Loire Valley Bike Tour

Your guides will greet you at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station and whisk you away to the nearby Château Villandry, where our adventure begins. Toast our arrival with a light lunch and the region’s sparkling wine. This château, erected around 1536, and is the last of the large Renaissance châteaux built in the Loire Valley. Wander its extraordinary mazes and elegant water garden, as well as the aromatic herb gardens. We’ll be treated to the unique flavors of ice cream inspired by the garden before cycling to Montbazon and our first luxurious accommodation. We’ll set off on a gently rolling ride along the Cher River and past many fields demonstrating why this region is the breadbasket of France. Arrive at our beautiful hotel, hidden away in the woods above the Cher River. Tonight we dine amidst stunning valley views, prepared by the Château’s own chef.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Tours, Château de Villandry, Savonnières, Ballan-Miré, Veigné
Accomplished: 17 miles / 28 km, elevation gain: 708 feet / 216 meters
Accommodations:  Domaine de la Tortinière

After a nourishing breakfast, a brief transfer takes us to the village of Artannes and the start of today’s ride. Stop in Azay-le-Rideau, the charming village where we will visit a château over the Indre River, then continue pedaling through the countryside towards the medieval castle and town of Langeais. Enjoy a delicious brasserie lunch in town before discovering this stunning castle seeped in history. After our visit, we will cross back over the Loire River and make our way east on a quiet bike path. Keep riding if you’re up for an extra challenge, or head back to the hotel in the van and spend the afternoon by the pool. Tonight we dine close to our château, in the leafy surroundings of a water mill converted into an excellent restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner
Destinations: Artannes-sur-Indre, Azay-le-Rideau, Lignières-de-Touraine, Bréhémont, Langeais, Villandry, Druye
Accomplished: 33 miles / 53 km, elevation gain: 856 feet / 261 meters
Longer Option: 40 miles / 64 km, elevation gain: 1,388 feet / 423 meters
Accommodations:  Domaine de la Tortinière

Today we follow a scenic route to Château de Chenonceau, a breathtaking castle spanning the Cher river. After a vibrant picnic lunch, 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 extensive 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

Today we ride along scenic, rolling hills, surrounded by vineyards growing the delightfully versatile Chenin Blanc grape. We’ll break for a wine tasting at Montdomaine, where our friend Louisa shares her passion for organic winemaking. Continue spinning through the vineyards of Vouvray until we reach Rochecorbon for lunch by the Loire river. Before heading back to the hotel, it’s time for one more tasting in a unique producer’s troglodyte cellars. This afternoon we’ll take a relaxing ride back towards the river and along our favorite tree-shaded bike path next to the Loire on the way back to Amboise. This evening you are free to enjoy some shopping and exploration of this most charming riverside town as you choose your perfect restaurant for your own dinner tonight.

Meals: Breakfast / Picnic 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

We’ll start the morning with an illuminating visit to Le Clos Lucé, the onetime 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 panorama of rich farmland en route to our hotel. Tonight, enjoy a final and unforgettable Michelin-starred dinner at our hotel. Bon appetit!

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

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