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Your Cycling Holiday in Loire Valley

Single Centre | Chateau de Candes

Chateau de Candes is a delightfully quirky centre-base in the charming cobbled village of Candes-St-Martin. The sumptuous and stylish maisons, lofts and apartments are scattered around the grounds and within the immediate vicinity of the stunning main castle building.

Candes-St-Martin is on the list of ‘des plus beaux villages de France’, or the most beautiful villages of France. A short walk (or ride) along the river is the village of Montsoreau, an old river port from the medieval period, when the Loire was a major trade route. It’s château, setting of a famous Dumas novel, is the only one in the Loire valley built in the riverbed itself.

What's included

  • Delightful luxury apartments
  • Flexible safe catering board basis
  • Fully serviced touring bikes with panniers
  • A library of cycling and walking routes to choose from
  • Expert on the spot support
  • E-Bikes available upon request
  • Welcome pack upon arrival, including two bottles of local wine

What not to miss

 

  • The ancient abbey at Fontevraud, with its mix of historical and contemporary attractions.
  • Sampling the produce of the regions different wine appellations in one of the many local caves.
  • Paddling along the Vienne river between Chinon and Montsoreau in a canoe.

Canoe on the Vienne River

Located on the banks of the Vienne river near to your hotel in Chinon at Clan you have the option of hiring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board to continue your journey on the river as far as Montsoreau.*

*Subject to availability. Call our cycle experts today for prices and dates.

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Eco-friendly options available

Did you know that over 30% of our clients choose the greener option of travelling to their destination by train? This tour can be reached by train or car, so talk to tour Cycle Experts today to find out more about how you can make the more sustainable choice for your next cycling holiday.

Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Single Centre | Chateau de Candes

How it Works

This is a single centre tour, with stylish, self-catering accommodation. It’s a perfect choice for those who are looking for the freedom to run their own schedule on the ground. Cycle as much or as little as you like, take in a host of local attractions, or just spend a few days relaxing by the pool. You can prepare you own meals on some nights and try some nearby restaurants on others. The choice is yours. We provide you with bikes, suggested routes and activities and support from our local representative, meaning all you need to do is turn up and relax.

Suggested Activities

Bike Ride 1 | Round trip to Saumur | 21 miles (35km)
A lovely days cycling to the buzzing town of Saumur, home to a magnificent château, countless boutiques, bistros and bars and the famous ‘Cadre Noir’ equestrian school. The route follows the Loire a Vélo cycle route and passes by the troglodyte dwellings of Turquant.

Bike Ride 2 | Round trip to Chinon | Distance 25 miles (40km)
Head east along the Vienne river on a relaxing ride into the medieval town of Chinon, famed for its fortress, which was home to the Plantagenet family. Joan of Arc also played a prominent role in the towns story. Aside from its rich history, the local wine has an international reputation and there are plenty of places to sample it in the town.

Bike Ride 3 | Round trip to Fontevraud l’Abbaye | Distance 10 miles (17km)
A short ride up to the abbey at Fontevraud will take you to one of the region’s most famous tourist attractions. The beautiful buildings of the abbey complex now offer visitors an enthralling mix of museum pieces, art installations and interesting exhibitions. If you’d prefer to be outside, the gardens are a lovely setting for a leisurely stroll, with vibrant colours and scents of flowers, herbs and fruit trees.

Bike Ride 4 | Round trip to Château d’Ussé | Distance 31 miles (50km)
Famous as the inspiration for Charles Perrault’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’, Château d’Ussé is one of the most famous of the Loire châteaux. The route follows the excellent Loire a Vélo eastwards, passing through the peaceful town of Avoine and onwards to a lovely section of cycle path along the Loire. The approach to the château on a long straight road is the perfect place for some cycling action shots!

Bike Ride 5 | Round trip to EcoMusée du Veron | Distance 9 miles (15km)
Another shorter option which takes you to a local “Eco Museum”. Here you will find exhibits on the local area, with a focus on the environment and its wildlife. Also on site is a working farm where local youngsters are taught how to care for livestock. Take a walk around the farm and say hello to the cattle, goats and pigs.

Local Activity 1 | Canoeing
Canoeing from Saumur or Chinon. Canoe excursions are available in both Chinon and Saumur. You have the option of paddling up and down the Vienne from Chinon for an hour or two, or you can try a longer itinerary between two towns on either the Vienne or the Loire. A paddle between Chinon and Montsoreau is our favourite. Our local rep can help making arrangements for you on request.

Local Activity 2 | Caves
Le Saut Aux Loups, Turquant. The troglodyte town of Turquant is home to a system of caves where mushrooms are grown. Visitors can explore the vast caves and learn about the process of mushroom farming, before heading into the restaurant to taste some gourmet creations based on the produce.

Local Activity 3 | Wine tasting
The Loire is as famous for its wines as it is for its castles. In Montsoreau you are on the border of the Chinon and Saumur appellations. Chinon is famous for its light drinking reds, while Saumur prides itself on it sparkling wines. There are countless places to taste the local produce within a short cycle, so keep an eye out for signs offering ‘degustation’ and make sure you can still cycle home at the end!

