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 kayaking adventure 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 <i>En garde!</i> Kids learn the fine art of fencing
under the watchful eye of world-class fencing master Rudi van Oeveren 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.
Day 3 Gentle countryside graced with rolling vineyards, orchards and sunflower fields
Ride past vineyards and hamlets to Château de Chambord, one of the Loire's largest and most extravagant castles The younger set joins a Backroads leader for fun at an outdoor park with a ropes course.
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 
Kids take to the Loire River for a fun-filled kayaking adventure.
Days 5-6 Explore 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" During a visit to the curious Pagode de Chanteloup, kids take in great views of the Loire Valley from the 144-foot tower and try their hands at some old-fashioned outdoor games such as pinball and croquet Soak up the flavor of Amboise.
Trip Highlights
- 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 Kayaking adventure on the Loire River
Casual Inns
Château du Breuil (2 nights): Located near Cheverny, this 15th-century manor still has its original tower and moat. (pool)
Domaine de Thômeaux (1 night): This petit château features themed guest rooms, each decorated in the colors of a different country. (spa)
Château de Pray (2 nights): A turreted castle nestled amid trees on a terraced slope overlooking the Loire River. (pool)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 12 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2 | 12* | 0 | 33* | 0 | 48 | 0 | ||||
| 17* | 0 | |||||||||
| Kids: Fencing lesson (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 15* | 0 | 27* | 0 | 40 | 0 | ||||
| 55 | 0 | |||||||||
| Kids: Fantasy Forest ropes course (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 20* | 0 | 38* | 0 | 46 | 0 | ||||
| Kids: Loire River kayaking adventure (1.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 11* | 0 | 31 | 0 | 41 | 0 | ||||
| 36* | 0 | |||||||||
| Kids: Pagode de Chanteloup visit | ||||||||||
| 6 | 13 | 0 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/23-28 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/28-8/2 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/18-23 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 6 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 7 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+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
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
The leaders were just wonderful, and the kids and I had a fabulous time. Thanks!- Wellesley Hills, MA
We are returning to Backroads because the level of customer service we have encountered with every member of the Backroads teams, from reservations to the trip group leaders, has not once dipped below excellence!- Edmonton, AL