Loire Valley Biking
Pedal through a lush forest and emerge as if you're in a fairy tale. Standing proudly before you is a château of Gothic majesty, its halls rich with the trappings of nobility. Such is the landscape you'll encounter with Backroads in the Loire Valley - a beguiling mix of overt opulence and serene natural beauty. Some castles are yours to tour, others extend an invitation to slumber, immersing you in history, and nourishing you with world-class wines and cuisine. All around, the gentle countryside is graced with rolling vineyards, and fields of sunflowers, fruit orchards and wheat fields. If you've dreamed of living like royalty, there's no place more ideal than the Loire Valley.
Day 1 chinon
Rendezvous just outside of Tours 
Shuttle to Chinon, known as much for its full-bodied red wines as for its turbulent history At its most famous castle, now in ruins, the legendary meeting between Joan of Arc and Charles VII took place Explore the peaceful château-dotted countryside on a warm-up loop Before our first sumptuous dinner, enjoy a dip in the pool or meander through the extensive hotel grounds.
Days 2-3 montbazon
Spinning through gentle woodlands and past charming villages, you see why bicycling in the Loire Valley is such a delight Visit Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, one of France's most magnificent castles Ride through vineyards and orchards outside Montbazon to the town of Villandry, and meander through the impressive Italian Renaissance gardens of this town's château.
Days 4-6 amboise
Travel back in time on a visit to the magical Château de Chenonceau A private guide shares details of its richly appointed interiors, vast galleries and dazzling artwork Visit Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and see the designs and models for his many creations Join local vintner, Daniel Jarry, on a private tour and degustation at his family's centuries-old wine cave in Vouvray In Amboise, stroll on the Rue Nationale, a great place to shop and people-watch.
TRIPLE CROWN: Premiere Inns
Chateau de Marcay (1 night): Turrets and secret passageways attest to the medieval origins of this hotel, which features a sparkling pool, elegant rooms and exceptional dining.
Chateau d'Artigny (2 nights): Grand from staircases to spa and outdoor heated swimming pool, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World member was once home to perfume magnate François Coty.
Le Choiseul (2 nights): In a peaceful setting overlooking the Loire River, an elegant 18th-century manor house with delightful gardens, swimming pool and membership in Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 17 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 16, 26, 44 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 34, 50 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 16, 27, 36 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 14, 31, 39 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/9-14Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/16-21Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/30-6/4Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/13-18Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/20-25Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/4-9Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/25-30Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/22-27Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/29-9/3Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/5-10Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/12-17Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/19-24Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/1Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/10-15Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Late-fall savings of $500 per person; mention code PC03 when booking.
Guest Trip Reviews
My daughter, Courtney, and I had a fantastic experience with Backroads in the Loire Valley. Our leaders were terrific! They made our trip memorable with their extensive knowledge of the French language, history and of course, biking. But above all, we appreciated their kindness and friendship. We will remember this trip with lots of smiles and we thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you!- Rockville, MD
It was the perfect trip experience for our first ever, active vacation with our three adult children. When you combine the beauty of the Loire Valley with the best of a Backroads trip - it's magic!- Alexandria, VA
My overall comments on the trip: excellent, excellent, excellent! The guides were great, as was the food, the accommodations, the bicycles, everything. Thanks for a wonderful trip.- Alexandria, VA
This was our first experience with Backroads even though we have been receiving the catalog for several years. This was more than I imagined it to be - the level of excellence and attention to detail was exemplary. I learned a great deal about the culture quickly, thanks to our leaders. I was extremely pleased with my experiences on this Backroads trip.- Carbondale, IL
Another homerun from Backroads. What a GREAT way to travel! I'm in love with France and in love with the company that helps me discover it in such a relaxed yet invigorating manner...you guys are just awesome!- Santa Rosa, CA
I loved this trip and can't wait for the next one. The group was interesting and fun; the routes were beautiful - we saw a huge field of poppies that we all stopped for ten minutes to admire. It was lovely.- Toronto, ON
WOW!! What a wonderful time we had on our trip through the Loire Valley!! Beautiful country, delicious food, and unbelievable accommodations. Our awesome guides made it all the more special for us. An unforgettable vacation to France, thanks so much!!- Tahoe City, CA
Backroads is such an awesome company - the only way to see the world. I love the way we did the things that were off the beaten path. There's no way we could have ever experienced this on our own. The miles and miles of biking were an added bonus. It's one thing to drive to a location but to be out there pedaling to our destination just added to the magic. I can hardly wait until next year's trip!- Dunwoody, GA
I loved this trip. You earned you name by really taking us on the back roads of the Loire Valley. I have traveled in France a lot, particularly in that region, and I saw it as I had never seen it before. The roads took us through utterly enchanting countryside and villages.. The details of the trip went perfectly from the movement of luggage to hotel check-in, to snacks, to cold beverages when we needed them. The local guide for Chenonceaux and Villandry gave the best tour of those chateaux that I have ever had . . . and I'm a teacher of French who has visited them many times with students. I felt well supported on the road with the van. The food was superb at all times, and the picnic that the leaders prepared was wonderful. I loved the trip.- Princeton, NJ
What a wonderful surprise. The routes were thoughtful and safe. The bikes were amazing. The route leaders were as elegant as the chateaus.- Tucson, AZ