Loire Valley Bike Tour – Cycling the Castles of France

Welcome to the capital of the Loire Valley, where your cycling journey begins in the historic city of Orléans. Known as the city of Joan of Arc, Orléans blends rich heritage with elegant riverside charm. Wander through the atmospheric old town lined with half-timbered houses, lively squares and inviting cafés, then visit the magnificent Orléans Cathedral (Sainte-Croix Cathedral), whose soaring Gothic architecture reflects the grandeur of France’s past. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc or enjoy a relaxed stroll along the banks of the Loire River with a glass of regional wine. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel in the heart of the city, perfectly preparing you for the start of your Loire Valley cycling adventure tomorrow.

Today you begin cycling downstream along the beautifully signposted La Loire à Vélo route, following the gentle flow of the Loire River through peaceful countryside. The stage takes you through charming historic towns such as Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency, known for their medieval bridges, quiet lanes and flower filled village squares.

As you continue, the landscape opens into wide green plains and tranquil waterways, offering a relaxed and scenic ride on mostly flat terrain. This region is ideal for leisurely cycling, allowing plenty of time to pause for a riverside picnic, explore a local market or simply enjoy the slow rhythm of rural France.

Your destination is Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, a picturesque village that once served as the river port for the nearby Château de Chambord. With its stone houses and peaceful setting along the Loire, it offers a charming and atmospheric overnight stay — often with views across the river, providing a serene end to your first full day of cycling.

Today brings one of the great highlights of the Loire Valley: the magnificent Château de Chambord. This masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with its 440 rooms, elaborate towers and iconic double-helix staircase, is one of the largest and most spectacular castles in Europe. Surrounded by vast parkland and forest, Chambord offers an unforgettable glimpse into the grandeur of the French royal era.

After your visit, continue cycling through peaceful woodland and open farmland toward Blois, enjoying quiet country roads and scenic stretches along the Loire. As you approach the town, the impressive Château Royal de Blois rises proudly above the rooftops, reflecting centuries of royal history.

Blois itself is lively and welcoming, with winding cobbled streets, elegant squares and inviting cafés. Visit the cathedral, explore the charming old quarter or enjoy dinner at a traditional bistro overlooking the market square. Overnight stay in Blois.

Today you continue eastward along the Loire River toward Amboise, one of the most beautiful towns in the Loire Valley. The route follows scenic riverside paths and quiet country roads, offering sweeping views across vineyards and gentle hills.

Along the way, you pass the elegant Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, proudly perched on a hill above the river and renowned for its annual International Garden Festival. It’s a wonderful place to pause and take in both artful landscapes and panoramic views of the Loire.

Arriving in Amboise, you’ll discover a town rich in Renaissance history and refined charm. Visit the impressive Château d’Amboise, explore the chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, and wander through Clos Lucé, the manor house where he spent his final years. End the day with a glass of local Loire wine on a sunny terrace in the historic centre before settling in for your overnight stay in Amboise.

After a hearty French breakfast, you set off through peaceful forests and rolling vineyards toward one of the Loire Valley’s most enchanting landmarks: Château de Chenonceau. Gracefully spanning the River Cher, this fairytale castle is often considered the most romantic of them all, with elegant arches reflected in the water and beautifully landscaped gardens.

From Chenonceau, the route continues through gently undulating countryside and quiet rural roads, offering a relaxed and scenic ride toward Tours, the vibrant capital of the Touraine region.

In Tours, explore the charming old quarter of Le Vieux Tours, famous for its half-timbered houses, lively squares and inviting cafés. Enjoy dinner at a traditional bistro or sample regional wines at one of the many wine bars before settling in for your overnight stay in this elegant and welcoming city.

Today you cycle through the fertile landscapes between the Loire and Cher rivers, where vineyards, orchards and quiet country roads create a peaceful rhythm to the day. A highlight along the way is the magnificent Château de Villandry, world-renowned for its perfectly symmetrical Renaissance gardens and ornamental water features — a masterpiece of landscape design.

Continuing toward Langeais, you encounter the impressive Château de Langeais, a striking medieval fortress that transports you back to the age of knights and kings.

Your day concludes in the atmospheric town of Chinon, nestled among vineyards and overlooked by the majestic Forteresse Royale de Chinon. Known for its historic charm and celebrated red wines, Chinon is the perfect place to relax. Enjoy dinner with views over the River Vienne and soak up the authentic character of this timeless Loire Valley town. Overnight stay in Chinon.

Your final cycling stage takes you through the scenic confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, where peaceful riverbanks and vineyard-covered hills create a memorable farewell to the Loire Valley. Along the way, pass through the picturesque village of Candes-Saint-Martin, officially listed among France’s most beautiful villages, with its white stone houses overlooking the river.

Continue past the elegant Château de Montsoreau, uniquely positioned right on the banks of the Loire, before completing your journey in Saumur.

Soon you arrive in Saumur, often called the “Pearl of Anjou,” crowned by the graceful Château de Saumur overlooking the town. Saumur is famous for its equestrian heritage, prestigious riding academy and lively wine cellars carved into the limestone hills. Celebrate the end of your cycling adventure with an evening stroll through the charming old centre or enjoy a wine tasting at a local cave before your overnight stay in this elegant riverside town.

After breakfast, your Loire Valley cycling holiday comes to an end in the elegant town of Saumur. Depending on your onward travel plans, you may wish to visit the hilltop Château de Saumur, which offers panoramic views over the Loire River and surrounding vineyards, or enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the river for a final glimpse of this enchanting region.

Optional transfers back to Orléans can be arranged, and additional nights in Saumur are available upon request for those who wish to extend their stay and continue exploring the Loire Valley at a slower pace.

We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of castles, riverside cycling and the timeless charm of the “Garden of France.”