Cycle the Châteaux of the Loire
- Easy going cycling through the UNESCO Loire Valley
- Visit the châteaux of Chenoceau and Chambord
- Explore the royal towns of Amboise and Blois
- Afternoon café au lâit and tarte tatin
- Relax in the gardens of Château Villandry
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive BloisYour cycling adventure begins in the charming town of Blois. Towering up on the north banks of the Loire, Château Blois dominates the skyline, and its ancient streets are a delightful introduction to Loire’s rich history. Blois has excellent train connections with Paris (approx 1hr) and Tours (approx 30mins).
A comfortable hotel close to the river and old town of Blois. Tucked away from the bustle of Blois, this hotel also boasts a restaurant serving home cooked food and is only a few minutes ride from the Loire River Cycle Path.
The Hotel Anne de Bretagne is a charming accommodation in the heart of the historic centre and located only a few steps from the Royal Château of Blois. You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this lovely property. The rooms are elegant and come complete with all one would expect for a most comfortable stay. To rest and rejuvante in advance of your cycling adventure you may wish to enjoy a glass of wine at the bar or simply relax in the cosy lounge, It is important to note that in keeping with the historic ambiance of the property there is no elevator or air conditioning.
Offering inner courtyard views, la Forge du Roy is an accommodation located in Blois, 300 metres from Blois Castle and 700 metres from Blois Train Station.
Featuring garden and city views, this guest house also offers free WiFi.
At the guest house, each unit has a desk. Some rooms includes a terrace and a cable TV, as well as seating area. Every Bedrooms includes a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries.
There is a coffee shop and bar.
East of Blois Chambord sits Loire’s widest castle at Chambord. An easy ride via cycle paths and woodlands arrives at the ornate Royal Château. Constructed by King Francis I, the château never reached completion but remains a distinct icon of the Loire, owing to its Renaissance architecture. Returning to Blois is a leisurely afternoon cycling along the Loire River path.
Approximate Ascent: 93m / Descent: 83m
A comfortable hotel close to the river and old town of Blois. Tucked away from the bustle of Blois, this hotel also boasts a restaurant serving home cooked food and is only a few minutes ride from the Loire River Cycle Path.
Offering inner courtyard views, la Forge du Roy is an accommodation located in Blois, 300 metres from Blois Castle and 700 metres from Blois Train Station.
Featuring garden and city views, this guest house also offers free WiFi.
At the guest house, each unit has a desk. Some rooms includes a terrace and a cable TV, as well as seating area. Every Bedrooms includes a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries.
There is a coffee shop and bar.
The Hotel Anne de Bretagne is a charming accommodation in the heart of the historic centre and located only a few steps from the Royal Château of Blois. You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this lovely property. The rooms are elegant and come complete with all one would expect for a most comfortable stay. To rest and rejuvante in advance of your cycling adventure you may wish to enjoy a glass of wine at the bar or simply relax in the cosy lounge, It is important to note that in keeping with the historic ambiance of the property there is no elevator or air conditioning.
A gentle morning of riverside cycling leads to the elegant town of Amboise. Beyond the regal history, you can also visit Clos du Luce, former residence and eventual resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. Later in the afternoon, relax at one of the many cafés or chocolatiers.
Approximate Ascent: 192m / Descent: 204m
A parkside manor with relaxing gardens and pool, Manoir du Parc is only 10 minute walk from the Royal Chateau of Amboise. An easy evening stroll from the old town, traditionally furnished provide a good nights sleep.
Maison Hulotte is a Tuffeau stone mansion in the historic center of Amboise. It was completely renovated in 2021, with attention to detail, in a “French Family House” spirit. Large common areas are available to guests (dining room, living room, pottery studio with relaxation area and enclosed garden).
Today’s route heads through the Amboise forest as you ride to Château Chenonceau. 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.
