Self-guided bike weekend: 4 days exploring the Loire valley Castles

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This loop tour around Blois will take you through the Loire Valley countryside and visit some of its emblematic chateaux. You will cycle along the banks of the Loire river, through vineyards, forests and charming villages.   On the program : majestic chateaux such as Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau and many more open their doors for a journey through French history. Diverse landscapes: lush vineyards, state forests, flower-filled meadows and characterful villages await you along the way.   This tour is ideal for lovers of nature, history and heritage. It is also perfect for families with children thanks to its routes which are accessible to all levels

Key features

  • The ideal route to discover the cities of Blois and Amboise as well as some of the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire: Chenonceau, Cheverny, Chambord.
  • A trip brimming with exceptional heritage.
  • The comfort of a loop tour and overnight stays in just one hotel.
  • The diversity of landscapes: from the banks of the Loire, passing along  forest roads and through vineyards.

Discover in video

Starting from

293€

/ pers. (based on 2 pers.)

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Duration:
4 days
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Start:
Blois
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Type:
Self-Guided
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Difficulty:
 
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Tastings:
Up to 2

Your itinerary

  • 1

    Arrival in Blois

    Your bike trip begins in Blois. Enjoy this first day to explore the town and its chateau, a perfect example of architectural evoution from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

  • 2

    Loop via Chambord

    Distance : ~40km

    Pedal between chateaux and picturesque villages! Discover Blois, its royal chateau, and Chambord, a jewel of the Renaissance. Enjoy the Loire Valley landscape and savor peaceful moments as you cycle along the Loire river banks. An easy loop, accessible to all levels. Return to Blois at the end of the day.

     

  • 3

    Loop via Cheverny

    Distance : ~40km

    Leaving the chateau of Blois behind you, cycle along peaceful paths, crossing vineyards and lush green forests. Let yourself be charmed by the peacefulness of typical villages such as Ménars and Chouzy.

    Marvel at Cheverny and its Renaissance chateau,  nicknamed the “Little Versailles of the Loire Valley”. Admire its formal gardens and immerse yourself in the history of this stately home.

    Return to Blois at the end of the day.

  • 4

    Departure

    Departure after breakfast

Itinerary

"Week end in Blois" map
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A « homemade » experience

We offer itineraries selected by our ACTIVE TOURS team, focusing on their tourist attractions and cyclist-friendly environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the roads.

Accommodations are carefully chosen for their quality of hospitality, warm atmosphere, services, and authentic local cuisine.

The flexibility of our organization adapts to your needs and desires: you can depart on the date that suits you and select additional overnight stays where you want to extend your explorations! It’s simple! You only add to your basket the additional services you need, without paying for those you deem unnecessary.

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GPS Navigation

We provide you with a roadbook containing all the essential addresses, restaurant recommendations, tourist information, detailed maps, and a complete description of the route.

Furthermore, a free application available on your smartphone is provided for you to follow the itinerary without the risk of getting lost (bike smartphone holder provided).

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On-site assistance

All our trips include a personalized welcome on the first day of your journey. We provide you with travel documents and bikes, if you rent them with us. We offer a 24/7 telephone assistance service to meet all your needs. Luggage transfer is available as an option to perfectly adapt to your choices, whether you opt for complete autonomy or prefer to travel light with our luggage transfer service.

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Vineyard Discovery

Based in Burgundy, immersed from a young age in the intoxicating aromas of fermentations; we invite you to come and discover ancestral cellars to experience the local essence and grasp the uniqueness of each vineyard. All our itineraries offer optional local wine tourism experiences that will leave you enriched with unforgettable memories. As a bonus, perhaps a few bottles to enjoy at home, allowing you to relive the moments of your vacation.

OPTIONAL :

Add the following options for peace of mind:

  • Classic bike rental: 129 €/bike
  • Electric bike rental: 207 €/bike
  • Half-board: 159 €/person
Example of accomodation in Blois

Right in the center of Blois, this hotel with rooms decorated with comic strip drawings promises a night of escape.

Classic Bike

Vélo classique

Bike features:

  • Aluminum frame for men and women
  • Shimano 24-speed derailleurs
  • Hydraulic disks brakes

Supplied equipment with the bike:

  • 1 back pannier
  • 1 handlebar pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 pump
  • 1 lock
  • 1 helmet

E-Bike

Vélo Electrique

Bike Features:

  • Aluminum Frame
  • Bosch Power Tube Smart System engine, 625W battery
  • Shimano 11-speed derailleur
  • Hydraulic disk brakes

Supplied equipment with the bike:

  • 1 back pannier
  • 1 Handlebar pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 pump
  • 1 bike lock
  • 1 smartphone holder
  • Bosch charger

THE VINEYARD

Just like every other French vineyard region, the Loire also has its own “Route des Vins”. You can cycle along the banks of the Val de Loire river that will lead you through the heart of noble, ancestral vineyards. Indeed, the vineyards of the Loire valley were created some 2000 years ago by the Romans. However, its rise in popularity can be attributed to Henri II Plantagenet, the Count of Anjou who became king of England in 1154 and served Anjou wines to the Court: a tradition still perpetuated today by his ancestors!
When the Kings of France decided to establish themselves in the Val de Loire, they also served and tasted the wines of Anjou and Touraine.

The  Loire valley wine route is the longest in France and the vineyards of the Loire Valley  make it France’s  third largest winegrowing region. With more than 800km of paths, the Val of Loire offers eclectic wine and cycling experiences tailored to all tastes! Enjoy a tasting in the heart of a troglodyte cave, discover local specialities, picnic at a winemaker’s and admire street art in the middle of a wine cellar. Thanks to their dynamism, these wine tourism events have became a real tradition!
Every year, at the beginning of September, you can take part in the Vignes Vins Randos (Vines Wines, Hikes) event, which takes place around Nantes, Angers and Saumur. For three hours, you’ll wander through vineyards meeting passionate wine producers and locals in a friendly, musical atmosphere.

OPTIONAL

During your trip, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the wines of the region through vineyard tours and tastings in local wineries.

Book up to 2 tastings along your itinerary!

From 5€ to 13€ per person depending on the visit and the number of tasted wines.

Practical information

Bike delivery: at your hotel in Blois

How to get to Blois?

  • By car: On the  A10 highway take exit n°17 “Blois”. Then follow “Blois Centre Ville”
  • By train : Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Gare de Blois. For more information, check the SNCF website: www.sncf.com
  • By plane :From Roissy CDG airport : Gare Roissy Charles de Gaulle T.2 to Gare de de St Pierre des Corps (high speed train) then to Gare de Blois (by train)
  • RER B  From the center of Paris  ‘Chatelet Les Halles’ station take the Metro line 1 and  line 10 to  Gare d’Austerlitz then the train to Gare de Blois
  • From Tours airport : Transfer by taxi or tram  Terminus Vaucanson station line A to  Gare de Tours then Gare de Blois
  • From Nantes airport : Transfer by taxi or TAN shuttle : train from Gare de Nantes to Gare de Blois

 

This price includes

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation
  • 3 breakfasts
  • Tourist taxes
  • Detailed itinerary, maps and tourist information
  • GPS app + Road Book
  • Our round-the-clock helpline in the event of a problem

This price does not include

  • Bike rental
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Suggested activities

Are you interested in this trip?

As easy as pushing a pedal!
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