The Loire Valley by Bike, from Tours to Saumur
- From 379 € / pers.
- 4 days / 3 nights
- From April to October
- Level: easy
- Average dist.: 37 km/day
- Electric bike option
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- A picturesque route, passing through vineyards, riverside or troglodyte villages, and delightfully bucolic landscapes.
- The castles of Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and Ussé
- Tours, Chinon and Saumur, historic towns as typical as they are charming
- A lesser-known section of the Loire, but equally interesting
- A easy route, alternating small country roads and greenways.
Highlights :
- A picturesque route, passing through vineyards, riverside or troglodyte villages, and delightfully bucolic landscapes.
- The castles of Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and Ussé
- Tours, Chinon and Saumur, historic towns as typical as they are charming
- A lesser-known section of the Loire, but equally interesting
- A easy route, alternating small country roads and greenways.
From 379 € / adult
- 4 days / 3 nights (3 days of biking)
- From April to October
- Level : easy
- Average dist.: 37 km/day
- Electric bike option
- Luggage transfer included
THE LOIRE BY BIKE, FROM TOURS TO SAUMUR
Less known than the Chambord or Chenonceau area, the section of the Loire between Tours and Saumur nonetheless reveals some of the valley’s finest treasures. The castles you encounter along the way are far from overshadowed by their illustrious counterparts further upstream. Villandry is renowned for its stunning French-style gardens, Azay-le-Rideau captivates with its perfect reflection in the Indre and elegant Renaissance architecture, while Ussé, with its fairy-tale turrets, directly inspired Charles Perrault for Sleeping Beauty.
But the itinerary offers much more than castles. From Tours and its lively Place Plumereau to the medieval villages along the Loire or its tributaries, you will wind through beautiful vineyard landscapes, with several opportunities to visit a cellar and taste the wines of Touraine. You will also pass through the troglodyte region, where houses and cellars are carved directly into the limestone, and discover some of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, such as Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, charmingly nestled by the water.
If you would like a tailor-made route, don’t hesitate to contact us: we will provide an offer suited to your needs.
Enjoy your journey!
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Tours
Tours is known for its rich heritage and vibrant cultural life. The Old Town presents a charming mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture, notably visible at Place Plumereau, famous for its half-timbered houses and lively café terraces. The Saint-Gatien Cathedral in Tours is a masterpiece of Gothic art, impressive for its ornate façade and magnificent stained glass windows.
The city also offers a renowned gastronomic scene. Local markets, such as the Marché des Halles in Tours, are perfect spots to discover Touraine culinary specialties.
Day 2: Tours – Azay-le-Rideau
34 km | 
+170 m | ⏱︎ 2h33
You leave Tours via the Cher valley, first reaching Savonnières, a typical village tucked on the riverside. Next, you reach the Château de Villandry, renowned for the incredible richness of its French-style gardens, impressive for their scale, variety, and creativity.
You then ride through more agricultural landscapes, arriving at Azay-le-Rideau, whose château, built on an island in the Indre, is further enhanced by its perfect reflection in the surrounding waters.
🚲 Long variant (44 km | Elevation gain: 180 m | ⏱︎ 3h10)
For the more adventurous, an extra 10 km allows you to follow the Cher and then the Loire past Villandry Château. This detour leads to the riverside town of Langeais, home to an impressive fortress.
Day 3: Azay-le-Rideau – Chinon
39 km | +200 m | ⏱︎ 3h06
After rejoining the Loire at the idyllic village of Bréhémont, you reach Château d’Ussé, the very castle that inspired Charles Perrault for the story of “Sleeping Beauty”. You then cycle towards the Vienne valley, where the medieval town of Chinon is beautifully nestled. Its fortress, built on a rocky spur, commands respect.
Day 4: Chinon – Saumur
37 km | +170 m | ⏱︎ 2h54
At the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire – here the river really widens! – you pass through Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, two medieval villages rightly ranked among France’s most beautiful. You then enter the heart of the troglodyte region. The area is also renowned for its wines, with routes through superb vineyard landscapes.
