Through Chateaux country

Loire a Velo from Orleans to Tours

Tour Description: Guided

Follow the new cycling path "Loire à vélo." The “Loire à Vélo” trail runs through the Centre and Pays de la Loire regions. As of 2008, you are able to cycle through the Anjou, Touraine, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret and Cher areas over more than 250 miles of signposted tracks alongside the Loire River and its tributaries. Loire à Vélo is part of the future “Euroveloroute” running between Nantes and Budapest (1,500 miles/2,400 km).

You can take 5, 9 or 14 nights to discover this great valley and reach the Atlantic coast. The route consists of three stages; you can ride just one, or link two or all three together.

Section 1 : From Orléans to Tours
Discover the royal valley by longing the majestic river from Orléans to Tours where thousands of treasures are waiting you including historical heritage and testimony with numerous chateaux, wonderful landscapes of different natural areas, and regional gastronomy delights. This page will book you onto just this section.

Section 2 : From Tours to Angers
This part of the Loire Valley is the most dotted in chateaux and vineyards. Follow the Loire river which will guide you from historical places to famous cellars for tasting. Enjoy the 'French art de vivre' along the peaceful and wild landscapes. To view details about this tour, please click HERE.

Sections 1 and 2 can be viewed and booked together as a nine night tour HERE.

Section 3 : From Angers to Le Croisic
Discover the charms of the Western part of the Loire valley from Angers all the way to Le Croisic. This itinerary is your chance to visit the typical countryside by salterns and marsh to finally "take the plunge" into the Atlantic Ocean at Le Croisic. To view and book sections 1, 2 and 3 together as a 14 night tour, please click HERE.

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Follow the new cycling path "Loire à vélo." The “Loire à Vélo” trail runs through the Centre and Pays de la Loire regions. As of 2008, you are able to cycle through the Anjou, Touraine, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret and Cher areas over more than 250 miles of signposted tracks alongside the Loire River and its tributaries. Loire à Vélo is part of the future “Euroveloroute” running between Nantes and Budapest (1,500 miles/2,400 km).

You can take 5, 9 or 14 nights to discover this great valley and reach the Atlantic coast. The route consists of three stages; you can ride just one, or link two or all three together.

Section 1 : From Orléans to Tours
Discover the royal valley by longing the majestic river from Orléans to Tours where thousands of treasures are waiting you including historical heritage and testimony with numerous chateaux, wonderful landscapes of different natural areas, and regional gastronomy delights. This page will book you onto just this section.

Section 2 : From Tours to Angers
This part of the Loire Valley is the most dotted in chateaux and vineyards. Follow the Loire river which will guide you from historical places to famous cellars for tasting. Enjoy the 'French art de vivre' along the peaceful and wild landscapes. To view details about this tour, please click HERE.

Sections 1 and 2 can be viewed and booked together as a nine night tour HERE.

Section 3 : From Angers to Le Croisic
Discover the charms of the Western part of the Loire valley from Angers all the way to Le Croisic. This itinerary is your chance to visit the typical countryside by salterns and marsh to finally "take the plunge" into the Atlantic Ocean at Le Croisic. To view and book sections 1, 2 and 3 together as a 14 night tour, please click HERE.

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Daily Program: Guided

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans and its old historical centre, situated between the large countryside fields of Beauce area, green pastures, ponds and forest of Sologne area.
Overnight in 2-star hotel and dinner in a local restaurant in Orléans.

Day 2: Orléans – Beaugency (18 miles/28 km)
Longing the wild river banks for a stage in calm and serenity through the charming and very flowered city of Beaugency.
Overnight in 2-star hotel and dinner in a local restaurant in Beaugency.

Day 3: Beaugency - Blois (29 miles/46 km)
Leaving Beaugency by the river banks passing via the prestigious château of Chambord : the widest Château of the Loire Valley masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Then, follow the direction of Blois presenting a rich historical heritage with the château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
Overnight and dinner in 2-star hotel in Blois.

Day 4: Blois – Amboise (28 miles/44 km)
Follow the small countryside routes until the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire river, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau from 15th –16th century. Few streets further on, is the last home of Léonardo Da Vinci : Manorhouse of ‘Clos Lucé’.
Overnight in 2-star hotel and dinner in a local restaurant in Amboise.

Day 5: Amboise – Tours (16 or 19 miles/25 or 31 km)
A stage via the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favorite of King Henri IV. Continue to the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses.
Overnight in 2-star hotel and dinner in a local restaurant in Tours.

