Loire by bike, Orléans and Tours - 5 days

Between Orleans and Blois, Loire by bike 

The Loire crosses one of the most beautiful regions of France and it is an exceptional cycling route for its cultural and historical richness. You admire unique panoramas along the river and discover the superb castles while pedaling.

Highlights of the stay on the Loire by bike:

• Beaugency, medieval city
• the city of Blois
• Amboise
• royal castle of Blois
• Chaumont castle
• Tours
• wine tasting
• Chenonceau Castle.

Day 1: Arrival in Orléans

Installation in your Hotel Close to the train station and the historic city center.

Day 2: Orléans - Blois 65 km

This route takes you to the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire at the Pointe de Courpain, then the orchards lead you to Beaugency, a medieval town on the banks of the Loire, which will charm you with its historical and natural heritage.

The royal castle of Blois has housed many kings. Located on the heights, it dominates the city. This castle brings together a range of different architectures, stretching from the Middle Ages to the 12th century. You can also discover the works of a multitude of artists exhibited in the wings of the castle.
Night in Blois in a hotel.

Day 3: Blois - Amboise 41 km

After discovering the banks of the Loire, you cycle through the hillsides and orchards of the region before succumbing to the charm of Amboise. On your way you can admire the castle of Chaumont. The gardens of the Chaumont-sur-Loire estate are to be discovered during the international garden festival between late April and early November.
 Night in a hotel in Amboise.

Day 4: Amboise - Tours 25 km

On this stage, wine tasting and visit to cellars will be the main attractions before arriving in the capital of Tourangelle. From the Roman Empire to being the French capital for nearly two centuries, Tours has been one of the most important cities in French history. You can also visit the Lussault sur Loire aquarium, the first freshwater aquarium in Europe. A short detour to the Château de Chenonceau will allow you to discover this royal residence where the works of the great masters of painting are stored.
Night in Tours in a hotel.

Day 5 : End of the tour in Tours after breakfast

Return by train to Orléans.

General informations :

• 5 days and 4 nights
• Accommodation comfort level standard version : 2 or 3 * (local standards)
• Accommodation comfort level comfort version : 3 or 4 * (local standards)
• Child rates: contact us

The dates :

Achievable between April and October 2024.

Included :

• roadbook : we provide you with personalized access to our Respire Voyages hiking app with day-by-day itineraries
• Luggages transport
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture)

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• half board
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist tax to be paid on site

The options :

• VTC or VAE rental
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour
• Bicy + Visit monument : castle of Chambord 
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat terrain. Eurovélo 6 cycle paths and shared lanes.

Weather :

Soft sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

25 to 65 km of hiking per day, or about 2 to 5 hours of cycling.
Easy to follow route.

Bibliography:

The Loire by bike - chamina guide
The Loire by bike - Routard guide

Accommodation:

Accommodation in ** or *** hotels, with toilet and shower in the room.

Additional nights:

An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of the tour.

Meals:

- Breakfast: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, bread, butter, jam, orange juice)
- Lunches: not included
- Dinner: Half-board option with dinners at the hotel or in a nearby restaurant: Starter, main course, dessert, drinks not included.

The bike :

- Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle (see our bicycles) it will be given to you at our rental company. A security deposit will be requested.

At the end of the circuit, you will have to leave this bike with the rental company indicated.

- Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.

At the end of the tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance:

Assistance in the event of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Luggage:

They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person. (maximum 20 kg).

Roadbook :

A welcome documentation with all the necessary information for the good progress of your stay is sent to you before your departure. 

We provide you an access to our hiking application Respire Voyages to download your routes from your smartphone. 

The paper version of the logbook is optional. 

Transportation:

- By train: TER or Intercités about 1h15 from Paris Austerlitz.
- By road: A10 motorway, then A701 E60 direction Orléans / Saran exit n ° 14.
- By plane: Loiret Orléans airport and taxi to the city center.

Your vehicle:

It is possible to reserve a parking space at the first hotel, payable locally.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.