Loire Valley Cycling Holidays

Upon your arrival in Montsoreau, allocate some time to acquaint yourself with the town and immerse in the charm of the Loire Valley, all in preparation for the adventure that awaits on the following day.

To start your cycling holidays you will cycle a short loop through the nearby area to get familiarised with your bike and the region. As you ride through the countryside you will encounter a spectacular 12th-century abbey – the resting place of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The Loire is particularly known for its wines like Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Tonight, make use of our hand-selected recommendations as you decide which local restaurant to try first.

Today’s ride heads west, passing through quiet countryside with vast swathes of vineyards en route to the fortified Château (and wine producer!) of Brézé, before following the course of a small river back towards the Loire. 

Your lunch destination and halfway point on the ride is Saumur, a bustling town on the banks of the Loire, full of boutiques, cafes, and bistros along with its spectacular castle. As you enter town, you cannot fail to be impressed with the remarkable gold-capped château overlooking you on one side and the river on the other. 

After lunch, you’ll take the low road along the river, passing through some beautiful little villages along the way. This area is famed for its troglodyte dwellings – ancient houses carved into the soft rock of the valley walls – some of which have been repurposed as wine caves or mushroom farms!

Following your morning café and pain au chocolat, head out to the east for a wonderful day of cycling. You will start the ride on the Loire à Vélo, a designated and signed cycling route, heading to the medieval town of Chinon. Be sure to stop and explore the beautiful, cobbled streets and bustling town square, with the imposing fortress overlooking from above. 

Then pick up the veloroute on the edge of town, a traffic-free path along an old railway line that will take you through quiet countryside where views over vineyards abound. Your next destination is Château du Rivau, a truly unique privately owned castle. Unlike a traditional château, Rivau will take you on an amazing journey to the heart of some fairytale gardens. Here, all the senses will be awakened with 500 varieties of fragrant roses and an extraordinary vegetable garden, providing produce for the château restaurant.

Following this delightful visit, saddle up to head home through some gently rolling countryside, through farmland and vineyards. If you’re looking for more miles, don’t miss the detour to Cravant-les-Coteaux, a beautiful little village nestled in a vine-covered valley. Tonight, treat yourself to another meal of your choice in town. The recommendations are at your fingertips.

Having explored the south and east of Montsoreau, today you’ll venture north and east to pay a visit to some of the region’s most famous châteaux. Hop over the river, taking in the great view from the bridge before following the Loire à Vélo route through Avoine. The first big stop is Château d’Ussé, said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write Sleeping Beauty and a great spot for some holiday photos against an iconic backdrop. 

Pay a visit to Azay-le-Rideau. This village is home to another of the region’s most famous châteaux, dreamily sitting in the middle of the Indre river and creating an illusion of a floating castle. Tonight, take a relaxed stroll in town and find a restaurant of your choice in town. 

On this final day of your self-guided bike tour in the Loire valley, take the morning to explore Montsoreau one last time before packing your bags and departing from this gem of a region.