Cycling in the Loire valley

Saturday 17th May 

Travellers joining us in the UK will depart from London St Pancras International for the beautiful city of Tours, first taking the Eurostar to Paris, before changing on to the TGV service for Tours. A minibus transfer will take us east along the Loire River Valley to our first base in the medieval town of Amboise and our centrally located hotel. After a short, introductory, walk round the town, we will experience the delights of French cuisine in a local restaurant. 

Dinner included. Overnight in Amboise. 

Sunday 18th May 

Today is market day in Amboise which is not to be missed. After breakfast, we will wander the stalls of local producers along the riverside. Here we can taste their wares and purchase supplies for our picnic lunch. Back at the hotel we will familiarise ourselves with our tandem bicycles before setting off towards the Valley of the River Cher.  

This area of the Loire is renowned for its amazing châteaux, and we will follow our guide through the Royal Forest of Amboise to arrive at the Château of Chenonceau. Known as the ‘Ladies Chateau’, the current structures dates from the 16th century and spans the entire width of the river. After a guided tour around the château, there is a chance to take an optional short boat ride from the scent-filled gardens, before we continue our cycling circuit back to Amboise. 

Total cycling distance today : 30km

Breakfast included. Overnight in Amboise. 

Monday 19th May 

This morning, we will follow the Loire River cycle route into the city of Tours. Here we’ll have some free time to wander the streets and explore the shops. You might decide to visit the cathedral, which dates from the 16th century and is the current Archbishop’s seat.  

After enjoying lunch in the city, we will cycle to the vineyards on the north bank of the Loire for a two hour guided tour to the Cave de Vouvray, taking us on a multi–stage journey, from the vine to the glass. You will discover the production methods of the still and sparkling varieties of Vouvray wines and walk through three kilometres of troglodytic galleries where six million bottles are stored! An audiovisual presentation will also show you the modern production site (bottling, disgorging, labelling) and your visit will, naturally, end with a delicious tasting.  We will return to Amboise along the riverside cycle route. 

Total cycling distance today : 50km 

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Amboise. 

Tuesday 20th May 

This morning has been left at your leisure to enjoy some time out of the saddle in Amboise. You may wish to visit the 15th century manor house of Clos Luce, the last home of artist and inventor, Leonardo Davinci.  A guided tour of the house and grounds will bring you up close to his inventions with over 40 models recreated from Davinci’s drawings. 

After lunch, we will take a walk over the Loire to the train station where we’ll take the train to the picturesque city of Tours. Here we’ll have the opportunity to indulge in France’s other favourite passion, cooking.  A few hours will be spent with a local chef where we’ll try our hand at creating several mouth-watering recipes, before returning to Amboise by train.  

Breakfast included. Overnight in Amboise.

Wednesday 21st May 

After breakfast, we’ll get back on our tandem bikes and head to our second base of the week. Our luggage will be moved by road for us, leaving us free to enjoy the tranquillity of the river.  

First, we will stop at the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire, park our bikes, and take to the water for a leisurely two-and-a-half-hour boat ride along the river. From here the famous chateau of Chaumont-Sur-Loire can be seen and other beautiful views. Our boat trip also includes a picnic lunch and gives us an insight as to how the flat– bottomed ‘Gabares’ boats were once used to move goods along the river.   We will then continue following the river by bike to our next hotel base in Blois. 

Total cycling distance today: 40km 

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Blois. 

Thursday 22nd May 

Back in the saddle this morning, we’ll take to the quiet lanes and cycle to the largest and possibly the most recognisable chateau of the Loire Valley, Chambord Castle. Built for King Francis I, the Renaissance architecture dates from the early 16th century and used to serve as a Royal Hunting Lodge.
As all the furnishings and timber were sold off during the French Revolution, all the restorations seen today are from the 19th century to the present day. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent château and have time for a relaxing lunch and an opportunity to spend time wandering the gardens.  

Our return cycle route will take us back through some of the beautiful quiet villages and the vineyards of this area to Blois, where we’ll spend the evening together in one of the town’s restaurants. 

Total cycling distance today: 38km

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Blois. 

Friday 23rd May  

Setting off on foot this morning, we will walk through the old town of Blois, past the 16th-century Cathedral of Saint-Louis and on to the famous Denis-Papin staircase, often decorated with contemporary art installations. We’ll continue to the town hall of Blois, which is the former Episcopal Palace, and on to Les Jardins de l’Ancien Évêché. The rose garden is a particularly splendid blend of colours and scents. These raised terraces are high up, with commanding views of the Loire Valley and include a ‘Garden of Senses’ with plants and landscaping intended to stimulate each of the five senses. 

In true French style we’ll enjoy a coffee break, after which, we’ll have a guided tour of the historic Royal Chateau of Blois, followed by a walk to a local producer in the town for some more wine tasting. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do some final souvenir shopping. To complete our time in the Loire Valley, we’ll celebrate our cycling achievements this week together over some delicious food and drink at a local restaurant in Blois.  

Total Walking distance today: 8km

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Blois. 

Saturday 24th May  

After breakfast, we’ll walk to Blois station and take a local train to the city of Tours, followed by our connection with the TGV, ready for our journey home. 

Breakfast included. 

Tandem Bicycle Information

– Frame size 26″, front suspension

– Gears 21 (3×7)

– Minimum height front rider (sighted) 1.65m

– Minimum height back rider (VI) 1.52m

– Combined weight max for both riders 200kg

*You will need to provide your own cycle helmet for this holiday and will be required to wear it at all times on the tandem.