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.
Location
Tours
Tours, France
Starting Location
Amboise
Amboise, France
Day 2+3
Veigne
Veigné, France
Day 4+5
Chinon
Chinon, France
Day 6+7
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and map
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Start any date between May 1 and October 31
We recommend you to start your tour on a Wednesday to see the market held in Amboise every Friday. For Casual/B&B and Classic accommodation level, this tour cannot start on Saturdays or Sundays.
We recommend you to start your tour on a Wednesday to see the market held in Amboise every Friday. For Casual/B&B and Classic accommodation level, this tour cannot start on Saturdays or Sundays.
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights with 6 days of cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Tours / Azay-le-Rideau
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easygoing - Moderate
TERRAIN
3 days are mostly flat, 2 days are moderately rolling
COST
Casual Accommodation: US $2,160
Single Supplement: US $540
Classic Accommodation: US $2,625
Single Supplement: US $660
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,125
Single Supplement: US $780
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$325
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.
Getting There
For those arriving via Paris, most international flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport.
The easiest way to reach Tours is via a train from the Montparnasse station (trains take a little more than 1 hour).
The easiest way to reach the hotel in Tours is by taxi and these can be found on arrival outside the train station.
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 and 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 Chenanceaux where you can enjoy a visit of one of the most magnificent chateau in France. The history of the Château de Chenonceau is defined by a 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 chateau, this one owned by the Prince of Broglie. Chateau de la Bourdaisiere was built by Francois I for Marie Gaudin, one of his mistresses. Today, the chateau raison d’etre are tomato gardens and over 500 varieties can be found here. A tour of the rooms and property will reveal secrets of its colorful past. In Montbazon, accommodation options include the luxurious Domaine de la Tortiniere. If you sleep in one 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
Montbazon
Ride to the castle and gardens of Villandry, a Renaissance masterpiece that welcomes visitors. Purchased by Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo and his American heiress in 1906, they re-created the chateau’s original gardens. It is still in the Carvallo family today. Ride Distance: 38 km; 225 m or 52km; 225 m
6
Day 6
Azay-le-Rideau
Following one of the tributaries of the Loire, you’ll enjoy some of the best riding in the region to Azay-le-Rideau. Stop and view the chateau where Honoré de Balzac lived and wrote his many novels and or at a troglodite village. In Azay-le-Rideau, check into your hotel and then stroll over to the impressive chateau that is the ‘jewel of the Loire Valley’, beautifully situated on an island in the middle of the Indre River. This chateau has to be the most beautiful in Europe. The town has some excellent restaurants, and we’ll suggest our favourites for you to choose between.
Ride Distance: 30 km; 230 m gain or 50 km; 300 m gain*
7
Day 7
Azay-le-Rideau
Several options await today. If you haven’t visited the Chateau Azay-le-Rideau yet, you might wish to start the day there and then make your way on bikes to a delightful restaurant in Brehemont overlooking the Loire River. Or, should you wish a longer ride, we provide loop options to charming villages and diversions to wine taste, or sight-see. And if it’s a century ride you are keen to do, we have that too. Something for everyone on the menu today, and when you are ready for dinner, we have just the place to celebrate. Salut!
Ride Distance: 30 km; 260 m gain; 45 km; 370 m; 50 km; 390 m gain*
8
Day 8
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
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.
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
Simple rooms in a cozy B&B with an outdoor pool & a terrace, plus lush gardens.
Hotel Biencourt, Azay le Rideau
This charming hotel from the 16th century is just steps from the castle in the centre of historic Azay le Rideau. It is a modest, but utterly charming property with a friendly welcome.
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 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.
Hotel Biencourt, Azay le Rideau
This charming hotel from the 16th century is just steps from the castle in the centre of historic Azay le Rideau. It is a modest, but utterly charming property with a friendly welcome.
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 was superb!
Manoir des Minimes, Amboise
This authentic 18th century manor house was built on the foundation of an ancient medieval monastery with glorious views of the Château Royale d'Amboise and the Loire river. The spacious rooms are quite 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 hotel. The rooms still feature their exposed beams and tuffeau stone walls.
Trip Reviews
“Randonnee was easy to communicate with and helpful. The GPS was extremely helpful and there was a lot of good historical information. Our Area Manager was terrific – very helpful and patient, prompt and personable. The chateaux were beautiful in addition to the biking, gardens and wonderful food!”
“The info package sent prior to the trip with the water bottle was complete, as was the pre-trip information sent by email. Very helpful in planning and packing for the trip. Great job! We used many of the restaurants you suggested. And the routes were a nice mixture of backroads, cycle paths, etc. Very scenic and enjoyable.”
“The scenery on the back roads was wonderful. We were pleased that the luggage was always at the next destination with no issues.”
“The office staff was very pleasant and helpful customizing the tour. The area managers were excellent. A very pretty area to cycle.”
“Wow, wonderful sights at each place and along the way! I LOVED my bike- a women’s hybrid. Having always ridden a road bike, I was thrilled to discover I could actually be COMFORTABLE!”
“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.”
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