• The Loire Valley castles from Blois to Saumur
  • The Loire Valley castles from Blois to Saumur
  • The Loire Valley castles from Blois to Saumur
  • Bords de Loire à Gennes
  • Amboise
  • The Loire Valley castles from Blois to Saumur
Blois / Loire Valley Castles

The Loire Valley castles from Blois to Saumur

4,6/5 (18 reviews)
Réf : FLOIRIBS5

In summary

  • Sports
    Leisure Cycling
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    Levels

    Leisure Cycling
    Beginner

    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.

    Intermediate

    For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.

    Confirmed

    For those wishing to cycle 50 km a day. The stages are sometimes hilly and follow cycle paths, greenways, and secondary roads. A trip suitable for anyone who cycles occasionally.

    Advanced

    For those wishing to ride 70 km per day. The stages may be hilly, with a maximum daily elevation gain of 800 m. You engage in sports 1 to 2 times a week and cycle several times a month.

    Expert

    For those wishing to cover up to 100 km per day with a maximum elevation gain of 1,000 m. You are athletic and engage in an endurance sport several times a week.
  • Destination
    Blois / Loire Valley Castles
  • Age
    Accessible to all ages
  • CO₂-Emissions
    38.08 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler

In a few words

The majestic Loire à Vélo cycling route beckons , inviting you on a getaway that traverses a quarter of France. Along this journey, you'll explore two iconic regions and cross three renowned wine-growing areas for a complete immersion in western France. Your trip begins in Blois, and from there you'll head towards Amboise . During these first forty kilometers, a stop is a must at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire , famous for its International Garden Festival (May to October), which annually brings together designers from all corners of the globe. The following day, after visiting the Château d'Amboise, you'll travel to Tours , in the heart of the Indre-et-Loire department. Then, the next day, your journey continues to Villandry, where you'll have the opportunity to admire the château's formal French gardens before arriving in Azay-le-Rideau for the night . On the fourth day, after exploring Azay-le-Rideau from every angle, you'll head towards the Vienne region for a relaxing stroll and an overnight stay in Chinon. Finally, on your last day, the route will take you to Saumur, with its landscapes nestled among the vineyards. Along the way, be sure to visit Fontevraud Abbey, a jewel of Anjou's heritage.

The highlights

  • Cycle along the most beautiful trails of the Loire à Vélo
  • Travel through some of the most beautiful villages in France
  • Visits to the great Loire Valley castles (optional)
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Photos

Bords de Loire à Gennes
Amboise

Sport

Level

Leisure Cycling

Confirmed

Levels

Leisure Cycling
Beginner

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.

Intermediate

For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.

Confirmed

For those wishing to cycle 50 km a day. The stages are sometimes hilly and follow cycle paths, greenways, and secondary roads. A trip suitable for anyone who cycles occasionally.

Advanced

For those wishing to ride 70 km per day. The stages may be hilly, with a maximum daily elevation gain of 800 m. You engage in sports 1 to 2 times a week and cycle several times a month.

Expert

For those wishing to cover up to 100 km per day with a maximum elevation gain of 1,000 m. You are athletic and engage in an endurance sport several times a week.

For those wishing to cycle 50 km a day. The stages are sometimes hilly and follow cycle paths, greenways, and secondary roads. A trip suitable for anyone who cycles occasionally.

In figures

PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE

  • Average duration/day: 3h30
  • Average distance/day: 38 km

Management

The digital roadbook is your travel companion.
Digital Roadbook
The Road Book for Discovery app will allow you to benefit from personalized itineraries. You'll have access to all the recommendations and advice for each route, allowing you to complete your trip safely and with peace of mind! Your travel journal will also be available on this app.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
  • map

    Blois - Amboise

    • Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
    • Duration of the activity 4h
    • Distance 43 km
    • Accommodation 2-star hotel
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    Starting from Blois, take the Loire à Vélo cycle route along the bike paths. Midway through, stop in 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). Continue on your bikes to Amboise, where you will spend the night.

    Day 1

Note

This program will allow you to cycle approximately 180 km along the Loire à Vélo route. It's ideal for discovering more about this route and visiting the castles along the river.

Accommodation

🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 4
You will be sleeping in ** hotels.
These small establishments all offer maximum comfort for a good night's sleep.
All rooms are equipped with a shower or bathtub and a toilet .
The breakfast included in the price of the stay is hearty to give you the energy you need for another day of cycling!

