Loire Valley

Length: 8 days, 7 nights, with 6 days cycling. Also 5 days, 4 nights tour available.

Cost: luxe B&B Per person = US$1455, Single supplement US$370
5 days, 4 nights = US$1085, Single supplement US$215

Dates: Start any day except Thursday and Friday between between May 1 and October 31, 2001.

Level: Daily distance 50 to 60 km or 40 miles average. Some hills every day of moderate difficulty. Extra km possible. This is not rated an easy tour, due to the longer distances, the daily hills and the lack of rest days once on the tour.

The price includes:

• seven or four nights accommodation in luxury level Bed & Breakfasts in manoir homes and small châteaux
• during the tour, all breakfasts and five dinners on the eight day tour; four dinners on the five day tour
• use of a hybrid bike (21 speeds) with rear pannier, pump and puncture repair kit. Please note that helmets are not included and we urge you to bring your own
• detailed route guide and maps
• luggage forwarding
• suggestions on where to eat and interesting side trips to take
• emergency support just a phone call away

À la carte Extend your time among the famous Châteaux of the Loire by adding on two or three days in Chambord. Grab the high speed TGV train in Tours and zip down to the Bordeaux region to enjoy the St. Emilion Short Escape. For a longer cycling vacation, add our Brittany tour to the end of your Loire Valley trip.

Getting There: You start in Berthenay, just west of Tours and about 240 km southwest of Paris. Berthenay is a tiny village at the confluence of the Loire and Cher Rivers, close to the château and gardens of Villandry. The traffic levels are low, making it a great start location. Tours is easily reached from Paris on the TGV or high speed train. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. From Tours, a short taxi journey takes you to Berthenay (about 200F and not included in the tour price). Your confirmation package will provide detailed information about getting to the tour start.

Day 1 ... Arrival in Berthenay.

Day 2 ... Your first full day of cycling takes you past three spectacular châteaux. From Berthenay pedal to Savonnières then the Château de Villandry, the best example in France of formal Renaissance gardens. Follow the Cher River to the château at Ussé. This is the castle which inspired the Sleeping Beauty legend. Pass villages built of white limestone called tuffeau, on your way to Langeais and the last castle of the day. You final destination is the village of Hommes.

Day 3 ... Head south today through chestnut forests, passing minor castles and delightful towns such as Restigné and Bourgueil, built with white stone with blue roofs and set among vineyards. The highlight is Chinon, with a rich history including Henry II of England and Joan of Arc's famous plea to King Charles VII. Cycle on to your B&B in Cravant les Côteaux.

Day 4 ... Leave the valley of the Vienne River and cross overland to the gentle banks of the Indre River. Explore Crissay, rated one of the most beautiful villages in France. Detour to visit the château at Azay-le-Rideau, a beautiful and delicate castle seeming to float in the river. Return to Cravant les Côteaux.

Day 5 ... Begin the day following the Indre valley. Loches provides a fascinating visit. It is a bustling town, with a château crowning the hill. On your way up to Francueil, you can see several lesser known castles including the elegant Montpoupon.

Day 6 ... Today you return to the Loire Valley. Begin the morning with a visit to Chenonceau, a dazzling jewel in a region rich in castles. Pedal on to Montrichard with its keep or donjon dating from 1010, before the pleasure palaces were constructed. On a longer route, continue to Chaumont, before arriving at your B&B, both a château and a winery.

Day 7 ... Take time today to explore Amboise, famous not only for its castle, but especially as the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Cycle through vineyards producing the white wine of Vouvray to arrive at your final château in Rochecorbon. A longer ride takes you past the Meslay Tithe Barn, a good example of 13th century secular architecture.

Day 8 ... Having completed your circle around Tours, you are now just to the east of the city, and train connections are easy.

The shorter tour is designed depending upon availability of the accommodation. Typically the eastern section of the tour is omitted, and you would finish your tour in Cravant les Crôteaux. (leaving the tour area on Day 5 of the regular tour).

Accommodations: Your accommodations are one of the highlights of the tour! Visit with French families in three and four-star Bed & Breakfasts. Some of the châteaux and manoir homes have been in the same family for several generations. Many are decorated with antiques, which evoke the style and luxury of a former era. Dinner is sometimes served privately or with the family and other European guest. All rooms have private facilities. A knowledge of French is an asset, but not a requirement!

Need travel gear?

Free Fitness Analysis

Need Travel Insurance?