Hotel Ronsard, Tours
This hotel is a charming, small hotel in the historical center of Tours. Rooms have all been renovated with contemporary décor and AC.
Only 1 hour south of Paris lies a region that since the Renaissance has been a favorite of kings and the aristocracy; the Loire River valley is dotted with fine chateaux, vineyards, and some of the most beautiful (and gentle) cycling routes in France. This tour visits the most magnificent chateaux, the extraordinary gardens of Villandry, but also leaves time to explore the subtler aspects of a region that has much to offer.
Loire Valley Chateaux Biking 7 Days
Tours
Tours, France
Starting Location
Amboise
Amboise, France
Day 2+3
Veigne
Veigné, France
Day 4
Chinon
Chinon, France
Day 5+6
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 6 nights lodging
- 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 |
|---|
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
Total Days
7 days / 6 nights with 5 days of cycling
Arrive/Depart
Tours / Azay-le-Rideau
Activity Level
Easy-going /moderate
Terrain
3 days are mostly flat, 2 days are moderately rolling
Cost
Casual Accommodation: US $2,050
Single Supplement: US $510
Classic Accommodation: US $2,450
Single Supplement: US $610
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,050
Single Supplement: US $760
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US$420
E-Bikes: US$480
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
For those arriving via Paris, most international flights land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
The easiest way to reach Tours is by TGV high-speed train from the airport’s TGV station. Direct trains run to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, the TGV station serving Tours, and take just under 2 hours. If you plan to spend some time in Paris beforehand, you can depart from Gare Montparnasse, where direct trains to Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
1
Day 1
Arrive in Tours. Take some time to wander in the old town center, filled with 18th-century monuments, public gardens, and cafés…
2
Day 2
Amboise
Our Area Manager will meet you after breakfast, give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour. Starting from Tours, you’ll ride east along a quiet road winding through vineyards to Amboise, with its impressive castle and charming village. Leonardo da Vinci lived here and you have the opportunity to visit the museum in his former home. There are many excellent restaurants in Amboise and we’ll provide recommendations on our favourites.
Ride Distance: 36 km; 310 m gain or 75 km; 620 m gain*
3
Day 3
Amboise
You’ll cycle forested roads to Chenonceaux, where you can enjoy a visit to one of the most magnificent châteaux in France. The history of the Château de Chenonceau is defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored and saved it. The château in its current form was built between 1513 and 1517, by Thomas Bohier and his wife, Catherine Briçonnet. Finish the day with wine tasting or alternatively, a visit to a chocolate maker with a tempting degustation selection.
Ride Distance: 36 km; 300 m gain or 60 km; 300 m gain*
4
Day 4
Montbazon
The ride is quite beautiful with a morning stop at another château, this one owned by the Prince of Broglie. Château de la Bourdaisière was built by François I for Marie Gaudin, one of his mistresses. Today, the château raison d’être is tomato gardens and over 500 varieties can be found here. A tour of the rooms and property will reveal secrets of its colourful past. In Montbazon, the Luxe accommodation options include the luxurious Domaine de la Tortinière. If you sleep in a castle in your life, make it here!
Ride Distance: 42 km; 320 m gain. Add-on options of 46 km; 275 m, or 60 km; 465 m*
5
Day 5
Azay-le-Rideau
Following one of the tributaries of the Loire, you’ll enjoy some of the best riding in the region to the extraordinary gardens at Villandry. Built by Jean Le Breton, Minister of Finance for François I, the original feudal fortress was replaced with a Renaissance-style château and gardens. The property and gardens have been owned by the Carvallo family since 1906 and were designated a Monument Historique in 1934 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Azay-le-Rideau, check into your hotel and then stroll over to the impressive château that is the ‘jewel of the Loire Valley’, beautifully situated on an island in the middle of the Indre River. This château is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. The town has some excellent restaurants, and we’ll suggest our favourites for you to choose from.
Ride Distance: 40 km; 250 m gain OR 55 km; 250 m gain.*
6
Day 6
Azay-le-Rideau
Several options await today. If you haven’t visited the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau yet, you might wish to start the day there and then make your way by bike to a delightful restaurant in Bréhémont overlooking the Loire River. For those seeking a longer ride, we provide loop options to charming villages with opportunities for wine tasting, or sight-seeing. And if a century ride is on your agenda, we have that too. There’s something for everyone on the menu today. When you are ready for dinner, we’ll recommend the right place to celebrate. Salut!
