The Loire Valley Castles by Bike
- From 549 € / pers.
- 5 to 6 nights (depending on itinerary)
- From April to October
- Level : rather easy
- Electric bicycle available
- Luggage transfers included
Highlights :
- The numerous royal castles, which you can almost all visit
- Blois, Amboise, or Tours, historical cities as typical as charming, nestled along the Loire River
- A route following the course of the majestic Loire, known as the last wild river in Europe
- An easy route, alternating between small country roads and greenways
Highlights :
- The numerous royal castles, which you can almost all visit
- Blois, Amboise, or Tours, historical cities as typical as charming, nestled along the Loire River
- A route following the course of the majestic Loire, known as the last wild river in Europe.
- An easy route, alternating between small country roads and greenways
From 549 € / pers.
- 6 or 7 days (depending on itinerary chosen)
- From April to October
- Level : easy
- Electric bicycle available
- Luggage transfers included
THE LOIRE CASTLES BY BIKE
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the heart of the most majestic Loire Valley castles. This unique experience will take you through the region that, during the Renaissance, became the cherished home of the kingdom’s greatest monarchs.
For a few days, don the cloak of the emblematic sovereign François I (or his royal spouse, as you prefer!) and link your different castles aboard your modern steed. Your favourite residences, including Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire, and Chenonceau, will punctuate your route. You will also have the opportunity to meet the locals in historic towns such as Blois and Amboise, beautifully nestled on the hillsides overlooking the Loire. The widespread use of Tuffeau stone in the buildings gives these towns a truly romantic atmosphere, making them royally beautiful.
Between these highlights, you will wander through delightfully rural landscapes, mostly on greenways or quiet country roads. Occasionally, you will also follow the course of the royal river, which, while forming the backbone of the region, has retained its wild charm. A few wine cellars along the way will tempt you to sample the finest Touraine vintages.
And your luggage? Fear not – your loyal attendants will transport it from one accommodation to the next. You only need to pedal and enjoy the view, like a true monarch.
There is no doubt you will return invigorated from this royal escape, with the feeling that this corner of France is an allegory of the very best the country has to offer. So, mount up, Your Majesty! The Loire Valley awaits your illustrious presence.
YOUR ITINERARY
This cycling loop through the Loire Valley castles lets you discover the region’s most renowned castles in a single circuit. A few more unusual curiosities, such as the Bourré mushroom farm or Vauché chocolate factory, are also included. Each stage has been designed to give you time for 1 to 2 visits without rushing. Each castle visit typically takes 1h30 to 2h!
Doing this loop rather than a point-to-point route offers two major advantages:
The castles of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny are not located directly on the Loire but inland. By choosing a complete loop, you enjoy a richer variety of landscapes than if you went in a loop from Blois or Amboise. The loop notably includes a long section along the greenway following the Cher river, a pleasant complement to the Loire, with even opportunities for swimming!
Returning to the starting point saves you the logistics of trains with bikes and luggage at the end of your trip (and avoids repatriation fees if you rent bikes).
This loop also comes in two options: the “Grand Loop” extends the "Small Loop" itinerary by one day to include the charming town of Tours.
If you would like a custom route, do not hesitate to contact us – we will offer a plan tailored to your needs.
If you are travelling with young children, we recommend opting for our family-specific circuit.
Have a great trip!
SMALL LOOP (CLASSIC OPTION): DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Your adventure begins in Blois, the epitome of a French Renaissance town. Every stone here seems to tell a story. The charm of its narrow streets, white-stone houses, small squares overlooking the river, and impressive Château Royal makes it a postcard of what a typical French town of the era could look like.
Day 2: Blois – Amboise
44 km | 
+230 m | ⏱︎ 3h35
Leave Blois along the riverbanks downstream towards Chaumont-sur-Loire, a charming riverside village in the shadow of its impressive château.
The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is famous for its International Garden Festival. The gardens, which change theme each year, are a laboratory of creativity and innovation, attracting designers from around the world.
🚲 Long variant (50 km | Elev. +250 m | ⏱︎ 4h14)
A 6 km detour between Blois and Chaumont allows you to visit the Château de Beauregard, famous for its impressive portrait gallery, the largest in Europe.
