France
Loire Valley bike tour: Self-guided castles ride from Orléans to Saumur
8 days
Bike tours
Departure days: Daily
260km
Easy
About This 8-Day Loire Valley bike tour
Our 8-day self-guided Loire Valley bike tour takes you from Orléans to Saumur along La Loire à Vélo, past Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry and Chinon. You ride 22 to 34 miles a day on flat bike paths and quiet country roads, sleep in handpicked 3- or 4-star hotels, and we move your luggage to the next hotel every day. You set the pace, stop for a market, a winery or a castle whenever you like, and finish most days with a glass of Loire wine.
This is a bike tour for couples, friends and independent travelers who want a classic France vacation without the stress of planning. We book the hotels, send you the routes and are one phone call away if you need us.
At a glance
- Tour type: Self-guided bike tour
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Route: Orléans to Saumur (one way), along La Loire à Vélo
- Distance: about 171 miles (275 km) in total, 22 to 34 miles (35 to 55 km) per day
- Level: Easy, mostly flat
- Season and departures: daily departures, April through September
- Price: from €1,025 per person, double occupancy, Silver category (3-star hotels), with breakfast and luggage transfer
- Included: 7 nights in 3- or 4-star hotels, daily breakfast, luggage transfer, GPS app and roadbook, phone support
Cycling through the Loire Valley feels like riding through a living postcard — majestic châteaux, riverside paths and vineyards unfolding at your own pace
Why bike the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is often called the Garden of France, and its river landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site. La Loire à Vélo is one of the best-known long-distance bike routes in Europe, well signposted and part of the EuroVelo 6 route that crosses the continent from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. Between Orléans and Saumur the route follows riverside paths, vineyards, forest roads and village streets, and the castles are all within easy riding distance of the river.
The result is a trip that mixes three things most visitors want: history, good food and easy cycling.
Who is this Loire Valley bike tour for?
- Couples and friends who want comfort, charming hotels and time to enjoy France.
- First-time bike tourists. The route is flat, well marked and the days are short enough to leave time for sightseeing.
- Active travelers who prefer an e-bike. An e-bike takes the effort out of headwinds and the longer 34-mile day.
- Independent travelers who like to decide when to start, where to stop for lunch and how long to stay at a castle.
Traveling with younger children or a larger group? Send us a request and we will look at the options with you.
Highlights of this Loire Valley castles bike tour
Saumur: the Pearl of Anjou, with a hilltop château, riding heritage and wine cellars cut into the limestone.
Orléans: historic city on the Loire, linked to Joan of Arc, with a Gothic cathedral and a lively old town.
Château de Chambord: perhaps the most famous castle in France, with 440 rooms, dramatic towers and the double-helix staircase.
Blois: a riverside town with a royal château, cobbled streets and a market square.
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire: a hilltop castle above the river, known for its International Garden Festival.
Amboise: a Renaissance town where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years; visit the château and Clos Lucé.
Château de Chenonceau: the fairytale castle spanning the River Cher, often called the Ladies’ Castle.
Tours: the old capital of Touraine, with half-timbered houses and wine bars.
Château de Villandry: famous for its perfectly symmetrical Renaissance gardens.
Château de Langeais: a medieval fortress that takes you back to the age of knights.
Chinon: a wine town below a royal fortress.
Day-by-day itinerary
Each stage follows quiet bike paths and country roads, mostly along La Loire à Vélo. Distances are approximate.
Your tour starts in Orléans, the city of Joan of Arc. Walk through the old town with its half-timbered houses, visit Sainte-Croix Cathedral and, depending on your arrival time, the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc. A stroll along the Loire with a glass of regional wine is a good way to arrive. Overnight in Orléans. Pick up your bike here if you rented one.
You ride downstream along La Loire à Vélo through peaceful countryside, passing Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency with their medieval bridges and flower-filled squares. The terrain is flat, so there is plenty of time for a riverside picnic or a local market. You stay in Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, a stone-built village that once served as the river port for Chambord.
Today’s highlight is Château de Chambord. Allow time to climb the double-helix staircase and walk around the park. Then ride through woodland and open farmland to Blois, where the royal château rises above the rooftops. Explore the old quarter and have dinner in a traditional bistro. Overnight in Blois.
You continue west along the Loire through vineyards and gentle hills. On the way you pass Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, perched above the river. In Amboise, visit the château, the chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried and Clos Lucé, the manor where he spent his last years. Overnight in Amboise.
