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Your Cycling Holiday in Loire Valley

Indulgence | The Loire in Luxury | Self Guided

Famed for its grand châteaux, leftover from its past as a preferred home for French royals and aristocrats, few other regions in the world exude the same sense of class as France’s Loire valley. Today the valley is one of the most popular cycling destinations in the world, thanks to an excellent network of cycle routes, easy terrain and endless list of sites to see. By staying in our three favourite château hotels, you will experience this decadence first hand and leave having cycled like a Softie and slept like royalty. 

What’s Included

  • Delightful 4-star and 5-star hotels
  • Bed & Breakfast accommodation with 4 evening meals (7 night itinerary)
  • Fully serviced touring bikes with panniers, water bottle and repair kit
  • Detailed route information through the Ride With GPS app
  • Expert on the spot support
  • Luggage transferred between your hotels
  • E-Bikes available upon request
  • 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL
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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

Indulgence | The Loire in Luxury | Self Guided

Day 1 | Arrive at Tours or Poitiers and head to your hotel in Rivau

Relax in the castle grounds and perhaps sample a glass or two of the local wines at the bar before dinner.

Day 2 | Rivau Round Trip: Chinon & Cravant-les-Coteaux | Distance 27 miles (43km)

The cycling starts today with an easy round trip ride into the nearby town of Chinon and it's surrounding vineyards. Set on the banks of the Vienne river, with an imposing medieval fortress overlooking the town, Chinon is one of our favourite spots in the Loire. Take your time to enjoy a long leisurely lunch in it's traditional town square and to learn about Joan of Arc and the Plantagenet royals in the excellent museum at the fortress. The route returns you to the hotel via a quaint hamlet surrounded by vineyards, with plenty of tasting opportunities!

Day 3 | Cycle Rivau to Fontevraud | Distance 28 miles (44km)

Today begins with a ride through peaceful countryside, back to the banks of the Vienne river, which you will follow to it's point of confluence with the Loire at Candes-St-Martin. Candes and it's twin village of Montsoreau are two examples of beautiful ancient river port towns which are now full of fantastic options for lunch, antique shops and wine caves. After exploring here, a short ride up to the ancient abbey at Fontevraud finishes the day. Check in to your hotel, freshen up and absorb the historical and artistic exhibitions on offer at the abbey.

Day 4 | Fontevraud Round Trip: Saumur & Turquant | Distance 25 miles (40km)

The recommended ride today continues westwards along the Loire, winding through troglodyte dwellings carved into the soft stone of the river valley and culminating in a visit to the spectacular town of Saumur. There is so much to do on the route today, from wine tasting, visiting the stunning castle or even exploring an underground mushroom farm! Expect great views of the Loire valley on this ride - one of our favourites in the area.

Day 5 | Cycle Fontevraud to Montbazon | Distance 45 miles (73km)

Descend from the abbey today and cross back over the Loire to head north-east on todays ride. Enjoy the peaceful country roads in the first half of the day, before picking up a lovely cycle path along the banks of the Loire on the way to the sleeping beauty castle of Chateau d'Usse. The route turns off the Loire and follows the Indre river a little further on, passing the spectacular chateau of Azay-le-Rideau along the way.

Day 6 | Montbazon Round Trip: Tours & Montlouis-sur-Loire | Distance 35 miles (57km)

A relaxing day at the hotel may be tempting today - but for those wanting to ride, we suggest a loop into the city of Tours and to the wine village of Montlouis-sur-Loire. The route into the city follows a signposted cycle route, keeping you away from the worst of the traffic and dropping you off right in the hear of the city on the grand Avenue de Grammont. After soaking up the sights and sounds of the city, continue along the Loire to Montlouis, where a visit to the community wine cave is recommended, before leaving the river for a ride back to the hotel through the countryside.

Day 7 | Cycle Montbazon to Rivau | Distance 41 miles (66km)

The last leg of the cycling today takes you back to where it all began for a final night in the grounds of Chateau du Rivau. The route will take you through the heartland of another local delicacy today - not wine, but cheese! Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine sits roughly halfway through the ride and is world famous for it's goats cheese. Much like the local vineyards, you will pass a few fromageries where you can taste a little bit and take some away for a picnic lunch.

Day 8 |  We say au revoir

Trip extensions are available upon request.

What Not to Miss

Living like royalty in our selected château hotels
The pristine gardens of Château de Villandry.
Sampling the wines of Saumur, Chinon and the cheese in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine.
The gothic architecture and interesting exhibitions at Fontevraud Abbey.

Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Indulgence | The Loire in Luxury | Self Guided

Day 1 | Arrive at Tours or Poitiers and head to your hotel in Rivau

Relax in the castle grounds and perhaps sample a glass or two of the local wines at the bar before dinner.

Day 2 | Rivau Round Trip: Chinon & Cravant-les-Coteaux | Distance 27 miles (43km)

The cycling starts today with an easy round trip ride into the nearby town of Chinon and it's surrounding vineyards. Set on the banks of the Vienne river, with an imposing medieval fortress overlooking the town, Chinon is one of our favourite spots in the Loire. Take your time to enjoy a long leisurely lunch in it's traditional town square and to learn about Joan of Arc and the Plantagenet royals in the excellent museum at the fortress. The route returns you to the hotel via a quaint hamlet surrounded by vineyards, with plenty of tasting opportunities!

Day 3 | Cycle Rivau to Fontevraud | Distance 28 miles (44km)

Today begins with a ride through peaceful countryside, back to the banks of the Vienne river, which you will follow to it's point of confluence with the Loire at Candes-St-Martin. Candes and it's twin village of Montsoreau are two examples of beautiful ancient river port towns which are now full of fantastic options for lunch, antique shops and wine caves. After exploring here, a short ride up to the ancient abbey at Fontevraud finishes the day. Check in to your hotel, freshen up and absorb the historical and artistic exhibitions on offer at the abbey.

Day 4 | Fontevraud Round Trip: Saumur & Turquant | Distance 25 miles (40km)

The recommended ride today continues westwards along the Loire, winding through troglodyte dwellings carved into the soft stone of the river valley and culminating in a visit to the spectacular town of Saumur. There is so much to do on the route today, from wine tasting, visiting the stunning castle or even exploring an underground mushroom farm! Expect great views of the Loire valley on this ride - one of our favourites in the area.

Day 5 | Cycle Fontevraud to Coteaux-sur-Loire | Distance 34 miles (55km)

Descend from the abbey today and cross back over the Loire to head north-east on todays ride. Enjoy the peaceful country roads in the first half of the day, before picking up a lovely cycle path along the banks of the Loire on the way to the sleeping beauty castle of Chateau d'Usse. A little further along the Loire lies Langeais, a lovely town for a lunch stop, before the final few miles to the hotel along the northern bank of the river.

Day 6 | Coteaux-sur-Loire Round Trip: Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau | Distance 36 miles (59km)

Today combines two of the areas most famous castles, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. Villandry comes up first and is famed the world over for it's immaculate gardens - a must see for any green-fingered cyclists. Azay-le-Rideau follows, where you'll find a gorgeous little town of cobbled streets, restaurants and a wine cave or two that is host to another impressive chateau - this time set in the waters of the river Indre. Take your time to explore this architectural wonder before returning to your own chateau hotel.

Day 7 | Cycle Coteaux-sur-Loire to Rivau | Distance 36km (59km)

The last leg of the cycling today takes you back to where it all began for a final night in the grounds of Chateau du Rivau. The route takes you on peaceful roads through the forest before bursting out of the trees and into the riverside vineyards of Cravant-les-Coteaux and l'Isle-Bouchard before a final few km's through the countryside.

Day 8 |  We say au revoir

Trip extensions are available upon request.

