Base in atmospheric Azay-le-Rideau, a pleasant village made famous by the picturesque castle that is a favourite in the Loire Valley. Ride through world-famous vineyards to troglodyte houses and breathtaking châteaux dining each night in local restaurants.
Location
Azay-le-Rideau
Azay-le-Rideau, France
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
3 nights lodging
All breakfasts
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
Start any date between May 1 and October 31
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
4 days / 3 nights
ARRIVE / DEPART
Azay-le-Rideau
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy: the day rides vary from 32 to 62 km (20 to 38 miles) depending on your level of accommodation and the routes you select.
TERRAIN
Mainly flat to moderately hilly
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $1125
Single Supplement: US $285
Luxe Accommodation: US $1,375
Single Supplement: US $345
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$240
E-Bikes: US$320
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.
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.
Getting There
Azay-le-Rideau is located approximately 260 km southwest of Paris. To reach Azay-le-Rideau from Paris you need to take a train with a connection in Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. The trip from Paris takes two hours.
1
Day 1
Arrive in Azay-le-Rideau. Stroll through this ancient town, and visit its castle. Perhaps the most beautiful of all Loire Valley chateaux, sitting majestically on a tiny island in the middle of the Indre River, the castle of Azay-le-Rideau is a must see. Our area manager will give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour.
Ride Distance: 21 km, elevation gain 170 m.*
2
Day 2
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: 38 km, elevation gain 230 m or 52 km, elevation gain 335 m or 65 km, elevation gain 500 m.*
3
Day 3
Ride west towards Chinon to explore the vineyards or to Crissay-sur-Manse, one of ‘les plus beaux villages en France’. Have lunch here or in Saint-Epain, another beautiful village with lots to see and do.
Ride Distance: 45 km, elevation gain 400 m or 72 km, elevation gain 440 m.*
4
Day 4
Take time for more cycling or another stroll through Azay-le-Rideau before departing for your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
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 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.