After breakfast you ride through forest and vineyards to Château de Chenonceau, built across the River Cher. From there a quiet, gently rolling route leads to Tours. Spend the evening in Le Vieux Tours, the old quarter with half-timbered houses, bistros and wine bars. Overnight in Tours.
This is the longest day. You ride between the Loire and Cher rivers past vineyards and orchards, with a stop at the gardens of Château de Villandry. Next comes Château de Langeais, a well-preserved medieval fortress. You finish in Chinon, a wine town below the Forteresse Royale. Overnight in Chinon.
The last stage follows the meeting of the Loire and Vienne rivers. You pass Candes-Saint-Martin, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and Château de Montsoreau, which stands right on the riverbank. In Saumur, enjoy the old town and a tasting in one of the wine cellars. Overnight in Saumur.
After breakfast your bike tour ends. If you have time, visit Château de Saumur for views over the river or take a boat trip. You can add extra nights in Saumur, and a transfer back to Orléans can be booked (see Optional extras).
Sights along the route
Château de Chambord
The Château de Chambord is the most famous castle in the Loire Valley and a highlight of any Loire Valley cycling tour. This spectacular Renaissance château features 440 rooms and the iconic double helix staircase. Surrounded by vast forests and parkland, cyclists follow quiet bike paths with breathtaking views of its dramatic towers, an unforgettable stop along the Loire à Vélo route.
Chateau de langeais
The impressive Château de Langeais is one of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley and offers a fascinating journey back to the Middle Ages. Originally founded in the 10th century and later rebuilt by King Louis XI, this fortress is one of the best preserved examples of late medieval architecture in France and a remarkable highlight along your Loire Valley cycling tour.
Château de Chenonceau
The fairytale Château de Chenonceau is one of the most spectacular castles in the Loire Valley, uniquely spanning the River Cher. This elegant Renaissance château, often called the “Ladies’ Castle,” was shaped and inhabited by influential women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici. Its graceful arches reflected in the water, beautifully designed gardens and richly decorated interiors make it an unforgettable highlight of any Loire Valley cycling tour.
Château de Villandry Gardens
The gardens of Château de Villandry are among the most spectacular Renaissance gardens in Europe and a highlight of any Loire Valley cycling tour. Famous for their perfectly symmetrical design, the gardens are laid out in elegant geometric patterns that can best be admired from the château’s terraces. Visitors can explore ornamental flower gardens, decorative vegetable gardens arranged like living mosaics, tranquil water features and shaded walkways. The precision, harmony and seasonal colours make Villandry a masterpiece of landscape architecture and one of the most photographed sights in the Loire Valley.
Château d’Amboise
The magnificent Château d’Amboise rises high above the Loire River and was once one of the preferred royal residences of the French kings. From its fortified terraces, visitors enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the river and the historic town of Amboise, making it one of the most scenic stops on any Loire Valley cycling tour. The castle is especially renowned for its connection to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years in Amboise at the invitation of King Francis I. He is buried in the Chapel of Saint Hubert within the castle grounds, creating a powerful and memorable experience for visitors interested in Renaissance history, art and culture.
Prices and departure dates
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. They include 7 nights with daily breakfast, luggage transfer between hotels, the digital route app and roadbook, phone support and VAT.
- Silver category (3-star hotels): comfortable, well-located hotels with private bathroom. From €1,025 per person.
- Gold category (4-star hotels): superior hotels with extra comfort and character. Price on request.
Departures: daily, April through September. Pick the date that suits you, and request a personal proposal below. Prefer to travel with friends or family? Groups of six or more can request special dates.
2027
Double Room
| Period | Silver – Double | Gold – Double |
|---|---|---|
| 24 April – 7 May 2027 | €720 | €850 |
| 8 May – 18 June 2027 | €890 | €1,020 |
| 19 June – 20 August 2027 | €950 | €1,080 |
| 21 August – 24 September 2027 | €890 | €1,020 |
| 25 September 2027 | €720 | €850 |
Single Room
| Period | Silver – Single | Gold – Single |
|---|---|---|
| 24 April – 7 May 2027 | €1,120 | €1,270 |
| 8 May – 18 June 2027 | €1,290 | €1,440 |
| 19 June – 20 August 2027 | €1,350 | €1,500 |
| 21 August – 24 September 2027 | €1,290 | €1,440 |
| 25 September 2027 | €1,120 | €1,270 |
Special departure dates
Available on request for groups of at least 6 people.
Silver vs. Gold: What’s the Difference?