Ride Distance: 30 km; 260 m gain; 45 km; 370 m; 50 km; 390 m gain*
7
Day 7
Departure at your leisure from Azay-le-Rideau train Station.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B
La Breche, Amboise
This warm and welcoming small hotel is a member of the Logis de France association. There is a familial atmosphere here and the building is historic. Welcoming to cyclists and a good restaurant on site.
Logis Lièvre d'Or, Montbazon
This property is a comfortable and cosy B&B with lush gardens. Friendly owners, a nice swimming pool and located just minutes from the fortress of Montbazon.
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.
Classic
Maison Jules, Tours
This charming property is more chambre d’hote than hotel. This quiet hotel is our favourite in Tours; the rooms are very large, the lounges are wonderful. The owner, Alexandra, is a bon vivant and a wonderful host. Breakfast is superb!
Le Clos d'Amboise, Amboise
This 16th century manor house, now a 4-star hotel 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.
Logis du Lièvre d'OR, Montbazon
This property is a comfortable and cosy B&B with lush gardens. Friendly owners, a nice swimming pool and located just minutes from the fortress of Montbazon.
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
Maison Jules, Tours
This charming property is more chambre d’hote than hotel. This quiet hotel is our favourite in Tours; the rooms are very large, the lounges are wonderful. The owner, Alexandra, is a bon vivant and a wonderful host. Breakfast is superb!
Relais d'Amboise, Amboise
Recently renovated, this authentic 18th-century manor house was built on the foundation of an ancient medieval monastery with glorious views of the Château Royal d'Amboise and the Loire River. The spacious rooms are both elegant and luxurious.
Domaine de la Tortiniere, Montbazon
This peaceful 19th century castle is in a fifteen acre park, overlooking the Indre River. The rooms in the Château and adjoining buildings are all decorated with rich fabrics and antique furniture. Member Relais du Silence.
Le Grand Monarque, Azay le Rideau
Located 150 metres from the irresistible charm of the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, this former 18th century coaching inn and its Directoire building have been turned into a charming 4-star hotel. The rooms feature exposed beams and tuffeau stone walls. Member: Chateaux & Hotels Collection
Tour Reviews
“This was the perfect tour for our family. The kids loved the castles, and we felt safe on the roads you chose, especially enjoyed the cycling paths along the Loire River. I think the kids favorite moment was the chocolate tasting you suggested in Amboise. I LOVED Domaine Tortiniere- thank you for suggesting the upgrade.”
“We were glad the accommodations allowed us to sightsee on foot easily.”
“We did enjoy the restaurant where we had dinner, the owner and his wife were fabulous… so was the food… Hotel in Tours was wonderful. Lovely room and owners were very nice and helpful, loved this hotel. We also loved the evening staff and accommodations in Amboise, could have stayed there longer.”
“We expected great and this is what we got. Would use your company again as the hotels and coordination were as expected.”
“The book you provided, giving commentary and advice, was highly appreciated and very well done. The route was well chosen: for the vas majority of time, we were on very minor roads with very little traffic. Indeed, on the road back from Chenonceau, we didn’t meet a single car in either direction for nearly an hour.”
“I just wanted to say thanks for a great trip, I have already recommended you to my friends. It was one of our best family trips ever. Our 14 years old daughter had a great time and was able to take things at her own pace. The routes were easy but fun, the tour was fun and interesting, the maps terrific.”
“The hotels you chose are amazing and the service impeccable. We thoroughly enjoyed each one. The food and service are outstanding! We loved our holiday and would definitely consider using Randonnee again.”
“The proprietors were all lovely, helpful people. Nice to meet. Tour was just right. If people are actually there for a athletic endeavor than they might want more. But for us, and our sightseeing and casual interests the pace and distances were just right. No hurry. No worry. We had an amazing time and was blessed with great weather and the energy that was necessary to keep on the move. The biking tours with Randonnee were the highlight of the trip and it would have be nice if we had done more days in both France (Loire Valley) and Italy (Tuscany). For sure the next time we will consider more biking. The countryside with the vineyards, sunflower fields and all the sites were picture worthy. It was a great experience. All the people we met along the way in the different hotels were exceptional and the hotels/B&B’s that Randonnee selected were very well chosen to provide the local flavor of the countries. I want to thank our Travel Advisor and your company Randonnee for your help and for planning a wonderful biking experiences for John and myself.”
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