Bike Tour: Loire Valley 'relaxed' - from Tours to Angers - 6 days

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.