Continue into the Touraine wine region, reaching your day’s destination: the royal town of Amboise. Its cobbled streets, traditional houses, and colourful local markets will immerse you in another century. Amboise also thrives in the shadow of its castle, built on the riverbank with sublime views.
The town also hosts Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence, now a museum dedicated to his work.
This visit is a perfect introduction to the wines of Touraine: it not only presents the wine cellar but also teaches you about the history of the wines and their different aromas, followed by a wine-tasting session.
Day 3: Amboise – Chenonceaux
25 km | +110 m | ⏱︎ 1h56
With a shorter stage, enjoy the morning exploring Amboise thoroughly! Then leave the Loire Valley to join, a few kilometres away, its tributary, the Cher. A beautiful greenway follows this equally royal river.
A thrill is guaranteed when you suddenly see the Château de Chenonceau in the distance, spanning the river with incredible, almost feminine elegance. The primary residence of Diane de Poitiers and later Catherine de Médicis, the “Ladies’ Castle” was largely designed by the women who lived there. Its gardens and period-furnished interiors are equally worth visiting.
💡 Arriving in Chenonceaux in the afternoon allows you to visit the château and its gardens in the best light.
🚲 Long variant (42 km | Elev. +170 m | ⏱︎ 3h10)
This 17 km longer route passes through the heart of the Montlouis wine region. Note that you will have already passed many vineyards between Chaumont and Amboise the previous day, so you don’t miss out by skipping this detour.
Day 4: Chenonceaux – Cour-Cheverny
48 km | +230 m | ⏱︎ 3h39
Follow the Cher upstream and pass through the peaceful riverside town of Montrichard, with its pretty square overlooked by a medieval keep.
Further on, visit the unusual Magnanerie troglodyte site and the underground Tuffeau quarry in Bourré, once used to build the region’s castles, now transformed into an interesting mushroom farm.
Leaving the Cher Valley, you enter the Blois hinterland, home to numerous castles waiting to be admired up close. The village of Fougères-sur-Bièvre hosts a magnificent medieval castle.
The highlight is certainly the Château de Cheverny, a model of elegance and symmetry. The château inspired Hergé’s Moulinsart Castle in Tintin. Its well-preserved interiors offer a glimpse into aristocratic life, with art and period furniture. The meticulously maintained gardens are a delight of colour and fragrance.
Day 5: Cour-Cheverny – Blois
45 km | +170 m | ⏱︎ 3h40
This final cycling day takes you to the Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance and arguably the most extravagant Loire castle.
On the way, visit the Max Vauché chocolate factory, culminating in a must-do tasting.
Then, amid vast game-filled forests, the enormous royal Chambord Castle gradually appears, standing majestically amid formal gardens. With its famous double-spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci, towers, chimneys, and an impressive roof full of dormers and lanterns, it is unique and awe-inspiring. Inside, richly decorated rooms reflect past royal grandeur, with spectacular views from the rooftop!
You rejoin the Loire at St-Dyé-sur-Loire and follow it all the way back to Blois, completing your loop!
🚲 Long variant (52 km | Elev. +200 m | ⏱︎ 4h14)
For those not wanting to finish too quickly, a further detour up the river to Muides-sur-Loire allows crossing the bridge and returning to Blois on the other side.
Day 6: End of trip
End of your Loire odyssey after breakfast.
GRAND LOOP (EXTENSION VIA TOURS): DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Your adventure begins in Blois, the epitome of a French Renaissance town. Every stone here seems to tell a story. The charm of its narrow streets, white-stone houses, small squares overlooking the river, and impressive Château Royal makes it a postcard of what a typical French town of the era could look like.
Day 2: Blois – Amboise
44 km | +230 m | ⏱︎ 3h35
Leave Blois along the riverbanks downstream towards Chaumont-sur-Loire, a charming riverside village in the shadow of its impressive château.
The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is famous for its International Garden Festival. The gardens, which change theme each year, are a laboratory of creativity and innovation, attracting designers from around the world.
