Cycle the Loire In Style
- Easy cycling through the Loire Valley staying in exceptional chateau hotels
- Discover the elegant town of Amboise with it's half-timbered pretty architecture
- Cycle country and riverside trails, through vineyards and apple orchards
- Relax poolside at your superior accommodations and enjoy included gourmet dinners
- Clos du Luce, the summer house of kings and former residence of da Vinci
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Amboise and overnightThe royal town of Amboise can be easily reached by train from Paris (1hr 40min) or Tours (20 min). Château Amboise dominates the town, but we also recommend visiting Clos du Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s former residence. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the surrounds of your chateau accommodation.

A 13th century château set amidst peaceful gardens. Besides relaxing poolside the highlight of any stay here is dining in the Michelin starred restaurant.

Le Choiseul is a special castle-hotel with panoramic views over the Loire River. Rooms have a view over the gardens or the river and free Wi-Fi access.

Right next to the Royal Castle, this hotel is a sumptuous 17th century house converted into a 4-star character hotel. Everything which speaks of the house’s history and gives it its character has been conserved: the floor of the reception hall with its cabochon tiling, the staircase serving the upper floors, and the magnificent 18th century Versailles oak parquet in two salons.
Today’s route heads through the Amboise forest as you ride to Château de Chenonceau which gracefully spans the River Cher. Initially built for the royal military in the 16th century, the château has passed through several notable owners, including the chocolatier Menier. Before returning to Amboise, you may also like to explore the charming village of Chenonceau.
Ascent: 184m / Descent: 208m

A 13th century château set amidst peaceful gardens. Besides relaxing poolside the highlight of any stay here is dining in the Michelin starred restaurant.

Le Choiseul is a special castle-hotel with panoramic views over the Loire River. Rooms have a view over the gardens or the river and free Wi-Fi access.

Right next to the Royal Castle, this hotel is a sumptuous 17th century house converted into a 4-star character hotel. Everything which speaks of the house’s history and gives it its character has been conserved: the floor of the reception hall with its cabochon tiling, the staircase serving the upper floors, and the magnificent 18th century Versailles oak parquet in two salons.
Follow the Loire River east, passing through vineyards and apple orchards, local forests and farmland. Then, cross the River Cher and L’Indre pedalling through the centre of Montbazon with a recommended stop to visit its fortress en route. Onwards to Chateau d’Artigny, where an afternoon of rest and relaxation welcomes you in the gardens and by the pool.
Ascent: 122m / Descent: 100m

Nestled in 25 acres of gardens, this 12th century château offers luxury accommodation including a spa, pool and gastronomic restaurant.
A leisurely morning cycle along the River L’Indre as it gently winds northwest to the village of Azay le Rideau. Here you can visit the architectural jewel in the Loire’s crown, Château d'Azay le Rideau. Built on a small island in the 16th century, the intricate structure underwent ten years of restoration. You can also visit the beautiful historic town with its winding streets and striking heritage architecture. Not far from Azay is Chateau de Rochecotte. Please take advantage of its extensive tranquil gardens and heated pool on arrival.
Today it's also possible to visit the Royal Chateau of Langeais as you cycle very close to it. Divert slightly off your trail to visit this great site of the Loire which also has a park and gardens to explore.
Ascent: 126m / Descent: 156m

Located on the northern banks of the Loire River, Château de Rochecotte, there are numerous footpaths within the extensive grounds to explore the outstanding gardens which includes a 2000 year old Lebanon cedar tree.
Wind your way through the Loire countryside crossing rivers Loire and Vienne to pass through charming Montsoreau to reach Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud. Today has a bit of everything: vineyards, farmland, river crossings, sleepy villages and larger towns. Finish your trip in the village surrounding Fontevraud Royal Abbey, founded in 1101 - a truly unique overnight stop. Here you can stroll around the vast grounds once the daytime visitors have left and enjoy dinner in a restaurant nearby before a peaceful night's sleep.
Ascent: 90m / Descent: 72m

