France by Bike: The Loire Valley 8-Days 7-Nights

Enjoy biking through the Loire Valley and see some of the most amazing senery from your seat as you cycle through the countryside. Enjoy country Inns and great food along the way.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations with private facilities
  • Daily breakfasts
  • 5 dinners (beverages not included)
  • Bicycles
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • Detailed route notes and maps
  • Local contact
  • Access to client only area
  • See Route Map Below

    Day 1: Amboise

    The journey begins in the town of Amboise. This medieval town is on the Loire River. Your bikes will be personally delivered to your hotel. Enjoy leisure time to see the Chateau and some of the sights such as some of Leonardo da Vinci’s earliest works in his nearby home. Dinner is included this day, so relax, get over jet-lag and prepare for a great ride in the morning.

    Day 2: Amboise

    Begin the day with a typical French breakfast and then the days ride begins. Travel along the Loire River for a full day ride of the area. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. Dinner is included this evening. Relax and enjoy!

    Day 3: Amboise to Chenonceau

    After a great breakfast ride south toward Chenonceau. This is a wonderful Chateau that dates back to the 16th century. Explore it as you ride through the gardens and countryside surrounding. Check into your hotel. Dinner is included this night.

    Day 4: Chenonceau to Loches

    Wake to the crisp French air as you ride after breakfast. Cycle through the rolling hills for a lunch picnic near the Chateau Montpoupon. Continue on to the old town of Loches. This is a unique town worthy of exploring all its little shops and lanes. Dinner is included. Relax and enjoy. Overnight in Loches.

    Day 5: Loches to Montbazon

    Wake, eat and ride! Early sightseeing of the Chateau de Loches from the 10th century and then continue to the town of Montbazon. The days ride will take you along the River Indre and through the small villages of the area. Check into your hotel, rest and enjoy the included dinner tonight.

    Day 6: Montbazon to Chinon

    Enjoy the taste of fresh bread, coffee and juice as you prepare for the ride today. You will cycle through the countryside toward Chinon. Along the way visit some of the unique villages and interesting sights. Arrive at the amazing Chateau Azay-le Rideau on the River Indre. This Chateau dates back to the early 15th century. The Chateau has been completely refurbished, so you will get a true understanding of its original grandeur. Arrive to Chinon in the afternoon, check into your hotel and relax. Dinner is on your own to find a quaint restaurant in the town at your leisure.  

    Day 7: Chinon

    Today cycle to the Abbey of Fontevraud which holds the graves of Henry II and Richard the Lion-Heart. Cycle through the sights and villages of the area. Return to Chinon for a relaxing evening. Dinner on your own.

    Day 8: Chinon (End of Tour)

    Wake, enjoy breakfast and remember the great tour you just completed. After breakfast the tour ends in Chinon. We can make arrangements for a rental car or transportation to your next destination.

    2009 Prices & Dates:

    Price: Double: $1930 per person Single: $2644
    Self Guided Dates: Daily departures April - October
    Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights
    Meeting Point: Amboise
    Ending Point: Chinon
    Terrain: Easy to moderate
    Daily Distances: 20-32 miles.
    Arrival/Departure Information: 2-3 hours by direct train from Paris. For Paris to Amboise - departure station in Paris is Austerlitz or Charles de Gaulle. Journey takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Train from Chinon arrives different stations depending on train chosen. Journey time ranges from 2 1/2 hours to 4 hours.
    Ask about our point to point rail tickets.
    Bicycle Equipment: Giant 21 Speed Bicycle with key lock, water bottle with holder, front mapholder, side bags, mud guards, and repair kit with spare tube, pump.
    Bike frames range from 50-58cm. Passengers can bring their own seats and pedals. Front lights, rear lights and toe clips are available upon request.
    Rating: Accommodations are in 2 or 3 star country inns.
    Recommended for independent travelers.

    • Final Payment is due 90 days prior to departure
    • $300 per person deposit is due upon confirmation.



    1=Amboise
    2=Chenonceau
    3=Loches
    4=Montbazon
    5=Chinon