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.
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
Start/End St-Pierre-des-Corps
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
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.
Once a 17th-century manor, this refined and sunny hotel maintains traditional French aesthetics with a modern touch. (pool)
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.
This former royal residence is surrounded by a park and forest. (pool)
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.
Decadent French styling and sweeping views of the Loire River are highlights at this elegant castle-hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
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