France Cycling – The Loire Valley
The Garden of France
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- Activity Level: 3
- Days: 6
- Group Size: 4-16
- Member price: from $3,299
- Non-member price: from $3,599
Overview
The bustling city streets, quiet back roads, and protected cycling paths of the Loire Valley are ideal for any adventurer seeking to explore the stunning "Garden of France." Centuries ago, French kings and nobility poured into the Loire Valley with the greatest architects of the age, constructing the majestic châteaux, gardens and vineyards that now number among Europe's most beloved treasures. The region's mild climate is ideal for cycling. Its river-laced landscape, dotted with small churches, family farms, historic villages and breathtaking castles provide unbeatable scenery.
We ride 25 to 40 miles each day, mostly on quiet back roads that wind through pastoral scenes. Pass traditional communities with fresh flower markets, produce stands and fine chocolate, while sampling the region's exceptional wines and authentic, freshly-prepared French cuisine. Each night is spent in the comfort of a noteworthy small hotel or guesthouse in the company of like-minded adventurers. Our exceptional guides share their firsthand knowledge of the history and geography of the region, ensuring our Loire Valley cycling tour is absolutely unforgettable.
Trip highlights
- Cycle the quiet back roads of the Loire Valley, the "Garden of France"
- Visit majestic châteaux, superb vineyards, and quaint medieval villages
- Stay in characteristic small hotels and guest houses, and follow expert guides
- Ride 25-40 miles a day along quiet back roads
- Sample regional wine and freshly-prepared cuisine
Activities
- Cycling
Accommodations
Small hotels, 5 nights
Itinerary
Our trip begins today in Blois, France. After arriving in Paris, transfer independently via train to Blois (two hours) and then by taxi an additional 2 km (5 minutes) to our hotel. We recommend you arrive early to explore beautiful Blois and its grand château, lively shops, and scenic waterfront. Do arrive in Blois no later than 5 p.m. for a bike fitting, followed by a group orientation dinner at a delightful local restaurant, Le Monarque, in the city's historic center just a short walk from our hotel. Dinner included.
We begin straightaway with some of the Loire's most exceptional riding, a visit to the stunning Châteaux of Chambord and Cheverny, and end in lovely Chitenay. Crossing the Loire River, we follow quiet backroads and bike paths to the awe-inspiring Chambord estate, whose formidable medieval walls and towers surround the Loire's great jewel of French Renaissance architecture. We'll explore the château and enjoy lunch nearby, then return to our bikes and set off through the forest on the estate's picturesque bridal paths leading out to the charming small community of Bracieux. From here, we ride on to the Château of Cheverny. Cheverny's gardens and superbly restored interiors are a must-see on our way to Chiteney, where we stop for the night at a charming small guesthouse. All meals included.
Cycling: 35 miles; Terrain: mostly flat on paved streets and cycling paths with some short sections of dirt/sand trail.
Our day begins with a transfer by van (provided) to Chenonceau, the iconic château built on a bridge that spans the Cher River. Chenonceau is also known as the Château of the Three Ladies, referring to the three women – Katherine Briconnet, Diane de Poitiers (Henri II's mistress) and Catherine de Medici – who lived in the castle between 1513-1589 and greatly contributed to its opulent décor and preservation. From here, we return to the back roads and protected bike paths leading north through vineyard, field and forest to charming city of Amboise, where some of the most important French royalty lived and where the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, the Château du Clos Lucé, is located. We'll visit Clos Luce and enjoy lunch in Amboise. Leaving there in the afternoon, we ride along the Loire River through the vineyards at Montlouis then continue on to Tours and our next charming hotel. We'll enjoy drinks and dinner in the charming town center and retire here for the evening. Breakfast, dinner included.
Cycling: 27 miles; Terrain: rolling with some hills on country roads, paved streets and cycling paths. Optional cycling: hill climbs for guests wishing to end this day with a challenge.