Day 6: Departure
Breakfast then departure. 

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Daily: Mar 1- Oct 31, 2012 and 2013 

Packages and Prices: Guided

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package, Category A hotels
Orleans to Tours, in 3 star hotels and one night at 2 star manor-house hotel
Per person, double occupancy €999 Single supplement (1 person/1 room) €295 Solo traveler (not traveling with anyone else. Payable in addition to the single room supplement) €155 Bike Rentals Bicycle rental (Scotts 21 speed hybrid touring bike) €116 E-bike €173

Tour package, Category B hotels
Orleans to Tours, in 2 star hotels
Per person, double occupancy €737 Single supplement (1 person/1 room) €157 Solo traveler (not traveling with anyone else. Payable in addition to the single room supplement) €155 Bike Rentals Bicycle rental (Scotts 21 speed hybrid touring bike) €116 E-bike €173

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

• Accommodation in 2-star hotels, double room with shower and toilets
• Breakfast and dinner
• Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
• Maps and itineraries, tourist information
• Return transfer of rental bikes

  Does not include

• Drinks, lunches and personal expenses
• Rental bike
• Personal bike transfer
• Train ticket for return transfer
• Luggage transportation on last day

   

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hotel Escale Oceania, Orleans
www.oceaniahotels.com
Situated on the Loire, close to downtown, find the Escale Oceania ** Orléans, a nice non-smoking building where you can easily combine business and leisure. Visit Orleans, walk along the Loire and visiting the famous chateaux of the Loire. Enjoy the hotel Escale Oceania ** Orléans to prepare your private or professional events, our team is here to help.

Day 2: Hotel Ecu de Bretagne, Beaugency
www.ecudebretagne.fr
L'ecu de Bretagne is a restored inn situated in the center of Beaugency. A small medieval town situated at the beginning of the road through the châteaux of the Loire region and right at the cross point of the Sologne and Loire region. A recently built swimming pool sits protected by the ancient city walls in a calm and serene enclosure. It is at the disposure of guests. The region disposes of a number of walking and cycling hikes and two golf courses close to the hotel. Horse riding, hunting, visits of the Loire region.

Day 3: Hotel Le Monarque, Blois
annedebretagne.free.fr
In a harmony of bright colors and soft, the welcome is warm and caring, for a pleasant and relaxed stay. A charming hotel in the heart of Blois, capital of the Loire Valley. A simple and elegant atmosphere to enjoy in peace. Le Monarch has 22 rooms with bathroom, toilet, television, direct dial telephone. A private bar is available and a restaurant offering delicious food, made with products of the region and complemented by a wide variety of high quality wines. The air-conditioned room invites you to enjoy in tranquility the menus of the chef. In addition, a wide choice of dishes is offered a la carte.

Day 4:  Hotel La Breche, Amboise
www.labreche-amboise.com
At a distance of 800 yards from the town center and few minutes of the station train, in the shadow in the raised garden, this residence dating from the beginning of the 20th century has been able to preserve the tradition of the "art de vivre" in Touraine. This charming hotel welcomes you with its familial and friendly atmosphere. You will appreciate the cosy and peaceful atmosphere of its 14 rooms equipped with tnt flat screen television, direct phone and new beds. You have free park in the streets near the hotel. The Restaurant... In the morning, we offer a nice breakfast in buffet, with quality product restaurant is open everyday, close the Saturday and Sunday for lunch. You can rest in the shadows of our trees, or have the sun near our flowers, or play ping-pong... Animals are not accepted in all the rooms, thank you for specifying it in the reservation. You have a free parking private and closed (réservation according to availability).

Day 5: Hotel Le Criden, Tours
www.criden-tours.com
Criden hotel is located in the heart of the city, in the middle of Loire Valley. You will appreciate the train station, which is closed to the hotel, and also le Palais des Congrès, olds areas, pedestrian streets… Our modern establishment welcomes you in a personalized and warm atmosphere. The hotel has spacious rooms, a bar and a quiet terrace. Our hotel has 33 spacious rooms, all equipped with an extra large bed, bathroom, private toilets, direct telephone, colour TV with Canal+ and European satellite channels. For breakfast, we suggest you a wide range of balanced products from 7a.m. to 10a.m. You can take your breakfast in the breakfast room or on the terrace. The hotel’s bar is at your disposal from 7 a.m to 11 p.m.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hotel Escale Oceania, Orleans
www.oceaniahotels.com
Situated on the Loire, close to downtown, find the Escale Oceania ** Orléans, a nice non-smoking building where you can easily combine business and leisure. Visit Orleans, walk along the Loire and visiting the famous chateaux of the Loire. Enjoy the hotel Escale Oceania ** Orléans to prepare your private or professional events, our team is here to help.

