The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a historic easy-going cycling destination. This enchanting region, renowned for its picturesque vineyards, charming villages with their churches, blossoming alleys, stone houses, rivers and historic castles, unveils a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day cycling trip or a short getaway, our Loire Valley cycling holidays are designed to showcase the best of this spectacular region, from cycling along the peaceful Loire River, the longest river in France, visiting Amboise and its classic Château, renowned for its stunning Renaissance architecture to exploring the historic cities of Orléans and Blois, steeped in centuries of history. If you’re seeking deep relaxing cycling holidays, the Loire Valley is definitely worth a tour! With easy access from major airports like Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and convenient train connections from Paris Austerlitz station, reaching this enchanting region has never been easier. A high-speed train journey of approximately one hour will transport you to the heart of the Loire Valley, where your cycling adventure awaits. Here are some highlights of a Loire valley cycling holiday:
Scenic bike routes along the Loire River, the longest river in France.
Visits to iconic châteaux, including Château d’Amboise, Château de Blois, and Château de Villandry: where you will be amazed at the breathtaking royal gardens.
Exploring the historic cities of Orléans, Blois, and Saumur.
Immersing yourself in Renaissance history and medieval escapes.
Enjoying local produce, fine wines, and traffic-free cycling paths.

The Loire Valley is also home to some of France’s most beautiful gardens. As the birthplace of the “Jardins à la française” (formal gardens), you can visit spectacular sites such as the Jardins du Château de Villandry, a mesmerizing green labyrinth filled with herbs and colorful flowers. These impressive gardens were designed by renowned landscapers like Pacello da Mercogliano and André Le Nôtre, under the patronage of kings like François I and Charles VIII.

What is the best time of year to cycle in the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley offers delightful cycling experiences throughout the year, but spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally considered the most ideal times to bike there. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures, making for pleasant rides with fewer crowds. Autumn boasts vibrant foliage, cooler temperatures, and also fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) can be hot, but it also offers the chance to cool off with a refreshing swim in the serene Loire River. Popular spots for swimming include Poitiers (natural river spots along the Loire à vélo route), Saumur (scenic riverside beaches), and Angers, where you can find designated swimming areas and enjoy the scenic beauty of the river that is also along the Loire By Bike Eurovelo. While summer can be hot, it also allows for longer daylight hours of exploring. Winter (November-March) may have rain and colder temperatures, but it unveils a unique, tranquil atmosphere. Ultimately, the best time to cycle is definitely between sweet spring to cosy october.

Family friendly cycling in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a fantastic destination for family cycling holidays. With its gentle slopes, scenic bike paths, and numerous attractions, the Loire Valley routes fit everyone’s riding level. Children will love exploring charming towns like Amboise with its magnificent Château, where they can even dress up as knights and princesses, and Chenonceau with its elegant Château spanning the Cher River. The Loire à Vélo cycle route, a dedicated path following the river, is perfect for families, offering a mix of flat sections and gentle climbs. Don’t miss the Parc de la Brenne, a natural park with abundant wildlife and opportunities for birdwatching. For a unique experience, consider a boat trip on the Loire River, allowing families to relax and enjoy the scenery. With its wealth of castles, charming villages, and family-friendly activities, the Loire Valley promises an unforgettable cycling adventure for the whole family.

Here are some top family-friendly highlights:
Loire à Vélo Route: a well-marked, mostly flat cycling path along the river.
Château d’Amboise: kids can dress up as knights and princesses and imagine fun games to play.
Château de Chenonceau: a fairytale castle spanning the Cher River.
Parc de la Brenne: ideal for birdwatching and nature awakening.
Boat trips on the Loire River: a relaxing and funny way to enjoy the scenery.

The Loire Valley by bike: a fusion of history and gastronomy

What is a Loire Valley bike tour without the perfect combination of history and gastronomy discovery? On a Loire Valley cycling tour, you will travel through time and taste as you explore the prestigious Loire Valley vineyards by bike. As you cycle through the vineyards, you’ll have the chance to taste some of the world’s finest wines, including the renowned wines of the Loire Valley such as Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), Pouilly-Fumé (Sauvignon Blanc), Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne), and Chinon (Cabernet Franc).

Must-Visit Loire Valley Châteaux:

Château de Chambord: the grandest Renaissance masterpiece, where you can embark on hiking tours, rent a boat, attend a spectacle, enjoy a theatrical show, or even follow a scientific path of Chambord called “la promenade scientifique” to entertain both adults and kids (guided by a smartphone app “La Boussole”, you will explore the natural environment of Chambord thanks to minigames and augmented scientific contents.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: this jewel of French Renaissance architecture offers guided and audio guided visits, with workshops for kids.
Château du Clos Lucé: Leonardo da Vinci’s final résidence! Clos Lucé offers a unique diversity of events you can attend, such as exhibitions and immersive spectacles. The visits are either self guided or guided. This château also provides areas to facilitate the visit for families such as a pic-nic area with shaded tables, facilities to heat bottles for the babies, specially-adapted toilet blocks with low-level basins…
Château de Chinon: connected to the legendary Joan of Arc, Château de Chinon has featured a 2024 novelty called “Monument Game”: an immersive historical escape game inside the fortress. This 90 minutes lasting game is perfect to fill the whole family.

