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, yu 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.
Location
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
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Use of a high quality performance hybrid or road bike and accessories
Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
2019 & 2020
Start any date between May 1 and October 31.
Start any date between May 1 and October 31.
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
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 $1790
Single Supplement: US $520
Luxe Accommodation: US $2550
Single Supplement: US $635
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 before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
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
Chenenceau & Monpoupon
Pedal to Chenenceau, one of the most dramatic castles in France, a château that seems to float as it stretches across the Cher River. Then head to Monpoupon, 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. (48 km/30 mi) Or bike to Chaumont-sur-Loire, the 11th-century castle of the Counts 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
Pedal into the hills above the Loire, visit the charming town of Montlouis and the 16th-century chateau of Nitray. Or take a break from cycling and hop the train to Tours. Browse through chic boutiques and antique shops, visit the Musée des Beaux Arts, and have coffee at 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 most fascinating 14th chateau that belongs to the Princes of Broglie. Today, over 500 varieties of tomatoes are grown on the estate and it makes for a fascinating visit. In Azay-le-Rideau, perhaps the most beautiful of all Loire Valley chateaux 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 Chateau 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 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 en 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.
To depart from Azay-le-Rideau you’ll need to take a taxi to Tours (25 km away), from where you can depart by train for other destinations.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
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.
Hotel de Biencourt, Azay-le-Rideau
This 18th century property once housed a Napoleonic school and is located close to the castle on a quiet street in the center of Azay. With friendly owners and a charming setting, this is a simple, yet tasteful hotel that is popular with cyclists.
Luxe
Hotel Le Choiseul, Amboise
This luxury 4-star hotel is in an 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
This tour was pretty easy and beautiful. The routes Randonnée chooses are great – small quiet back roads. The self-guided tours are great, this was my second one. Amboise and Azay Le Rideau hotels were outstanding.
Everything was great. We loved the wonderful villages and countryside, seeing places we would never see otherwise. The Area Manager was just lovely.
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