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France: The Loire

Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire – Upgraded

Trip code: C07LX

Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(8 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Cycling
7 nights hotel-to-hotel
Leisurely
Flights available
CO₂ rating 1/5
Agent supplied app

Trip highlights

Perfect for cycling, traffic-free lanes, majestic forests, vineyards, poppies and sunflowers fields

Splendour of the ‘jewel’ in the Loire crown, the Renaissance Chateau de Chenonceau and Chambord the largest chateau in the Loire Valley.

Masses of history and culture: pretty wine villages, charming towns including royal Blois, more chateaux than you could imagine.

Enjoy the selected charming 4* hotel accommodations for an unforgettable journey.

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Trip details

This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Highlights include the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau. You’ll pass vineyards, sunflowers fields and pretty, sleepy villages, before pedalling gently along shady riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights in 4-star and 5-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance

Your bike

Hand-picked for the route, hire included

Scott, Sub Sport 20 or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier, phone holder and handlebar bag.

Travel options

Flights and rail

Our air-rail prices include standard flights, onward rail and station transfers.

Eurostar

We can book connecting Eurostar services from London and Ashford if you prefer not to fly.

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrival in Blois

Arrival in Blois

Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.

You stay at Hotel Mercure

Hotel Mercure Blois
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Hotel Mercure

Blois

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotel’s areas.

All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided.

Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. ‘Le Quai’, the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products.

Day 2 · 42km/26.1miBlois to Amboise

Blois to Amboise

Cycle through nice tiny villages to Chaumont-sur-Loire and its spectacular chateau, which hosts the International Garden Festival (May-Oct). Then continue on the ‘Loire a Velo’ cycling tracks before arriving at the charming town of Amboise where the greatest Kings of France lived.

You stay at Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien

Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien
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Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien

Amboise

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien is a charming 18th-century hotel nestled in the historical heart of the city of Amboise. Make sure you also take the time to relax in the heated, outdoor swimming pool or on the sun terrace.

The spacious rooms with antique furniture are a haven of tranquility and provide a great feeling of relaxation in a warm atmosphere. Both rooms are equipped with high-standard bathrooms (jet showers, bathtubs, etc.)

A wellness area with hot tub, sauna and fitness room is also available at the property. Free WiFi is provided throughout.

Day 3 · 45km/28.0miAt Amboise

At Amboise

Visit the flamboyant Royal Palace and the elegant Clos Luce, a C15 manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last few years of his life. His workshops house 40 giant models of some of his most spectacular creations, the first plane, helicopter and tank, and the beautifully landscaped gardens bring life to his botanical drawings and geographical designs.

Alternatively cycle to wine capital, Vouvray, famous for their fine white wines and explore the troglodyte caves en route. Here you’ll find wine tasting possibilities and the option to visit Chateau de Valmer where King Charles VII once stayed.

Day 4 · 44km/27.3miAmboise to Chenonceaux

Amboise to Chenonceaux

Gentle pedalling through the vineyards of Montlouis sur Loire will bring you to the superb Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous arches majestically spanning the river. Described by Flaubert as floating ‘on air and water’, it’s arguably the most beautiful of all the Loire landmarks. This chateau was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.

Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers’s garden, then the Catherine de Medici’s one. Take a breath, under the shadow of one of the huge park trees, at the rhythm of the river murmur which will tell you stories about these 2 rival women.

You stay at Auberge du Bon Laboureur

Auberge du Bon Laboueur
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Auberge du Bon Laboureur

Chenonceaux

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards

This 18th-century country inn is located in the centre of Chenonceaux, just 500 m from the Castle of Chenonceau. It offers an heated outdoor swimming pool during summer and winter and Scandinavian baths.

Guest rooms are elegantly decorated and are equipped with air conditioning and a TV with satellite channels. Each room has a private bathroom including bathrobes and slippers. Free Wi-Fi is available.

You can stroll around the peaceful garden setting before dining in the gourmet restaurant. Auberge du Bon Laboureur also features a bar with an extensive wine list and a buffet breakfast is served every morning, which can also be enjoyed in the guest’s room.

Day 5 · 53km/32.9miChenonceaux to Cheverny

Chenonceaux to Cheverny

Ride along the peaceful riverbanks of the Cher to the medieval town of Montrichard. Leaving the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century.

You stay at Relais des 3 Chateaux

Relais des 3 chateaux
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Relais des 3 Chateaux

Cheverny

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Founded in 1850 to welcome voyagers travelling on foot, by horse and by car. The ancient stables are still visible in the current restaurant area, they could shelter up to 100 saddle and draught horses.

It soon became one of the main relay stops between Blois and Romorantin. In order to perpetuate the tradition, the restaurant has kept the original name of Les Trois Marchands : The three Merchands. An additional curiosity about the history of this building: The part that adjoins the church was a former convent.

Located in the heart of Cour-Cheverny, is now a days engaged both in keeping up its history and in preserving its conviviality spirit.
This charming four stars hotel has been fully renovated and offers all the comfort of modern facilities. The atmosphere evokes the Renaissance style: curved shaped designed furniture, warm tones of the tapestries together with handcraft made lights respect the refined style of the charm typical of the Loir Valley.

Day 6 · 47km/29.2miAt Cheverny

At Cheverny

Discover the famous sumptuously furnished Chateau of Cheverny. Inhabited by the same family for over 6 centuries, the Chateau, its gardens, its labyrinth and its Tintin exhibition will give you an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, cycle to the Chateau in Beauregard famous for its Portrait Gallery. Then continue your excursion to the rich and mysterious ‘Sologne’ with magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroads and small private chateaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves.

Day 7 · 40km/24.9miCheverny to Blois

Cheverny to Blois

Cycle to the prestigious and largest Chateau de Chambord, a real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms. Dreamed up by Francois I to cement his power in stone, the Chateau de Chambord is an unparalleled architectural exploit. Among the numerous innovations in Chambord, the double helix staircase is without a doubt one of the most remarkable. This staircase, which allows for two people to walk without crossing paths, has always fascinated visitors.

Then, ride along the Loire riverbank before arriving in Blois.

You stay at Hotel Mercure

Hotel Mercure Blois
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Hotel Mercure

Blois

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotel’s areas.

All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided.

Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. ‘Le Quai’, the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products.

Day 8 · —Leave Blois

Leave Blois

Extending your holiday

Fleur de Loire

Hotel Fleur de Loire

Blois

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards

Possibility to upgrade your last night in Blois or have an extra night at this brand new 5* hotel facing the majestic Loire river and experience a gastronomic meal at the panoramic restaurant.
A sustainable hotel and restaurant : Exalting the banks of the Loire, like a plant of rare beauty emerging from the riverbed, Fleur de Loire is an exquisite ode to the art de vivre. This amazing setting is also reflected in the unique ambience created by the decoration, whose palette of hues and environmentally friendly materials splendidly showcase the talent of local craftsmen. Experience true well-being thanks to the spa, which features a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and several pools. It is the ideal retreat to reconnect body and mind through delicious rituals based on phyto-aromatic treatments. Only a few kilometres away, renowned chef Christophe Hay cultivates the fruits and vegetables that guests enjoy in the hotel’s restaurant. On the restaurant Amour Blanc menu’s, the chef offers French gastronomy made from seasonal products selected from the best local producers.
Rates upon to availability. Do not hesitate to ask us when booking the tour.

Hotel Mercure Blois
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Hotel Mercure

Blois

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotel’s areas.

All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided.

Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. ‘Le Quai’, the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products.

What our travellers say

A very enjoyable cycling holiday, lovely scenery especially the paths along the river and through the woods. It was hard work for those of us not that used to cycling, but a good achievement to have made it! We enjoyed visiting some of the chateaux along the way. Lovely food and wine, of course! However, the Gastronomic package of 4 days of half board was unfortunately poor value for money. It would have been better to have our dinner reservations made and for us to pay locally. We packed our cycling helmets and water bottles as the information we received indicated we needed them but these were all provided by the local agent so we didn’t actually need to bring them and could have saved a lot of space in our bags.

Mrs Bedlow

Please see separate trip report which we will email to you

Mrs Brown

This was an excellent holiday on all fronts. The Headwater staff were their usual helpful self, including a mix up with bikes in France which was resolved very quickly. The hotels and locations were first-class and we could not fault anything at all. This was our third Headwater holiday. Much more interesting than the last one in Chablis where the villages were almost deserted in August and on a par with our first one in Umbria. A big thanks to Helen, Sara, Katie , Steph , Cecile and all who helped. Not cheap but we think great value for money and just what the doctor ordered after COVID!

Mr DYTOR

What a fantastic way of exploring the Loire and its rich history. The hotels are well selected and perfectly situated to enhance time spent in beautiful locations.

Stephen Dickinson

Perfect organisation from start to finish

Ms Collins

Kate was very available on the phone to ask questions and knowledgeable of the area we were visiting. Lots of tips and advice provided.

Ms Murphy

I appreciated the help and information.

Mr Black

Headwater staff are very helpful at arranging the whole package eg at arranging flights, transfers , and extensions in order to tailor make the holiday and tweak it to exactly what would suit you best for each day. As well as having a portfolio of cycling holidays that are all wonderful experiences in all of our 17 different trips

Mr Struthers
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

8.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£1,919per person