Cycling
Loire Valley for families
- FR020 / 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.
- For families For families Travel with children and teenagers: accommodation with family rooms, discounts, itineraries designed for the little ones. Details
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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
- 7 days
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- round tour Blois - Amboise - Blois
- Family discount
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
A cycling holiday for the whole family in the Loire Valley. Explore this enchanting French region, cycling through lush nature among more than 300 medieval castles and fortresses. Little ones will feel as if they are entering a magical world of gardens, labyrinths and fairy-tale manors.
- The village of Amboise: a harmonious blend of mother nature and human genius
- Troussay Castle: the smallest in the Loire Valley
- Touraine wines, the best in France
What awaits you
A week of rides suitable for even the youngest children, with routes designed especially for families. The daily stages are between 35 and 45 kilometers long, and most of the cycling is done on bike paths and low-traffic roads.
1. Arrival and overnight in Blois
Individual arrival in Blois. This charming Renaissance town was the birthplace of Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, France’s most famous illusionist. After your arrival, we recommend visiting the Royal Castle, with its majestic Francis I staircase, and strolling through the streets of the picturesque old town.
2. Toward Amboise and the home of Leonardo da Vinci
In the morning you’ll leave Blois, pedaling along the forest to the village of Onzain and the impressive Chaumont Castle, 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 take the TER train from Blois to Onzain and then ride the last 30 kilometers to Amboise, or ride from Blois to Onzain (20 kilometers) and then take the train from Onzain to Amboise.
If you’d rather not ride today, you can take the TER train from Blois all the way to Amboise.
3. Chenonceau, the bend of the Cher River and return to Amboise
In the morning, you’ll ride through the magnificent forest of Amboise and then emerge among fields of wheat and barley. Continue along a route with some ups and downs until you reach the day’s destination: the Chateau de Chenonceau, which with its fabulous gardens graces a bend in the Cher River. The day ends with a return to Amboise, pedaling surrounded by greenery. Return can also be made by train.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking a TER train from Chenonceau back to Amboise, with a change in Saint Pierre des Corpes (Tours).
4. Cycling to Chitenay, accompanied by the colors of the Touraine
Today’s route winds through fields of wheat, poppies and hundred-year-old oaks in the fertile province of Touraine. Immersed in the countryside, you’ll ride along roads with little traffic, between small villages, all to be discovered, such as Artigny and Vallières les Grandes. Let yourself be enchanted by noble and mighty castles, such as that of Fougères sur Bièvre, characterized by its carved decorations made from Cher river stone.
5. Pedaling through the heart of the Loire and back to Blois
Today, a leisurely ride through the heart of the castle region awaits you. Following idyllic country lanes, you’ll arrive at the magnificent Cheverny Castle. The itinerary continues to pretty Cellettes, where you can visit the Château de Beauregard, known for the Gallery of the Illustrious, a monumental room that tells more than three centuries of French history, from 1328 to 1643. After passing through the beautiful Roussy Forest, you’ll return to the city of Blois, which welcomes you again with its monuments, works of art and narrow alleys around the castle.
6. The fairy-tale castle of Chambord and night in Blois
On this day, you will ride to one of the most famous and majestic castles of the Loire: Chambord, in whose design Leonardo Da Vinci himself participated. After breakfast, cross the large bridge over the Loire and follow the left bank of the river to Saint Dyé, an ancient village nestled along the river. From there, proceed south into the heart of the countryside to reach the 5400-plus-hectare wooded park surrounding Chambord Castle. After visiting this architectural marvel of the French Renaissance, return to Blois via the small village of Huisseau sur Cosson.
7. End of tour in Blois
The hotels on this tour are 3/4* with swimming pool. The lodgings are easily accessible and located near major points of interest, so that every day you can easily visit each new city you reach. Breakfast is always included to start the day on the pedals with the right fuel.
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation
- Tourist taxes
Meals
- 6 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”
- Baby cot (kids 0-3 years) in triple/family rooom
- 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 Blois before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
You can rent bikes and accessories for all ages: child trailers and seats for the little ones, bicycles to release the energy of children or teens… any lazy moms or dads? You can also rent e-bikes!
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.
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Appendix to be attached to the back of the adult bike. Complete with belts to secure the child, windproof semi-waterproof fabric cover, clear pvc window. Recommended for carrying a child 11 months-4 years old, max 35 kg. Upon request, the "hammock" seat can be included to carry a baby younger than 11 months old. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory to be attached above the rear rack of the adult bike. The backrest reclines, which is useful when the child falls asleep. Approved for a child 1-5 years old, maximum weight 22 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- age: 6-8 years old
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- weight: max 30kg
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- age: 6-8 years old
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- weight: max 30kg
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory consisting of a hook (to attach to the back of the adult bike) and a 20" child bike. If the child wants to ride independently, the hook detaches from the toddler bike and folds onto the adult bike. Recommended for carrying children 6-8 years old, min height 120 and max 135 cm, max weight 30 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes for hire.
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Tandem to carry an adult and a 6-8 year-old child. The adult sitting in the back rides, while the child sits in the front and may not pedal.
Recommended for body height: adult min 155 cm and max 200 cm; child min 120 cm and max 135 cm.
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)
- lock
- repair kit
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: easy
- Total length: 195 km
- Terrain: 85% paved, 15% unpaved
- Train connections between tour cities: day 2
- Possibility of shortening the stages by train: day 2 and 3
How to get there
Blois is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
A few days before departure we will send you the instructions on how to reach the first hotel.
By plane
Blois is connected with the following airports: Tours: 60 km, Paris: 140 km.
From Tours Val de Loire airport (TUF):
- taxi to Tours train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Blois (approx. 40 min)
From Paris Beauvais airport (BVA):
- shuttle Bus Service to Paris Porte Maillot (approx. 1.5 hours). From here underground line 1 to Gare de Lyon (approx. 20 min) and walk to Gare d’Austerlitz (approx. 7 minutes walk). From here train to Blois (approx. 1.5 hours).
- alternatively, you can take a taxi from airport to Paris Gare D’Austerlitz train station and then take the train
From Paris Roissy 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 Blois (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 Blois (approx. 1.5 hours)
Public transport in Paris
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult: RATP and Transilien.
By train
Blois – Chambord is the closest station. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the SNCF official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park the car in Blois for the whole duration of the tour. Some hotels have a private parking place, while in other cases you have to use alternative car parks. No reservation is possible and you have to pay on site. You’ll receive all relevant information in the Final Tour Details.
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
Sustainable traveler
Per viaggiare nel rispetto dell’ambiente, dei luoghi e delle persone che ci accolgono:
- informati sugli usi e i costumi del Paese che stai visitando
- fai attenzione ai gesti, che possono assumere significati diversi o offensivi
- chiedi sempre prima di fotografare le persone
- nei luoghi di culto indossa un abbigliamento adeguato
- non lasciare traccia del tuo passaggio, non abbandonare rifiuti
- non raccogliere “souvenir” da ambienti naturali protetti e siti archeologici
- cerca sempre di seguire i sentieri, non disturbare gli animali e non danneggiare le piante
- non sprecare acqua ed energia, risorse preziose per tutto il pianeta
- rispetta le regole stabilite dai proprietari delle strutture ricettive
Elena
Published: 04 Sep 2024
Delisle
Published: 21 Aug 2024
Stefano
Published: 02 Aug 2024
Reply by Girolibero
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