Cycle the Loire Valley

7 Days | Delight in the charming French countryside and inspiring Chateaux on a Loire Valley cycling adventure.

4.8 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
Cycling
From
EUR €1,744
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The Loire Valley is renowned for its picturesque countryside, charming villages and impressive food and wine. Combine this with cycling, and you’ve got a perfect way to discover the region. Cycle alongside the serene Loire River, visit a selection of classic chateaux, marvel at the manicured gardens and far-reaching vineyards, indulge in local delicacies and enjoy a glass of wine on a Loire River small boat cruise. This small-group adventure through the Loire Valley on a seven-day active cycling journey through the countryside is sure to delight the senses and fulfil all your French fantasies.

Trip overview

Map of Cycle The Loire Valley including France
Start
Blois, France
Finish
Angers, France
Theme
Cycling
Destinations
France
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 14
Group size
Min 1 - Max 15
Trip code
AMXL
This trip generates 13.11 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Cycle along the Loire River, passing by classic quaint villages and the verdant countryside in the north west of France.
  • You haven’t seen chateaux until you’ve seen the ones in France. Marvel at the Chateau de Chenonceau, which spans the banks of the Cher River, and the acclaimed Chateau de Villandry, among others.
  • Discover the Loire's charm on a river cruise and toast the moment with a glass of exquisite local wine.
  • Consider the option of visiting a chateau turned museum, showcasing Leonardo da Vinci’s designs and how he spent his final years of life in the nearby town of Amboise.
  • Explore the vineyards of Vouvray, near Villandry, for an optional tasting, and discover why this region is known for its aged chenin blanc wines.
  • Complete your cycling journey in the township of Angers, with its history dating back centuries, and buildings to suit.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip covers quite some distance, with cycling for up to a maximum of 60 kilometres a day on varied terrain with a few hills. As well as obviously the ability to confidently ride a bike, in reality you only require a reasonable level of fitness to participate.
  • On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
  • There’s the possibility of a few hiccups along the way – a puncture here and there – but there’s no doubt this is an incredibly rewarding adventure.
  • You'll be spending your nights in hotels all the way, ranging from comfortable to basic level, but they'll always be authentic and a great opportunity to interact with the locals and fellow travellers.
  • The weather in this region can be varied depending on the season. Be prepared to get sweaty and for the occasional rainstorm, which may require a change of plans.
  • If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip.

Itinerary

Map of Cycle The Loire Valley including France

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Activities
  • Chateau de Chambord
  • Chateau de Chenonceau
  • Chateaux Villandry & Gardens
  • Loire River Small Boat Cruise
Add on activities
  • Chateau du Clos- entrance - EUR18
  • Chateau de Cheverny - EUR14
  • Chateau d'Usse - EUR14

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.
2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organize a suitable sized bike.
3. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
6. Due to frequent negative client feedback the start city of has changed from Tours to Bloise in 2023.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Carmen · Traveled September 2023
We enjoyed a wonderful cycling trip with a great team from Intrepid and a group of liked minded cyclists. Countryside was interesting and the Chateaux we visited beautiful in different aspects. A great holiday experience.
Review submitted 11 Oct 2023

Hannelore · Traveled September 2023
Loved this trip. Each day riding along the Loire offered stunning views and chateaux with an ideal mix of exercise and exploration. Our leader Safia and our driver/gear guru Dani were wonderfully kind, fun and helpful. Accommodations were clean and comfortable. Overall felt like a blissful week in a fairy tale. Thank you, Intrepid!
Review submitted 23 Oct 2023

Charles · Traveled September 2023
We have enjoyed two Intrepid bike tours, one in France, and one in Italy. The website trip information provided for each tour was accurate and the tour guides and support drivers were excellent. Both tours were well planned. The bikes were well maintained, the overnight accommodations were comfortable, and we enjoyed meeting and riding with people from other countries.
Review submitted 23 Sep 2023

John · Traveled September 2023
Cycling along the Loire River is a relaxing way to visit with decent stops for coffee and some very nice biscuits.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2023

Laura · Traveled August 2023
This trip has been on my bucket list for several years and met every expectation. It was a perfect combination of physical and intellectual stimulation. The chateaux and cathedrals we visited were well chosen for the diversity of experiences and importance in French history. The routes we cycled were varied and beautiful. Our guide and support driver were top notch, lovely people. I highly recommend! And we ate well along the way! A++
Review submitted 31 Aug 2023
Cycle the Loire Valley
From
EUR €1,744