Chatilllon sur Loire, France. Cyclists ride along the Loire River in France.
Fontevraud abbey
Cycling along the Canal latéral à la Loire in front of farm land and mustard fields, France
The Famous Castle of Saumur, Loire Valley, France
Scenic view of the Loire river with Cessart bridge in Saumur, Maine-et-Loire department, France
Senior couple cycling on coastal path near La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France.
Villandry castle with outstanding gardens. Loire valley, France
Chateau Azay-le-Rideau, France
People cycling and walking past bright yellow autumn vineyards near a village in Alsace, France.
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France's Castles, Rivers and Vineyards

8 days / 7 nights

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An easy-paced journey through historic towns and royal estates, shaped by waterways, local cuisine and a long tradition of wine and craftsmanship.

Starting point

Chinon

Finish point

Chinon

Season

From April to October

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Road / E-bike

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Highlights

  • Cycle between historic towns including Chinon, Saumur and Azay-le-Rideau
  • Visit landmark châteaux such as Villandry and Fontevraud Abbey
  • Ride quiet country lanes and traffic-free paths along rivers and vineyards
  • Combine cycling with time for gardens, cafés and local wine tastings
  • Enjoy regional food and wine, including local whites, reds and sparkling styles
  • Trace Loire Valley history linked to Joan of Arc, Henry II and Leonardo da Vinci

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

7 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your tour
Luggage transfer
Bike fitting
Touring bike rental

NOT INCLUDED

Travel insurance
Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

E-bike
Single supplement

This Loire Valley cycling tour places you in a region shaped by rivers, royal estates and long-establisged wine traditions. The riding is mostly flat and follows well-developed cycle routes, making it easy to focus on the surroundings rather than the effort.

Much of the journey unfolds beside the Loire, Vienne and Indre rivers. As you ride, vineyard landscapes give way to market towns, quiet villages and some of France’s most recognisable châteaux.

Visits to places such as Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and Fontevraud-l’Abbaye reveal formal gardens, riverside architecture and monastic heritage that defined the region for generations. History is ever-present, with connections to figures including Joan of Arc, Henry II and Leonardo da Vinci woven naturally into the journey.

Daily rides remain relaxed and manageable, making use of quiet country lanes and traffic-free cycle paths.Where available, optional route variations allow you to shorten or extend a ride without changing the overall rhythm of the tour.

Towns such as Chinon and Saumur offer natural pauses. You can stop for a coffee, wander riverside streets or simply enjoy unhurried time in places that reward slowing down.

Food and wine play a central role, with cycling days passing through established wine-growing areas and evenings left open to enjoy regional cuisine. Expect local whites, reds and sparkling wines alongside seasonal produce, cheeses and simple, well-prepared meals.

With luggage transfers, GPS navigation and local support in place, this tour offers a calm and well-structured way to explore central France by bike, combining ease of travel with depth of place and a strong sense of continuity from day to day.

Things to know

Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.

Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging. The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip.


Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route.


Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise.


Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.

We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.

We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.

Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.

The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.

Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.

On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.

Hassle-Free

We take care of route planning, accommodations, luggage transfers, and all logistics, so you can focus purely on enjoying your ride.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Our cycling routes are hand-picked & tested, to ensure breathtaking landscapes, smooth roads, and maximum safety - giving you the perfect ride every day.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, ensuring your cycling holiday runs smoothly and your well-being is always our top priority.

Book with Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

from 1.570 € /person
Discover the allure of France with our cycling holidays. From road adventures to family bike retreats. Our cycling tours in France provide the best experiences.

Have questions? Talk to us.

Lan Lajovic
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