
Loire Valley Family Biking
Backroads invites you and your family to explore one of France's most elegant corners - the regal Loire Valley - from the seat of a bicycle. Pedal through lush farmland and forests, spin alongside famous vineyards and sunflower fields and visit fairy-tale castles whose walls harbor secrets of political intrigue and lavish soirées. Here, your two-wheeled efforts are richly rewarded as history comes alive before your eyes.
Days 1-2 Cheverny
Pedal along wooded back roads and through small villages
Ride past vineyards and hamlets to the stunning 17th-century Château de Cheverny, considered by many to be the region's most refined castle, with a dramatic façade and sweeping lawns
Visit the Château de Chambord, one of the largest and more extravagant of the Loire castles.
Day 3 Onzain
Pedal to Château de Chaumont, an architectural marvel whose edifice spans periods from late French Gothic to French Renaissance
Renowned for its International Garden Festival, the castle's grounds are always a fragrant feast for the senses
Kids join a Backroads leader at a local fun park, complete with a ropes course and go-carts.
Days 4-6 Amboise
Visit local vintner Daniel Jarry for a tour of his family's winery and then enjoy a gourmet picnic
Join a local guide for a private tour of Château de Chenonceau, where richly woven tapestries, paintings by the Old Masters and lavish gardens hint at this landmark's opulent past
While adults tour, the younger set joins the Kid Coordinator to explore the castle grounds, kitchen and the mysterious black room
Enjoy the bustle of Amboise
Discover the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci at Clos Lucé
Kids spend the afternoon at Bigot's confectionery factory sampling chocolate.
SIMPLICITY AND ELEGANCE : Casual Inns
Chateau de Breuil (2 nights): Perfectly situated amid the Loire Valley castles, this late-18th-century château offers guest rooms with pastel décor and antique furnishings, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Chateau des Tertres (1 night): This classic mid-19th-century nobleman's house, surrounded by wooded parkland, is now a charming family-run hotel with welcoming hosts.
Chateau de Pray (2 nights): Nestled amid trees on a terraced slope overlooking the Loire River, this turreted castle is features antique furnishings and swimming pool.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 0-500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 16, 27, 49 miles
- 0-500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3
3 Route Options Available
- 16, 28, 40 miles
- 0-500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 25, 42, 51 miles
- 0-500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 18, 31, 52 miles
- 0-500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 12 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 | ||
| 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 |
2008 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
2009 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
- 5/31-6/5Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/14-19Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/21-26Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/28-7/3Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/5-10Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/19-24Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/2-7Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/16-21Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/23-28Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
Recommended minimum age for the trip: 3 years
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:
- 12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities and route
- 9+ difficulty of activities and route
- 6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity restrictions
- 3+ riding is on bike paths, making it great for young kids; Burley and Piccolos are available; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)
Trip praise
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
The leaders were just wonderful, and the kids and I had a fabulous time. Thanks!- Wellesley Hills, MA
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