Loire Valley Cycling
8 days
from Paris to Angers
From
$ 1499
Duration8 days
Each summer, the Tour de France races across the country, giving a select group of very talented cyclists a chance to see the country from a blurry perspective. On this cycling tour of the Loire Valley, knowing the difference between a front derailleur and a rear dropout isn't necessary. Hop on a bike and experience ornate châteaux, rustic markets, vineyards, and rural Gallic charm. Think of this as the perfect combination of slow food, fine wines, and remote country tracks — ideal for seeing the inspiring scenery.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: ParisPhysical Grading: Demanding
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Ends in: AngersAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris
Start place: Paris
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting (please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2-3pm).
After the meeting, you may choose to join your CEO and travel companions for an optional dinner in a local restaurant.
After the meeting, you may choose to join your CEO and travel companions for an optional dinner in a local restaurant.
Arrive at any time.
End place: Paris
Day 2: Paris/Blois
Start place: Paris
Join your CEO for an orientation walk of Paris followed by some free time before transferring to Blois, in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Enjoy an orientation walk in the City of Lights. Continue to the Loire Valley in the afternoon.
End place: Blois
Meals: B
Day 3: Blois/Chenonceaux
Start place: Blois
First day on your bike today. Cycle onward towards the village of Chenonceau.
Enjoy a full day of cycling from Blois to Chenonceau with the opportunity to visit the Chateau de Blois.
Please note while you are cycling you will only be responsible for your day pack. Luggage will be transferred to the hotel.
End place: Chenonceaux
Meals: B
Day 4: Chenonceaux/Tours
Start place: Chenonceaux
Cycle through villages and countryside to the town of Tours, via the city of Amboise. Along the way stop at a variety of markets, and pick up some succulent local fare. Find a suitable stopping point, relax with a great picnic and enjoy a lazy afternoon by the river.
Continue cycling with stops along the way at Château de Chenonceau and the local markets to pick up some traditional ingredients for a french style picnic lunch.
End place: Tours
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Tours/Chinon
Start place: Tours
Following the river along through the green fields and flower strewn meadows of the Loire to the medieval citadel of Chinon. The terrain here is known as 'bocage', which refers to rolling hills filled with forests and pastures.
Set off for another full-day cycling from Tours to Chinon. Stop to visit the Chateau Usse en route. Upon arrival visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting.
End place: Chinon
Meals: B
Day 6: Chinon/Saumur
Start place: Chinon
Wander around historic Chinon in the morning before taking off once more on our bikes.
After leaving Chinon, the terrain changes and a steep white limestone cliff rises above us, known as 'Tuffeau'. Cycle in the shadow of this cliff along the river, admire the houses built into the cliff face as you pass.
After leaving Chinon, the terrain changes and a steep white limestone cliff rises above us, known as 'Tuffeau'. Cycle in the shadow of this cliff along the river, admire the houses built into the cliff face as you pass.
Wake up in medieval Chinon, visit troglodyte caves and cycle to Saumur.
End place: Saumur
Meals: B
Day 7: Saumur/Angers
Start place: Saumur
After a week of leisurely cycling across the Loire, today is the last opportunity for you to stretch your legs and enjoy the great scenery along the route. The bulk of the route here is on specific cycle paths, but we do spend some time cycling on the main roads as well. It's fairly flat cycling through mostly countryside along the way.
Angers is the final stop, so tonight is a great opportunity for one final taste of the great French cuisine and wine that the Loire is famous for.
Angers is the final stop, so tonight is a great opportunity for one final taste of the great French cuisine and wine that the Loire is famous for.
On the final day of cycling, travel from Saumur to Angers. In the evening opt for a final traditional french dinner with the group.
End place: Angers
Meals: B
Day 8: Angers
Start place: Angers
Depart at any time.
End place: Angers
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Local Market Visit and Picnic Lunch, Chenonceaux Your Foodie Moment: Vineyard Visit and Tasting, Loiré
- Paris orientation walk
- Cycling through the Loire Valley (5 days)
- Chateau de Blois visit
- Entry to Château de Chenonceau
- Market stop for local ingredients and picnic lunch (Tours)
- Chateau d'Ussé visit
- All cycling equipment including bicycle
- Luggage transfer between locations
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Train, Bicycle -
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts)