Cycling
Castles in the Loire Valley
- FR003 / France
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- 8 days
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- linear from Orléans to Saumur
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
A bike trip to the cradle of the French Renaissance: the Loire Valley. Also known as the "garden of France," here art coexists in harmony with nature.
Proud, noble, and overflowing with wonders, this land looks forward to welcoming you with its marvelous castles and sumptuous historic mansions, which dot the expanses of vineyards and the green landscape. Bon voyage!
- The charm of cycling through a land of more than 300 beautiful castles
- The delicious local cuisine: Sandre au beurre blanc, fromage, vin blanc et...tarte Tatin!
- The châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau, with their enchanting gardens
What awaits you
A week of cycling of medium difficulty with daily stages of about 50 kilometers. The routes are not particularly challenging, apart from some hilly sections that require good physical fitness. You'll ride mostly on bike paths, low-traffic paved roads, and short sections of dirt road.
Accommodation
The hotels on this tour have been carefully selected for you. The lodgings are easily accessible and located near major points of interest. Breakfast is always included.
1. Arrival in Orléans, the city of Joan of Arc
Individual arrival in Orléans, a charming city on the banks of the Loire River. After your arrival, we recommend exploring the city’s charming old town, strolling among the typical half-timbered houses and admiring the most important monuments, such as the Holy Cross Cathedral.
2. First ride along the Loire to Beaugency / St. Dyé
You’ll start pedaling along the southern bank of the Loire, riding along stretches of bike path and low-traffic roads. You can visit the Cathedral of Clery St. Andrè on your way to the village Meung-sur-Loire. Then continue to the castle in the medieval town of Beaugency, known for its original attic with an “inverted boat” roof. If you sleep in Beaugency, the total length is 25 km.
Otherwise keep pedaling, enjoying a water-rich landscape and rustic atmosphere, to the charming little town of St. Dyé, an ancient river port.
Shorten the stage If your overnight stay is in Beaugency, you can shorten the stage by taking a TER train directly from Orléans to Beaugency.
If the overnight stay is in St. Dyé, you can shorten the stage with a TER train from Orléans to Beaugency or Mer.
3. From the forest of Boulogne to the magical town of Blois
Today’s ride starts from the huge park surrounding Chambord Castle with its 380 chimneys, and continues along the edge of the forest of Boulogne. The day’s destination is the charming town of Blois, which you will reach via a splendid stone bridge over the Loire. When you arrive in the city you can visit the eponymous castle and explore the streets of the old town and Saint Louis Cathedral with its characteristic spires.
If you slept in Beaugency, the total length of this stage is 60 km.
Shorten the stage If you start the stage from Beaugency, you can shorten the stage with a TER train from Beaugency to Mer. If you start from St. Dyé, you can take a TER train from Mer to Blois.
4. Toward Amboise and the home of Leonardo da Vinci
In the morning, you’ll leave the city of Blois, pedaling alongside the forest to the village of Onzain and the charming Château de Chaumont, where Catherine de Medici used to receive many astrologers, including the famous Nostradamus. From here, continue along the left bank of the river to Amboise, where you can visit the castle of the same name, which houses the relics of Leonardo Da Vinci, and his house, where he spent the last three years of his life.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage with a TER train from Blois to Onzain, or from Onzain to Amboise.
5. Route to Tours, along the bends of the Cher River
Riding through the forest of Amboise, today you reach the royal residence of Chenonceau, known as the castle of the “three ladies of the court,” whose gardens decorate one of the bends of the Cher River. Follow the waterway and after a stop at the castle of Nitray, with its incredible wine cellars, reach the delightful town of Tours, whose inhabitants speak the most correct French in all of France. A shorter version (30 km) is also available, but it does not pass through Chenonceau.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage with a TER train from Chenonceaux to Tours Centre.
6. From the enchanting gardens of Villandry castle to Chinon and its vineyards
In the morning, you’ll ride to Villandry Castle, famous for its gardens on three different levels. Continue cycling to the beautiful town of Langeais, an ideal location for a break and a leisurely stroll. Then continue to Ussé, a town known for the Sleeping Beauty castle. On the last stretch of the route, you are surrounded by airy countryside until you reach the elegant center of Chinon, where it will be easy to enjoy a good glass of wine.