🚲 Long variant (50 km | Elev. +250 m | ⏱︎ 4h14)
A 6 km detour between Blois and Chaumont allows you to visit the Château de Beauregard, famous for its impressive portrait gallery, the largest in Europe.
Continue into the Touraine wine region, reaching your day’s destination: the royal town of Amboise. Its cobbled streets, traditional houses, and colourful local markets will immerse you in another century. Amboise also thrives in the shadow of its castle, built on the riverbank with sublime views.
The town also hosts Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence, now a museum dedicated to his work.
This visit is a perfect introduction to the wines of Touraine: it not only presents the wine cellar but also teaches you about the history of the wines and their different aromas, followed by a wine-tasting session.
Day 3: Amboise – Tours
28 km | +110 m | ⏱︎ 1h59
This shorter stage gives you time to explore both Amboise and Tours in more depth.
The route to Tours takes you through the picturesque Montlouis vineyards for a good part of the way.
Tours is renowned for its rich heritage and lively cultural scene. The Old Town blends medieval and Renaissance architecture, notably around the Place Plumereau, famous for its half-timbered houses and bustling cafés. The Saint-Gatien Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece with an ornate façade and stunning stained glass.
The city also offers a well-known gastronomic scene. Local markets, such as the Halles de Tours, are perfect for discovering regional culinary specialties.
Day 4: Tours – Chenonceaux
37 km | +110 m | ⏱︎ 2h42
You leave the Loire Valley for its tributary, the Cher. A beautiful greenway allows you to follow this equally royal river. A thrill is guaranteed when the Château de Chenonceau suddenly comes into view, spanning the river with incredible elegance. Residence of Diane de Poitiers and later Catherine de Médicis, the “Ladies’ Castle” was largely designed by its female residents. Its gardens and period-furnished interiors are equally worth visiting.
💡 Arriving in Chenonceaux in the afternoon allows you to visit the château and its gardens in the best light.
Day 5: Chenonceaux – Cour-Cheverny
48 km | +230 m | ⏱︎ 3h39
Follow the Cher upstream and pass through the peaceful riverside town of Montrichard, with its pretty square overlooked by a medieval keep.
Further on, visit the unusual Magnanerie troglodyte site and the underground Tuffeau quarry in Bourré, now a mushroom farm.
You then leave the Cher Valley to explore the Blois hinterland, full of castles to admire up close. The village of Fougères-sur-Bièvre has a magnificent medieval castle.
The highlight is the Château de Cheverny, a model of elegance and symmetry, inspiration for Hergé’s Moulinsart Castle in Tintin. Its interiors, well-preserved, give a glimpse of aristocratic life, with art and period furniture. The meticulously maintained gardens are a delight of color and fragrance.
Day 6: Cour-Cheverny – Blois
45 km | +170 m | ⏱︎ 3h40
This final cycling day takes you to the Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece and arguably the most extravagant Loire castle.
On the way, visit the Max Vauché chocolate factory, concluding with a tasting session.
Amid vast game-filled forests, the gigantic royal Chambord Castle gradually appears, standing majestically among the French-style gardens. With its famous double-spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci, towers, chimneys, and a roof full of dormers and lanterns, it is unique and awe-inspiring. Inside, richly decorated rooms reflect past royal grandeur, with spectacular rooftop views.
You rejoin the Loire at St-Dyé-sur-Loire and follow it back to Blois, completing the loop!
🚲 Long variant (52 km | Elev. +200 m | ⏱︎ 4h14)
For those not wanting to finish too quickly, a further detour up the river to Muides-sur-Loire allows crossing the bridge and returning to Blois on the opposite bank.
Day 7: End of trip
End of your Loire odyssey after breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever level of comfort you choose, we prioritize authentic, human-scale lodgings that inspire comfort, conviviality, and well-being. We also make every effort to ensure they are well located: easily accessible by bike and, whenever possible, close to amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2/3 ★ hotels or equivalent guesthouses
Simple but welcoming lodgings, chosen for their hospitality and location.
3/4 ★ hotels or charming guesthouses
Selected addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity.
4 ★ hotels or characterful guesthouses
Lodgings combining top comfort and premium services.
