Loire Valley by bike, Tours Saumur

Cycling route on the Loire, between Tours and Saumur in 5 days

The Loire by bike is the most traveled cycle route in France, its history begins about 30 years ago, when the departments and regions got involved in the "blue bike green bike" project. We have followed its development and participated in its beginnings with la Bicyclette Verte. Live an exceptional experience in the Valley of the Kings between Tours and Saumur.

Highlights of the tour on the Loire by bike:

• Tours, Chinon and Saumur
• Loire wines
• Fontevraud Abbey
• the castle of Villandry

Day 1 - Arrival in Tours

Check-in at the hotel, located near the old town of Tours. Discover the capital of the Loire Valley, its cultural and gastronomic heritage. You can stroll along the banks of the Loire or through the flower markets.
Must-see places:

• The former Archbishop's Palace
• Colbert Street, the former main street from the Middle Ages
• Scellerie Street, the antique dealers' and booksellers' district
• The Grand Theatre
• Charlemagne Tower.

Overnight in Tours.

Day 2: From Tours to Chinon - 60 km

You begin this first stage along the banks of the Cher (a tributary). This first day starts off strong. Along the Loire by bike route between Tours and Chinon, there are many visits and activities to enjoy. You'll need to make choices if you want to reach Chinon before dusk:

• Savonnières with its petrifying caves, its port, and traditional boats is worth a little stop.
• The Château de Villandry and its Renaissance garden, built on three levels (unique in Europe).
• The fairytale Château de Rigny-Ussé, which inspired Charles Perrault for his tale of Sleeping Beauty.

After rejoining the course of the Loire at Villandry, you veer off again to head towards the Vienne (a tributary) and the charming town of Chinon. The royal fortress, where Rabelais grew up, welcomes you.

Overnight in Chinon.

Day 3: From Chinon to Saumur through Fontevraud - 38 km

You follow the Loire towards Fontevraud. You can visit the magnificent Royal Abbey, the largest monastic complex in the West. Built in 1101, the abbey was used as a prison in the 19th century. It became a cultural center in 1975 and has been classified as a historical monument since 1840 and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1970. After Fontevraud, you pass by the mushroom farm (optional visit) in Montsoreau before crossing the fascinating troglodyte village of Souzay-Champigny. Saumur and its picturesque countryside are your destination for the day. The high-standing castle is open for visits, as are the many wine cellars where you can taste the excellent local wines.

Overnight in Saumur.

Day 4: Loop tour towards Montreuil Bellay - 44 km

The loop tour between Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay partially follows the Loire by bike route through the vineyards of the Saumur region. Leaving Saumur, you cycle along the Loire before venturing into the rolling countryside, passing castles, picturesque villages, and troglodyte cellars. On your way to Montreuil-Bellay, you cross vineyards of the appellation. Take time to visit the Château de Montreuil-Bellay.

Overnight in Saumur.

Day 5: Saumur

End of the tour after breakfast. Option to book an extra night in Saumur or return by train to Tours.

General information :

• 5 days and 4 nights
• Standard version : 2 or 3 * hotels
• Comfort version: 3 or 4*hotels
• Child rates: contact us

The dates 2025 :

Daily departure between April and October.

High season : July and August

Included :

• 4 night with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Luggages transport
• Access to our GPS App
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture).

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Half-board
• Visits other than those included in the program

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour in Tours or Saumur
• Train ticket from Saumur to Tours
• Entrance to the Château de Villandry
• Entrance to the Royal Fortress of Chinon
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level :

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:

38 to 60 km of cycling per day, or about 4 to 6 hours of cycling.
Easy to follow route.

Bibliography:

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

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) or buffet
- Lunches: not included
- Dinner: not included

The bike :

- Rental bicycle : If you rent a bicycle it will be delivered to your first hotel. At the end of the circuit, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and inform the reception

- 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 :

We will provide you with a travel booklet via email and postal mail before your departure, as well as access to our GPS app. You will also receive the exchange vouchers for the hotels and restaurants, along with luggage tags.

Transportation:

- By train: TGV to Tours (direct from Paris Montparnasse)
- By road: A10 motorway exit 21 (direction Tours center)
- By plane: Tours Loire Valley airport and taxi to the city center (cost between € 15 and € 30 per trip)

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.