Shorten the stage You can take a TER train from Tours Centre to Langeais. If you choose the variant to Azay Le Rideau Castle, you can shorten the stage with a TER train from Tours Centre to Azay Le Rideau or from Azay Le Rideau to Chinon.
7. Riding to sparkling Saumur
Leaving Chinon and its fortress, continue to Savigny en Vèron, pedaling to the beautiful village of Candes Saint Martin, where the waters of the Loire and Vienne rivers converge. From here the road is almost all downhill, and after admiring Montsoreau Castle and Fontevraud Abbey, you arrive in the picturesque town of Saumur, known as the Pearl of the Anjou, the final stop on your tour.
8. Saumur, end of tour
Your tour ends after breakfast. Before saying goodbye to Saumur, also known as the “white city,” we recommend that you explore its interesting museums, such as the one dedicated to the French cavalry.
- 2*/3* hotels
- En-suite falicities
- In some hotels air conditioning is not guaranteed
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
- 3*/4* hotels
- En-suite falicities
- In some hotels air conditioning is not guaranteed
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Tourist taxes
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel every day starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
For the luggage transportation we accept only 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg.
The service is not included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Before your departure, you will receive detailed guidance on allowable baggage, luggage labels, service hours.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the luggage labels.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
- Entrance tickets to castles
- Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
The helmet is mandatory until age 12. We recommend wearing it at all times and bringing your own.
You can also cycle with your own bike, just make sure that all parts are functioning properly.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Orléans and Tours before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Transfer
From Saumur to Orléans (available only on Saturday) - Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 270 km
- Shorter version total length: 235 km
- Terrain: 80% paved, 20% unpaved
- Train connections between tour cities: every day
- Possibility of shortening train stages: day 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
How to get there
Orléans is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Orléans is connected with the following airports: Tours: 110 km, Paris: 140 km.
From Tour Val de Loire airport (TUF):
- taxi to Tours train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Orléans (approx. 1h15)
From Paris Beauvais airport (BVA):
- shuttle Bus Service to Paris Porte Maillot (approx. 1h15). From here train to Gare d’Austerlitz (approx. 25 minutes) and then train to Orléans (approx. 1h30).
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- train RER B to Saint Michel Notre Dame (approx. 40 min). From here underground line C to Paris Gare d’Austerlitz and then train to Orléans (approx. 1h30 min).
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- shuttle bus to the train station Rungis La Fraternelle (approx. 10 min) and RER C (approx. 35 min) to Paris Gare d’Austerlitz. From here train to Orléans (approx. 1h30 min).
If the train stops in Orleans Les Aubrais, a shuttle bus takes you to Orleans central railway station in 5 minutes.
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
Public transport in Paris
For information on timetables and prices you can consult: RATP and Transilien.
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult the SNCF official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park it in Orléans for the whole duration of the tour in an unguarded free parking inside the hotel property. You’ll receive all relevant information in the Final Tour Details.
How to go back
How to return home
Saumur is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
The closest airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY).
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG):
- train SNCF until Massy station + RER B until the airport (approx 3 hours)
To get to Paris Orly (ORY):
- train SNCF with change at Antony station. From here shuttle bus until the airport (approx. 3.5 hours)
How to go back to the starting point
From Saumur SNFC direct train to Orlèans (approx. 2 hours) or with change in Tours (approx. 4 hours)
Transfer
You can book a private transfer back to Orléans (approx. 2.5 hours).
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa.
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is French.
France is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
Throughout Europe roaming services are free (if you have a European SIM card). Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before your departure.
The international phone prefix of France is +33.
Emergency telephone numbers in France
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
15 – Medical Emergencies
17 – Police Help Number
18 – Fire Department
Electricity
The French electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Electrical sockets comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in France is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Cristiano
Published: 06 Sep 2024
Roberto Marco Massimo
Published: 21 Aug 2024
Susan
Published: 12 Jul 2024
Reply by Girolibero
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