Local Activity 4 | National Equestrian School
The Cadre Noir, Saumur. The national equestrian school of France, which was founded under the reign of Louis XV, is open to visitors for guided tours and spectacular shows. The centre is spread over 300 hectares of land, with 50km of bridleways to explore and is home to 400 horses.

Local Activity 5 | Tennis
Montsoreau has a small local tennis club on the riverside, opposite the tourist information office. We have some racquets and balls that you can use for free if you fancy a set or two, just ask your rep on arrival to arrange it. Court bookings can be made through the tourist office on Monday’s and the restaurant ‘le Petit Bar’ in the town square Tuesday to Sunday.

Local Activity 6 | Walking Tours
If you fancy a day of exploration with less pedalling involved, why not try one of the local signposted walking routes? There are options starting in Montsoreau, Turquant and Fontevraud of between 4km and 9km in length. Our local rep can provide you with information on the routes upon request.                

Top Tip:
Whilst all of our suggested activities are easily reached by bike, having a car available opens up an enormous range of additional things to see and do. As such, we think this holiday is perfect for self-drivers.

Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Single Centre | Chateau de Candes

  • Château de Candes, Candes St Martin

    4.5-star

    Chateau de Candes offers a collection of well-appointed self-catered maisons, lofts and apartments perched on the hillside above the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. The main castle buildings exude the same sort of grandeur as the famous Loire valley châteaux whilst the suites are a delightful blend of local tradition and sumptuous contemporary comfort. Guests have access to the outdoor pool, sauna and spa facilities. Chateau de Candes has extensive private grounds that can also be explored by our guests. 

  • The Aubigny Tower

    5-star (4 to 6 guests)

    The Tower, called the Tour D'Aubigny, the construction of which goes back to 1476, is the oldest part of the Chateau de Candes estate. It looks across the moat on one side and the Loire on the other. On the ground floor, at terrace level, a charming round lounge is used as a reception room. Two magnificent bedrooms of exceptional character are accessed via a spiral staircase. Suitable for two couples or families - an extra bed or cot can be added to either room. (There is no Self Catering option in the tower, but we can organise breakfasts)

  • Maison Trochet

    4-star (6 to 10 guests)

    This is a sumptuous two storey house located opposite the Chateau de Candes main entrance. Maison Trochet has a charming private garden and terrace. There are three bedrooms - two on the first floor and one on the ground floor. There is a large communal living room leading to an open plan kitchen.

  • Maison du Pressoir

    4-star (2 to 6 guests)

    Maison du Pressoir is a stunning gite in the heart of the Candes-St-Martin village. It's located very close to the main chateau buildings and is a short 100m walk from the private swimming pool and sauna. On the ground floor is a living / dining room and open plan kitchen. The beautifully appointed bedrooms are on the first floor and the maison has a charming private garden.

  • Le Loft

    4-star (2 to 6 guests)

    Large two story, two bedroom loft suite with kitchen on the grounds of Château de Candes. Le Loft has private access and a private 'petit' walled garden with BBQ and long-chairs. It has a large entrance hall, large living room with exposed beams and a designer gas fireplace. The bedrooms are ensuite - one with shower and one with bath. The beds are king size and can be set-up as double or twin rooms. Le Loft is beautifully decorated and exudes style, charm and comfort.

  • Loft Vignes

    4-star (1 to 4 guests)

    The 'Loft Vignes' is a stylish suite apartment situated on the 1st floor of a traditional village house. The sumptuous bedroom has a queen sized bed or on request can be equipped with twin beds. The sitting room area adapts to sleep 2 additional people (if required). There's a lovely shared garden space and easy access to the private heated swimming pool and suana/spa area.

Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Single Centre | Chateau de Candes

Chateau de Candes - Guide Prices

 Prices
  2 People Sharing 4 People Sharing
2024 Departure Dates Nights Board Basis  Tour Only Adult Price Self-Drive Adult Price Tour Only Adult Price Self-Drive Adult Price
May - September - October 7 Self-Catering  £1075  £1165 £795 £885
May - September - October  5 Self-Catering  £875 £965 £645 £735
April - May - June 3 Self-Catering £624 £714 £495 £585
June - July - August  7 Self-Catering £1345 £1435 £1035 £1125
June - July - August  5 Self-Catering £1075 £1165 £815 £905
June- July - August 3 Self-Catering £755 £845 £610 £700

Please note: All departures on this trip are tailor-made and the prices above are indicative. Please speak to our team on 020 7471 7760 for a personalized quote based on live availability.

E-Bike supplements: £20 per day

*Where tour pricing is displayed in your local currency, please note this is for indicative purposes and your final holiday will be confirmed and transacted at the time of booking with our team in Pound Sterling.

Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Single Centre | Chateau de Candes

Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Single Centre | Chateau de Candes

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