8-Day self-guided bike tour: point-to-point from Blois to Saumur

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Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the Loire river as you discover the treasures of this emblematic region of France. Your trip will begin in Blois,  a charming town steeped in history. From there, you will continue to Amboise, where the majestic chateau and the picturesque streets will take you back in time. Continue your journey to Chenonceaux, and its famous chateau overlooking the river. Cycle on to Tours, an animated city in the center of the Loire Valley, where gastronomy and culture await you. The next stage of your trip takes you to Azay-le-Rideau, where you will be amazed by the lush gardens surrounding the elegant chateau. Then, on to Chinon, a medieval town brimming with history and charm where the  vineyards and fortifications will amaze you. Finally, your route takes you to Saumur, a town renowned  for its chateau and its picturesque atmosphere. Along the way, you will pass through stunning countryside, charming villages and renowned vineyards, creating unforgettable memories of your exploration of the Loire Valley by bike.

Key features

  • Discover the mythical  “Loire à vélo” itinerary and the emblematic chateaux of the Loire valley
  • Explore magnificent landscapes
  • Taste renowned wines
  • Immerse yourself in the history of the region through visits to picturesque villages, local markets and historical sites.

Discover in video

Starting from

634€

/ pers. (based on 2 pers.)

Icone d'horlge
Duration:
8 days
Icone Drapeau
Start:
Blois
Icone de carte de boussole
Type:
Self-Guided
Icone de vélo
Difficulty:
 
Icone de verre
Tastings:
Up to 5

Your itinerary

  • 1

    Arrival in Blois

    After your arrival in Blois, you’ll have time to immerse yourself in the charm of this historic town. Stroll through its picturesque streets, discover its magnificent royal chateau, a true architectural gem of the Renaissance, or take a walk along the banks of the Loire to admire the river landscapes. Blois is also full of small cafes, local shops, and restaurants where you can taste delicious regional cuisine. Take advantage of this first stage to soak up the unique atmosphere of Blois before starting your cycling adventure towards Saumur.

  • 2

    Blois - Amboise

    Distance : ~40km

    Leave Blois behind you by following the peaceful banks of the Loire river, capturing the beauty reflected in its shimmering waters. You will leave the river bank for a few kilometers, crossing the plain,  until you reach Candé-sur-Beuvron. Follow the river Beuvron until it meets up with the Loire. Stay on the cycle paths which will lead you to the majestic chateau of Chaumont, perched high on the hill. Take time to discover the chateau and gardens – a good reason to take a break! Continue on to Amboise along the Loire, passing through picturesque villages. Overnight at the hotel.

  • 3

    Amboise - Chenonceaux

    Distance : ~15km

    Today’s stage will be short but rich in discoveries. You will begin your day in the charming royal city of Amboise. Explore its chateau, wander through the bustling streets, taste the local wines and admire the charming banks of the Loire river. Later, you will leave the Loire Valley to join the Cher valley riding through a landscape of forests and meadows. You will arrive in Chenonceaux, famous for its magnificent chateau above the Cher river. Overnight in Chenonceau.

  • 4

    Chenonceaux - Tours

    Distance : ~34km

    Today, you will embark on an adventure along the “Coeur de France à Vélo” itinerary, passing through picturesque regions, such as Touraine, Berry and Bourbonnais. Follow the markers along the Cher river, as you pass through charming villages, rustic landscapes, small chateaux  and authentic farms. At the end of the day, you will reach Tours and its historic center, characterized by half-timbered houses, tuffeau stone mansions, a magnificent cathedral and charming cobbled streets. Overnight in Tours.

  • 5

    Tours - Azay Le Rideau

    Distance : ~27km

    You will leave the charming city of Tours by crossing the Cher river to the south. Follow the Petit Cher river along its right bank and you will pass through many picturesque villages of the Touraine region, before joining the Cher river on its left bank. This route will guide you to the Chateau de Villandry, renowned for its famous gardens. Continue riding through the countryside until you reach  Azay-le-Rideau, where you will discover its chateau on the river bank.

  • 6

    Azay-le-Rideau - Chinon /Candes

    Distance : ~25km

    Today, your trip will take you alongside three rivers. You will begin by cycling along the Indre, with a pause at the Chateau de l’Islette. Then, follow the flow of the Loire,  passing through charming villages. Finally, you will head inland to the medieval city of Chinon, overlooking the Vienne river.

    Candes option in the Comfort accommodation category.

  • 7

    Chinon/Candes - Saumur

    Distance : ~30km

    For this last day, you will follow the course of the Vienne river for pat of your journey, crossing  the river at its confluence with the Loire in Candes-Saint-Martin. Then, you will follow the Loire, passing through Montsoreau, where you will see an amazing chateau  alongside the river. Finally, you will climb above the vineyards of Saumur, overlooking the Loire, to arrive in Saumur itself. The town has earned the nickname the “Sleeping Beauty” thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and its rich heritage. Overnight in Saumur.

  • 8

    Departure

    Departure after breakfast.

Itinerary

Un crayon et une règle

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.

Un logo de téléphone avec une flèche de navigation

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).

Icone de personnage d'assistance

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.

Icone de grappe de raisin

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: 226€/bike
  • Electric bike rental: 370€/bike
  • Luggage transfer: 418€ up to 4 luggage
  • Half-board: 424€/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.

Example of accomodation in Amboise

In the heart of Amboise, enjoy the positive energy of this colorful hotel.

Example of accomodation in Chenonceaux

A stone's throw from the Château de Chenonceaux, this building welcomes you with authenticity, charm and generosity. Enjoy the restaurant!

Example of accomodation in Tours

This boutique hotel in the center of Tours offers you a break from the hustle and bustle of your travels. Enjoy the calm and elegance of this 19th-century mansion.

Example of accomodation in Azay-le-Rideau

Terrasse, sun and confort will provide an ideal rest in this lovely 3-start hotel

Example of accomodation in Chinon

On the banks of the Vienne, this central hotel offers a comfortable night's sleep.

Example of accomodation in Saumur

An ideal stopover in the Loire Valley, this hotel offers a relaxing environment. Located in the centre of Saumur, it's easy to explore the town.

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

Kids bike

Image d'un vélo enfant

Bike features: From 16 to 24 inches, derailleur and pad brakes

Supplied equipment with the bike:

  • Helmet
  • 1 inner tube specific to the bike
  • 1 lock

Kids Trailer

Image d'une remorque enfant

Product's features:

  • Convertible hood to protect from sun, wind or rain
  • 3 transparent pannels for a better visibility
  • Can fit up to 2 children of max 23 kg
  • A hitch connected to the bike

THE VINEYARD

Just like every other French vineyard region, the Loire also has its own “Route des Vins”. You can bike along the banks of the 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 and wine 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, every year, 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 the local wineries.

Book up to 5 tastings along your itinerary !

From 12€ to 33€ per person depending on the tour and the number of wines tasted.

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

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • 7 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

  • Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
  • Bike rental
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Suggested activities

Are you interested in this trip?

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