Day 2: Hotel Ecu de Bretagne, Beaugency
www.ecudebretagne.fr
L'ecu de Bretagne is a restored inn situated in the center of Beaugency. A small medieval town situated at the beginning of the road through the châteaux of the Loire region and right at the cross point of the Sologne and Loire region. A recently built swimming pool sits protected by the ancient city walls in a calm and serene enclosure. It is at the disposure of guests. The region disposes of a number of walking and cycling hikes and two golf courses close to the hotel. Horse riding, hunting, visits of the Loire region.

Day 3: Hotel Le Monarque, Blois
annedebretagne.free.fr
In a harmony of bright colors and soft, the welcome is warm and caring, for a pleasant and relaxed stay. A charming hotel in the heart of Blois, capital of the Loire Valley. A simple and elegant atmosphere to enjoy in peace. Le Monarch has 22 rooms with bathroom, toilet, television, direct dial telephone. A private bar is available and a restaurant offering delicious food, made with products of the region and complemented by a wide variety of high quality wines. The air-conditioned room invites you to enjoy in tranquility the menus of the chef. In addition, a wide choice of dishes is offered a la carte.

Day 4:  Hotel La Breche, Amboise
www.labreche-amboise.com
At a distance of 800 yards from the town center and few minutes of the station train, in the shadow in the raised garden, this residence dating from the beginning of the 20th century has been able to preserve the tradition of the "art de vivre" in Touraine. This charming hotel welcomes you with its familial and friendly atmosphere. You will appreciate the cosy and peaceful atmosphere of its 14 rooms equipped with tnt flat screen television, direct phone and new beds. You have free park in the streets near the hotel. The Restaurant... In the morning, we offer a nice breakfast in buffet, with quality product restaurant is open everyday, close the Saturday and Sunday for lunch. You can rest in the shadows of our trees, or have the sun near our flowers, or play ping-pong... Animals are not accepted in all the rooms, thank you for specifying it in the reservation. You have a free parking private and closed (réservation according to availability).

Day 5: Hotel Le Criden, Tours
www.criden-tours.com
Criden hotel is located in the heart of the city, in the middle of Loire Valley. You will appreciate the train station, which is closed to the hotel, and also le Palais des Congrès, olds areas, pedestrian streets… Our modern establishment welcomes you in a personalized and warm atmosphere. The hotel has spacious rooms, a bar and a quiet terrace. Our hotel has 33 spacious rooms, all equipped with an extra large bed, bathroom, private toilets, direct telephone, colour TV with Canal+ and European satellite channels. For breakfast, we suggest you a wide range of balanced products from 7a.m. to 10a.m. You can take your breakfast in the breakfast room or on the terrace. The hotel’s bar is at your disposal from 7 a.m to 11 p.m.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes available are 21-speed men's and ladies' bikes. They are equipped with two saddlebags, a high visibility jacket, an anti-theft device, a mapholder, a helmet, a counter and a repair kit. A cycling specialist will help you adjust your bike upon arrival.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes available are 21-speed men's and ladies' bikes. They are equipped with two saddlebags, a high visibility jacket, an anti-theft device, a mapholder, a helmet, a counter and a repair kit. A cycling specialist will help you adjust your bike upon arrival.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The Loire à Vélo tour routes alternate between quiet roads with little traffic (37%), dedicated bike paths (27%), no-thoroughfare roads open only to local residents and non-motorized vehicles (24%), and cycle lanes along roadways (12%). Two-thirds of the overall routes runs along the Loire. 

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The Loire à Vélo tour routes alternate between quiet roads with little traffic (37%), dedicated bike paths (27%), no-thoroughfare roads open only to local residents and non-motorized vehicles (24%), and cycle lanes along roadways (12%). Two-thirds of the overall routes runs along the Loire. 

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Neares train station: Orleans, France

Tour end
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: Tours, France

Tips on getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Neares train station: Orleans, France

Tour end
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: Tours, France

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

More About France: Guided

With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.

France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.

More on bicycling in France > 

View all France bike tours >

More About France: Self-guided

With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.

France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.

