Region Overviews: France Travel Guide: Overview
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
Biking
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Loire Valley Bike Tour
Storybook Châteaux & French Countryside
The Loire Valley—right out of a fairy tale. Graceful castles and flawless manicured gardens. An idyllic scene made lush by the majestic water of the Loire River. A rolling symphony of vineyards, orchards, fields and rivers. Decadent cuisine and exquisite wines. Order and elegance have shaped the Loire Valley. Now it’s your turn.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual Hotels
FROM:
$3,799 - $3,899 pp dbl occ
($400 - $450 for sgl occ)
Loire Valley Map
France
Start/End St-Pierre-des-Corps
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Pedal through a landscape fit for kings and queens to explore Renaissance, medieval and classical châteaux
- Relax at gracious castle-hotels, admire grand French architecture and experience the richness of life in the Loire
- Taste unique wines from local vineyards and savor the gastronomic delights of one of France's most fertile regions
- Visit off-the-beaten-path villages like Candes-St-Martin and Montsoreau and ride dedicated bike paths along the Loire
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Bike quiet rural roads to charming villages and inspiring architectural landmarks in a World Heritage landscape | Wander the impeccable grounds of Château de Chambord, the Loire’s grandest castle | Cycle parts of the beautiful regional bike path network, La Loire à Vélo | Relax at a lovely French manor-turned-hotel set on 34 acres of magnificent woodland.
Relais des Landes
Ouchamps
| Casual Hotel Once a 17th-century manor, this refined and sunny hotel maintains traditional French aesthetics with a modern touch. (pool)
Days 2-3
Ride along rolling hills to Château de Chaumont, set among verdant lawns and meandering paths | Explore the castle's plush chambers and impressive collection of themed gardens | Delve into fascinating French history where it actually unfolded | Discover Amboise, one of the region’s loveliest and most historic towns | Choose an outdoor table and sip a café on Rue Nationale, a prime people-watching spot | Visit Leonardo da Vinci's former home, Clos Lucé, and be inspired by the artist's remarkable work on display in the property's museum | Bike through a splendid forest and along the River Cher to Chenonceau for a tour of the noble home’s richly appointed salons and vast galleries.
Château de Chissay
Chissay-en-Touraine
| Casual Hotel This former royal residence is surrounded by a park and forest. (pool)
Days 4-6
Embark on a leisurely ride through fields, vineyards and forested Loire villages from Château de Villandry, a 16th-century castle with stunning gardens | Bike along the River Loire and immerse yourself in the area’s joie de vivre | Venture off the beaten path in picturesque old-world spots like Montsoreau and Candes-St-Martin | Share riverside paths with local cyclists en route to one-of-a-kind troglodyte hamlets and the town of Saumur, home to some of the region's finest wines | Ride through cabernet franc vineyards and arrive in postcard-perfect Brissac-Quincé | Pause at the water’s edge at a lively guinguette (tavern) | Opt for a final spin through the countryside or a peaceful morning at the hotel.
Château Le Prieuré
Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault
| Casual Hotel Decadent French styling and sweeping views of the Loire River are highlights at this elegant castle-hotel.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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Activity Level: 1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Limited & Fixed Menus
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
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