All our hotels are also certified Accueil Vélo : they therefore have a secure bike storage area where you can safely store yours.
We favour family-run hotels owned by people who are passionate about their work, promoting friendliness and a welcoming atmosphere for their guests.

Access

Departure
Blois
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Saumur
Day 5 - 17h00
To return to Blois, take the TER (which you must book yourself on the SNCF website). This is the simplest, fastest, and most economical way to travel between these two destinations.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Blois
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Price details

The price includes

  • 4 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
  • Luggage transfers
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Round-trip transportation to and from the tour location
  • Skip-the-line tickets for the castles of Chaumont-sur-Loire and its garden festival, Amboise, Villandry and its gardens, Azay-le-Rideau and for the Fontevraud Abbey

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Luggage transfer : CHF114.35 / unit
  2. Ticket Package - Adult Ticket Package : CHF83.25 / person
  3. Ticket package - Child ticket package (ages 7-17) : CHF33.85 / person
  4. Hybrid bike (VTC) - Hybrid bike (from 1.12m) : CHF55.80 / unit
  5. Hybrid bike (VTC) - Child seat (up to 2 years old) : CHF12.81 / unit
  6. Hybrid bike (VTC) - 2-seater trailer (up to 40kg) : CHF56.72 / unit
  7. Hybrid bike - Follow me (between 1.12m and 1.36m) : CHF47.57 / unit
  8. Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - Electric Assist Bicycle (from 1.52m) : CHF137.22 / unit
  9. Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - Child seat (up to 2 years old) : CHF12.81 / unit
  10. Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) - 2-seater trailer (up to 40kg) : CHF56.72 / unit
  11. 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

Bicycles available for rent: 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 | Aluminium frame | 28 inch wheel | Puncture-resistant tyres | Front suspension From 1m12 There are no accessories on children's bikes.
  • Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB): 7-speed nexus | Aluminium frame | 26-inch wheel | Puncture-resistant tyres | Front suspension From 1.52m Child seat: Compatible with our hybrid and e-bikes Child up to 20 kilos If you select a child seat, there will be no panniers on the back of your bicycle.
  • Trailer: Compatible with our hybrid bikes and e-bikes. 2-seater trailer (2 average-sized children or 1 large child - up to 40kg and 113cm total height). Follow-me: Compatible only with our hybrid bikes (not compatible with e-bikes). Child between 1.12m and 1.36m tall. If you select a follow-me, there will be no panniers on the back of the adult bike. For a follow-me, you must also add 2 hybrid bikes to your order.

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

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,6/5
(18 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
G

Ginette - 18 ans

september 2026 In a couple
Translated from French
We opted for ride-hailing services with luggage transport. This was a bit heavy, as we encountered some steep hills on our route. Perhaps an e-bike or luggage transfer service would have been better. The hotels were well-chosen and ideally located, easy to find thanks to the app. Thank you!
Published on 30/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Ginette, Your feedback means a lot to us, thank you. Well done for completing this beautiful cycling route despite the hills, it shows great energy! We're delighted that the accommodations and the app made exploring the castles easier. Keep cycling! The Decathlon Travel Team
G

Guillaume - 32 ans

july 2025 Alone
Translated from French
Trip taken in July 2025. - Regarding the destination (Loire Valley castles) and the proposed route (Blois to Saumur) --> Great! :) - Regarding the proposed route --> The daily stages/distances (approx. 35/40km) are well-planned and allow for comfortable visits (the choice is yours). - Luggage transfer each day OK; an option to return luggage to the starting point on the last day would be a plus (to avoid traveling by train with a suitcase and a bicycle). - Hotel bookings OK - Hotel locations Great! They were all located in city centers. - Bike-friendly accommodations OK in most cases; some hotels (although certified "Bike-friendly") could be equipped with shelters (or even racks...). - GPS app Needs improvement/debatable usefulness; the proposed route follows the "Loire à Vélo" cycle route almost entirely; there are practically no additional comments or information. It was impossible to restart the route in case of a long break (for a castle visit); fortunately, the cycle route is very well signposted. Value for money --> Very average; considering the quality of the hotels (mostly 2-star, and most could use some updating even if the rooms were clean), I found the price of the 5-day/4-night cycling tour relatively high (€850 for 1 person including the luggage transfer option at €125). In conclusion, discovering the Loire Valley castles by bike: definitely a yes! Booking through Decathlon Travel guarantees simplicity and speed, but this service is relatively expensive in my opinion...
Published on 03/08/2025
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Hello Guillaume,


Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback on your cycling trip.

