Cycling along the Loire, the garden of France
This of the Loire Valley is the most doted in chateaux and vineyards. Follow the Loire River which will guide you from historical places to famous cellars for tasting. Enjoy the ‘French art de vivre’ along the peaceful and wild landscapes.
You will ride on well-signposted cycle paths and minor roads with little traffic. And of course, you will ride along a string of beautiful castles, abbeys, historical towns and picturesque villages. The route starts in beautiful Tours. Sometimes you will ride on paths close to the river, and sometimes you will follow little winding roads through semi-open farmland. You will ride through an old cultural landscape, with forests, wheat fields, sheltered fields and of course, vineyards. After all, you will be riding through the largest wine area of the Loire valley. A patchwork of 20,000 hectares of vineyards that together account for 28 appellations.
Take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Take a look at the splendid gothic cathedral.
Reach Savonnières for a journey in the heart of Petrifying Grottoes. Then proceed to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces, then Saché, the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. Finally arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau, a jewel set over the Indre river.
Discover other marvels, such as the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ chateau in Ussé which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairy tail story and the mediaeval town of Chinon dominated by its castle and famous for its red wine, highly appreciated by Rabelais.
Follow the “Loire à Vélo” routes which will lead you to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin (where you can visit the magnificent 12th and 13th century collegiate church) and to the beautiful village of Montsoreau. Continue along troglodyte sites and vineyards before reaching lovely town of Saumur Saumur. You have the opportunity to reach Fontevraud abbey, Europe’s largest remaining monastic complex which is also the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt kings.
First follow the Loire River before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of
Angers and its chateau which shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
Your cycling holiday ends today in Angers. There is a train connection which takes you back to Tours.
France
A cycle route has been constructed along the Loire. This route is sign-posted. Cycletours has selected the most beautiful part for you to explore. The distances are never long, so you have enough time to visit a castle along the way.
Prices in 2024
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Per person in a double room category Standard (2* and/or 3* hotels)
Surcharge single room € 270,-
Half board € 255,-
Per person in a double room category Superior (3* hotels)
Surcharge single room € 355,-
Half board € 255,-
Per person in a double room category Privilege (3* and/or 4* hotels)
Surcharge single room € 525,-
Half board € 270,-
For all categories:
Extra night in Tours (incl. breakfast)
Per person in a double room category Standard
March - October € 75,-
Surcharge single room € 60,-
Per person in a double room category Superior
March - October € 94,-
Surcharge single room € 65,-
Per person in a double room category Privilege
March - October € 135,-
Surcharge single room € 119,-
Extra night in Angers (incl. breakfast)
Per person in a double room category Standard
March - October € 75,-
Surcharge single room € 50,-
Per person in a double room category Superior
March - October € 84,-
Surcharge single room € 59,-
Per person in a double room category Privilege
March - October € 125,-
Surcharge single room € 110,-
Rental bikes:
Included
Not included
Special details
Public transport
If you’re travelling by train you’ll probably arrive at ‘Gare SNCF TOURS. For more information about the French railways we refer to sncf.
Return trip
The return trip Angers – Tours is by train, on your own account. In case you have a rental bike you can leave it at the hotel in Angers (please ask the hotel receptionist where to place the bike). See enclosed map of Angers for directions to the train station.
(Please note that the hotels listed are only examples and are subject to change. You will find your final hotel in the hotel list, which you will receive before departure)
The Citôtel Criden is close to the TGV railway station, the Vinci convention centre, historical areas. The hotel has 33 spacious rooms, all with free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom. You can enjoy a drink in the bar and lounge. A buffet breakfast is prepared every morning.
Best Western Plus l'Artist Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Old City centre and 150 m from the train station. A full breakfast buffet is served daily. Guests are invited to relax in the hotel's bar or on the terrace.
Hotel L'Univers Tours features accommodation with a bar, private parking, a spa and wellness centre and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a bistro-style restaurant. Guests are welcome to take advantage of a Turkish bath and a hot tub.
Hotel Val De Loire is a 3-star hotel. All rooms are uniquely decorated and feature a private bathroom, free WiFi access and a flat-screen TV. A buffet breakfast is available each morning and served on the shaded terrace in nice weather.
This hotel is divided into 2 buildings from the 18th-century, a former school, from Napoleon III period. Each room has modern décor and views of the city or of the flowered patio. A buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining room or on the terrace and it is made with the products coming from the local producers.
Hôtel Grand Monarque is an 18th-century post house, 150 m from its famous castle. It features a lounge bar. The hotel with stone walls and exposed beams is set within a large tree-lined courtyard. The spacious guest rooms are uniquely decorated with antique furnishings and each have a private bathroom.