Photos are given for illustrative purposes to show the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Walking distance to restaurant(s)
- Convenient location
BIKE CHOICES
Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike adapted both to the route and your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer quality trekking bikes and electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available.
Trekking Bikes
Bikes from the brand Arcade model Escape (or similar). With 21 speeds and an aluminum frame, they handle small hills with ease. Men's models have a high frame.
Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
Bikes from Arcade or Vélo de Ville (German brand), equipped with a 400 Wh battery (or 500 Wh if pulling a child trailer), providing more than enough autonomy.
Child Trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we offer for rent. Each trailer can carry up to 2 young children.
Children’s Bikes
For children who have not yet reached adult size, children’s bikes are available in various sizes.
Tag-along Bikes
If your children are not yet accustomed to long rides, a tag-along bike can be attached to an adult bike. The attachment system (shown in the photo) is included.
Photos for reference only. Bikes are subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Rear waterproof 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, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tires, gears, chain... You may be far from help in case of mechanical issues!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Hybrid (trekking) bikes
- Mountain bikes (MTB)
- Gravel bikes
- E-bikes with sufficient autonomy
- Road bikes
- City bikes
💡 The route includes some compact gravel sections, so avoid tires that are too thin or slick. MTB tires are not necessary.
LEVEL: EASY
➡️ Stages are moderately long (about 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5).
This pace suits most people: it allows you to combine the joy of cycling with discoveries along the way.
➡️ The Loire Valley has very little elevation, making this itinerary an excellent choice for a first cycling trip. The hills along the Loire and Cher are occasionally slightly steep, but the route remains largely accessible for cyclists with occasional experience.
➡️ On some days, there is a longer variant that you can decide to do on the day itself. These variants do not skip any highlights but simply allow you to extend the pleasure of the ride.
⚡ To fully enjoy the route, even when it gets a little uphill, you can opt for an electric bike.
DAILY DISTANCES :
ELEVATION GAIN:
TYPE OF PATHS:
The route alternates between bike lanes and small country roads with low or no traffic. Over 80% of the route is paved. The rest is on well-maintained compact gravel paths. No technical difficulties to report.
💡 Our trips prioritize discovery and relaxation over effort. We adjust stage lengths based on terrain, type of paths, and points of interest, ensuring each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and open to spontaneity.
We also place great importance on avoiding busy roads whenever possible, to ultimately provide a calm and safe itinerary.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
- Short Loop: 6 days and 5 nights, including arrival and departure days. 4 days of cycling.
- Grand Loop: 7 days and 6 nights, including arrival and departure days. 5 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Every day from April to October.
🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE
Loop itinerary. At the end of the route, you return to your starting point.
📍 START AND END POINT
Start: Blois
End: Blois
🌦️ BEST TIME TO GO
In spring, temperatures are generally pleasant from April. This is also when the château gardens are at their most beautiful.
In summer, the weather is generally sunny and warm without being excessive. During heat waves, cycling may be uncomfortable during the hottest hours, when it is better to take a break or visit a château in the shade.
The region usually also enjoys a nice late season, with pleasant temperatures until the end of October.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your discretion.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (we provide recommendations 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 your hotel has one onsite!
🧳 BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by one of our partners. You only carry your day-trip belongings on the bike. A pannier is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to transport your luggage in side panniers, a discount applies.
🚩 ARRIVING ON SITE
BY TRAIN
- From Paris: From Gare d’Austerlitz, 3 direct TER trains/day to Blois-Chambord (approx. 1h20). If you bring your own bikes, they can board free of charge (no disassembly required).
- 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 transfer via Paris, Orléans, or Tours before taking a train to Blois.
💡 The Blois-Chambord train station is located in the city center.
BY CAR
Our roadbook provides all necessary information on where to park your car during your stay. Several free options are available in central Blois.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To fully enjoy your adventure, we provide practical and easy-to-use materials:
-
A printed roadbook (A5 booklet) written by us, including:
- Practical information
- Route description
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to stock up on supplies
- Swimming spots
- Cultural tips and anecdotes
- A list of nearby bike repair shops along the route
A printed map of the route
-
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy to use (a small tutorial will be sent if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works offline / airplane mode)
- Custom tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND SUPPORT
You travel independently (unaccompanied), with 7/7 phone assistance in case of any issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To cover cancellation or problems during your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about cancellation and assistance insurance.
