You follow the well-marked route of 'La Loire à Vélo' on cycle paths and quiet roads along the last wild river in Europe. A self-guided cycling trip through nature: deserted beaches, immense sandbanks and dead river arms. It is the home of terns, grebes, ospreys, blue herons, beavers ... a world with exceptional fauna and flora. But it is not only nature that fascinates here. You will also arrive in an exceptionally valuable cultural-historical area, which is classified by UNESCO's World Heritage List as a 'living cultural landscape'.
You individually travel to Tours, the capital of the Touraine. Check-in at your hotel. The charming city of Tours is a perfect gateway to discover the region, known as 'the Garden of France'.
This beautiful short stage first takes you along the south bank of the dreamy Cher river to the picturesque village of Savonnières, known for its caves and underground lake. Not many kilometers later you reach your final destination Villandry. Visit the palatial castle of the same name with its world-famous gardens and refined interior which gives a good impression of the French 'art de vivre' in the 18th century. If you also want to visit the Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, then after this visit you still have a 13 km extra, including a few hills, to another final destination, Azay-le-Rideau, on the river Indre, a tributary of the Loire.
Challenge : 41.1 km, 336 m ascent, 339 m descent
Here the Indre ends in the Loire, and nature is almost unspoiled. It will be one of the most beautiful stages that you first take to the fairytale Château of Ussé. On the high river banks you have a beautiful view over the islands where different species of water birds live. Going more to the west, you arrive in the beautiful Candes-St-Martin, labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France, where the Vienne and Loire meet. You end in Montsoreau, also labeled one of the most beautiful villages.
Challenge : 49.7 km, 438 m ascent, 408 m descent
You are here in the Anjou region, known for its good wines and impressive troglodytes. A wonderful, short route with lots to see on the way. Choose the bike path close to the Loire or follow the higher, more strenuous route across the vineyards. Both end in the beautiful city of Saumur. Make an extensive city walk through this horse city, home to the prestigious equestrian school 'Cadre Noir', where the elite of French riders is trained. Enjoy in the old center of the beautiful houses with their chalk-white, tufa facades. Admire the proud castle and the other 54 classified monuments.
Challenge : 15.9 km, 230 m ascent, 238 m descent
Departure right along the south bank of the river. Admire the monuments of local white tufa, such as the church of Cunault and the St-Maur abbey. Once in Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire you have the choice whether you take the train to your final destination Angers or you will cycle 25 km extra to reach this city. You then follow the north bank of the Loire through a former swamp area that was drained in the Middle Ages. Later you will see tracks of the old slate quarries of Trélazé. Then, taking a small ferry, you cross the Authion river. Faraway your destination Angers, situated on both sides of the river Maine, attracts your attention.
Challenge : 58.5 km, 613 m ascent, 598 m 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 Angers. You can travel back to Tours (or different city) by train.
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 more comfort, when it's possible we can upgrade the hotels with 3/4 * category (supplement applied).
The bike rental includes the drop-off fee for the bike’s return
SCOTT Sub Cross Men/Lady Alloy Frame, 24 Speed
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
SCOTT E-Sub
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar 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 hotels
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 informations 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 Tours, see below. Also, possibility of arrival in Nantes Airport.
You can get to Tours by train (train station TGV). On the end of your trip you can take a train from Angers (train station TGV).
For timetables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
From Paris to Tours (approx. 2h30 - 240 km/150 mi) / From Angers to Paris (approx. 2h30 - 300 km/186 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.
55, rue Saint Jacques
24540 Monpazier
France
info@french-biketours.com
+33 (0) 5 53 73 08 61
Secure payment:
