Loire Valley Bike Tour
Storybook Châteaux & French Countryside
Bike to stately castles and manicured gardens nestled in a lush landscape of orchards, fields and rivers. This is the Loire Valley—like a fairy tale come to life.
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 $4,499 - $4,599/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Journey through a beautiful World Heritage landscape once graced by royalty, exploring Renaissance, medieval and classical châteaux along the way
- Relax at welcoming castle-hotels as you admire elegant French architecture and experience the richness of life in the Loire Valley
- Taste local wines from world-famous AOCs and savor the gastronomic delights of one of France’s most bountiful regions
- Visit Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, both designated by France as Les Plus Beaux (the most beautiful) villages
- Walk the regal grounds of Château de Chenonceau, famous for the six women who influenced its magnificent construction and gardens
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start St-Pierre-des-Corps Airport & Travel Details
- Start your adventure with a bike ride through forested backcountry in the Réserve Nationale de Chambord, a national game and nature reserve that surrounds the Château de Chambord
- Discover the impressive Château de Chambord, one of the Loire Valley's most striking castles
- Cycle along the region’s quiet rural roads passing vineyard-covered hills and charming local villages
- Relax at a lovely French manor-turned-hotel set on 34 acres of magnificent woodland.
Night 1
Deluxe Hotel
This hospitable family welcomes us to their refined and sunny hotel, once a 17th-century manor, that maintains traditional French aesthetics with a modern pool. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Bike along rolling hills to Château de Chaumont, set among verdant lawns on a hilltop overlooking the Loire River
- Explore the castle’s ornate interiors and creative garden displays
- Follow the Loire River to the lively town of Amboise, once home to François I and a former seat of the French royal court
- Choose an outdoor table and sip a café while taking in views of the Château d’Amboise
- Leonardo da Vinci’s nearby manor, Clos Lucé, is well worth an after-lunch visit, showcasing models and drawings of his brilliant inventions
- Ride through a splendid forest and along the River Cher to Château Chenonceau for a guided tour of its richly appointed salons and grand galleries.
Nights 2-3
Deluxe Hotel
A turreted castle nestled amid trees on a terraced slope overlooking the Loire River. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- A leisurely ride leads to Château d’Ussé, a castle so beautiful it inspired the setting in Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty fairy tale
- Venture off the beaten path in picturesque old-world spots like Montsoreau and Candes-St-Martin
- Share riverside paths with local cyclists en route to one-of-a-kind troglodyte hamlets and the town of Saumur, home to some of the region’s finest wines
- Ride through Cabernet Franc vineyards and arrive in postcard-perfect Brissac-Quincé
- Pause at the water’s edge to admire the view
- Opt for a final spin through the countryside or a peaceful morning at the hotel.
Nights 4-5
Casual Hotel
Decadent French styling and sweeping views of the Loire River are highlights at this elegant castle-hotel.
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
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
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
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
