Loire by bike, Orléans Tours in family

The Châteaux of the Loire by bike between Orléans and Tours

The Valley of the Kings is unique and incredible to discover, its heritage is unparalleled in the world. Cycle along the Loire on Eurovélo 6 to admire unique panoramas along the river and discover the cities of Blois, Amboise or Tours.

Main areas of interest for a stay on the Loire by bike:

• Orleans, Beaugency and Tours
• Amboise and its castle
• Blois and its royal castle
• Château de Cheverny 
• Châteaux de Chenonceau and Chambord
• Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire

Day 1: Arrival in Orléans

Check-in at your hotel, located near the train station and the historical center of the city, followed by bike pickup. Orléans is ideally situated on the Loire River and boasts many historical and heritage attractions. Take the time to visit the city of Joan of Arc by discovering, in particular:

• the Bannier Gate
• the mystery of the St. Aignan crypt
• the Sainte-Croix Cathedral of Orléans. Overnight in Orléans

Overnight in Orléans

Day 2: Orléans - Beaugency - 28 km

This route will make you discover the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire at the Pointe de Courpain. Then, continue to Beaugency, a medieval town on the banks of the Loire, which will charm you with its historical and natural heritage.
Overnight in Beaugency

Day 3: Beaugency - Bracieux - 35 km

This easy cycling stage along the Loire à Vélo route between Beaugency and Muides-sur-Loire marks the entrance to the magnificent Loire Valley, home to the famous Châteaux. The Loire à Vélo offers a main route, but it's also possible to take slight detours to explore famous castles, such as the Château de Chambord, which will impress you with its beauty and exceptional architecture. You end your stage in Bracieux, nestled between rivers, forests, and ponds! A charming village with typical Loire Valley architecture.

Overnight in Bracieux

Day 4: Bracieux - Blois 23 km

Today, head to Blois, a city rich in history and heritage. Stroll through its picturesque streets, discover its lively squares, and explore its museums before enjoying the warm atmosphere of this charming city. Visit the royal château, which has hosted many kings, perched on a hill offering breathtaking views of the city. During your visit, you will be able to observe the evolution of its architecture over time and admire works by a multitude of artists displayed in its Fine Arts Museum.

Overnight in Blois.

Day 5: Blois - Amboise 43 km

You leave the banks of the Loire to venture through the lush hills and typical orchards of the region, before arriving in Amboise. On the way, don’t miss a visit to the Château de Chaumont and its gardens, famous for its architecture and enchanting setting. Also take the opportunity to explore the prestigious International Garden Festival, where you can admire innovative floral creations between April and October.

Overnight in Amboise.

Day 6: Loop tour to Chenonceau - 37 km

Leave Amboise for a pleasant bike loop towards Chenonceau, passing through the charming landscapes of the Loire Valley. You will ride along picturesque paths, between forests and vineyards, before reaching the famous Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Château of the Ladies,' which was preserved from wars and global conflicts by these remarkable women. This royal residence also houses works by great masters of painting. A beautiful adventure at the heart of history and nature!

Overnight in Amboise

Day 7: Amboise - Tours 28 km

On this stage, wine tasting and cellar visits will be possible before your arrival in Tours. The city was one of the most important in the history of France for almost two centuries. You can also visit the Lussault sur Loire aquarium, the first freshwater aquarium in Europe.
Overnight in Tours

Day 8: End of the tour in Tours

End of the tour after breakfast. It is possible to book an extra night in Tours or Orléans. You can also book a train ticket to return to Orléans.

General information :

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Standard version : 2 or 3 * hotels
• Child rates: contact us

The dates 2025 :

Daily departure between April and October.

Included :

• 7 nights with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Luggage transportation
• Access to our GPS App
• 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

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour in Orléans or Tours
• Entrance to the Château de Chambord
• Entrance to the Château de Blois
• Entrance to the Domaine de Chaimont sur Loire
• ENtrance to the Château d'Amboise
• Return by train Tours - Orléans
• 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:

23 to 43 km of hiking per day, or about 2 to 4 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 in Orléans or Tours.

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 at the first hotel. At the end of the circuit, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel.

- 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 by email and postal mail before your departure, as well as access to our GPS app. We will also give you the vouchers for the hotels and restaurants, as well as luggage tags. 

Transportation:

- By train: TGV from Paris Montparnasse
- By road: A10 motorway
- By plane: Touraine Airport

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.