Today we'll depart Tours on our bikes and ride the city streets to rejoin the back roads and cycling paths leading from Tours west along the Loire River, making several interesting stops en route to Azay-le-Rideau. We begin with a very special visit to the last of the great renaissance Châteaux, Villandry, whose fame is undoubtedly owed to the layers of immaculate terraced gardens surrounding it. From Villandry, we ride on to Langeais as we marvel at architectural reminders of the hazardous Middle Ages, when medieval fortresses were designed to be impregnable! From there, we follow our route through the valley of the River Indre to end the day's ride at Azay-le-Rideau, with a tour of its romantic château. Located on an island where it appears to float in the Indre River, the château houses a remarkable collection of Renaissance portraits and tapestries. All meals included.
Cycling: 24 miles; Terrain: Mostly flat with rolling hills, on paved streets, some sections of cobblestone, cycling paths and country roads.
Our final big day of riding begins as we head west to rejoin the Loire River and Rigny-Ussé where the shining Château d'Usse still stands long after inspiring Perrault to pen the fairy tale "La Belle au Bois Dormant" (Sleeping Beauty) in 1696. We continue riding towards the confluence between the River la Vienne and Loire River to one of the most beautiful tiny villages of the Loire valley, Candes-Saint-Martin, where you can visit the magnificent 12th and 13th century collegiate church. Proceeding to the village of Montsoreau dominated by its château overlooking the Loire river, we ride on along troglodyte sites to the vineyards at Champigny for a late afternoon wine-tasting. Finally, we arrive in Saumur at the end of our tour. Enjoy a farewell dinner and a final night in the French countryside before turning in for the night. All meals included.
Cycling: 39 miles; Terrain: rolling hills with some climbs on paved streets, paved and dirt cycling paths.
After breakfast, transfer independently from our hotel in Saumur to the local train station for a rail connection back to Paris and homeward bound flights. Our hotel can assist with taxi service. Breakfast included.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. From time to time, weather conditions or the interests of the group may provide an opportunity for the guides to change the route, or visit additional interesting sites such as a cheese factory or wine cellar. These changes are at the discretion of the guides. Periodically, vehicle support is intermittent while we travel on cycling paths with no vehicle access. In these cases, riders can rendezvous with vehicle support at designated points. Full vehicle support is available along the vast majority of the planned route.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
Double-occupancy accommodations and meals as noted in the itinerary; hybrid touring bicycles; bi-lingual cycling guide; support staff; most chateau and vineyard entrance fees; cue sheets/maps; vehicle support (note that there are times when the vehicle may be unavailable).
Not Included
Transportation to Blois, France, on Day 1; transportation from Saumur, France, on Day 6; one lunch; beverages; optional guide gratuities; insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Single Accommodations
There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations with a same-gender roommate. If you are willing to share but we are unable to pair you with a same-gender roommate, you will not be charged the single supplement fee. If you do not wish to share and request single accommodations, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available. For more details about traveling solo, see our Solo Travelers page.
- Single supplement 2019 - $999
Weather
The climate in the Loire Valley is temperate, with some periods of high heat and humidity during mid-summer months. Generally, daytime temperatures average 70-80° F with evenings dropping into the 60s. High humidity can compound the challenge of mid-summer heat. Although this region of France typically records the lowest amount of annual rainfall, some showers are a possibility so effective raingear is a necessity.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
David H.
A guide in the Loire Valley since 2001, David also lives and teaches English in the valley and enjoys sharing his passion for the region with his guests. Every summer he plans and undertakes a canoe trip down the Loire River.
Meet your guides
Olivier R.
Guiding in the Loire Valley since 2001, Olivier is an avid outdoorsman and knows much of the area's history. He loves sharing his passion for cycling and great local wines with his guests, and is a 2014 REI Adventures Top Guide award winner.
Adventure Expert
Janel
This is my favorite place to cycle in the world….the chateaus, the gardens, the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci, the wine and vineyards, the food, the café stops and, above all, the French countryside.
Departure dates
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Prices are per person, double occupancy.
2019
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Gear list
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.
Bicycles
We use Scott Sportster P6 hybrid bikes with medium-narrow tires, a comfortable seat and flat handle bars (not road bike drop bars). Each bike comes with a small patch kit, two panniers, a handlebar bag with map holder, and a rear rack with a bungee. Flat pedals are provided; you are welcome to bring your own pedal and shoe system.
Provided by REI
- 21 Speed Hybrid Bike
- Flat Pedals
- Handlebar Bag
- Maps and Cue Sheets
- Rear Bicycle Rack
- Rear Panniers
- Repair Kit, Including Spare Tube
- Water Bottle Cages
Required
- Bike Shorts
- Cycling Helmet
- Cycling Jacket (Waterproof)
- Cycling Jerseys
- Cycling Shoes
- Cycling Water Bottle
Recommended
- Arm and Leg Warmers
- Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
- Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
- Cycling Gloves
- Cycling Socks
- Cycling Vest
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Headband
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Luggage (1 Piece)
- Luggage Tags and Locks
- Passport/Money Belt or Pouch
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Socks
- Sport Sunglasses
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Swimwear
- Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
- Toiletries
- Underwear
Optional
- Bicycle Rear View Mirror
- Bicycle Saddle (No Post)
- Camera and Accessories
- Clothesline, Sink Stopper and Washing Detergent Packets
- Cycling Computer
- Cycling Pants
- Cycling Pants (Waterproof)
- Day Pack Rain Cover
- Ear Plugs
- Electrical Adapter Plug and Converter
- Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
- Eye Mask
- Pedal and Shoe System
- Reading and Writing Materials
Travel Documents
- Airline Tickets (Confirmation and Itinerary)
- Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
- Valid Passport
Contact Us
Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (1-800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice, which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
.Itinerary
Print Itinerary Expand all days
Our trip begins today in Blois, France. After arriving in Paris, transfer independently via train to Blois (two hours) and then by taxi an additional 2 km (5 minutes) to our hotel. We recommend you arrive early to explore beautiful Blois and its grand château, lively shops, and scenic waterfront. Do arrive in Blois no later than 5 p.m. for a bike fitting, followed by a group orientation dinner at a delightful local restaurant, Le Monarque, in the city's historic center just a short walk from our hotel. Dinner included.
We begin straightaway with some of the Loire's most exceptional riding, a visit to the stunning Châteaux of Chambord and Cheverny, and end in lovely Chitenay. Crossing the Loire River, we follow quiet backroads and bike paths to the awe-inspiring Chambord estate, whose formidable medieval walls and towers surround the Loire's great jewel of French Renaissance architecture. We'll explore the château and enjoy lunch nearby, then return to our bikes and set off through the forest on the estate's picturesque bridal paths leading out to the charming small community of Bracieux. From here, we ride on to the Château of Cheverny. Cheverny's gardens and superbly restored interiors are a must-see on our way to Chiteney, where we stop for the night at a charming small guesthouse. All meals included.
Cycling: 35 miles; Terrain: mostly flat on paved streets and cycling paths with some short sections of dirt/sand trail.
Our day begins with a transfer by van (provided) to Chenonceau, the iconic château built on a bridge that spans the Cher River. Chenonceau is also known as the Château of the Three Ladies, referring to the three women – Katherine Briconnet, Diane de Poitiers (Henri II's mistress) and Catherine de Medici – who lived in the castle between 1513-1589 and greatly contributed to its opulent décor and preservation. From here, we return to the back roads and protected bike paths leading north through vineyard, field and forest to charming city of Amboise, where some of the most important French royalty lived and where the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, the Château du Clos Lucé, is located. We'll visit Clos Luce and enjoy lunch in Amboise. Leaving there in the afternoon, we ride along the Loire River through the vineyards at Montlouis then continue on to Tours and our next charming hotel. We'll enjoy drinks and dinner in the charming town center and retire here for the evening. Breakfast, dinner included.
Cycling: 27 miles; Terrain: rolling with some hills on country roads, paved streets and cycling paths. Optional cycling: hill climbs for guests wishing to end this day with a challenge.