This charming 19th-century house offers a shadowed terrace, by the garden. All of the air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Le Plantagenet feature a private bathroom with a bath or a shower. The rooms are set in the 2 19th century buildings. Some of the rooms boast original sculpted ceilings and wooden panelling. A breakfast buffet is served on the veranda. The hotel's bar provides a range of local wines.
This simple, family-run hotel from the 17th Century offers a calm elegance. The Hôtel Diderot, with its courtyard garden and white limestone walls, is a 12-minute walk from Chinon Royal Fortress. Guest rooms are all individually decorated.
The beautifully restored 16th-century residence is set in the heart of the medieval quarter of the old town. Decorated harmoniously, the spacious air-conditioned rooms at the Best Western Hotel De France are all equipped with modern en suite facilities and fitted with lovely furniture.
The hotel Kyriad Saumur Centre is situated in the city centre on the left bank of the River Loire. Each of the guest rooms is decorated in an individual colour scheme. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries. Start your day with a buffet breakfast.
Hôtel Le Londres is located in the heart of the historic town. This 19th-century building offers stylish individually decorated and furnished rooms with floor to ceiling windows. A buffet breakfast is offer daily in the breakfast lounge.
Close to the centre of Saumur, the hotel Anne D'Anjou is overlooking the river and has a view of the chateau above. All of the rooms offer a satellite TV and views of the Loire River and of the chateau. Five of these rooms still have their original decor (Louis XVI, Restoration, Empire periods).
The 3-star Hotel Continental is a certified eco-friendly, quality hotel with free Wi-Fi access. Rooms are comfortable and non-smoking and feature a contemporary design. They are all sound-proofed and air conditioned. The hotel is just 10 minutes walk from the train station, in the heart of the pedestrian area and surrounded by restaurants.
Hôtel De France is located opposite Angers-St Laud TGV Train Station, close to the city centre and the medieval Château d'Angers. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with modern facilities.
21, Foch is located at heart of the centre of Angers. Set in a 19th-century building, this elegant hotel is decorated in white and grey tones and includes a large living room. Accessed by a lift, the refined guest rooms here will provide you with air conditioning and an LCD TV with satellite channels.
All rental bikes are equipped with 1 rear pannier (saddlebags 40l.), 1 front pannier with holder, 1 repair kit, 1 pump, 1 lock and 1 counter.
By this tour you can rent the following bikes:
Local hybrid 21-gears 10 days
Local electric bike 9-gears 10 days
Welcome
Your room is available from 3 p.m. on the day of arrival. Upon check in, you receive the following items:
– hotel vouchers for the other hotels
– luggage stickers
– the detailed itinerary of your trip day by day and colour maps
– tourist information about the area, cities and different sites you will be able to visit along your stages
– some information leaflets about the area.
Your stay is based on bed & breakfast. Normally breakfast is served between 7.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.
No lunch is included. As you will ride through villages where you could meet shops (butcher, baker, grocer’s shop, restaurants…) where to buy for your picnic.
In your itinerary, you will see notes ‘Food & drinks’ which means that you will be able to meet shops on these places. If any notes are mentioned on one stage, you will have to look for food before leaving (some hotels propose picnic).
Also, keep in mind that generally, in small villages, shops are closed on Sundays and Mondays. This is why we suggest you have always some snacks with you!
Luggage transport
Please leave your luggage for the luggage transfer (1 suitcase or large bag per person) before 9.45 a.m. at the reception (do not forget to use the luggage tags). Usually you’ll find your luggage from 4 p.m. in the next hotel but at least at 5 p.m. Do not leave any securities or cash in your luggage.
The bike
For a successful cycling holiday it is necessary to have a good bike. If you bring your own bicycle check it carefully before departure. Pay special attention to tires, brakes and gears. If you bring your own bike don’t forget to bring a repair kit with you. You can leave your bike in the therefore intended place in the garage. Don’t forget to bring comfortable cycle clothing. Since 2008 you are obliged to wear a safety vest when you’re cycling in France outside the city area after sunset or at low visibility (this is included).
The rental bicycles can be requested at the hotel reception upon arrival. The 21-speed bicycles come with a bike helmet , safety vest, map holder, 2 rear panniers, counter, lock, repair kit and pump. You don’t have to pay a surety but you’re personally responsible for your rental bike in case of damage or theft.
Itinerary
Itinerary, maps and information concerning this trip you will receive upon arrival. If there are any mistakes in the descriptions please inform so we can correct these for future guests.
Clothing
We advise you to wear comfortable shoes and various layers of practical clothing to be prepared for sudden changes of climate and temperature; don’t forget a K-Way or a poncho, both indispensable in the event of rain, besides a light jacket for cold days and evenings. Sunglasses, a hat, protective suntan cream and insect repellent sprays are important, especially in summer. Cycling trousers and gloves are advisable but not essential. Also remember to bring a first aid kit with you.