FIT FOR A KING: Premiere Inns
Le Choiseul
Amboise (2 nights): Enjoy the swimming pool and exquisite Michelin-starred cuisine at this elegant manor house, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Trip
Overview
Lodging
Route Rating Level 1 to Level 4
Detailed ItinerarySorry no detailed itineraries available yet, please call 800-GO-ACTIVE for more information
TRIP NOTES
All meals are included in the trip price.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please call our expert Trip Consultants at (800) GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) for more information.
Meet / Depart
Tours, France
Special Interest
Culture & History, Fine Wine & Cuisine, Romance &/or Honeymoon
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Loire Valley Biking
A Petite Sojourn in the Garden of France
This trip is not currently available. Looking for a similar trip? See Loire Valley Biking (Premiere Inns) and Loire Valley Biking (Casual Inns). Or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
The regal valley of the Loire was once a favorite retreat of French aristocrats seeking to escape the royal court in Paris. In the wooded countryside around the meandering Loire River, members of the ruling class played out their intrigues, rivalries and love affairs - and built some of the most beautiful châteaux in Europe. This three-day trip is a perfect getaway from Paris (just an hour away by train) or a final flourish to a longer Backroads vacation, featuring a rich sample of the Loire Valley and its many charms. Follow small roads once favored by gilded carriages, stroll through art-filled salons and manicured gardens, pedal among peaceful farms and Vouvray vineyards, and relax at an elegant hotel that would even impress the nobles.
View the Family Premiere Inns Itineraries.
View other trips in Europe France
Days 1-3 Amboise
Meet in Tours 
Shuttle to Villandry for a visit to the town's magnificent 16th-century castle and exquisite gardens Pedal through the peaceful château-dotted countryside, past vineyards, orchards and charming villages Arrive in the lively town of Amboise, where you can stroll on the Rue Nationale, a great place to shop and people-watch Step back in time as you explore the Château d'Amboise, towering flamboyantly above the river Nearby, check out Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and see the designs and models for his many creations Spin along quiet roads through gentle woodland to one of the most famous Loire Valley castles, Château de Chenonceau A local guide gives us a private tour of this graceful Renaissance castle, which spans the Cher River and boasts vast gardens, galleries, magnificent fireplaces and 16th-century Flemish tapestries In Vouvray, a local vintner treats us to a private tour and degustation at his centuries-old wine cave Relax over a picnic lunch featuring fresh local produce and cheeses, and sparkling wine before shuttling back to Tours.
Route Rating What's this? Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Each offers options for more or less activity, so you can decide exactly how much you want to do day by day.
Lodging What's
this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.
Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic
regional flair.
Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the
areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and
proximity to our activities.
Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every
camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Guest Trip Reviews
We're very pleased to offer this new three-day trip in one of our favorite regions. It takes place just outside of Paris (only an hour away by train), which makes it a great option for a quick getaway - filled with chateaux, historical intrigue, excellent cuisine and wine, and of course, wonderful biking.- Regional Manager, France
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Loire Valley tour experts. For biking tours in Europe France, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Europe France biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe France walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe France multisport tours click here.
Loire Valley Biking
Loire Valley Biking
Route Rating
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 14, 27, 34 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 32, 45 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 28, 32 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking |
||
| 1 | 2-3 hours |
10-20 miles |
2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours |
21-30 miles |
5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours |
31-40 miles |
7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours |
41-55 miles |
9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours |
56-75+ miles |
11-13+ miles |