The Full Royal Loire Valley Bike Tour
- From 1149 € / pers.
- 11 days and 10 nights
- From April to October
- Level: easy
- Average dist.: 38 km/day
- 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 1149 € / pers.
- 11 days and 10 nights
- From April to October
- Level: easy
- Average distance: 38 km/day
- Electric bicycle available
- Luggage transfers included
THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES BY BIKE
Set off on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the heart of the most majestic Loire Valley castles. This unique experience will take you to the region that, during the Renaissance, became the cherished home of the greatest monarchs of the French kingdom.
For a few days, slip into the cloak of the iconic sovereign Francis I (or his royal consort, if you prefer!), and link your various castles aboard your faithful modern-day steed. Your favourite residences — Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chenonceau, and Azay-le-Rideau — will punctuate the route of Your Highness along the way. You will have the opportunity to meet your subjects in historic towns such as Blois and Amboise, beautifully nestled on the hillsides overlooking the Loire. The widespread use of tuffeau stone in the construction of the houses gives them a wonderfully romantic atmosphere, making them royally beautiful.
Between these highlights, you will wander through delightfully rural landscapes, most often along greenways or quiet country lanes. From time to time, you will also ride alongside the river often referred to as the royal river. Although it forms the true backbone of the region, it has retained a remarkably wild character. Along the way, a few wine cellars will also tempt you to stop and sample the finest wines of Touraine.
And your luggage? Fear not — your loyal subjects will ensure it is transported from one accommodation to the next. All you have to do is pedal and enjoy the scenery, like a true monarch.
There is little doubt that you will return invigorated after this royal escape, with the feeling that this small corner of France is a kind of allegory of the very best the country has to offer. So saddle up, Your Majesty! The Loire Valley awaits your illustrious presence.
YOUR ITINERARY FROM ORLÉANS TO SAUMUR
This cycling tour from Orléans to Saumur takes you across the entire Loire Valley castles region. The castles themselves form the guiding thread of this wonderful Loire adventure. Along the way you will discover emblematic châteaux that follow one another yet are each completely different: from the gigantic Chambord, lost in the middle of its vast hunting forest, to the refined Chenonceau gracefully spanning the Cher river, via the royal Blois or the harmonious Cheverny. Each building tells a different story.
Each stage has been designed to allow time to visit the castles without rushing (allow roughly 1½ to 2 hours per visit). The daily distances have therefore been adjusted accordingly: when a day promises to be rich in visits, the cycling distance is lighter. This way you can fully enjoy the richly furnished interiors, the formal French gardens and the superb views from rooftops and terraces, while still keeping the energy needed to cycle peacefully to your next stop.
If you would like a tailor-made itinerary, do not hesitate to contact us: we will prepare an offer adapted to your needs.
Have a wonderful trip!
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Orléans, located in the heart of France, is renowned for its historical and architectural heritage. The Sainte-Croix Cathedral, a gem of Gothic architecture, dominates the city skyline. The House of Joan of Arc, where the famous heroine stayed during the Siege of Orléans, is an essential place of remembrance. The Museum of Fine Arts, rich in European artworks, and the Hôtel Groslot, a remarkable Renaissance building, are other major attractions. The city is also known for its picturesque bridges over the Loire, offering lovely views over the old town.
Day 2: Orléans - Beaugency
28 km | 
+60 m | ⏱︎ 2h08
You leave Orléans following the river and continue through a rural landscape along paths that are mostly specially designed for cycling. On the way, you will pass through the historic town of Meung-sur-Loire, which Alexandre Dumas used as the setting to begin his famous novel The Three Musketeers. It is also here that the first in a long procession of impressive châteaux opens its doors to you. This one was the main residence of the Bishops of Orléans. At the end of the stage, you reach Beaugency, a captivating medieval town known for its old bridge, large keep, and well-preserved architecture.
🚲 Longer option (34 km | Elevation gain: 80 m | ⏱︎ 2h32)
This 6 km detour will also allow you to visit the Basilica of Cléry-Saint-André, which houses the tomb of King Louis XI.
Day 3: Beaugency - Blois
48 km | +140 m | ⏱︎ 3h32
This day takes you to the famous Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance and undoubtedly the most extravagant of the Loire châteaux. Surrounded by vast game-filled forests—once a renowned hunting ground—the immense royal building suddenly appears, standing majestically amidst formal French gardens. With its famous double-helix staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci, its towers, chimneys, and its forest of dormer windows and lanterns on the roof, it is truly unique and offers a spectacular sight. Inside, you will discover richly decorated rooms reflecting former royal grandeur, before enjoying the royal view from the rooftop!
You then arrive in Blois, the very essence 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 its impressive royal château make it a perfect postcard of what a typical French town of the era looked like.
Day 4: Loop to Cheverny
41 km | +190 m | ⏱︎ 3h02
You can either choose a rest/sightseeing day in Blois or take the opportunity to ride a 41 km loop that will lead you to the famous Château de Cheverny.
On the way to Cheverny, you pass by the Château de Beauregard, which can be visited. It is famous for its impressive portrait gallery, the largest of its kind in Europe.
10 km further on, you reach the Château de Cheverny, a model of elegance and symmetry. The building is famous for having inspired Hergé in the creation of Marlinspike Hall in Tintin. Its remarkably well-preserved interiors offer a glimpse into aristocratic life, with collections of art and period furniture. The meticulously maintained gardens are a delight of colours and scents.
The route then gradually returns to Blois via a different path.
Day 5: Blois - Amboise
44 km | +230 m | ⏱︎ 3h40
You leave Blois following the river downstream towards Chaumont-sur-Loire, an idyllic riverside village living in the shadow of its impressive château.
The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is renowned for its International Garden Festival. The gardens, which change theme every year, are a laboratory of creativity and innovation, attracting designers from all over the world.
You then enter the Touraine wine region before reaching your destination of the day: the royal town of Amboise. Its small cobbled streets, traditional houses and colourful local markets will once again transport you back in time. Amboise also lives in the shadow of its château, which hosted many kings and is built overlooking the river, offering superb views.
The town is also home to the Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, now a museum dedicated to his work.
This visit is a great introduction to the wines of Touraine: it not only presents the cellar but also teaches you about wine history and aromas, followed by a short oenology session (including a tasting, of course!).
Day 6: Loop to Chenonceaux
43 km | +210 m | ⏱︎ 3h15
Today you head towards the Cher Valley to discover the Château de Chenonceau, which spans the river with remarkable elegance—often described as distinctly feminine. The main residence of Diane de Poitiers and later Catherine de’ Medici, the “Ladies’ Château” was largely designed by the women who lived there. Beyond its exterior beauty, its gardens and furnished interiors are equally worth the visit.
🚲 Longer option (67 km | Elevation gain: 370 m | ⏱︎ 5h07)
This option allows you to extend the stage by continuing along the Cher after visiting Chenonceau. You will pass through the town of Montrichard and the village of Bourré, where it is possible to visit a mushroom farm inside a former stone quarry.
Day 7: Amboise - Tours
28 km | +110 m | ⏱︎ 1h59
This shorter stage gives you time to explore the towns of Amboise and Tours in greater depth.
The route to Tours takes you through picturesque vineyards of Montlouis for much of the way.
Tours is known for its rich heritage and lively cultural scene. The old town features a charming mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture, particularly visible on Place Plumereau, famous for its half-timbered houses and bustling café terraces. Tours Cathedral (Saint-Gatien) is a masterpiece of Gothic art, striking with its ornate façade and magnificent stained glass.
The city also boasts a renowned gastronomic scene. Local markets, such as the Les Halles Market in Tours, are perfect places to discover regional specialities.
Day 8: Tours - Azay-le-Rideau
34 km | +170 m | ⏱︎ 2h33
You leave Tours via the Cher Valley, first reaching Savonnières, a small typical village nestled on the riverbank. You then arrive at the Château de Villandry, renowned for the incredible richness of its formal French gardens, impressive both in scale and creativity.
You then cross a more rural landscape before reaching Azay-le-Rideau, whose château, built on an island in the Indre, is made even more splendid by its perfect reflection in the surrounding water.
🚲 Longer option (44 km | Elevation gain: 180 m | ⏱︎ 3h10)
The most motivated riders can extend the route by around 10 km, continuing along the Cher and then the Loire after passing Villandry. This detour leads to the riverside town of Langeais, home to an impressive fortress.
Day 9: Azay-le-Rideau - Chinon
39 km | +200 m | ⏱︎ 3h06
After rejoining the Loire near the idyllic village of Bréhémont, you reach the Château d’Ussé, said to have inspired Charles Perrault’s tale Sleeping Beauty. You then cycle towards the Vienne Valley, where the medieval town of Chinon is beautifully set. Its fortress, built on a rocky spur, is truly imposing.
Day 10: Chinon - Saumur
37 km | +170 m | ⏱︎ 2h54
At the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire—where the river truly widens—you pass through Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, two medieval villages rightly ranked among the most beautiful in France. You then enter the heart of the troglodyte region. The area is also known for its wines, and you cycle through superb vineyard landscapes before reaching the beautiful medieval town of Saumur, stretching along the banks of the Loire.
🚲 Longer option (67 km | Elevation gain: 370 m | ⏱︎ 5h07)
This detour takes you to the impressive Fontevraud Abbey, which houses the tombs of illustrious Plantagenet kings, including Richard the Lionheart.
Day 11: End of the trip
End of your Loire Valley journey after breakfast.
💡 If you opted for rental bikes, you can return them to our partner in Saumur before departure.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever comfort level you choose, we favour authentic, human-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, friendliness 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 accommodation, selected for its hospitality and location.
3 ★ hotels or charming guesthouses
A selection of addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity.
4 ★ hotels or character guesthouses
Accommodation combining high comfort with premium services.
Photos provided as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Well-chosen location
CHOOSING YOUR BIKE
Whether you choose to rent a bike or travel with your own, it is essential to have a bike that is suitable both for the route and for your own needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer good-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all the essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available.
Trekking bikes
Bikes from the Arcade brand, Escape model (or similar). With their 21 gears and aluminium frame, they allow you to tackle the few small hills without too much effort. The men's model has a high frame.
Electric bikes
Bikes from the brands Arcade or Vélo de Ville (a German brand) equipped with a 400 Wh battery (if you are towing a child trailer, the bikes come with a 500 Wh battery), providing more than enough range.
Child trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for rental. These can accommodate up to 2 young children.
Children's bikes
For children who are not yet tall enough for adult bikes, it is possible to rent children's bikes. Different sizes are available.
Photos for information purposes only. Bikes subject to availability.
Accessories included:
- Smartphone holder (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 TRAVEL WITH YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, sprockets, derailleur, chain...
You may be far from help in case of a mechanical problem!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Touring / trekking bike
- Mountain bike
- Gravel bike
- E-bike with good range.
- Road bike
- City bike
💡 As the route includes a few compact gravel sections, avoid tyres that are too thin or too smooth. Mountain-bike tyres are not necessary, however.
LEVEL: EASY
➡️ The stages are moderately long (around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5).
This pace suits most people: it combines the pleasure of cycling with the opportunity to discover the surroundings along the way.
➡️ The Loire Valley has very little elevation. The slopes of the Loire and its tributaries can occasionally be slightly steep, but the route nevertheless remains largely accessible to cyclists who only ride occasionally. As the journey lasts more than a week, it is however recommended to have already completed a first cycling trip before embarking on a journey of this scale.
⚡ To enjoy the route fully, even when the road climbs a little, you can also opt for an electric bike.
DAILY DISTANCES:
ELEVATION:
TYPE OF ROUTES:
The route alternates between cycle paths and small country roads with little or no traffic. More than 80% of the route is paved. The remainder is ridden on well-maintained compact gravel tracks. No technical difficulty to report.
💡
Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over physical effort.
We therefore aim to adjust the length of each stage according to the terrain, the type of roads and the points of interest, so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to spontaneity.
We also place great importance on avoiding roads with significant traffic whenever possible, in order to offer, ultimately, a peaceful and safe route.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
11 days and 10 nights, including 9 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Every day from April to October.
🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE
Linear.
📍 START AND END POINTS
Start of the trip: Orléans
End of the trip: Saumur
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
In spring, temperatures are generally pleasant from April onwards. It is also the time when the castle gardens are at their most colourful.
In summer, the weather is generally sunny and warm without being excessive. In the event of a heatwave, cycling can become uncomfortable during the hottest hours of the day, when it is best to plan a break or stay cool by visiting a castle.
The region also generally enjoys a pleasant late season, with comfortable temperatures until around the end of October.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are not included.
During the day, you can eat in local restaurants (you will find suggestions in our roadbook) or prepare a picnic by buying supplies from local grocery shops.
For dinner, there will always be several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless the hotel already has its own restaurant!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our partners. During the cycling stages you only carry your personal items for the day. A pannier is provided with the rental bike.
