The Loire Valley Castles with Family
- From 559 € / pers.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- From April to October
- Departures: any day
- Level: easy
- Electric bike option
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- The numerous royal castles, which organize visits adapted for children.
- Blois and Amboise, historical towns as typical as they are charming, nestled along the Loire River.
- A route that regularly follows the course of the majestic Loire, whose royalty has been further enhanced by its status as the last wild river in Europe.
- An easy route, alternating small country roads and greenways.
- Nice accommodations, some with gardens, and even a pool in Chitenay and Chaumont.
Highlights :
- The many royal castles, which offer tours adapted for children.
- Blois and Amboise, historic towns as typical as they are charming, nestled along the Loire River.
- A route that regularly follows the course of the majestic Loire, whose royalty is further enhanced by its status as the last wild river in Europe.
- An easy route, alternating between small country roads and greenways.
- Nice accommodations, sometimes with a garden, and even a swimming pool in Chitenay and Chaumont.
From 559 € / adult
- 6 days / 5 nights (4 days of biking)
- From April to October
- Departures : any day
- Level : easy
- Electric bike option
- Luggage transfer included
FROM BLOIS TO AMBOISE: A ROYAL ADVENTURE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Why not set off with the family for an unforgettable cycling getaway in the heart of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful castles? This unique journey will immerse you in the history of the kings and queens who made this region so exceptional.
For a few days, become true little princes and princesses as you explore the famous castles of Chambord, Cheverny and Chaumont-sur-Loire. At each stop, fascinating discoveries await: enchanting gardens, secret passages, and tales of intrigues in the royal court.
Historic towns like Blois and Amboise also offer plenty of opportunities to stroll around and savour local specialties (and why not enjoy a little sweet treat!).
Your route follows safe cycle paths and quiet country roads, perfect for riding calmly with the children. At times, you will ride along the Loire, this majestic river nicknamed the "royal river" due to the many monarchs who established their courts along its banks.
The stages have been designed so as not to tire out your little royals: they average 25 km and never exceed 35 km. They are also planned so that visiting a castle along the way can naturally break up your day: you will never have to cycle an entire stage in one go!
No need to worry about luggage: it will be transported from one stage to the next, so you can ride light and free.
Accessible to all, this trip is perfect for introducing children to the joy of cycling while travelling. With short stages to leave time for sightseeing, pleasant accommodation, and full support, every family can go at their own pace and fully enjoy this wonderful adventure.
So, are you ready for a royal family getaway?
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Your adventure begins in Blois, the epitome of a French Renaissance town. Every stone seems to have a story to tell. The charm of its narrow streets, white stone houses, small squares overlooking the river, and its impressive royal castle make it a true postcard scene. A family stroll through the old town lets you travel back in time while searching for quirky details on the façades and cobbled streets. For a touch of the unusual, don’t miss the House of Magic, an interactive museum that fascinates both young and old with its illusions and automata.
Day 2: Blois - Chambord - Bracieux
33 km |
+100 m
You leave Blois along the majestic Loire until you reach the picturesque riverside village of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, where you turn inland.
The route gradually leads to Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance and arguably the most extravagant of the Loire castles. Emerging from vast hunting forests—the château grounds were a famous hunting reserve—you suddenly encounter the massive royal building, standing proudly amidst formal French gardens. With its famous double-spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci, towers, chimneys, and its forest of dormer windows and roof lanterns, it is truly unique and offers a spectacular view. Inside, explore richly decorated rooms reflecting past royal grandeur, and enjoy the royal panorama from the rooftop!
Only a few kilometers remain to reach Bracieux, a small medieval town where you will spend the night. Historically, Bracieux was at a crossroads of important routes, including those used by merchants driving cattle from their native Limousin to Paris!
Day 3: Bracieux - Cheverny - Chitenay
22 km |
+90 m
Before leaving Bracieux, you’ll have the chance to visit the Max Vauché Chocolate Factory, a must for chocolate lovers! The visit is as fun as it is educational, with demonstrations and tastings to delight both young and old.
Then, a few more pedal strokes and you arrive at Château de Cheverny, a model of elegance and symmetry. The château inspired Hergé in creating Moulinsart Castle in Tintin. Children will love the Tintin exhibition, while parents will appreciate the beautiful interiors and meticulously maintained gardens.
You continue your cycling journey to the town of Chitenay, where you’ll stay in a hotel with a pool—perfect for a relaxing family afternoon!
An extra night at this hotel is optional.
Day 4: Chitenay - Chaumont-sur-Loire
18 km |
+60 m
You gradually reconnect with the calm flow of the Loire, which you follow downstream toward Chaumont-sur-Loire, a charming riverside village living in the shadow of its impressive château.
The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is famous for its International Garden Festival. The gardens change theme each year and serve as a laboratory for creativity and innovation, attracting designers from around the world. This festival is a must for children!
Overnight in a hotel with a pool.
Day 5: Chaumont-sur-Loire - Amboise
23 km |
+140 m
You enter the Touraine wine region, cycling through picturesque vineyards.
Then you reach the royal town of Amboise, where narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses, and colorful local markets transport you to another century. Amboise also lives in the shadow of its château.
Perched on a rocky promontory, the château offers stunning views over the Loire and provides child-friendly tours with activities about the history of French kings.
The real gem for families in Amboise is Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. This interactive site allows children to explore life-size models of the Italian genius’s inventions: bridges, flying machines, tanks… A visit that combines science, history, and fun!
Day 6: End of the trip
End of the trip after breakfast.
Option to extend the adventure with an extra night in Amboise or, on request, continue to Tours (+28 km) for one more day.
💡 To return to Blois afterwards (if needed), you can either take a TER train (approx. 20 min) or arrange a private transfer.
💡 If you have rented bikes, you can drop them off at our partner in Amboise before departing.
ACCOMMODATION
For families, we prioritize authentic, small-scale accommodations, in guesthouses or hotels offering a courtyard, garden, and/or pool so the whole family can enjoy them. We also ensure they are conveniently located: easily accessible by bike and, whenever possible, close to local amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2-3 ★ Hotels or equivalent guesthouses
Accommodations selected for their hospitality and family-friendly amenities.
Photo: Auberge du Centre, Chitenay
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Restaurant within walking distance
- Convenient location
💡 Accommodations feature pools in Chitenay and Chaumont.
BIKE OPTIONS
Whether you choose a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suitable both for the route and for your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer high-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available.
Hybrid Bikes (VTC)
Versatile Arcade bikes with 10 to 27 speeds (single, double, or triple chainrings depending on model).
Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
Arcade or Vélo de Ville bikes with at least 400 Wh battery (500 Wh if towing a child), giving more than enough autonomy.
Child Trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which are available for rental. They can carry up to 2 young children.
Children’s Bikes
For children not yet adult-sized, children’s bikes are available for rental in various sizes.
Follow-Me Bikes
If your children are not yet comfortable with long rides, the best solution is a follow-me bike, which can be attached to an adult bike at any time. The attachment system (see photo) is included with the follow-me bike.
Accessories included for adult bikes:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear bag 20 L (1 per bike)
- Small handlebar bag 5 L (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, check your bike thoroughly: brakes, tires, gears, derailleur, chain… you could be far from help if a mechanical issue arises!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Hybrid (VTC)
- Mountain bike (MTB)
- Gravel
- Electric (E-Bike)
- City bike
- Road bike
💡 Since the route includes some short compact gravel sections, avoid very thin or smooth road tires.
LEVEL
Our trips prioritize discovery and relaxation over effort.
We adjust stage lengths according to terrain, road types, and points of interest so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and open to spontaneity.
STAGE LENGTH:
FAMILY ℹ️
➡️ Average 20–30 km per day, never more than 35 km in a single day.
➡️ Ideal pace for families with children who have not yet covered long distances by bike.
ELEVATION PROFILE:
EASY ℹ️
➡️ Average elevation gain: less than 200 m/day.
➡️ The route is generally flat and accessible to everyone. Gentle hills may appear, but should not be an obstacle even without training.
The Loire Valley has little elevation differences, making this itinerary an excellent choice for a first family cycling trip. Riverbanks and tributaries may be slightly sloped, but the route remains largely accessible to amateur cyclists and children.
⚡ If you plan to tow a trailer or follow-me bike, you can rent an electric bike. Upon request, electric bikes for children can also be provided.
TYPE OF PATHS:
The route alternates between bike lanes and small country roads with little or no traffic. No sections are on major roads where cars drive over 50 km/h. Over 80% of the route is paved. The rest is on well-maintained compact gravel. No technical difficulties.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
6 days and 5 nights, including arrival and departure days. 4 days of cycling.
On request, we can split the first stage into 2, or extend the trip to Tours.
📅 AVAILABLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Every day from April to October.
🗺️ ROUTE TYPE
Linear.
📍 START AND END POINT
Start: Blois
End: Amboise
🌦️ BEST TIME TO GO
Weather is generally favorable from April to October.
In spring, temperatures are generally pleasant from April onwards. This is also when the castle gardens are in full bloom.
In summer, the weather is usually sunny and warm without being excessive. During heatwaves, cycling can be uncomfortable at the hottest hours (but castle visits are generally midday, so that works well!).
The region also usually enjoys a lovely late season, with pleasant temperatures until late October.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (suggestions are provided in our roadbook) or have a picnic using supplies from local shops.
For dinner, there are always several restaurants within walking distance from your accommodation… unless the hotel has one itself!
🧳 BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by one of our partners. You only carry your day pack during cycling stages. A saddlebag is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in panniers, you receive a discount. On request, we can also include only 1 or 2 suitcases for the whole family (price depends on the number of suitcases).
