Family week between the castles of Sologne and Touraine
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationCentre-Val de Loire / Loire Valley Castles
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions56.5 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This beautiful week-long itinerary is ideal for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. With its short daily distances, you can enjoy the Loire Valley's gems by bike : perfect for families, thrill-seekers, those seeking a relaxing holiday, and history buffs! Begin your journey at the fabulous Château de Chambord and then head towards the Château de Cheverny , "Tintin's castle," passing through vineyards, before ending your day in Chitenay. On the third day, cycle to Chaumont-sur-Loire to discover the château's grounds dedicated to plant and landscape art, which host the annual Garden Festival with its unique theme. The following day, you'll head towards the iconic Château de Chenonceau and its unique architecture, the only one of its kind in France, as it spans the Cher River. Your fifth day takes you to the banks of the Loire in the magnificent town of Amboise and to the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci once lived. You finish your bike tour by going to Tours .
The highlights
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A week in the heart of the Loire Valley castles
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Discover the Loire by bike without covering long distances
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Accessible to all types of cyclists, young and old
Photos
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: 3h
- Average distance/day: 30 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
- Transportation Bicycle - 02h30 - 27km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 28 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-sur-Loire
- 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 peace and quiet, 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-sur-Loire - Chenonceaux
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 29 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning you'll depart from Chaumont-sur-Loire and head towards the Cher Valley. The terrain is a bit hillier, so be sure to bring plenty of water. You can visit the Château de Chenonceau (not included), the only castle that spans a river. Enjoy its grounds as well: gardens, farm, maze, and flower garden!
Our favorite: the flower vegetable garden
Day 4 -
Chenonceaux - Amboise
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 25 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Leave the Cher region and head back towards the Loire and Touraine. Enjoy a stroll through the town of Amboise. You can visit the Château du Clos Lucé (not included), the final residence of the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci.
Our favorite: the gardens of Clos Lucé.
Day 5 -
Amboise - Tours
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 29 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Before heading back to Tours, take some time to explore the town of Amboise. You can visit its royal castle (not included).
Our favorite: the Saint-Hubert chapel at the Château d'Amboise
Day 6 -
Tours - Villandry - Tours
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 44 km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, continue along the Cher River, this time heading towards Savonnières and then Villandry. This section of the route is entirely on dedicated cycle paths. You'll also find the Ballan Miré mill at the start of the journey, which is still in operation today! Consider stopping in Villandry (not included in the itinerary) to explore its beautiful gardens. Then return to Tours via the same route.
A favorite: the gardens of Villandry
Day 7
Note
This tour takes you past the most beautiful Loire Valley castles while covering short distances each day. You'll change hotels daily.
Accommodation
Access
Price details
The price includes
- 6 nights in ** hotels
- Breakfasts
- The tourist tax
- Digital travel logbook
- GPS app with custom routes
- 7/7 Telephone Support
The price does not include
- Personal expenses
- Equipment rental, including bicycles and other gear
- Luggage transfers
- Lunches and dinners
- Skip-the-line tickets for the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire and its garden festival, Chenonceau, Clos Lucé, Amboise and Villandry
- Round-trip transportation to and from the tour location
Options
- Luggage transfer : CHF160.09 / person
- Ticket Package - Adult Ticket Package : CHF138.13 / person
- Ticket package - Child ticket package (ages 7-17) : CHF79.59 / person
- Hybrid bike (VTC) - Hybrid bike (from 1.12m) : CHF73.18 / unit
- Hybrid bike (VTC) - Child seat (up to 2 years old) : CHF17.38 / unit
- Hybrid bike (VTC) - 2-seater trailer (up to 40kg) : CHF78.67 / unit
- Hybrid bike - Follow me (between 1.12m and 1.36m) : CHF64.95 / unit
- Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - Electric Assist Bicycle (from 1.52m) : CHF184.79 / unit
- Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - Child seat (up to 2 years old) : CHF17.38 / unit
- Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - 2-seater trailer (up to 40kg) : CHF78.67 / 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
- Good 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