Silver
- Comfortable 3-star hotels
- Occasionally smaller, family-run hotels (which may also be 2-star)
- Practical hotels in convenient locations
- Functional comfort without additional luxury
- Excellent value for money
Gold
- Higher hotel category (usually 3-star superior to 4-star hotels)
- More comfort and often better locations, such as city centres or rooms with a view
- More stylish rooms and better facilities
- Generally quieter, more modern, or featuring more charm and historic character
- A premium experience of the same trip
Included
- 7 nights in carefully selected 3- or 4-star hotels (choice of Silver or Gold category)
- Daily breakfast
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 piece per person, max. 20 kg / 44 lbs)
- Digital route app with GPS tracks, maps and points of interest
- Comprehensive tour information including roadbook, vouchers and practical travel tips
- 24/7 telephone support during your trip
Not Included
- Lunches and dinners
- Local tourist tax (€10–15 per person, payable on site)
- Entrance fees to castles and museums
- Bike or e-bike rental (optional, see price list)
- Personal travel insurance
- Transfers not mentioned in the program
How a day on this bike tour works
- Have breakfast at your hotel and leave your suitcase at reception.
- Ride your stage with the app, roadbook and GPS track. Stop where you like.
- Your luggage is taken to the next hotel. In the meantime you carry daily essentials in the pannier on your bike.
- Check in, relax, and find dinner in town.
No guide to follow, no fixed group, no schedule other than the one you choose.
Why book this Loire Valley cycle tour with us
- Local expertise and handpicked hotels in prime locations
- Seamless luggage transfers so you can travel light
- Carefully designed routes along the best sections of the Loire à Vélo
- Flexible self-guided travel with GPS navigation
- 24/7 on-trip support for complete peace of mind
- Trusted European cycling specialists
Optional extras
Prices are per person and include VAT.
| Extra | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bike Rental | €130 | 27-speed touring bike with pannier, lock and repair kit |
| E-Bike Rental | €330 | Electric bike (Shimano 9-speed) including pannier and helmet |
| Helmet Rental | €20 | Optional, recommended for safety |
| Extra Night Orléans (Double Room) | €85 | Including breakfast |
| Extra Night Saumur (Double Room) | €85 | Including breakfast |
| Extra Night Orléans (Single Room) | €150 | Including breakfast |
| Extra Night Saumur (Single Room) | €150 | Including breakfast |
| Transfer Saumur to Orléans (without own bike) | €140 | Minimum 2 persons, available on Saturdays |
Practical Information
- Tour type: Self guided cycling holiday
- Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
- Distance: Approximately 35 to 55 km per day, total around 275 km
- Difficulty level: Moderate, mostly flat terrain with a few gentle inclines
- Route: Mainly along the La Loire à Vélo, about 80% paved and 20% unpaved paths
- Start location: Orléans
- End location: Saumur
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotels
- Luggage: Daily luggage transfer between accommodations
- Navigation: Digital app with maps and GPS tracks
- Departure period: Daily departures from April through October
Bikes and e-bikes
You can bring your own bike or rent one at the start in Orléans. Rental bikes come with a pannier, lock and repair kit. Choose a 27-speed touring bike for a relaxed ride, or an e-bike if you want help with wind and longer days. Rental bikes are returned at the end of your last stage. More questions about bikes, luggage or routes? See our FAQ for bike tours.
Best time for a Loire Valley bike tour
The season runs from April through September. Spring and early fall usually bring the most comfortable cycling temperatures. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, so book early for these dates and consider an early start on the longer days. Not sure what to bring? Use our packing list for bike tours.
Getting to Orléans and home from Saumur
Orléans lies about 75 miles (120 km) south of Paris and is easy to reach by train. At the end of the tour you can return by train, or book our transfer from Saumur back to Orléans (€132, minimum 2 persons, Saturdays). Contact us and we are happy to help you plan the journey.
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Frequently asked questions
It is an easy tour. The route is mostly flat, with 22 to 34 miles (35 to 55 km) per day on bike paths and quiet roads. Most people with basic fitness enjoy it, and an e-bike is available if you want extra help.
Departures run daily from April through September. Spring and early fall are usually the most comfortable, while July and August are warmest and busiest.
No, it is self-guided. You get a digital app with GPS tracks, a roadbook, hotel vouchers and phone support. A guided version is available on request.
Every morning you leave your suitcase at hotel reception, and we take it to your next hotel. You can bring one piece per person up to 44 lbs (20 kg). During the day you carry your essentials in the pannier on your bike.
You can visit Chambord, Blois, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise with Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Villandry, Langeais, Chinon, Montsoreau and Saumur. Entrance fees are not included.
You have phone support 7 days a week, and your rental bike comes with a repair kit. We also keep one fixed contact person for you before, during and after your trip.