This estate is known for its elegant organic wines in the Saumur and Saumur-Champigny appellations. The cellar tour allows you to discover the wine cellars and winemaking methods, followed by a convivial tasting of their cuvées.
The visit can be combined with a vineyard tour | ⏱︎ 30 min.
🚲 Long variant (46 km | Elevation gain: 310 m | ⏱︎ 3h27)
This detour allows you to reach the impressive Fontevraud Abbey, which houses the tombs of notable Plantagenet kings, including Richard the Lionheart.
At the end of the route, you reach the beautiful medieval town of Saumur, snug along the wide river.
End of your Loire odyssey upon arrival in Saumur. Option to stay overnight.
💡 If you opted for rental bikes, you can drop them off at our partner located next to Saumur station before departing.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever comfort level you choose, we prioritise authentic, small-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, friendliness and well-being. We also make sure they are well located: easily accessible by bike, and as close as possible to local amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2/3 ★ Hotels or equivalent guesthouses
Simple yet welcoming accommodation, chosen for their hospitality and location.
3 ★ Hotels or charming guesthouses
Selection of addresses combining modern comfort with authenticity.
4 ★ Hotels or characterful guesthouses
Accommodation combining great comfort and high-end services.
Photos provided as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Walking distance to restaurant(s)
- Convenient location
CHOICE OF BIKE
Whether you opt for a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the route and to your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer high-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Child equipment is also available.
Trekking bikes
Bikes from the brand Arcade, Escape model (or similar). With 21 gears and an aluminium frame, they make it easy to tackle the few small hills without too much effort. The men’s model has a high frame.
Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
Bikes from Arcade or Vélo de Ville (German brand) equipped with a 400 Wh battery (if towing a child, models with 500 Wh batteries are used), providing more than enough range.
Child Trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for rental. They can accommodate up to 2 young children.
Children’s Bikes
For children who have not yet reached adult size, it is possible to rent children’s bikes. Various sizes are available.
Photos for informational purposes. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone mount (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear pannier 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 your bike: brakes, tyres, gears, derailleur, chain…
You may be far from help in case of a mechanical problem!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Trekking bikes
- Mountain bikes (MTB)
- Gravel bikes
- E-Bikes with good range
- Road bikes
- City bikes
💡 The route includes some compact gravel sections, so avoid tyres that are too thin or slick. MTB tyres are not necessary.
LEVEL: EASY
➡️ Stages are fairly short: you cycle about 3 h per day.
A pace that allows plenty of stops and discoveries along the way. This trip is also suitable for families.
➡️ The Loire valley is mostly flat. The banks of the Loire and its tributaries may be slightly steep in places, but the route remains largely accessible for occasional cyclists.
⚡ To fully enjoy the route, even on small climbs, you can opt for an electric bike.
DAILY DISTANCES:
ELEVATION:
TYPE OF PATHS:
The route alternates between cycle paths and small country roads with little or no traffic. Over 80% of the route is asphalted. The remainder is on well-maintained compact gravel paths. No technical difficulty to report.
💡
Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over effort.
We adjust stage lengths according to the terrain, type of path, and points of interest, so each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and open to spontaneity.
We also strive to avoid busy roads whenever possible, offering a quiet and safe route.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
4 days and 3 nights, including 3 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Daily from April to October.
🗺️ ROUTE TYPE
Linear.
📍 START AND END POINT
Start: Tours
End: Saumur
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
In spring, temperatures are generally pleasant from April. This is also when the castle gardens are in full bloom.
In summer, the weather is usually sunny and warm without extremes. Heat waves are of course possible.
The region also enjoys a pleasant late season, with mild temperatures until late October.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your leisure.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (see suggestions in our roadbook) or have a picnic with supplies from local shops.
For dinner, you will always have several restaurants within walking distance from your accommodation… unless the hotel has one itself!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by a service provider. You only carry what you need for the day. A bag is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in panniers, you may get a discount.
