Aerial view of slate rooftops in the village of Amboise, Loire Valley, France

Loire Valley Bike Tour

Return to the Renaissance: Vouvray to da Vinci

6 days / 5 nights Level: 1Price From: $5,595Collection: Classic

Tour Highlights

  • Cycle through the vineyards of Vouvray and sample Chenin-based wines to single out your preferred style: sec, demi-sec, moelleux, or sparkling
  • Peruse Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, letters, and war machine replicas at Château du Clos Lucé, where he spent the final years of his life
  • Let the castles of the Loire fill you with wonder, including the sumptuous Chateau Chambord, over-water gallery of Château de Chenonceau, pristine architecture of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, and whimsical gardens of Château de Villandry
  • Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal at the exquisite Les Sources de Cheverny hotel
  • Learn to prepare classic French desserts as well as healthy, no-waste dishes with seasonal ingredients at a local chef’s culinary garden and workspace

Eat

Fresh river fish, local asparagus, vibrant produce, wild mushrooms, and foie gras

Drink

Dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines like Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire, made from the incredibly versatile Chenin blanc grape

As featured in:
A lighted bridge spans a river at sunset in a village of the Loire Valley, France
A hedge maze in the gardens of Château de Villandry in Villandry, France
Château de Villandry castle in background with hedge mazes, rosebush topiaries, and vegetable gardens in foreground
A couple sits in front of a fireplace at Domaine des Hauts de Loire Hotel, toasting with glasses of Champagne
Pink roses growing on an old wall in front of La Tortiniere hotel in Veigné, France
Print Itinerary
  • Day 1

    Bienvenue to Loire

    Your guides will greet you at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station for a transfer to nearby Château Villandry. Our first order of business is a light lunch (and a celebratory glass of local sparkling wine) at the château: erected around 1536, it’s the last of the Loire Valley’s large Renaissance castles. Wander its extraordinary mazes and elegant water garden, stroll the aromatic herb gardens, and finish your visit with an ice cream tasting inspired by the garden’s unique flavors. Then, we begin a warmup ride along the Loire and Cher Rivers. Pause in the town of Azay-le-Rideau to visit another iconic château built on an island of the Indre River, then continue pedaling through the countryside to our first luxurious woodlands hotel. Tonight, the château’s own chef prepares our first lovely dinner.

    Meals: Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Tours, Château de Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Artannes-sur-Indre, Veigné
    Accomplished: 22 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 958 feet / 292 meters
    Accommodations:  Domaine de la Tortinière

  • Day 2

    Back to the Renaissance at Chenonceau

    Start the day with a gently rolling ride along the Cher River and past the wheat and barley fields that earned this region its nickname as the breadbasket of France. After lunch near Château de Chenonceau, we’ll tour the expansive grounds and dueling gardens designed by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. There’s much to inspire the senses: Chenonceau is home to an unmatched collection of Renaissance furniture, 16th- and 17th-century tapestries, and priceless artwork. After our visit, hop back on the bike and head towards our next accommodation in Amboise. Spend the afternoon settling in before we dine together in the center of Amboise this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Cormery, Veigné, Chenonceaux, Amboise
    Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 1,296 feet / 395 meters
    Accommodations: Manoir les Minimes or Hotel Le Choiseul

  • Day 3

    Vouvray Loop

    Today we ride scenic, rolling hills framed by Chenin Blanc vineyards. To get acquainted with this versatile grape, our friend and passionate organic winemaker Louisa pours us a tasting at Montdomaine. After, continue spinning through the vineyards of Vouvray until we reach Rochecorbon for lunch by the Loire River. Before we return to our hotel, it’s time for one more tasting in a unique producer’s troglodyte cellars. Take a leisurely ride back towards the river and follow our favorite tree-shaded bike path along the Loire, which returns us right to Amboise. The evening is yours to spend as you wish: shop or explore this charming riverside town and choose your preferred restaurant for dinner on your own.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
    Destinations: Rochecorbon, Vouvray, Chançay, Vernou-sur-Brenne, Amboise
    Accomplished: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 954 feet / 291 meters
    Longer Option: 36 miles / 58 km, elevation gain: 1,486 feet / 453 meters
    Accommodations: Manoir les Minimes or Hotel Le Choiseul

  • Day 4

    Through da Vinci's Eyes

    Start the morning with an illuminating visit to Le Clos Lucé, the one-time home of Leonardo da Vinci; it is rumored that the artist arrived holding the Mona Lisa and spent the final years of his life at this whimsical estate. After, hop in the saddle and ride quaint village roads to La Grange, where we tie on our aprons and learn to prepare a beautiful zero-waste meal with herbs and vegetables from the garden. Back on our bikes after lunch, we’ll cycle through the town of Chaumont-sur-Loire, enjoying a pastoral panorama en route to our final hotel. Regroup this evening to savor regional cuisine at a local auberge.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Saint-Règle, Vallières-les-Grandes, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Cheverny
    Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 1,296 feet / 395 meters
    Accommodations: Les Sources de Cheverny

  • Day 5

    Castles and Chocolate

    After breakfast, pedal scenic roads all the way to the Château Chambord—a grand castle built in the 16th century that once served as a hunting lodge for Francois I. The brainchild of Leonardo da Vinci and a prime example of French Renaissance architecture, this château is now protected as a UNESCO-listed monument. Climb the famous double-helix staircase or stroll the manicured gardens before continuing to our next sweet spot: a local chocolate boutique where we’ll learn to make (and of course taste) candy confections. Leave room for a fresh picnic prepared by your guides before a final short spin to our luxurious hotel. Spend the afternoon at the spa or relax by the pool before we gather for a final and unforgettable Michelin-starred dinner at our hotel. Bon appétit!

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Cheverny, Chambord, Bracieux
    Accomplished: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 1,210 feet / 369 meters
    Accommodations: Les Sources de Cheverny

  • Day 6

    Au Revoir

    Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at the château and perhaps a stroll through the grounds, saying goodbye to the Loire Valley however you see fit. Your guides see you off at the Blois train station.

    Meals: Breakfast

DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.



Arrival Details

Airport City: Paris, France Pick-Up Location: St. Pierre des Corps Train Station Pick-Up Time: 10:15 am
Departure Details

Airport City: Paris, France Drop-Off Location: Blois Train Station Drop-Off Time: 11:30 am

Any scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates. Go Private

2024Single Supplement From: $1,200

See our cancellation policy

Weather by Month
Average Temperature + Precipitation

Average Temperature + Precipitation

Month
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
High (°F)
45°
46°
50°
57°
66°
70°
73°
72°
68°
61°
50°
45°
Low (°F)
32°
34°
36°
41°
46°
52°
54°
54°
50°
45°
39°
34°
Rain (in)
251
251
125
251
251
251
125
125
251
251
251
251

Accommodations

  • Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
  • Luggage transfers

Meals

  • Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
  • 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
  • Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal

Activities

  • Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
  • Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
  • Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service

Gear

  • Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
  • Bike helmet
  • Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
  • GPS in most destinations

Support

  • Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
  • Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
  • Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
  • Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
NOT INCLUDED:
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Synapse 2 RLE

Manufacturer: Cannondale

Type: Road

Included in trip price

Quick 1 Disc

Manufacturer: Cannondale

Type: Hybrid

Included in trip price

257 AMP AL TWO

Manufacturer: BMC

Type: Hybrid E-Bike

Included in trip price