Cycling tours Loire Valley

This cycling tour in the Loire Valley is a great alternative to the more classic tours. The cycling routes are flat-to-rolling and takes you some of our favorite castles. The tour starts in Joue les Tours and visits Azay le Rideau, Langeais, Chateau de Villandry, Ussé and the Fontevraud Abbey. You will not be disappointed in the Villandry gardens or Chateau Ussé that inspired the fairytale of the Sleeping Beauty. While cycling through the beutiful country side or visiting castles, why not take time for wine tasting in Chinon or Saumur.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN JOUE LES TOURS

Taking the TGV High Speed train is tha most practical option to come to Tours. The train arrives at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps just outside of Tours. Transfer from the train station to the hotel in Joues les Tours on your own.

Day 2: VILLANDRY TO AZAY LE RIDEAU

Your first stop of the day is the Villandry castle with it's breathtaking garden. On the way, you will enjoy riding next to the Cher and Loire rivers and along the Loire à Vélo route. After the Villandry castle, the ride continues to Azay le Rideau, located alongside the Indre river. A magical spot and a remarkable example of the Renaissance castles!

Day 3: AZAY LE RIDEAU TO CHINON

Today's ride is one that goes from castle to castle. When you leave Azay-le-Rideau the first destination is Langeais. An interesting fact is that the castle in Langeais used to be the lair of bandits during the Hundred Years War. Conrasting with bandits, the next castle on the route is the castle that has inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty. The final part of the ride takes you to Chinon, a city with interesting museums and local wine that is famous from the writings of Francois Rabelais.

Day 4: CHINON TO SAUMUR

Time to leave Chinon and enjoy the ride to Saumur. The first stop is at the Abbey of Fontevraud - one of the biggest and most beautiful abbeys in Europe. The latter part of the ride is dominated by vineyards and the proximity of the Loire river as you approach Saumur.

Day 5: DEPARTURE DAY

The trip is now over and it is time to leave the Loire valley, but if you feel like the stay has been a little too short, extra nights can be arranged.