Cycle the Loire Valley

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

4.7 out of 5 based on 28 reviews submitted.
Cycling
From
CHF  2,290
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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 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

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

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 cannot rent bike helmets so please bring your own bike helmet from home, or purchase one at one of local bike shops in Blois (which are open both Saturday and Sunday)."

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

4.7 out of 5 based on 28 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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Michelle · Traveled September 2024
Loved this trip. Loire Valley beautiful. Our fellow riders cheerful, enthusiastic and friendly. Trip leader Ali and driver Ivan could not have done more to make it a great trip.
Review submitted 15 Sep 2024

Gisselle · Traveled August 2024
It is not an inclusive trip. If you are a Black and/or Hispanic woman then I do not recommend you pay for this trip and if you have reconsider actually putting yourself in a biased and prejudice environment. I immediately communicated with Intrepid when I experienced an unsafe situation where I was being targeted and I got the runaround. It’s a marketing ploy not their standards
Review submitted 09 Sep 2024

Kristine · Traveled August 2024
Cycling in the Loire Valley is fantastic! Physical fitness is absolutely necessary to move for 30+ miles most days at a 12-15mph speed consistently for 2-3 hours (with breaks). Castles were beautiful and our small group of 5 was a great time! Highly recommend but ask 0 the e-bike!!
Review submitted 04 Sep 2024

Michelle · Traveled June 2024
Cycle the Loire Valley - stunning scenery, exercise, beautiful small towns, wildflowers, rivers, wine, cheese, fun, great guides, French food, gorgeous chateaus, lovely churches, coffee stops - you’ll love it.
Review submitted 06 Jul 2024

Mark · Traveled April 2024
Varied and pleasant trip. Guides adaptable depending on cycling confidence and stamina. Great choice of 3 chateau - other options too. Excellent restaurants at fair prices - with some non meat options.
Review submitted 27 Apr 2024
Cycle the Loire Valley
From
CHF  2,290