🚩 ARRIVAL
BY TRAIN
- From Paris: From Austerlitz station, 3 direct TER trains/day to Blois-Chambord (approx. 1h20). If traveling with your own bikes, they can be taken on board free of charge (not disassembled).
- Another direct line serves Blois from the west twice daily, following the Loire: Le Croisic, Nantes, Angers, Saumur, Tours, …
- From other regions, the easiest is to transit via Paris, Orléans, or Tours before boarding a train to Blois.
💡 Blois-Chambord station is in the city center, and your first hotel is only a 3-minute walk away.
BY CAR
Our roadbook provides all necessary information about where to park your car during your stay. Several free options exist in the center.
🔁 RETURN TO START
Returning to Blois from Amboise is very simple: a TER connects the two towns in 20 minutes, about once per hour.
More train schedule information
💡 If traveling with your own bikes, they can board the TER without being disassembled, but we recommend reserving your bike tickets in advance, especially on weekends, as the number of bike spaces per train is limited.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To fully enjoy your adventure, we provide practical, easy-to-use materials:
A roadbook (A5 booklet) prepared by us, including:
- Practical information
- Route description
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to buy supplies
- Cultural info and anecdotes
- Nearby bike repair shops
A route map
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy-to-use app (a short tutorial will be sent if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
- Custom tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 AUTONOMY AND SUPPORT
You travel independently (self-guided), with 7-day-a-week phone assistance in case of issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To ensure reimbursement in case of trip cancellation or problems on-site, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about insurance.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder, and waterproof rear bag are the basic equipment. If you rented a bike, these are included (helmet upon request only).
For more comfort, we also recommend the following specific accessories:
Rain Pants
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, protecting against rain, water splashes, and mud. Some models have gaiters that also cover shoes.
External Battery (power bank)
Useful for charging your phone during lunch break: navigation is energy-consuming, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery is very efficient.
Cost approx. €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel seat cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction during long rides. Alternatively, use a gel seat cover.
Water Bottle
More practical and durable than disposable bottles. Some keep drinks cool for hours with double-wall insulation.
Buff / Neck Warmer / Hat
Outside of summer, mornings can be chilly, so it’s worth bringing them!
PRICES 2026
The price is calculated based on a stay in a double/twin room. If you share a room with your children, child discounts apply. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.| Formula | Low season | Mid season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|
| In double/twin room | 559 € | 599 € | 619 € |
| Single room supplement | + 220 € | + 230 € | + 240 € |
| Child discounts (* in the same room as 2 full-paying persons) |
0-3 yrs: - 80% | 4-11 yrs: - 40% | 12-17 yrs: - 30% | ||
| Group discount | 6 - 11 pers. : - 10% | 12+ pers. : - 15% | ||
| Extra nights (optional) | Low season | Mid season | High season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blois | In double/twin room | 70 € | 75 € | 80 € |
| In single room | 130 € | 140 € | 150 € | |
| Chitenay | In double/twin room | 80 € | 85 € | 90 € |
| In single room | 150 € | 160 € | 170 € | |
| Amboise | In double/twin room | 70 € | 70 € | 70 € |
| In single room | 130 € | 130 € | 130 € | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 1/10 - 31/10
- Mid season: 1/4 - 30/6 & 1/9 - 30/9
- High season: 1/7 - 31/08
| BIKE RENTAL (equipment included) | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | 170 € |
| Trekking bike | 110 € |
| Child bike (-12 yrs) | 90 € |
| Child trailer | 70 € |
| Detachable Trailer bike | 126 € |
BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Hotel or guesthouse nights in the chosen comfort category
- Breakfasts at each accommodation
- Transport of your luggage between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), prepared by us during the reconnaissance trip
- GPS tracks via our navigation app
- A route map
- Luggage tags
- Visit to Max Vauché chocolate workshop in Bracieux
- 7-day-a-week telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Rental bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- 4 Châteaux Pass: skip-the-line tickets for Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont, and Clos Lucé (1 per day!) - price according to age
- Histopad rental for Chambord visit - €7/person
- Visit to Ambacia cellar in Amboise (tasting for adults) - €5/child & €22/adult
- Additional night(s) in Blois, Chitenay, or Amboise
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
NOT INCLUDED
- Transport to Blois and return from Amboise
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An extra saddlebag is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travelers: an additional logistical supplement applies on top of the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Alicia, Timothée, Théodore and Gaspard, 42, 41, 10 and 8 years old"A magical trip for young and old! Our children loved playing explorers in the castles and cycling along the Loire. The stages were perfectly suited to their pace, and each day offered surprises. Huge congratulations for the flawless organization — it was a true pleasure to travel without worrying about luggage!" April 2025
Alexia, Athina and Diane, 53, 15 and 13 years old
"First cycling experience with 2 teenagers in the Loire castles – Stéphanie from the agency was attentive and adapted our hotels and itinerary on request (last minute) – bikes in perfect condition – very nice hotels – beautiful riverside paths – we really enjoyed it and will happily book another trip next year." August 2025
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