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.

Right next to the Royal Castle, it is a sumptuous 17th century house converted into a 4-star character hotel in 2003 and entirely refurbished in 2011. 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. The wood panelling, the mullioned windows, and all the fireplaces have been preserved, often with magnificent gilt-framed mirrors.
In the converted attic, a long corridor with exposed beams serves rooms where the roof trusses can be seen. In 2011, the owners installed a lift which stops at the main house’s two floors and at the basement which leads to the sauna. The stables converted into guest rooms have kept their exposed beams.

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

Experience an unforgettable stay at a manor converted into a luxury hotel in Amboise.
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: 201m

Right next to the Royal Castle, it is a sumptuous 17th century house converted into a 4-star character hotel in 2003 and entirely refurbished in 2011. 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. The wood panelling, the mullioned windows, and all the fireplaces have been preserved, often with magnificent gilt-framed mirrors.
In the converted attic, a long corridor with exposed beams serves rooms where the roof trusses can be seen. In 2011, the owners installed a lift which stops at the main house’s two floors and at the basement which leads to the sauna. The stables converted into guest rooms have kept their exposed beams.

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

Experience an unforgettable stay at a manor converted into a luxury hotel in Amboise.
Today's route features a beautiful blend of riverside cycling along the serene Loire River and scenic stretches through the picturesque vineyards of the Loire Valley, taking you from the historic town of Amboise to the lively city of Tours, known for its rich history and wine culture.
Ascent: 44m / Descent: 51m

Nestled in the heart of a 2.5-hectare green park with listed trees and an ornamental pond, Château Belmont Tours offers 65 rooms and suites divided between a tourist residence and the Château, a charming building dating from the 17th century.
Today's cycling route starts in Tours and heads towards Saint Patrice, passing through the charming town of Azay-le-Rideau with its famous Renaissance chateau. Along the way, you will also visit the impressive Royal Château of Langeais, a medieval fortress showcasing France's royal history. This scenic ride offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.
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.
Today, you will cycle from Saint Patrice to Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, passing through the scenic Loire Valley countryside. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful landscapes before reaching the historic Fontevraud Abbey, known for its royal necropolis and medieval charm.
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. The hotel even has its own brand of mattress, such is their dedication to allowing you to have the best night’s sleep. In the evening dine at in the restaurant run by Chef Thibaut Ruggeri (Bocuse d’Or, one Michelin star), whose philosophy focuses on a back to basics cuisine bearing the values of French excellence. In the morning enjoy breakfast with a beautiful courtyard view.
After an exquisite breakfast in the abbey, it's time to say your fond farewells to the Loire - for now!
This trip has a carbon score of 4kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 4kg is equivalent to 2.5 avocados. 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 about how we've carbon counted our trips.
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 40-45 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
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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
- 5 Dinners
- Baggage transfer
- Transfer Day 1 Tours Train Station to Amboise
- Access to maps, GPX tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure App
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Amboise / from Chinon
- Bike hire (standard hybrid or upgrade to an e-bike)
- Lunches, drinks & snacks
- Entrance fees for chateaux (payable locally)
- Personal equipment
- 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 change 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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