At almost 1000 years old overnighting in the abbey, and resting place of Elanor of Aquitaine, is a truly special experience! Once all the day-visitors have gone home enjoy a tranquil stroll around the abbey’s grounds soaking up the ancient atmosphere. Rooms are paired back yet elegant, in keeping with the hotel’s monastic heritage.
After an exquisite breakfast in the abbey, it's time to say your fond farewells to the Loire - for now!
Other Information
Is it for me?Explore the history of the Loire by day and in the evening enjoy staying in château hotels, selected for their gourmet dining, gardens and poolside relaxation. Graded easy, the daily distances range from 36-45 km on fairly flat, well-signposted cycle routes.
In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
This cycling tour is graded easy and 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 all road users at all times.
Each evening will be spent in a lovingly converted château hotel. All properties boast gardens, gourmet dining and a rich history of the Loire. We always try and accommodate you at the locations listed, but on occasion, especially during peak season, we may use alternate accommodation of a similar standard.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party or are travelling as a solo cyclist single rooms are available with a supplement.
Meals
Breakfast and dinner is included each day at your hotel apart from Fontevraud L’Hotel in Fontevraud l'Abbaye. Dinner is not included here, it's breakfast only.
A set menu dinner of gourmet cuisine is included for the dinners that are taken at your hotel. Dishes are locally sourced and are often feature a modern twist on French classics.
Please note that although you can start this tour on any day of the week, there may be nights when the hotel restaurants are closed. If this is the case, you will receive a discounted cost as dinner cannot be included. There are other restaurants either within walking distance of your hotel or a short taxi ride away. You can ask your hotel to help you with recommendations, and we have also included recommendations in your Information Pack.
Lunches are not included although a packed lunch may available from your hotel. If not, we suggest picking up a picnic from a local shop or stopping at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the way.
The route notes that accompany each itinerary give a step by step, turn by turn account of your route for continual points of reference, these are provided on our Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app along with maps and GPX tracks. Most of the time you will be cycling on quiet back roads and dedicated cyclepaths. However, in order to connect the various routes, you will cycle for short distances on busier urban roads. Please do be mindful of all road users at all times.
- 5 Nights in 4* and 5* châteaux hotels
- 5 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Baggage transfer
- Transfer Day 1 Tours Train Station to Amboise
- Information Pack
- Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to Tours / from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
- Bike hire (standard hybrid or upgrade to an e-bike)
- Lunches, drinks & snacks
- Entrance fees for chateaux (payable locally)
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights along the route
- Bike hire (standard hybrid)
- Upgrade to e-bike hire
This trip is available to start on any day of the week. However, there maybe certain days when the château restaurants are closed which means that the inclusion of dinner may not be possible. If this is the case your accommodation can assist with taxis into the villages for dinner and we will provide a refund for the cost of dinners that would normally have been included in the cost of your trip.
During the summer months it can get very warm. We therefore recommend using plenty of sunscreen and taking plenty of water on days like these.
Paris Orly and Paris Charles De Gaulle airports connect to all major European and worldwide cities. From Paris (Montparnasse Station) it is possible to travel to Tours by train (approximately 1H15). From here an included private transfer brings tou to your accommodation in Amboise.
For full details of timetables visit Trainline Europe.
From Fontevraud-l'Abbaye you can reach Port Boulet train station by taxi (not included). From here you can take a train to Paris (Montparnasse) with one chnage in Tours and the journey time is approximately 2H15.
For full details of timetables visit Trainline Europe.
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.
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. It's also possible to hire an e-bike for a little extra battery-powered assistance. Please note that E-bikes are not available for people 5ft or under (limit is 155 cm).
For more information on how e-bikes work click here. If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and the frame size you currently ride.
If you prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate hybrid or touring bike for this trip.
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.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This cycling tour is graded easy and distances vary from 40-45 km each day. It is perfectly suited to cyclists whom are venturing on their first cycling trip or perhaps haven’t ridden for a few years and are looking for a leisurly return to the saddle. Owing to the easy-going, flat terrain and limited road cycling this is also a superb trip for keen cyclists simply looking for laid back pace and plenty of time to discover the culture and history of the region. There is also the option of an e-bike if you require a little battery powered assistance.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the region is popular especially in the summer months.
Spring in the Loire offers pleasant warm days with plenty of flowers emerging in the chateaux gardens. Into the summer months (June-August), daytime temperatures are hotter and verdant river banks provide the perfect picnic spot. Into September the Loire embraces the wine harvest so you may come across a festival or two.
Baggage transfer as per your itinerary is 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). Simply leave your luggage with the hotel staff at reception or their bag storage room by 9 am each morning before leaving for your day's ride if moving onto a new accommdation that night.
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