A family tour exploring the Loire Valley castles by mountain bike
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationCentre-Val de Loire / Loire Valley Castles
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AgeAccessible to all ages
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CO₂-Emissions28.87 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This tour allows you to discover the grandest châteaux of the Loire Valley at your own pace: you'll visit one château per day , which will appeal to both young and old. The first château you'll encounter is the iconic Château de Chambord, followed by a visit to the Château de Cheverny , the private residence of the Marquis de Vibraye. The third leg of your cycling adventure takes you to the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, home to the landscape artists who gather each year for the International Garden Festival. Finally, end your trip with a visit to the Royal Château of Blois, ideal for learning more about French history. With approximately 30 kilometers covered each day , you can truly enjoy your château visits. You'll stay in family-run hotels that we know well, chosen for their comfort and warm hospitality.
The highlights
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A circuit accessible to all levels, including families with young children
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Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire and Blois are featured (optional).
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Discovering the banks of the Loire and the landscapes of Sologne
Photos
KARINE - verified review - august 2024
Marie Christine - verified review - june 2024
Marie Christine - verified review - june 2024
Marie Christine - verified review - june 2024
Marie Christine - verified review - june 2024
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 30 km a day on flat terrain. The stages follow cycle paths for the most part. An ideal trip for a family holiday or for adults who enjoy short bike rides.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 26 km
Management
Program
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Blois - Bracieux
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 32 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this first day, you'll head towards the Chambord estate, initially along the banks of the Loire River and then inland. The park opposite the formal gardens of the Château de Chambord is an ideal spot for your picnic lunch. Feel free to spend the rest of the day exploring the estate and even the château itself (not included). To round off your day, there's nothing better than a visit to the Maison des Vins (Wine House), located near the château, where you can discover the AOC wines of Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny. At the end of the day, make your way to your hotel in Bracieux, where you'll spend the night.
Our favorite spot: the rooftop terraces of Chambord
Day 1 -
Bracieux - Chitenay
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 27 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On this second day, you will head towards the town of Cheverny. You can visit its château, which inspired Hergé's drawing of Marlinspike Hall in the Adventures of Tintin (not included). Along the way, you will discover numerous vineyards, all AOC Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny, which you can sample (again!) at the Maison des Vins (Wine House) opposite the château. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Chitenay.
Day 2 -
Chitenay - Chaumont
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 20 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you'll follow the trail to the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire, located on the banks of the Loire River. Take the opportunity to visit the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire (not included). Now a center for art and nature, the estate is worth a visit not only for the museum within its château, but also for its grounds, particularly the magnificent International Garden Festival, whose theme changes every year (May-October). To end the day in a relaxed atmosphere, you can stroll through the village of Chaumont and along the banks of the Loire.
Our favorite: the stables at the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Day 3 -
Chaumont - Blois
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 22 km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Conclude your trip by returning to your starting point, Blois, along the banks of the Loire. Fully appreciate the beauty of the natural heritage offered by France's longest river. Take the time to explore the city of Blois as well. You can also visit its castle, which houses the city's Museum of Fine Arts (not included).
Day 4
Note
This is a looped, self-guided cycling route, allowing you to make the most of the Loire Valley! Each day, you'll discover a little more of the lands of the French kings and the Loire châteaux. The stages are between twenty and thirty kilometers long, ideal for families and anyone wanting to experience the Loire à Vélo route without any stress.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 3 nights in ** hotels
- Breakfasts
- The tourist tax
- Digital travel logbooks
- GPS app with custom routes
- 7/7 Telephone Support
The price does not include
- Personal expenses
- Equipment rental, including bicycles and other gear
- Entrance tickets for the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont and its garden festival (May - October) and Blois
- Luggage transfers
- Lunches and dinners
- Round-trip transportation to and from the tour location
Options
- Luggage transfer : CHF91.48 / person
- Ticket Package - Adult Ticket Package : CHF80.50 / person
- Ticket package - Child ticket package (ages 7-17) : CHF34.76 / person
- Hybrid bike (VTC) - Hybrid bike (from 1.12m) : CHF49.40 / unit
- Hybrid bike (VTC) - Child seat (up to 2 years old) : CHF10.06 / unit
- Hybrid bike (VTC) - 2-seater trailer (up to 40kg) : CHF44.83 / unit
- Hybrid bike - Follow me (between 1.12m and 1.36m) : CHF38.42 / unit
- Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - Electric Assist Bicycle (from 1.52m) : CHF113.44 / unit
- Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - Child seat (up to 2 years old) : CHF10.06 / unit
- Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - 2-seater trailer (up to 40kg) : CHF44.83 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Our bikes (for hire) are all equipped with locks, handlebar bags (5L) and two rear panniers (20L each and waterproof).
A smartphone holder will also be provided for each group .
Hybrid Bike (VTC)
- 21 speeds | Aluminum frame | 28-inch wheels | Puncture-resistant tires | Front suspension
- From 1.12m
- There are no accessories on children's bicycles.
Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB)
- 7-speed Nexus hub gears | Aluminum frame | 28-inch wheels | Puncture-resistant tires | Front suspension
- From 1.52m
- There are no accessories on children's bicycles.
Baby seat:
- Compatible with our hybrid bikes and e-bikes
- Child up to 2 years old
- If you select a child seat, there will be no panniers on the back of your bike.
Trailer :
- Compatible with our hybrid bikes and e-bikes
- 2-seater trailer (2 normal-sized children or 1 large child - up to 40kg total)
- Children up to 3 years old
Follow me:
- Compatible only with our hybrid bikes (not compatible with e-bikes)
- Child between 1.12m and 1.36m
- If you select a follow-me, there will be no panniers on the back of your bike.
Equipment to bring
- Bicycle helmet (mandatory for children under 12)
- Sunscreen
- Cap or hat
- Sunglasses
- Quality sneakers
- Water bottle or flask
Clothing to bring
We advise you to bring clothes in which you feel good and comfortable for cycling.
They traveled with us