We are delighted that the overall organization met your expectations. This trip is designed to offer a balance between exploration and comfort.

You highlighted some areas for improvement: the limitations of the GPS app, the inconsistent availability of bicycle equipment between hotels, and the lack of luggage return service to the starting point. We are passing these comments on to our local partner to improve the experience for future travelers.

Regarding the price, we take note of your perception on the value for money.


The Decathlon Travel team

D

David - 75 ans

july 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
Tremendous!
Published on 15/07/2025

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,6/5
(18 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
G

Ginette - 18 ans

september 2026 In a couple
Translated from French
We opted for ride-hailing services with luggage transport. This was a bit heavy, as we encountered some steep hills on our route. Perhaps an e-bike or luggage transfer service would have been better. The hotels were well-chosen and ideally located, easy to find thanks to the app. Thank you!
Published on 30/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Ginette, Your feedback means a lot to us, thank you. Well done for completing this beautiful cycling route despite the hills, it shows great energy! We're delighted that the accommodations and the app made exploring the castles easier. Keep cycling! The Decathlon Travel Team
G

Guillaume - 32 ans

july 2025 Alone
Translated from French
Trip taken in July 2025. - Regarding the destination (Loire Valley castles) and the proposed route (Blois to Saumur) --> Great! :) - Regarding the proposed route --> The daily stages/distances (approx. 35/40km) are well-planned and allow for comfortable visits (the choice is yours). - Luggage transfer each day OK; an option to return luggage to the starting point on the last day would be a plus (to avoid traveling by train with a suitcase and a bicycle). - Hotel bookings OK - Hotel locations Great! They were all located in city centers. - Bike-friendly accommodations OK in most cases; some hotels (although certified "Bike-friendly") could be equipped with shelters (or even racks...). - GPS app Needs improvement/debatable usefulness; the proposed route follows the "Loire à Vélo" cycle route almost entirely; there are practically no additional comments or information. It was impossible to restart the route in case of a long break (for a castle visit); fortunately, the cycle route is very well signposted. Value for money --> Very average; considering the quality of the hotels (mostly 2-star, and most could use some updating even if the rooms were clean), I found the price of the 5-day/4-night cycling tour relatively high (€850 for 1 person including the luggage transfer option at €125). In conclusion, discovering the Loire Valley castles by bike: definitely a yes! Booking through Decathlon Travel guarantees simplicity and speed, but this service is relatively expensive in my opinion...
Published on 03/08/2025
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Hello Guillaume,


Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback on your cycling trip.

We are delighted that the overall organization met your expectations. This trip is designed to offer a balance between exploration and comfort.

You highlighted some areas for improvement: the limitations of the GPS app, the inconsistent availability of bicycle equipment between hotels, and the lack of luggage return service to the starting point. We are passing these comments on to our local partner to improve the experience for future travelers.

Regarding the price, we take note of your perception on the value for money.


The Decathlon Travel team

D

David - 75 ans

july 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
Tremendous!
Published on 15/07/2025
B

Bertrand - 50 ans

august 2024 In a couple
Published on 17/08/2024
C

Charlotte

august 2023 Alone
Translated from French

It's a shame there was no shuttle service offered to take us back to Blois on the last day. Otherwise, it was a fantastic, tailor-made experience.
I recommend it to athletes

Published on 21/08/2023
G

Gérald

june 2023 Among friends
Translated from French
A cultural and sporting trip, regions to discover, people to visit, and very welcoming restaurants.
Published on 20/06/2023
G

Gérald

june 2023 Alone
Translated from French

A cultural and sporting trip, regions to discover, people to visit, and very welcoming restaurants.

Published on 20/06/2023
A

Andre

may 2023 In a couple
Translated from French
Perfect organization, no hitches, very friendly staff from Vélo Verts.
Published on 15/05/2023
A

André

may 2023 Alone
Translated from French

Perfect organization, no flaws, very friendly staff

Published on 15/05/2023
I

Isabelle

april 2023 In a couple
Translated from French
A superb trip, I would do it again without hesitation to other destinations.
Published on 16/04/2023
The Alexandre team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Alexandre team

4.4/5 (199 reviews) • 18 stays
Specializing in Loire à Vélo cycling trips since 2013, our local partner is the leading expert in the Loire Valley. Based in Blois, they guide travelers from the initial planning stages to the final execution of their trip. Their team recommends the best routes for discovering the châteaux with a balanced mileage. Their goal is to offer an authentic and effortless experience through meticulous organization and a network of welcoming partners.
Discover their team and their trips
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