Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise, Amboise
This 16th century manor house is in a large landscaped park with a pool, enclosed by ancient stone walls in the heart of the old town. The spacious rooms have original wood flooring, fireplaces and ancient paneling.
Base yourself in two spectacular locations in the “valley of the kings”. Enjoy the bustle of Amboise, a delightful town that was once home to the royal court, then ride through world-famous vineyards to troglodyte houses and breathtaking châteaux. In Azay-le-Rideau, you will have the opportunity to ride to the famous gardens of Villandry, explore the vineyards east of Chinon and cycle riverside dedicated cycling paths that make for peaceful and enchanting rides.
Loire Valley Amboise & Azay-le-Rideau Biking 8 Days
Amboise
Amboise, France
Day 1
Montpoupon
Montpoupon, Céré-la-Ronde, France
Day 2
Vouvray
Vouvray, France
Day 3
Montlouis
Montlouis-sur-Loire, France
Day 4
Azay-le-Rideay
Azay-le-Rideau, France
Day 5+6+8
Chinon
Chinon, France
Day 7
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Luggage transfers
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes and maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date between May 1 and October 31 |
|---|
Total Days
8 days / 7 nights with at least 6 days of cycling
Arrive/Depart
Amboise / Azay-le-Rideau
Activity Level
Easy with one day moderate
35-45 km daily and one day 70 km (ride from Amboise to Azay-le-Rideau)
Terrain
Mainly flat
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $2,850
Single Supplement: US $710
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,475
Single Supplement: US $870
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
E-Bikes: US $560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Additional information
| Destination | France |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Getting There
Amboise and Azay-le-Rideau are located approximately 250 km southwest of Paris. To reach Amboise you need to take a train to Amboise or to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps and a taxi to your accommodation. The trip from Paris takes less than two hours.
1
Day 1
Amboise
Arrive in Amboise, nestled at the foot of an escarpment crowned by the remains of a castle and hugging the bank of the Loire. Stroll through its picturesque streets. Perhaps visit the Manoir du Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last few years of his life. Our Area Manager will give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour.
2
Day 2
Chenonceaux & Montpoupon
Pedal to Chenonceaux and visit one of the most dramatic castles in France, seemingly floating as it stretches across the Cher River. Then head to Montpoupon, a medieval castle rebuilt into a Renaissance manor.
Ride Distance: 33 km, elevation gain 251 m or 64 km, gain 484 m.*
3
Day 3
Vouvray
Wind your way through the vineyards around Vouvray, famous for fruity, white wines made from the Chenin Blanc grape. Or bike to Chaumont-sur-Loire, the 11th-century castle of the Count of Blois, now restored and set among magnificent gardens.
Ride Distance: 48 km (Vouvray) or 38 km, elevation gain 140 m (Chaumont-sur-Loire).*
4
Day 4
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Pedal into the hills above the Loire, visit the charming town of Montlouis-sur-Loire and the 16th-century Château de Nitray. Or take a break from cycling and hop on the train to Tours. Browse chic boutiques and antique shops, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and have coffee in a Romanesque church that has been converted into a café.
Ride Distance: 44 km, elevation gain 243 m or 47 km, gain 260 m.*
5
Day 5
Azay-le-Rideau
Leaving Amboise, cycle west with a visit to a fascinating 14th-century château that belongs to the Princes of Broglie. Today, over 500 varieties of tomatoes are grown on the estate, making for a truly interesting visit. In Azay-le-Rideau, perhaps the most beautiful of all Loire Valley châteaux sits majestically on a tiny island in the middle of the Indre River.
Ride Distance: 64 km, elevation gain 220 m.*
6
Day 6
Azay-le-Rideau
Today, ride to Château de Villandry and its incomparable gardens, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Renaissance gardens include water features, flower and vegetable gardens that are as impressive as any in France. Ride along a dedicated cycling path that follows the Loire River, returning to Azay-le-Rideau on quiet roads.
Ride Distance: 47 km, elevation gain 235 m.*
7
Day 7
Chinon
Ride west towards Chinon to explore the vineyards or to Crissay-sur-Manse, one of ‘le plus beaux villages de France’. Have lunch here or in Saint-Epain, another beautiful village with lots to see and do.
Ride Distance: 34 km, elevation gain 80 m or 52 km, gain 146 m or 66 km, gain 230 m.*
8
Day 8
There’s time for a morning stroll before heading off on your next adventure.
Depart at your leisure from Azay-le-Rideau train station.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
A l'Ombre d'Azay, Azay-le-Rideau
Located in front of the Town Hall in the heart of Azay-le-Rideau, close to the castle and walking distance to shops and restaurants, this property was formerly a winery, with cellars from the 16th C.
Luxe
Le Relais d'Amboise, Amboise
This newly renovated 5-star hotel is in an elegant 18th-century residence, surrounded by terraced gardens, overlooking the Loire. Nestled below the ramparts of the great Château d'Amboise, the rooms boast wonderful views.
Hotel Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-Rideau
This hotel was once the town post office and is now the smartest hotel in Azay-le-Rideau, surrounded by one hundred year old plane trees. This boutique hotel has a lovely bar and restaurant on site and is just 150 meters from the castle.
Tour Reviews
“Everything was great. We loved the wonderful villages and countryside, seeing places we would never see otherwise. The Area Manager was just lovely.”
“I had a great time with my friends and the cycling was so much fun!”
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