The Loire is a magical region, world-famous for its marvellous châteaux, magnificent rivers and delicious wines.
Playground to the French and English royal families for over 1000 years, this is truly the heart of fairy-tale France - illustrated perfectly by the high number of spectacular castles on route. Like drawings in a children’s book, they have been carefully preserved for all to enjoy, complete with underground tunnels, moats and beautiful gardens.
Visit these fabulous once-royal homes and ancient riverside towns, pedal peacefully along the Loire à Vélo path amidst birdsong and the aroma of hollyhocks... and sample world famous wines as you weave your way through sun-baked vineyards.
We love
Warm breezes filled with the smell of roses and ripening melons, stopping on impulse for degustation (wine tasting) in tiny vineyards, the gardeners’ paradise at Villandry, and the spectacular Son et Lumière at the chateaux.
What's included
• Delightful 3-star and 4-star hotels
• Delicious restaurant meals each night
• Fully serviced touring bikes with panniers
• Daily route maps and cycling instructions
• Expert on the spot support
• Luggage transferred between your hotels
• E-Bikes available upon request
• 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL
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.
Our tours are tailor-made. So whether you'd like to add an extra night or stop in a particular town or hotel, our cycle experts will create an itinerary to suit you. Below is a suggestion of what your tour may look like.
DAY 1 | Arrive at Tours, Poitiers or Rennes
Your first hotel is in the beautiful medieval town of Chinon, set on the banks of the majestic Vienne River. Steeped in history, the town was once King Henry II’s preferred place of residence. You can still explore the impressive 12th century Plantagenet fortress, which was also home to Richard the Lionheart.
DAY 2 | Chinon to Montsoreau | Distance 13 miles (21km)
Today you will follow the Loire à Vélo cycle route which meanders along the river to the charming old riverside town of Montsoreau, often referred to as the ‘most beautiful village in France’. Along the way we recommend stopping at Fontevraud Abbey: a prison in Napoleon’s day, and now a historical site, music and exhibition venue.
DAY 3 | Montsoreau to Azay-le-Rideau | Distance 27 miles (45km)
Cycling along the banks of the Loire, you follow the excellent Loire a Velo cycle route, before branching off along the River Indre. After a short ride you’ll come to a beautiful medieval village; home to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, which sits on an island on the river. A lovely place to stay, with great cafés and restaurants to peruse too.
DAY 4 | Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon | Distance 21 miles (35km)
Your final day in the saddle will take you back to Chinon, via peaceful forest roads and picturesque vineyards. You'll be back in Chinon in time to pick up some souvenirs, wander the banks of the river, and enjoy a glass of finest local wine in the dappled sun.
DAY 5
One final al fresco breakfast before we say “au revoir”.
Not to be missed
DAY 1 | Arrive at Tours, Poitiers or Rennes
Your first hotel is in the beautiful medieval town of Chinon, set on the banks of the majestic Vienne River. Steeped in history, the town was once King Henry II’s preferred place of residence. You can still explore the impressive 12th century Plantagenet fortress, which was also home to Richard the Lionheart.
DAY 2 | Château du Rivau | Distance 17 miles (28km)
Once you’re ready to explore beyond Chinon, we suggest a round trip route following a former railway down to the Château du Rivau, a fairy-tale castle with beautiful gardens and botanical art and sculpture. It's also possible to extend this route further and ride down to the town of Richelieu, founded by its namesake, Cardinal Richelieu.
DAY 3 | Chinon to Montsoreau | Distance 13 miles (21km)
Today you will follow the Loire à Vélo cycle route which meanders along the river to the charming old riverside town of Montsoreau, often referred to as the ‘most beautiful village in France’. Along the way we recommend stopping at Fontevraud Abbey: a prison in Napoleon’s day, and now a historical site, music and exhibition venue.
DAY 4 | Saumur and Brézé | Distance 18 miles (30km)
Today we suggest a day trip to Saumur, a beautiful town with a typically imposing château overlooking the river. Explore its wondrous wine cellars, wander down medieval streets, and enjoy feeling spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to dine. Alternatively you could cycle to Château de Brézé, another fine example of a classic French castle in the heart of the wine land, complete with underground tunnels and wine presses still in use today.
DAY 5 | Montsoreau to Azay-le-Rideau | Distance 27 miles (45km)
Cycling along the Loire to the River Indre, you’ll come to a beautiful medieval village; home to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, built on an island on the river. A lovely place to stay, with great cafés and restaurants to peruse too.
DAY 6 | Château Villandry | Distance 16 miles (27km)
After relaxing in Azay le Rideau for a while, you might like to visit the amazing terraced gardens at the Renaissance Château Villandry. It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch.
DAY 7 | Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon | Distance 21 miles (35km)
Your final day in the saddle will take you back to Chinon, where you can pick up some souvenirs, wander the banks of the river, and enjoy a glass of finest local wine in the dappled sun.