More on bicycling in France > 

View all France bike tours >

Tour Feedback: Guided

"As with our previous trips, we have been very impressed with the organization of the tours. We had a great time. Bike (tandem) was just right. The hotels and restaurants were all excellent and the towns fun to explore. Restaurants made the evening a pleasure. Especially nice was dinner the last night in La Croisic - WOW, looking out over the ocean and it must have been a 3 or 4 star place, because we felt like we were with the high-rollers that night. A great way to end the tour! Will definitely be back."
- Larry and Judy, July 2012
(Note: La Croisic not included on all Loire a Velo routes) 

Tour Feedback: Self-guided

"As with our previous trips, we have been very impressed with the organization of the tours. We had a great time. Bike (tandem) was just right. The hotels and restaurants were all excellent and the towns fun to explore. Restaurants made the evening a pleasure. Especially nice was dinner the last night in La Croisic - WOW, looking out over the ocean and it must have been a 3 or 4 star place, because we felt like we were with the high-rollers that night. A great way to end the tour! Will definitely be back."
- Larry and Judy, July 2012
(Note: La Croisic not included on all Loire a Velo routes) 

Tour Company Background: Loire Valley Travel: Guided

Loire Valley Travel has been organising cycling and walking tour packages in a large number of French regions and making its exclusive skills available to you for more than 20 years.

From 3 days to two weeks, our fully inclusive tours and trips allow you to take advantage of our France’s most beautiful regions on cycling tours . You are free to program the visits of sites as you please. Programs adapted to your own rhythm !

With experience and detailed local knowledge, our team ensures your comfort by selecting the best private hotels, where you will be constantly reminded that you are in a region where well-being and living well are key concepts!

When you book one of our tours, you can be sure of the tranquillity of an organised holiday planned down to the last detail before you leave (hotel reservations, luggage transfers, detailed itinerary and maps). Once you arrive, you have all the time you want to complete each day’s itinerary in total freedom and at your own pace, stopping where you like - you can choose from among the various sites suggested along your route depending on your interests (culture, cuisine, vineyards etc.). 

Tour Company Background: Loire Valley Travel: Self-guided

Loire Valley Travel has been organising cycling and walking tour packages in a large number of French regions and making its exclusive skills available to you for more than 20 years.

From 3 days to two weeks, our fully inclusive tours and trips allow you to take advantage of our France’s most beautiful regions on cycling tours . You are free to program the visits of sites as you please. Programs adapted to your own rhythm !

With experience and detailed local knowledge, our team ensures your comfort by selecting the best private hotels, where you will be constantly reminded that you are in a region where well-being and living well are key concepts!

When you book one of our tours, you can be sure of the tranquillity of an organised holiday planned down to the last detail before you leave (hotel reservations, luggage transfers, detailed itinerary and maps). Once you arrive, you have all the time you want to complete each day’s itinerary in total freedom and at your own pace, stopping where you like - you can choose from among the various sites suggested along your route depending on your interests (culture, cuisine, vineyards etc.). 

Terms and Conditions: Loire Valley Travel: Guided

Any change to a confirmed booking will give rise to extra cost of: 39  euros per person.
For cancellation of a booking more than 30 days before the departure date, expenses will be payable on the following basis:

• 70 euros per booking (for any package inferior than 300 euros per person) 
• 70 euros per person (for any package of 300 euros and more) 

And for cancellations of a booking

• Between 30 and 21 days before arrival: 25% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 20 and 8 days before arrival: 50% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 7 and 2 days before arrival: 75% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Less than 2 days before arrival: 90% of the total amount of the trip will be held back
• No-show--total amount of the trip will be held

The insurance costs are not refunded in case of cancellation of the trip.

 CHILDREN  REDUCTIONS

• Children 0-4 in parents' room: 50% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in parents' room: 20% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in children's twin room: 10 percent discount

Terms and Conditions: Loire Valley Travel: Self-guided

Any change to a confirmed booking will give rise to extra cost of: 39  euros per person.
For cancellation of a booking more than 30 days before the departure date, expenses will be payable on the following basis:

• 70 euros per booking (for any package inferior than 300 euros per person) 
• 70 euros per person (for any package of 300 euros and more) 

And for cancellations of a booking

• Between 30 and 21 days before arrival: 25% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 20 and 8 days before arrival: 50% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 7 and 2 days before arrival: 75% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Less than 2 days before arrival: 90% of the total amount of the trip will be held back
• No-show--total amount of the trip will be held

The insurance costs are not refunded in case of cancellation of the trip.

 CHILDREN  REDUCTIONS

• Children 0-4 in parents' room: 50% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in parents' room: 20% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in children's twin room: 10 percent discount