What Not to Miss

  • Living like royalty in our selected château hotels
  • The pristine gardens of Château de Villandry.
  • Sampling the wines of Saumur, Chinon and Bourgueil.
  • The gothic architecture and interesting exhibitions at Fontevraud Abbey.
Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Indulgence | The Loire in Luxury | Self Guided

  • Domaine de la Tortiniere

    This gorgeous Château hotel combines elegance and charm perfectly. The rooms feature contemporary designs, fit for a prince's comfort, as well as offering magnificent views of the valley below. The Château is steeped in history, like the rest of the Loire, which you can learn about whilst exploring the grounds. However, you'll find modern designs have created a fresh, unique atmosphere at the Domaine de la Tortiniere

  • Fontevraud l'Hotel

    4 Star

    A wonderful, modern 4 star hotel set in the grounds of the famous 12th century abbey. One of the finest hotels in the region and home to some excellent dining options.

  • Chateau du Rivau

    A small hotel set in the stunning Chateau du Rivau. The castle is open to the public in the day, with many visitors coming to explore the beautiful gardens, but once the doors close in the evening guests at the hotel have the place to themselves. Enjoy the food in the on site restaurant - consisting of lots of fresh ingredients from the gardens.

  • Château de Rochecotte

    4 star

    Perched on a hillside on the northern side of the Loire river and set within 24 hectares of gardens, Château de Rochecotte sits in a spectacular setting. The grand building is host to a range of classically elegant rooms, all of which are over 15m2 and air conditioned. The in-house dining is of a high standard and wine is served from the hotels own vineyards in the Bourgueil appellation.

Your Cycling Holidays in Loire Valley

Indulgence | The Loire in Luxury | Self Guided

Tour Dates & Prices

Please note, this tour runs scheduled departures on specific start days. If you’d like to begin your holiday on another date, please enquire about our private departures (supplement of £75).

7 Nights - Tuesday Departure
4 Nights - Friday Departure

Available Duration Tour Only Package
(Flights & Transfers Included)
Self Drive
(Eurotunnel Included)
Board Basis
1st Apr 2024 to 30th May 2024 7 Nights £1,985pp £2,295pp £2,160pp Standard | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Jun 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 7 Nights £2,015pp £2,325pp £2,190pp Standard | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 7 Nights £1,985pp £2,295pp £2,160pp Standard | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 7 Nights £2,015pp £2,325pp £2,190pp Standard | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Oct 2024 to 10th Oct 2024 7 Nights £1,985pp £2,295pp £2,160pp Standard | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Apr 2024 to 30th May 2024 7 Nights £1,985pp £2,295pp £2,160pp Extended | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Jun 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 7 Nights £2,015pp £2,325pp £2,190pp Extended | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 7 Nights £1,985pp £2,295pp £2,160pp Extended | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 7 Nights £2,015pp £2,325pp £2,190pp Extended | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Oct 2024 to 10th Oct 2024 7 Nights £1,985pp £2,295pp £2,160pp Extended | Bed & Breakfast with 4 dinners
1st Apr 2024 to 30th May 2024 4 Nights £1,325pp £1,635pp £1,495pp Standard | Half Board
1st Jun 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 4 Nights £1,365pp £1,675pp £1,525pp Standard | Half Board
1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 4 Nights £1,325pp £1,635pp £1,495pp Standard | Half Board
1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 4 Nights £1,365pp £1,675pp £1,525pp Standard | Half Board
1st Oct 2024 to 10th Oct 2024 4 Nights £1,325pp £1,635pp £1,495pp Standard | Half Board
1st Apr 2024 to 30th May 2024 4 Nights £1,325pp £1,635pp £1,495pp Extended | Half Board
1st Jun 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 4 Nights £1,365pp £1,675pp £1,525pp Extended | Half Board
1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 4 Nights £1,325pp £1,635pp £1,495pp Extended | Half Board
1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 4 Nights £1,365pp £1,675pp £1,525pp Extended | Half Board
1st Oct 2024 to 10th Oct 2024 4 Nights £1,325pp £1,635pp £1,495pp Extended | Half Board

*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

Indulgence | The Loire in Luxury | Self Guided

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