Loire Valley Bike Tour

Your guides will greet you at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station for a transfer to nearby Azay-sur-Cher. After a bike fitting and safety briefing, we’ll set out on a warmup ride along the Cher River. Pause in the town of Athée-sur-Cher for a country lunch then continue cycling to the emblematic 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 to our first hotel—a luxurious relais surrounded by gardens in the historic center of Amboise. Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in before we regroup for our first dinner together, where we’ll enjoy Vouvray whites much as kings once did.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Azay-sur-Cher, Athée-sur-Cher, Chenonceaux, Amboise
Accomplished: 22 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 803 feet / 245 meters
Accommodations: Relais d’Amboise 

Today we set out from a sea of Chenin Blanc vineyards in the Vouvray appellation and continue cycling until we reach Montlouis-sur-Loire for a coffee break by the Loire River. A few gentle rolling hills stand between us and lunch at our friend Louisa’s winery. A passionate winemaker herself, Louisa has paired our meal with some of her favorite Château de Montdomaine wines. From there, it’s a short ride back to our hotel, where we’ll have time to relax before our illuminating visit to Le Clos Lucé, the one-time home of Leonardo da Vinci—it’s rumored that the artist arrived holding the Mona Lisa and spent the final years of his life at this whimsical estate. The evening is yours to spend as you wish: wander the charming medieval streets of Amboise and choose your preferred restaurant for dinner on your own. Your guides are happy to suggest a few of their favorite places.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Montlouis-sur-Loire, Vouvray, Chançay, Amboise
Accomplished: 27 miles / 44 km, elevation gain: 928 feet / 283 meters
Accommodations: Relais d’Amboise 

This morning, we leave Amboise behind, cycling along quiet country roads that meander through forest and farmland. Following the river, we soon reach the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire, where we’ll pause to admire its namesake 15th-century château before continuing to La Grange. There, we’ll tie on our aprons and learn to prepare a beautiful zero-waste meal with herbs and vegetables from the garden. Back on our bikes, we pedal through a pastoral panorama en route to our next hotel, an elegant French country estate surrounded by nature. Treat yourself to a vinotherapy massage at the spa, explore the grounds, or sip a glass of chilled Romoratin from the estate’s vines. Tonight we’ll gather for a gastronomic dining experience at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Saint-Règle, Vallières-les-Grandes, Chaumont-sur-Loire,Cheverny
Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 1,102 feet / 336 meters
Accommodations: Les Sources de Cheverny

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 François 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, then enjoy a special picnic lunch prepared by your guides. Be sure to leave room for dessert—our ride continues to a local chocolate boutique where we’ll learn (and of course taste) how the chocolate is made in this region. From there, it’s a short spin back to our luxurious hotel. Spend the afternoon at the spa or relax by the pool. Regroup this evening to savor regional cuisine at our hotel’s inviting bistro.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Chambord, Bracieux, Cheverny
Accomplished: 33 miles / 54 km, elevation gain: 918 feet / 280 meters
Accommodations: Les Sources de Cheverny

Leave Cheverny behind and cycle through the peaceful Loire Valley countryside, passing vineyards, sunflower fields, and charming stone villages. Winding country roads lead to the banks of the Loire River, where a relaxing lunch offers the perfect opportunity to recharge and enjoy the flavors of the region. Afterward, board a traditional flat-bottomed boat and glide over the water to Blois, discovering the beauty of France’s last wild river. Rich in royal history, Blois is renowned for its elegant old town and the magnificent Château Royal de Blois, home to a collection of more than 35,000 works of art. Our day ends at the elegant Fleur de Loire, the sublime five-star retreat where we’ll spend our last night. Settle in then regather to toast our adventures before an unforgettable dinner at the hotel’s two-Michelin- starred restaurant. Bon appétit!

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Saint Dye sur Loire, Blois
Accomplished: 23 miles / 38 km, elevation gain: 757 feet / 231 meters
Accommodations: Fleur de Loire

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

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Blois
Accomplished: 11 miles / 18 km, elevation gain: 354 feet / 108 meters