Self guided cycling holiday in the Loire, France

The Loire Valley is quintessential romantic France. Kings, Lords and Ladies of the court were seduced by the region and it’s easy to see why: the castles on the river and the beautiful countryside are the reason why the Loire valley is so famous. It takes its name from the France's largest river, the 1020km Loire, which flows from the Massif Central (centre of France) into the Atlantic Ocean at Nantes.

From the 15th to the 18th Century, the Loire Valley was the favourite place of kings and noblemen who spent a fortune to create a vast neighbourhood of chateaux. Our circular route starts and finishes in Tours, and meanders through the Cher, Indre and Loire valleys taking in an array of castles, manor houses and dreamy residences including Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, Blois and Chambord. In the morning the greyness around the river can quite suddenly give way to a sunny day, which gives the countryside restful pastel colours.

What could be better than exploring this fascinating and beautiful area by bike? You will predominantly cycle along seldom-used country trails and side roads on largely flat terrain.

With Skedaddle Cycling Holidays, we believe good food and comfortable accommodation help make the cycling holiday experience. We stay in carefully selected small 2 and 3 star hotels and guesthouses that provide breakfast and evening meals. Or you can choose our B&B option and either take your evening meal at the accommodation or head out to sample the local restaurants.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Once you arrive in Tours, you will have the opportunity to explore the city’s historic centre. In your hotel, your bikes (should you be hiring), route notes and maps will be provided for your trip around the Chateaux of the Loire.

Day 2
Today we will follow the River Cher to the Chateau de Villandry, which is known for the geometric beauty of its vegetable gardens, divided by vine-shaded paths. Then we continue our ride, leaving the bank of the River Cher to the bank of the famous River Loire and the Chateau of Langeais. It’s a bit stern looking, but has a rich decor and a beautiful collection of Gothic and Renaissance tapestries. You head off for your overnight stop in Chinon but just before reaching it, you will pass near to a fairy tale castle, the Chateau d’Usse: its approach is stunning.

Day 3
On a circular tour from Chinon your first highlight is the Abbaye de Fontevraud, Europe’s largest remaining monastic city and well worth a visit. Founded in 1101, the organisation of the abbey was unique: separate communities of priests, nuns, laypeople, invalid and lepers were living there (the guided tour of the abbey is excellent). Afterwards we continue to the pretty town of Saumur, one of the most beautiful cities of the Loire valley. There, you can take a peaceful rest in its gardens before heading back to Chinon through vineyards and fields of sunflowers.

Day 4
Today we cycle through vineyards and little villages like Crissay which was once deserted but now is now home to numerous artists and artisans who have settled here. Then we ride to Azay-le-Rideau located in the Indre Valley. The Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau sits on an island in the middle of the river and is one of the France’s loveliest Renaissance castles. You might even catch the gourmet night market as you will wander around the cobbled streets.

Day 5
Today you will enjoy cycling through romantic river landscapes. First you will follow the River Indre and then, after having ascended a hill, you ride down to follow the River Cher through meadow paths to the small market town of Bléré. After crossing the river, you arrive to the Chateau de Chenonceau, which spans the river on five elegant arches. It is one of the most perfect and beautiful castles of the Loire region in respect of its architecture, site, contents and atmosphere.

Day 6
Today you head off through the market town of Montrichard and the perfectly symmetrical Chateau de Cheverny. Soon you start to see the vast and spectacular Chateau de Chambord, through the trees of the surrounding forest. The Loire river had to be diverted to build this magnificent castle, which boasts 440 rooms and is surrounded by 34 kilometres of thick castle wall. The day ends with a lovely level ride, which leads us to our hotel in Blois where you can discover the centrally located Chateau de Blois.

Day 7
For your last day you will cycle to Tours where your trip began. During your cycling, keep an eye out for the dwellings which have been dug into the soft limestone of the riverside cliffs: sometimes only the rising smoke reveals their existence. You cross the river to reach the picturesque town of Amboise, lodged under the fortified Chateau d’Amboise. Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last years there and the museum, which is dedicated to him and his work, is worth a visit. Afterwards you continue cycling through vineyards and past wine cellars via Rochcorbon to finally reach Tours, where your cycling journey concludes.

Day 8
Your last breakfast in the Loire Valley and time to say ‘au-revoir’ to this beautiful cycling destination.

Equipment
We provide everything except a bike (although you are able to hire these), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike it is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded we advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the pre-departure dossier sent with your booking confirmation. Please contact us if you are unsure whether your bike will be suitable.

What the price doesn't include
A)  Personal clothing and equipment.
B)  Lunch and evening meals (unless on the half board option).
C)  Travel insurance (if required, £26).
D)  Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
E)  Bike hire (available if required).
F)  Entrance fees to chateaux, museums and other attractions.
G) Travel arrangements to the first nights accommodation in Tours.