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Cycling in the Valley of Kings: Orléans to Tours

Le fameux Château de Chambord près de Blois 5
Visit the gorgeous Chateau de Cheverny The Chateau de Chambord, near Blois is one of the famous castle in France Bike over the beautiful Loire river and visit the Chateau d'Amboise The Chateau de Chaumont sur Loire is on your itinerary The Château  de Chenonceau spanning the river Cher is a highlight of this cycle tour

Cyclomundo offers guided and self-guided cycling trips in the Loire Valley, click here to see the Loire Valley regional page.

  • Self-guided trip: Starts any day from April 15th through October 31st, 2024
  • 7nights/8days
  • Daily mileage: From 11 km (6 miles) to 70 km (43 miles, long option) on easy terrain
  • Trip starts from Orléans and ends in Tours. Orléans is an hour train ride from Paris
  • Accommodation in 2- and 3-star properties (Option A), 3-star properties and 2-star hotel with "character" and guesthouses (Option A+), or 3- and 4-star properties (Option A++)
  • Level 2 (Easy)

Kids' rate is based on age and will vary depending on available rooms (limited inventory of family rooms).

Le fameux Château de Chambord près de Blois

Cycling in the Valley of Kings: Orléans to Tours

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 1,095 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

France’s noble ranks set up residence in the Loire Valley for centuries, earning it the nickname "Valley of Kings." Early on, fortress-castles were built in strategic locations, while later grand châteaux were designed to display wealth and power. Its proximity to Paris — today only an hour’s ride away by train — and its romantic setting proved an ideal retreat for royals to escape the crowds. Nowadays, it’s an ideal retreat for cyclists, with particular thanks to the fairly flat Loire à Vélo cycling route that stretches from central France to the Atlantic.

The best introduction to the Valley of the Kings is the strikingly handsome Orléans, one of France’s most prosperous medieval cities. Here you’ll find many nods to Joan of Arc in the form of statues, religious art, etc., for it was she who ended the siege of Orléans and captured residents’ hearts forever. Many of the towns along the route look as though they haven’t changed since the “Maid of Orléans” set foot in the region!

If your time constraints don't allow you to spend a whole week visiting the Loire Valley region, keep in mind that we also offer a 4 night/5 day Royal Short Escape through the Loire Valley.

 

 

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Orléans

 

Arrive in Orléans at the time of your choice. Some of the major highlights are the magnificent Cathédrale-Saint-Croix and the house where Joan of Arc stayed. You may also wish to explore the crypt of Saint-Aignan and some of the city’s mansions, such as Hôtel Groslot or Hôtel des Créneaux.

D2Orléans — Beaugency 40 km/ 25 miles, 80 meters/260 ft of climbing

 

Your first day of riding makes it very evident why the Loire Valley is called the “Garden of France” — the colorful hues of the lush countryside paint an alluring scene for your ride. Since you’re on a self-guided tour, feel free to stop for a picnic wherever you please! Your destination is Beaugency, another fairytale-style town with streams running through some of its streets and flower boxes all around town.

D3Beaugency — Blois 49 km/30 miles, 190 meters/625 ft of climbing

 

Today’s route takes you through an enchanting stretch of forest, through which you’ll ride to the grandiose Château de Chambord. Take time to wander through the castle — a former hunting lodge with a mere 440 rooms — and the sprawling estate. Continue on to Blois, another town pulled straight from a storybook, either by bike or by rail. In the Loire Valley, you’re never far from a train station.

D4Blois — Mosnes Short Option: 31 km/19 miles, 150 meters/490 ft of climbing; Long Option: 61 km/40 miles, 320 meters/1,050 ft of climbing

 

A quiet ride through vineyards and pastoral scenery brings you to Cheverny. The well-maintained château de Cheverny is owner-occupied, but its richly decorated rooms and manicured grounds are open to visitors. The next castle on your route is the luxurious Renaissance-era Château de Beauregard, home to a gallery of 327 portraits of famous European leaders. Need a break from castles? You’re free to go to wine tastings, browse shops or markets, or do whatever else you please.

D5Mosnes — Amboise 13 km/8 miles, 70 meters/230 ft of climbing

 

An early start allows for more time to explore Amboise, a quintessential Loire town. Visit the hilltop châteaux, wander past the troglodytes, or cave dwellings, and stop in at Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. The museum at Château Clos Lucé allows you to glimpse into his alluring world of ideas and contraptions (models of which are on display).

D6Amboise loop via Chenonceau Short Option: 46 km/29 miles, 270 meters/885ft of climbing; optional extension via Bourré: 24 km/15 miles, 60 meters/195 ft of climbing

 

You can choose not to ride today’s loop, but we highly recommend you ride to Château de Chenonceau, a 15th-century castle whose dramatic façade bridges the River Cher. Elongate your ride with extra mileage along the Cher River to Bourré and the nearby Cave des Roches.

D7Amboise — Tours Via Montlouis: 28 km/17 miles, 110 meters/360 ft of climbing

 

Complete your cycling adventure through the Loire Valley with a ride to Tours, an active university town. Be sure to visit the stunning St. Gatien Cathedral and the city’s botanical gardens.

D8Departure

 

After breakfast, depart Tours at the time of your choice.

Booking & Prices

  • Option A
  • 2- and 3-star properties

  • 1,095 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 420 euros
  • 1,125 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 435 euros
  • 1,155 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 450 euros
  • Option A+
  • 1 night in a 2-star hotel; 6 nights in 3-star properties and charming guesthouses

  • 1,195 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 520 euros
  • 1,225 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 535 euros
  • 1,255 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 545 euros
  • Option A++
  • 3- and 4-star properties 

  • 1,595 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 720 euros
  • 1,625 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 735 euros
  • 1,655 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 750 euros

These prices include:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation as described above
  • Daily breakfast
  • Luggage transfers
  • 1 wine cellar visit & tasting on Day 7
  • Smart phone app. (Android and iPhone) with downloadable directions/roadbook (no data is necessary) – Cell phone holder not provided (bring your own).
  • Tourist information (provided as part of the app) 
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Nominal city taxes, to be paid in cash directly at each hotel
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Adult hybrid bikes are available at the price of 150 euros per bike. Gravel bikes are available at the rate of 185 euros per bike. E-bikes are available at the rate of 270 euros per bike. This price includes the drop-off fee for the bike's return to Orléans.

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