🚩 ARRIVING ON SITE
BY TRAIN
Tours is an important railway hub, served by many TER trains, as well as direct TGV and Ouigo services from across France.
Direct TGV / Ouigo lines from:
💡 Many TGVs arrive at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station. From there, a regular shuttle train reaches Tours station in a few minutes.
BY CAR
Our roadbook provides all information on where to leave your car during your stay. Several free parking options are available.
🔁 RETURN TO START
Returning to Tours from Saumur is very simple: a direct TER connects the two towns in 40 min, once per hour.
💡 If you travel with your own bikes, they can be taken on the TER without disassembly, but we recommend booking bike tickets in advance, especially on weekends, as bike spaces are limited.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To fully enjoy your adventure, we provide practical and easy-to-use materials:
-
A printed roadbook (A5 booklet) prepared by us, including:
- Practical information
- Route description
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to buy supplies
- Cultural information and anecdotes
- List of nearby bike repair shops along the route
A printed route map
-
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy to use (a short tutorial will be provided)
- Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
- Customised tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND SUPPORT
Travel freely (unaccompanied) with 7-day-a-week telephone assistance in case of problems.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To guarantee reimbursement in case of trip cancellation or problems on site, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance (CAP Explorer Assistance). More about cancellation and assistance insurance.
Optionally, for those renting a bike, theft & damage insurance is also available.
🎒 GEAR TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone mount, and waterproof rear bag are basic equipment. If renting a bike, these are included (helmet only on request).
For more comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Rain trousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, they protect against rain, water splashes, and mud. Some models have gaiters covering the shoes.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for charging your phone during lunch break: navigation consumes a lot of energy, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery is very powerful.
Approx. €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on longer rides. Alternatively, use a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some keep water cool for several hours with double-wall insulation.
Buff / neck warmer / hat
Outside of summer, mornings can be cool, and you will be glad to have them!
PRICES 2026
Prices are calculated based on a stay for two in a double/twin room. All rates are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.
| Formula | Standard Category | Comfort Category | Prestige Category | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | |
| In double/twin room | 379 € | 389 € | 409 € | 439 € | 449 € | 469 € | 529 € | 539 € | 559 € |
| Single room supplement | + 150 € | + 150 € | + 160 € | + 150 € | + 150 € | + 160 € | + 70 € | + 80 € | + 70 € |
| 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. : - 5% | 12+ pers. : - 10% | ||||||||
| Extra nights (optional) | Standard Range | Comfort Range | Prestige Range | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | ||
| Tours | In double/twin room | 70 € | 70 € | 70 € | 95 € | 95 € | 95 € | 115 € | 115 € | 115 € |
| In single room | 125 € | 125 € | 125 € | 165 € | 165 € | 165 € | 205 € | 205 € | 205 € | |
| Saumur | In double/twin room | 65 € | 65 € | 65 € | 90 € | 90 € | 95 € | 115 € | 115 € | 120 € |
| In single room | 115 € | 115 € | 115 € | 160 € | 160 € | 165 € | 205 € | 205 € | 205 € | |
- 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 | 155 € |
| Trekking bike | 95 € |
| Child bike (-12 yrs) | 75 € |
| Child trailer | 95 € |
| Detachable Trailer bike | 105 € |
BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in hotel or guesthouse in the chosen comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), prepared by us during our scouting trip
- GPS tracks via our navigation app
- A printed map of the route
- Luggage tags
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Bike rental
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Tours and/or Saumur
- 2 Châteaux Pass (Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau) - skip-the-line tickets
- Visit to the Rocheville wine cellar and vineyard
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
- Bike theft and damage insurance (for rental bikes only)
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel from your home to Tours and the return from Saumur
- 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 applies (see booking form). An additional bag 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 years old"Excellent stay, the Loire castles! Very well organized, the route and cycling distances perfect. Agency highly recommended." October 2025
Claire, 63 years old"Cycling tour in the Loire with Cyclodyssées: outstanding organization both for route quality and accommodations/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!" September 2024
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