DAY 8
One final al fresco breakfast before we say “au revoir”.
Not to be missed
Richard the Lionheart’s Fortress in Chinon
Amazing triple-terraced gardens at Château Villandry
Wonderful wines wherever you go
Note: These are the recommended hotel options for this tour. Our experts will tailor make your holiday, so please call to discuss your exact requirements and preferences.
Le Grand Monarque is a lovely 4-star hotel in Azay-le-Rideau. The architecture is classically French, with simple yet elegant touches throughout. A former coaching-inn of the 18th century, the hotel is filled with history.
Hôtel Diderot is a simple family run 17th century town house built around a very pretty flowered courtyard that is much enjoyed and appreciated by our cycling gardeners and a lovely place for breakfast. It has a traditional, old fashioned interior with great oak beams in many of the rooms. The delicious breakfast jams are all home-made.
La Marine de Loire is a 4* hotel with a bar and garden in the centre of the village. Delightful rooms with views of either the river or peaceful garden. This hotel also offers treatments in its excellent spa ‘CinqMondes’ (must be pre-booked before arrival). There is an Indoor heated spa pool and unlimited access to the spa is included for all of our guests.
The Hôtel Biencourt, chosen for its warm welcome and service, was originally the schoolhouse around its own private courtyard and tucked away in a pedestrianised street. Wonderfully quiet, the rooms have modern décor and organic bed linen from the fair-trade market. The Chateau d’Azay le Rideau is only 100 yards away.
| Available | Duration | Tour Only | Package
(Flights & Transfers Included) |
Self Drive
(Eurotunnel Included) |
Board Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Apr 2024 to 30th May 2024 | 7 Nights | £1,695pp | £2,035pp | £1,895pp | Half Board |
| 1st Jun 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 | 7 Nights | £1,715pp | £2,065pp | £1,925pp | Half Board |
| 1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 | 7 Nights | £1,695pp | £2,035pp | £1,895pp | Half Board |
| 1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 | 7 Nights | £1,715pp | £2,065pp | £1,925pp | Half Board |
| 1st Oct 2024 to 10th Oct 2024 | 7 Nights | £1,695pp | £2,035pp | £1,895pp | Half Board |
| 1st Apr 2024 to 30th May 2024 | 5 Nights | £1,345pp | £1,675pp | £1,515pp | Half Board |
| 1st Jun 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 | 5 Nights | £1,365pp | £1,715pp | £1,545pp | Half Board |
| 1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 | 5 Nights | £1,345pp | £1,675pp | £1,515pp | Half Board |
| 1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 | 5 Nights | £1,365pp | £1,715pp | £1,545pp | Half Board |
| 1st Oct 2024 to 10th Oct 2024 | 5 Nights | £1,345pp | £1,675pp | £1,515pp | Half Board |
| 1st Apr 2024 to 30th May 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,015pp | £1,365pp | £1,185pp | Half Board |
| 1st Jun 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,035pp | £1,395pp | £1,215pp | Half Board |
| 1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,015pp | £1,365pp | £1,185pp | Half Board |
| 1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,035pp | £1,395pp | £1,215pp | Half Board |
| 1st Oct 2024 to 10th Oct 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,015pp | £1,365pp | £1,185pp | Half Board |
Please contact our Activities Experts on 0207 471 7760 for child prices.
Single Supplement: £50 per night
Ebike supplement: £20 per day
Chateau Upgrade: Chateau de Marcay - £345 per person per night (Half Board)
This tour has set scheduled departures with specific start days. If you’d like to start your holiday on another date, enquire about our private departures†.
†private departure supplements are £75.
7 Nights - Saturday Departure
4 Nights - Sunday Departure
*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.
Chinon
Chinon
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The cycling routes wind their way through beautiful French countryside, much of it on well-maintained cycle ways and the rest on pretty quiet roads. Extraordinary chateaus, vineyards, and towns are all easy to visit en route, and the hotels we stayed in were comfy. Just a lovely holiday, and the kids really enjoyed it too.
We very much enjoyed this cycling holiday! You guys made it so easy!
From start to finish the itinerary and planning ran smoothly. Now booking our third Cycling for Softies holiday.
Great organization, fine gourmet dining, lovely routes!
It's difficult to choose a particular part as the variety was something we particularly enjoyed. Loved the combination of quiet villages and easy off-road tracks.
The restaurants were excellent, so nice not to have to search for somewhere to eat each evening
Hearing the cuckoo and toads at the chateau at Azay-le-Rideau, riding through the forests and hearing lots more cuckoos and seeing the beautiful flower-rich meadows. The food we had in all the restaurants was excellent.
The cycle routes were beautiful- lovely countryside almost all completely unspoilt, very quiet with little or no other traffic.