Approximate Ascent: 160m / Descent: 159m
A parkside manor with relaxing gardens and pool, Manoir du Parc is only 10 minute walk from the Royal Chateau of Amboise. An easy evening stroll from the old town, traditionally furnished provide a good nights sleep.
Experience an unforgettable stay at a manor converted into a luxury hotel in Amboise.
Cycling west to Azay le Rideau, you’ll cross the Rivers Cher and L’Indre before reaching Montbazon - perfect for a typical long French lunch. Further upstream, you’ll reach Azay le Rideau and its ostentatious 16th-century riverside château. The chateau is only a few minutes walk from your accommodation which means there is plenty of time to visit today or tomorrow.
Approximate Ascent: 165m / Descent: 195m
With a few metre of the elegant Chateau Azay le Rideau, this 16th century property was formerly a school and real tennis courts. Only a stone’s throw from relaxing cafes, you’re never far from relaxing refreshment.
Centrally located this 18th century property provides easy access to the chateau of Azay le Rideau and the inviting pavement cafes and bars peppered around the town square.
Not far from Azay are the stunning and extensive gardens of 17th-century Château Villandry. A property of military history, the Château was the family home of France’s Controller-General of War. Post-revolution, it was later acquired by Emperor Napoleon for his brother Jérome Bonaparte. The return journey heads back along the Loire River. If you prefer a day off the bike, enjoy a relaxed day exploring Azay.
Approximate Ascent: 146m / Descent: 145m
With a few metre of the elegant Chateau Azay le Rideau, this 16th century property was formerly a school and real tennis courts. Only a stone’s throw from relaxing cafes, you’re never far from relaxing refreshment.
Centrally located this 18th century property provides easy access to the chateau of Azay le Rideau and the inviting pavement cafes and bars peppered around the town square.
Only 2km from the centre, Azay train station has connections through to Tours, Saumur and Paris (1hr-3hr). If you prefer, it is possible to extend this trip, cycling via the Sleeping Beauty Castle of Usses, finishing at Chinon, famed for its cabernet franc wine and medieval streets.
This trip has a carbon score of 5kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 5kg is equivalent to 1 Neapolitan margherita pizza. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Cycling between 45km-60km on predominately flat terrain this trip is graded easy to moderate and follows a network of cycle paths and country lanes. Designed with the leisurely cyclist in mind, you will enjoy two nights in each town so there is ample time to explore the sights and relax in the gardens of your family run accommodation.
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.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 5 Years
This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate with daily distances between 35 and 55km 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 well suited for keen cyclists looking for laid back pace on flat terrain. The route follows a combination of dedicated cycle paths, quiet riverside roads and urban roads so please be mindful other road users at all times.
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 use an alternate accommodation of equal or higher standard. Examples of accommodation 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.
The route notes that accompany each itinerary give a step by step, turn by turn account of your route to give you continual points of reference. 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 distance on busier urban roads. Please do be mindful of all road users at all times.
- 6 Nights in boutique B&Bs or 3* hotels
- 6 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Detailed maps, route notes & information pack
- 24/7 telephone support
- Travel to Blois / from Azay le Rideau
- Lunches
- Drinks and snacks
- Bike hire/helmet
- Entrance fee or gratuities
- Personal equipment and expenditure
- Travel insurance
- Bike Hire
- EBike Hire
This trip is available to start on any day from May 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.
Summer can be very hot; always carry a good sunhat and sunscreen. If temperatures are extremely hot, you may wish to consider getting an early start each day to beat the mid-day heat.
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 Blois 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 Blois (approx 1hr).
Ferry: The French ports of St Malo and Le Havre are an approximate 4hr drive. The popular port of Calais is also 4hr drive. Direct Ferries have details of route crossings and sailing times to the UK.
Train: Onward travel to Tours is around 1-2hr journey time and from here regular services to Paris are between 1hr30mins and 2hrs30mins. For full details of timetables and costs visit The Trainline Europe.
Ferry: The closest ferry ports to Azay le Rideau 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 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.
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.
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 EBike. 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 your 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.
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.
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