Today we'll depart Tours on our bikes and ride the city streets to rejoin the back roads and cycling paths leading from Tours west along the Loire River, making several interesting stops en route to Azay-le-Rideau. We begin with a very special visit to the last of the great renaissance Châteaux, Villandry, whose fame is undoubtedly owed to the layers of immaculate terraced gardens surrounding it. From Villandry, we ride on to Langeais as we marvel at architectural reminders of the hazardous Middle Ages, when medieval fortresses were designed to be impregnable! From there, we follow our route through the valley of the River Indre to end the day's ride at Azay-le-Rideau, with a tour of its romantic château. Located on an island where it appears to float in the Indre River, the château houses a remarkable collection of Renaissance portraits and tapestries. All meals included.
Cycling: 24 miles; Terrain: Mostly flat with rolling hills, on paved streets, some sections of cobblestone, cycling paths and country roads.
Our final big day of riding begins as we head west to rejoin the Loire River and Rigny-Ussé where the shining Château d'Usse still stands long after inspiring Perrault to pen the fairy tale "La Belle au Bois Dormant" (Sleeping Beauty) in 1696. We continue riding towards the confluence between the River la Vienne and Loire River to one of the most beautiful tiny villages of the Loire valley, Candes-Saint-Martin, where you can visit the magnificent 12th and 13th century collegiate church. Proceeding to the village of Montsoreau dominated by its château overlooking the Loire river, we ride on along troglodyte sites to the vineyards at Champigny for a late afternoon wine-tasting. Finally, we arrive in Saumur at the end of our tour. Enjoy a farewell dinner and a final night in the French countryside before turning in for the night. All meals included.
Cycling: 39 miles; Terrain: rolling hills with some climbs on paved streets, paved and dirt cycling paths.
After breakfast, transfer independently from our hotel in Saumur to the local train station for a rail connection back to Paris and homeward bound flights. Our hotel can assist with taxi service. Breakfast included.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. From time to time, weather conditions or the interests of the group may provide an opportunity for the guides to change the route, or visit additional interesting sites such as a cheese factory or wine cellar. These changes are at the discretion of the guides. Periodically, vehicle support is intermittent while we travel on cycling paths with no vehicle access. In these cases, riders can rendezvous with vehicle support at designated points. Full vehicle support is available along the vast majority of the planned route.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
Double-occupancy accommodations and meals as noted in the itinerary; hybrid touring bicycles; bi-lingual cycling guide; support staff; most chateau and vineyard entrance fees; cue sheets/maps; vehicle support (note that there are times when the vehicle may be unavailable).
Not Included
Transportation to Blois, France, on Day 1; transportation from Saumur, France, on Day 6; one lunch; beverages; optional guide gratuities; insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Single Accommodations
There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations with a same-gender roommate. If you are willing to share but we are unable to pair you with a same-gender roommate, you will not be charged the single supplement fee. If you do not wish to share and request single accommodations, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available. For more details about traveling solo, see our Solo Travelers page.
- Single supplement 2019 - $999
Weather
The climate in the Loire Valley is temperate, with some periods of high heat and humidity during mid-summer months. Generally, daytime temperatures average 70-80° F with evenings dropping into the 60s. High humidity can compound the challenge of mid-summer heat. Although this region of France typically records the lowest amount of annual rainfall, some showers are a possibility so effective raingear is a necessity.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
David H.
A guide in the Loire Valley since 2001, David also lives and teaches English in the valley and enjoys sharing his passion for the region with his guests. Every summer he plans and undertakes a canoe trip down the Loire River.
Meet your guides
Olivier R.
Guiding in the Loire Valley since 2001, Olivier is an avid outdoorsman and knows much of the area's history. He loves sharing his passion for cycling and great local wines with his guests, and is a 2014 REI Adventures Top Guide award winner.
Adventure Expert
Janel
This is my favorite place to cycle in the world….the chateaus, the gardens, the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci, the wine and vineyards, the food, the café stops and, above all, the French countryside.