Description

Loire Valley Wine Tour

Loire Valley WineTour 7 days – 6 nights
Beste cycling period: April to October

The Loire Valley cycleway is one of the most popular trails in France and contains 900km of perfectly paved bike paths along the Loire River. You will find your way easily due to the signposted bike lanes. The highlights of your bike trip are the countless chateaux and vineyards. The Loire Valley is unique and attracts over one million cyclists each year. The most important start and finish places are Tours, Blois, Anger Saumur, Nantes, and Amboise.

Only need a bike for the Loire area? BOOK HERE

Embark on a remarkable journey through the enchanting Loire Valley, where an extensive selection of exquisite wines awaits your discovery. From the robust Chinon red wines to the effervescent Vouvray varietals, the Loire Valley offers a diverse array of wines to tantalize your taste buds. Delight in the crisp whites and delicate rosés hailing from the vineyards of Montlouis, Azay le Rideau, and Saumur Champigny, among others. The Loire Valley boasts over 85 distinct appellations, each reflecting the unique terroir in which they are cultivated.

This extraordinary adventure seamlessly blends the picturesque vineyards of the Loire Valley with visits to some of the most iconic châteaus and charming villages the region has to offer.
The majority of our itineraries guide you along peaceful bike paths that meander through the vineyards, ensuring a tranquil and car-free experience. For those who wish to savor the memories of their Loire Valley wine odyssey, fret not. We understand the desire to bring home your favorite wine selections as treasured souvenirs. To facilitate this, some of the wine tastings on this journey offer a convenient shipping service for your chosen bottles. Please be aware that during the harvest season, access to cellar visits and wine tastings may be subject to availability and security conditions.

While we strive to offer these experiences, the high demand during this period may pose challenges in securing reservations.

Nevertheless, your Loire Valley adventure promises to be an unforgettable exploration of France’s finest wines and enchanting landscapes!

Highlights of the tour:

Royal Chateau of Amboise or the Clos Lucé (former home of Leonardo De Vinci)
Villandry Castle and Gardens
Fortress of Chinon
Saumur Chateau
Chateau de Parney

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Day 1

Arrival in Amboise

Take the train to Saint Pierre Des Crops TGV, located only 1 hour from Paris by train. Transfer on your own by taxi to Amboise and settle at your charming hotel. Please note that if you arrive at the Amboise train station, there are very few taxis and most of the hotels are not within walking distance. (If you are staying at Hotel la Breche, you have the option to take the train to the Amboise station, and walk to your hotel). If you arrive early enough, take the time to visit the nearby Chateau of Clos Lucé or the Royal Chateau of Amboise. The Chateau of Clos Lucé is accessible with a short walk outside the main center of Amboise (well-signed), best known as being the house where Leonardo da Vinci was invited to live by King Francois I - Leonardo lived here from 1516 to the time of his death in 1519. Accommodation: Clos d'Amboise - Amboise Included: Emergency support, phone not provided, mobile guidance application, roadbook, travel book, orientation with a local guide, luggage transfer, bedroom, and breakfast.

Day 2

Amboise Loop to Chenonceau / 36km or 53km - +279m or +415m

A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and alleys of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping down to the fabulous Chenonceau Castle, which must be discovered with plenty of time to visit. Chenonceau was erected by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher River and improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture, and tapestries. For the long option, you will continue on to Montrichard, La Genaudiere, and St. Regle before returning to Amboise. Accommodation: Clos d'Amboise - Amboise Included: Wine tasting, bedroom, and breakfast.

Day 3

From Amboise to Tours via Vouvray / 34km - +290m

Amboise to Tours and orienteering around the city! Following bike paths out of Amboise, you will first ride through the vineyards of Montlouis, a famous white wine appellation. You will cross the bridge to discover the vineyards of Vouvray, well-known for its white sparkling wine. Then, an easy and pleasant ride will take you to the city of Tours, a very bike-friendly city. You can discover the old city center in Le Vieux Tours, and the famous Place Plumereau, full of pubs and restaurants in old colombage houses. Accommodation: B&B Le Maison Jules - Tours Included: Luggage transfer, wine tasting, light snack, bedroom, and breakfast.

