Loire Valley Family Bike Tour
Storied Landscapes & Magical Castles
It has all the makings of a fairy tale. Storybook castles. Festive meals. Outdoor romps in idyllic woodlands. By the end, this Loire getaway will have the whole family living happily ever after.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,199/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Pedal tranquil routes that connect Renaissance, medieval and classical châteaux
- Kids delight in a variety of fun-filled activities, from chocolate making and fencing to lively medieval-themed dinners
- Relish the royal treatment as you relax at impressive castle-hotels and elegant estates
- Kayak on the River Cher and bike through a World Heritage region full of fertile valleys and lush vineyards
- Visit Château de Chenonceau, famous for the six women who influenced its magnificent construction and grounds
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start St-Pierre-des-Corps Airport & Travel Details
- Ride family-friendly bike routes past enchanting villages and serene woodland
- Visit Château de Chambord and walk through the region’s largest castle on a private guided tour, admiring a remarkable display of French Renaissance architecture
- Cycle along forested back roads on the way to our extravagant hotel.
Night 1
Luxury Hotel
Recent renovations have modernized this 15th-century manor located near Cheverny, but it still has its original tower and moat. (spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Venture by bike to Chaumont, a castle acclaimed for its annual International Garden Festival
- Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s home, Clos Lucé, where you’ll marvel at the models and designs of his famous creations
- Kids enjoy a horseback riding experience, while adults bike toward the Loire River and back to our elegant hotel
- While adults head out on a peaceful morning ride, the younger set gets a tasty lesson in chocolate making at a family-owned chocolaterie
- Wander in the lively town of Amboise and sip a post-ride chocolat chaud or an aperitif as the sun sets on the Loire.
Nights 2-3
Luxury Hotel
Built as a grand hunting lodge in the 19th century, this magnificent ivy-covered château enjoys a secluded setting amid tranquil parkland. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Explore magical Château de Chenonceau, with its richly appointed interiors and dazzling artwork
- Kayak along the Cher River, experiencing diverse birdlife, tranquil scenery and the Château de Chenonceau from a whole new angle
- Kids tuck into a special medieval-themed dinner just for them
- En garde! Youngsters wield épées with a world-class fencing master
- Adults take a leisurely afternoon ride from one lovely village to the next before returning to our grand castle-hotel
- Say au revoir to the Loire after one last morning spin.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Located on the banks of the famous Loire River with panoramic views, this 18th-century residence is adorned with French décor and surrounded by Italian-style gardens. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End St-Pierre-des-Corps Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-4
Biking terrain ranges from level to rolling, with a few climbs. Routes mostly follow quiet single-lane country roads with minimal traffic through vineyards, farms and forests. Riding through towns and to or from some hotels often involves more cars and cobblestones, which we minimize with strategic shuttles and bike paths. Bike paths may be paved, hard-packed dirt or gravel.
Kid-friendly routes are shorter with minimal elevation gain, and alternate kids’ activities are available on days with longer rides. Some sections are on roads with traffic and loose gravel, and while bike paths are common, kids should be comfortable riding with cars and navigating rough surfaces.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Kids' bikes, trailer bikes, carriers and kid-sized helmets
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
