberon’s seductive landscapes and ancient hilltop villages.
    Highlights
    • Cycle the rolling Provencal countryside
    • Lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards
    • Enjoy picnics of rustic bread, fig jam and cheese
    Grade
    Comfort
    From £1,080.00

The Macs Adventure Way

  • Tried & Tested Adventures Tried & Tested Adventures
  • Freedom Freedom
  • Book With Confidence Book With Confidence
  • Expertise Expertise
  • Positive Impact Positive Impact
Built with our knowledge and expertise, to suit you.
  • Knowledgeable and helpful friendly specialist adventure planners
  • Wide variety of trips to suit all interests and experience levels
  • Start on any date that suits you
  • Choose your ideal trip length and difficulty
  • Range of accommodation options
  • Choice of trip styles
Authentic adventure travel experiences on your own terms.
  • Choose your own travel companions
  • Walk, cycle and explore at your own pace
  • Make your own decisions
  • Choose your own path
  • Indulge your passions
Feel secure in making the right choice for your precious adventure time.
  • 18,000+ unbiased trip & service reviews
  • Feefo Platinum Award 2023
  • As featured in the Guardian, National Geographic Traveller, and more
  • Founder owned & operated since 2003
  • Passionate team members based in the US, the UK & Europe
  • 100% Financial Protection
You can be confident that every detail of your holiday has been expertly planned.
  • Meticulously planned adventures
  • Quality, hand-picked accommodation
  • Seamless and reliable arrangements
  • Comprehensive trip information & insider tips
  • Detailed maps, route notes and mobile GPS app
  • Helpful 24/7 support should you need it
Travel the right way, and make a positive impact.
  • Travel responsibly
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Support locally owned businesses
  • Engage with local communities
  • Minimise your impact
  • Maximise the benefit of your travel
  • Challenge yourself & grow
Currency:
£ - GBP - Pound
Country/Region name:
UKUK