How it Works
This is a single centre tour, with stylish, self-catering apartments in the stylish Hotel Marine de la Loire. 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 representatives, meaning all you need to do is turn up and relax.

Suggested Activities

Bike Ride 1 | Round trip to Saumur (21 miles / 35km)
A nice 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 (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 and birthplace of Richard the Lionheart. 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 (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 (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 (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 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 | 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 Valley
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 | 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
Montosreau 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 Itineraries
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.

			2 people sharing an apartment		4 people sharing an apartment
2024 Departure Dates	Nights	Board Basis	Tour Only Adult Price	Self-Drive Adult Price	Tour Only Adult Price	Self-Drive Adult Price
May - October	7	Self -Catering	£1375	£1465	£895	£985
May - October	5	Self - Catering	£1145	£1235	£745	£835
May - October	3	Self - Catering	£795	£885	£550	£640

Next Steps: Please contact one of our Activities Experts on 020 7471 7750  to discuss your specific requirements. We will tailor the holiday to your needs.

E-Bike supplement:  £20 per day 

Please note that the Marine de la Loire guest houses are set-up with 1 double bedroom and 2 single sofa beds in the living space.