info@french-biketours.com
Spend your holidays in France on a bike and cycle at your own pace along the Loire; the former highway between the Atlantic and the heart of France. Explore its valley once the ‘playground of kings’ with its impressive châteaux like Amboise, Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois… Pedal at a relaxed pace and discover also the lesser-known gems while you crisscross the ‘garden of France’.
The route descriptions we have made for this trip will be supplied via a travel app, for “GPS” navigation with visual/audio guidance (reading of the track on your smartphone). When you book this self-guided cycling holiday, we will send you explanations on how to use this app and send you an access code. The app contains routes and practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no internet connection is necessary. You can then easily follow the routes we have prepared for you via your phone.
APP
The route descriptions we have made for this trip will be supplied via a travel app, for “GPS” navigation with visual/audio guidance (reading of the track on your smartphone).
You individually travel to Blois. If there's some time left take a walk around the town which is known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere. Also worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings, and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and 17th century.
From Blois you follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Cycle back along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire. High on the bank is the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire surrounded by beautiful gardens. You are in the historic region Touraine. Visit a wine grower and taste a local ‘sauvignon blanc´. Enjoy the grandeur of the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. There are some short climbs on the way.
Challenge: 42.2km, 341m ascent, 345m descent
Via Montlouis sur Loire to the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, which was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médici. End in the charming Chenonceaux, settled on the banks of the Cher river. There are two cycle routes to choose from: one is direct while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Loire and Cher River valleys with options to visit chateaux and villages en route.
Challenge: 40.6km, 319m ascent, 322m descent
You leave behind the Cher Valley and enter the Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th Century architecture. Your night’s accommodation is at a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden.
Challenge: 40.6km, 361m ascent, 338m descent
During this last stage of the cycle, you have the opportunity to discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francois the 1st. We return to Blois with its hilly streets surrounding the Blois castle. They are a perfect fairy tale ending to a memorable bike ride.
Challenge: 50km, 397m ascent, 414m descent
End of your trip after breakfast. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful city of Blois.
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included.
For this trip you can choose between Comfort and Comfort +. The accommodations for a Comfort+ trip, will be in 3*/4 * hotels wherever possible (supplement applied).
The bike rental includes the drop-off fee for the bike’s return
Seattle, 21 Speed
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
Organ'E-Central XS
The bikes come with pannier, handebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
5 Nights included
2/3 Star Hotels or 3/4 Star Hotels (supplement applied)
Tourist tax included
Breakfast included, Halfboard optional on request
Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest
24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline
Luggage transport to your next accommodations. Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (20 kg maximum)
For time tables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
We strongly advise you to download the sncf mobile app prior to departure.
If you want to travel on a train with your bike, you can find more information via this link.
Parking information on request
We will supply the directions of this trip with a personalized code which gives you access to our travel App.
The international Paris airports Charles de Gaulle in the North and Orly in the South are served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines.They are connected with Paris by metro and bus services. From Paris you can take a train to Blois, see below.
You can get/leave Blois by train (approx. 1h30 from Paris).
For timetables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
From Paris to Blois (approx. 2h - 185 km/115 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.
Great experience! Lovely hotels and all so well organised. Great to not have to worry about luggage too. Highly recommend!
55, rue Saint Jacques
24540 Monpazier
France
info@french-biketours.com
+33 (0) 5 53 73 08 61
Secure payment:
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Youtube