Loire Valley Family Biking
- Pedal across beautiful French countryside
- Fairy-tale castles around every bend
- Kids wield epées with an award-winning fencing master!
- Leonardo da Vinci's home
- An afternoon sampling chocolate - a kid's dream come true
From Storybook Castles to Sun-Splashed Countryside
A trip with kids in the Loire Valley? The concept may seem curious in a region synonymous with elegance and order. Not to worry - we bring you the Loire at its fun-loving kid-friendly best. There's easygoing biking past sunflower fields and famous vineyards. Fairy-tale castles to investigate. There's history-come-to-life at Leonardo da Vinci's home. A fencing lesson, fun-park excursion and chocolate factory visit just for the younger set. Wine tasting and private castle tours just for grown-ups. Even the Medici family would have had fun with Backroads!
Day 1 Visit fairy-tale castles, starting off at the stunning 17th-century Château de Cheverny, with a dramatic façade and sweeping lawns 
A leisurely spin along wooded back roads and through postcard-perfect villages introduces you to the pleasures of biking in the Loire Valley.
Day 2 En garde! Kids learn the fine art of fencing under the watchful eye of world-class fencing master Rudi van Oeveren 
Ride past vineyards and hamlets to Château de Chambord, one of the Loire's largest and most extravagant castles.
Day 3 Gentle countryside graced with rolling vineyards, orchards and sunflower fields Pedal to Château de Chaumont, an architectural marvel whose edifice spans periods from late French Gothic to French Renaissance, and whose grounds are a fragrant feast for the senses The younger set joins a Backroads leader for fun at a ropes course and in go-carts.
Day 4 Experience fascinating French history where it actually unfolded Bike past troglodyte dwellings, community gardens and vineyard-laden fields to the village of Vouvray, known for its chenin blanc A local vintner invites us for a tour of his family winery, followed by a gourmet picnic How sweet it is! Kids sample chocolate at Bigot's confectionery factory.
Days 5-6 A hands-on exploration of Leonardo da Vinci's home, Clos Lucé Spin across the Loire River and along rolling hills to the most famous castle of the valley: Château de Chenonceau While adults enjoy a private guided tour of the castle, youngsters discover the château grounds and mysterious "black room" Soak up the flavor of Amboise.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
You all did a wonderful job! The family trip concept worked really well for our needs (balancing my serious-bike-rider needs with those of a 10-year-old and other family members). We will travel with you again. It is obvious that Backroads cares and is passionate about client service.- San Rafael, CA
We were persuaded by the enthusiastic guest comments on your website. The trip met and exceeded our expectations! It was a wonderful trip for the whole family and, although it was a group trip, you were able to meet and cater to each of our individual needs and wants. My husband got to bike all day, the kids got to bike as much as they wanted, made new friends and tried many fun activities. I got my active holiday but had time to soak in the cultural richness and natural beauty of the Loire Valley.- Singapore
This was our best family trip ever!! Our leaders were excellent in all areas. The leaders complemented each other exceptionally well. They were wonderful with the kids and keeping them entertained. They did an excellent job adjusting the bike to fit perfectly. Much appreciated!! They all took the time to get to know each one of us individually. You have given us a life time of great memories.- West Chester, PA
Casual Inns
Château du Breuil
Cheverny (1 night) Located near Cheverny, this 15th-century manor still has its original tower and moat. (pool)
Château des Tertres
Onzain (2 nights) This classic mid-19th-century nobleman's house, surrounded by wooded parkland, is now a charming family-run hotel with welcoming hosts.
Château de Pray
Amboise (2 nights) A turreted castle nestled amid trees on a terraced slope overlooking the Loire River. (pool)
Alsace & the Black Forest Biking
France's Wine-Rich Valley & Germany's Fabled Woodland
Family:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
Routes 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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 14, 40, 55 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 16, 26, 44 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 38, 46 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 11, 30, 41 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Loire Valley tour experts. See our award-winning Europe France biking tours, Europe France walking and hiking tours and Europe France multisport tours.