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire: known for its exquisite gardens, has also an impressive cultural lineup, exquisite restaurants to go to, and fine areas for contemporary art exhibitions and collections.

Wine and food experience while cycling in Loire Valley

Cycling through the Loire Valley offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience, where each stop presents an opportunity to indulge in the region’s rich culinary heritage. Traditional dishes such as Rillettes de Tours, a slow-cooked, shredded pork spread, and Andouillette de Jargeau, a rustic pork sausage, offer hearty flavors that perfectly complement a day’s ride. For those with a sweet tooth, the famous Tarte Tatin, a caramelized upside-down apple tart, and the delicate Pithiviers, an almond-filled pastry, provide the perfect reward after a long journey. Seafood lovers will appreciate Sandre au Beurre Blanc, a tender river fish served with a rich butter sauce, an exquisite dish that pairs beautifully with the region’s crisp white wines. Meanwhile, Fouées, warm bread pockets filled with rillettes, cheese, or mushrooms, are a delicious and portable snack for cyclists on the go. Pairing these dishes with the renowned wines of the Loire Valley enhances the overall experience. A glass of Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé highlights the freshness of Loire Valley goat cheese, while a Chinon Cabernet Franc complements the rich flavors of local charcuterie. Muscadet, with its bright citrus notes, is the perfect match for fresh oysters, and the delicate sweetness of Vouvray elevates desserts like the iconic Tarte Tatin. Stopping at local markets, charming bistros, and vineyard estates along the route allows cyclists to fully immerse themselves in the region’s gastronomic delights, blending historical exploration with unforgettable culinary discoveries.

Active Tours’ cycling holiday in the Loire Valley

Active Tours’ is a bike and wine travel agency, offering travel packages and custom-made tours. Here are some of Loire Valley cycling tours we designed for you:

Freewheeling tour of the châteaux de la Loire (5 Days): embark on a self-guided adventure along the scenic Loire à Vélo and Pays des Châteaux cycle routes. Explore some of the Loire Valley’s most iconic châteaux, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny, Amboise, and Blois. Ride through diverse landscapes, from the banks of the Loire to vineyards, forests, and picturesque villages. Enjoy up to 4 tastings of regional wines and specialties. Start: Blois | Type: Self-Guided | Difficulty: Moderate.

Loire Valley Route: From Blois to Saumur (8 Days): follow the legendary Loire à Vélo route from Blois to Saumur, passing through Amboise, Tours, Azay-le-Rideau, and Chinon. Discover majestic châteaux, historic towns, and renowned vineyards, immersing yourself in the region’s rich history. Enjoy authentic gastronomic experiences with up to 5 tastings of local wines and delicacies. Ride through scenic countryside, charming villages, and lively local markets. Start: Blois | Type: Self-Guided | Difficulty: Moderate.

Weekend in Blois: A Short Escape in the Loire Valley (4 Days): a loop tour around Blois, offering a relaxed yet immersive experience in the heart of the Loire Valley. Visit the most famous châteaux, including Chambord, Cheverny, and Chenonceau. Cycle along riverbanks, vineyards, forests, and flower-filled meadows, enjoying breathtaking scenery.Perfect for families and leisure cyclists, with accessible routes and overnight stays in one hotel. Enjoy up to 2 tastings of regional specialties. Start: Blois | Type: Self-Guided | Difficulty: Easy.

Combine your Loire Valley Cycling Trip with other French Vineyards

Why limit your cycling adventure to just one region? Combine your Loire Valley cycling trip with visits to other renowned wine regions in France, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Champagne.

Bordeaux, the world’s premier wine region, offers a diverse range of wines, from elegant whites to powerful reds. Cycle through the vineyards of Médoc and Saint-Émilion, visit historic châteaux, and taste some of the finest wines in the world.

Burgundy, a region steeped in history and tradition, is home to some of the most prestigious wines in France. Discover the Côte d’Or, with its iconic vineyards of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, or explore the lesser-known but equally captivating regions of Chablis and Mâconnais. This region is well-equipped in bike paths.

Champagne, the land of sparkling wine, is a must-visit for any wine lover. Cycle through the picturesque vineyards of Reims and Épernay, visit renowned Champagne houses, and learn about the traditional champagne-making process.

Book your Loire Valley Cycling Tour with Active Tours

Ready to experience the magic of the Loire Valley? Book your dream cycling tour in France with Active Tours today. Our expert team will take care of every detail, from booking accommodations, arranging bike rentals to activities selections. To ensure you have a restful night after a day of exploring, we’ve carefully selected a cozy hotel in each destination. With our personalized service and unparalleled expertise, you can relax and enjoy your cycling adventure to the fullest.