If you prefer to carry your luggage yourself in panniers, you will benefit from a discount.
🚩 ARRIVING AT THE START
BY TRAIN
- From Paris: 1 to 2 direct TER trains per hour to Orléans departing from Austerlitz (approx. 1h05).
- Orléans is also served twice a day by a train from Nantes, and three times a day by an Intercité train from Toulouse.
BY CAR
Our roadbook will provide all the information you need about where to leave your car during your trip. Several free options exist in park-and-ride car parks on the outskirts of Orléans.
🔁 RETURNING TO THE STARTING POINT
Returning to Orléans from Saumur is very easy: a direct TER train connects the two towns in 2h10, twice a day.
More information on train schedules
💡 If you are travelling with your own bikes, they can be taken onto the TER without being dismantled, but we recommend reserving your bike tickets in advance, especially at weekends, as the number of bike spaces on each train is limited.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To help you make the most of your adventure, we will provide several practical and easy-to-use materials:
-
A roadbook (A5 booklet) written by us, including:
- Practical information
- A description of the itinerary
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to buy supplies
- Swimming spots
- Cultural information and anecdotes
- A list of bike repair shops located near the route
A printed map of the route
-
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 routes between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (self-guided), with telephone assistance available 7 days a week in case of problems.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To guarantee reimbursement of costs in case of trip cancellation or problems during your stay, you may take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about cancellation and assistance insurance.
Also available as an option for those renting a bike: theft & damage insurance.
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, a lock, a repair kit, a phone holder and a waterproof rear pannier form the basic equipment. If you have rented a bike, these are included (for helmets, only upon request).
For greater comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Waterproof overtrousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes and mud. Some models include gaiters that also cover your shoes.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for charging your phone during the lunch break: navigation consumes a lot of energy, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery is very powerful.
Expect around €10–20.
Cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded cycling shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction during longer rides. Alternatively, you can opt for a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to an insulated double wall.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside summer, mornings can be cool and you will be glad you brought one!
PRICES 2026
The price is calculated on the basis of a stay for two people in a double/twin room. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the requested room type.| Package | Standard Range | Comfort Range | Prestige Range | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | |
| Double/twin room | 1149 € | 1179 € | 1229 € | 1439 € | 1469 € | 1519 € | 1799 € | 1829 € | 1879 € |
| Single room supplement | + 500 € | + 500 € | + 500 € | + 500 € | + 500 € | + 500 € | + 500 € | + 500 € | + 500 € |
| Child discounts (sharing a room with 2 adults paying the full rate) |
0–3 years: - 80% | 4–11 years: - 40% | 12–17 years: - 30% | ||||||||
| Group discounts | 6 – 11 people: - 10% | 12+ people: - 15% | ||||||||
| 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 | ||
| 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: 1 Oct – 31 Oct
- Mid season: 1 Apr – 30 Jun & 1 Sept – 30 Sept
- High season: 1 Jul – 31 Aug
| BIKE RENTAL – equipment and return transfer included – |
|
|---|---|
| Electric bike | 351 € |
| Trekking bike | 221 € |
| Children’s bike (-12 years) | 140 € |
| Child trailer | 160 € |
| Tag-along bike | 221 € |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in hotels or guesthouses in the selected comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Transfer of your luggage between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), prepared by us during our reconnaissance trip
- GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
- A printed map of the route
- Luggage tags
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week
- Tourist taxes
- Administration fees
OPTIONS
- Bike rental
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Orléans, Tours and/or Saumur
- The 3-Châteaux Pass (Chambord – Chaumont – Chenonceau) – skip-the-line tickets
- Visit of the “Ambacia” wine cellar in Amboise
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
- Theft and damage insurance for rental bikes
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel from your home to Orléans and the return from Saumur
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An extra pannier bag is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travellers: a logistical surcharge applies in addition to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Valérie and Maxime, 50 and 21 years old"Excellent stay exploring the Loire châteaux! Very well organised, the cycling route and distances were perfect. An agency we highly recommend." October 2025
Claire, 63 years old
"Cycling tour in the Loire with Cyclodyssées: outstanding organisation both in terms of the route and the accommodation/luggage transfers. The organisers were very available even for the small issues we encountered that were beyond their control. A wonderful combination of sport and culture… And on top of that, we were lucky with exceptionally good weather! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!" September 2024
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