Day 4

From Tours to Azay-le-Rideau / 34km or 46km - +200 or +250m

Going first to Savonniers and then to the famous Gardens of Villandry, which were designed to be in complete harmony with the Renaissance architecture of the chateau. You will ride alongside the Cher and Loire Rivers and along the Loire a Velo route. Then, you will continue to Azay-le-Rideau, your final destination of today, famous for its Chateau on the Indre River, originally built in the Middle Ages to protect the passage from the road going from Tours to Chinon. The long option gives you the opportunity to visit Sache, the chateau of the famous writer Balzac. Accommodation: Le Grand Monarque - Azay-le-Rideau Included: Luggage transfer, bedroom, breakfast, and dinner (no drinks).

Day 5

From Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon

Your ride continues west and to the most famous wine area of the Loire Valley: Chinon. First, you will go through the village of "vannerie" (weaved basketry), and through one of the most beautiful villages in France: Crissay sur Mance. You then enter the territory of Chinon vineyards. You will be surrounded by vineyards. The longer-riding option travels through the charming village of L'ile Bouchard. Your destination of the day brings you to Chinon. Do not miss the fortress of Chinon, that hovers above the town. The story says that this is where Jeanne of Arc met the king to raise an army against England. Chinon is a charming town. Accommodation: Hotel Diderot - Chinon Included: Luggage transfer, wine tasting, bedroom, and breakfast.

Day 6

From Chinon to Saumur / 43km or 55km - +250m or +280m

Ride from Chinon to Saumur, home of a beautiful castle and delicious wine. You will start your ride to Saumur with a stop at the Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the most beautiful and largest abbeys in Europe. Not to miss is the "Tuffaut" troglodytic site (limestone caves), the picturesque Turquant, and its unique village of workshops of local artists and craftsmen located within the limestone caves. Then, as you approach Saumur, you will begin to see the magnificent Chateau overlooking the Loire River and surrounded by endless vineyards. Accommodation: Hotel Anne d'Anjou - Saumur Included: Luggage transfer, wine tasting, bedroom, and breakfast.

Day 7

Departure from Saumur

You can take your time getting started in the morning, enjoy breakfast, and depart at your leisure (depart on your own). Trains are available from Saumur to Paris or to other destinations. Included: Breakfast

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Booking Information

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All prices are based on double rooms - for bookings & inquiries: send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com

Extra Information

Fill out and submit the online booking request or send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com
We tend and try to send all over within 48 hours.
Please do not make travel plans until you receive our confirmation.
Please be advised that we make every effort to ensure that all the information given on this site is accurate. All statements and information have been researched and supplied by third parties.
The information given is accurate and reliable, to the best of our knowledge. Should errors be found, we will rectify them as quickly as possible. However, we accept no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies.

Included

Our hotels or B&Bs provide amenities that are ideal for active vacations, located within easy walking distance to downtowns, restaurants, and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned, authentic accommodations over large chains.

6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
Daily breakfast at each hotel, 1 dinner included
1 light lunch during a wine tasting
Hybrid bike rental included
4 Wine tastings (with 3 wine tastings with the possibility to ship your wine to the USA)
Complimentary gear (including water bottle, drawstring bag)
Guidance application (phone not provided)
Orientation in person with our local guide
Detailed roadbook, including detailed maps, touristic information, step-by-step itinerary, and cue sheets
Comprehensive trip literature
Technical and emergency support is available at all times

Upgrade your bike - from/per person:

Electric Assisted Bike - Standard +115 euro
Road Bike - Standard +115 euro
Road Bike - Excellence +260 euro
Road Bike - Premium +320
Gravel Bike - Standard = +115 euro

Not Included

Airfare to and from the trip
Lodging before and after the trip
Drinks
Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all the information needed with our team support in your roadbook
Multirisk travel insurance
Basic Hotel 1390 euro Single supplement ** 310 Euro Solo traveler *** 1695 Euro
Standard Hotel 1675 euro Single supplement ** 310 Euro Solo traveler *** 1980 Euro
Upgraded Hotel 1965 euro Single supplement ** 310 Euro Solo traveler *** 2270 Euro
Please contact us for triple hotel rates. ** Traveling with a group. *** Traveling alone.

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Loire Valley Wine Tour

Loire Valley Wine Tour, embark on a remarkable journey through the enchanting Loire Valley!

Moderate

Apr-Oct

2, 3 & 4* Hotels

Included

Hybrid Bike

Amboise

Available

€ 115

Description

Loire Valley Wine Tour

Highlights of the tour:

Itinerary