Optionally, for those renting a bike, there is also theft & damage insurance.
🎒 EQUIPMENT 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 on request only).
For more comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Rain overpants
Light, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on. Protects against rain, splashes, and mud. Some models have gaiters covering shoes as well.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for recharging your phone during the lunch break: navigation consumes a lot of energy, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery is very strong.
Cost: 10-20 €.
Cycling shorts or gel seat cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction during long rides. Alternatively, use a padded seat cover (also called saddle cover).
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some keep water cool for hours thanks to a double-wall insulation.
Buff / neck warmer / hat
Outside of summer, mornings can be chilly, and you’ll be glad to have them!
PRICES 2026
The price is calculated based on two people sharing a double/twin room. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.
| Package | Standard | Comfort | Prestige | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | |
| Double/Twin room | €549 | €569 | €609 | €689 | €709 | €749 | €859 | €879 | €919 |
| Single room supplement | + €250 | + €250 | + €250 | + €250 | + €250 | + €250 | + €250 | + €250 | + €250 |
| Child discounts (sharing room with 2 full-paying adults) |
0-3 yrs: - 80% | 4-11 yrs: - 40% | 12-17 yrs: - 30% | ||||||||
| Group discounts | 6-11 people: - 10% | 12+ people: - 15% | ||||||||
| Extra nights (optional) |
Standard | Comfort | Prestige | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | ||
| Blois | Double/Twin room | €70 | €70 | €80 | €100 | €100 | €110 | €130 | €130 | €140 |
| Single room | €130 | €130 | €150 | €160 | €160 | €180 | €200 | €200 | €230 | |
| Amboise | Double/Twin room | €60 | €60 | €65 | €85 | €85 | €95 | €110 | €110 | €120 |
| Single room | €110 | €110 | €120 | €135 | €135 | €145 | €170 | €170 | €180 | |
| Tours | Double/Twin room | €60 | €60 | €65 | €90 | €90 | €95 | €110 | €110 | €120 |
| Single room | €110 | €110 | €120 | €140 | €140 | €150 | €180 | €180 | €190 | |
- Low season: Oct 1 - Oct 31
- Mid season: Apr 1 - Jun 30 & Sep 1 - Sep 30
- High season: Jul 1 - Aug 31
| BIKE RENTAL (equipment included) | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | €130 |
| Trekking bike | €100 |
| Child bike (-12 yrs) | €90 |
| Child trailer | €100 |
| Detachable follow bike | €126 |
BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in hotel or B&B of the chosen comfort level
- Breakfasts at each accommodation
- Transport of your luggage between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), prepared from our scouting trip
- GPS tracks via our navigation app
- A printed map of the route
- Luggage tags
- 7/7 phone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Rental bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Blois, Amboise, and/or Tours
- 3 Châteaux Pass (Chaumont - Chenonceau - Chambord) - skip-the-line tickets
- Visit to "Ambacia" wine cellar in Amboise
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
- Rental bike theft & damage insurance
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Round trip to Blois from your home
- 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 pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travelers: a logistical supplement is added to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Valérie and Maxime, 50 and 21 yrs"Excellent stay, Loire Valley castles! Very well organized, perfect cycling distances and route. Highly recommend this agency." October 2025
Alain and Paula, 55 and 52 yrs"An unforgettable cycling trip through castles, rivers, and charming villages! Each stage was a discovery, with a highlight on Chenonceau castle and the forest crossing to Chambord. Routes well designed, very comfortable accommodations, impeccable organization. Highly recommended for nature and history lovers!" April 2025
Claire, 63 yrs"Cycling circuit in Loire with Cyclodyssees: outstanding organization for both the route quality and accommodation/luggage transport, organizers very responsive even for minor issues beyond their control. Excellent mix of sport and culture… and we were blessed with perfect weather! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED without hesitation!" September 2024
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