Cycle the Loire Valley

About this trip

Exactly what you do each day, where you sleep, and how it flows — written by us, from the real itinerary.

1. 1
   Day 1 · BloisBlois

   

   You arrive in Blois on the Loire's banks with your afternoon free to explore. Check out the Chateau Royal de Blois, St Vincent de Paul Church, or wander the old streets before a 6 pm group meeting with your cycling leader.

2. 2
   Day 2 · BloisBlois

   After a bike fitting, ride the dedicated Loire path to Saint-Dye-sur-Loire, then inland through tree-lined country roads to Chateau de Chambord. François I's palace, influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, showcases multiple chimneys and sculpted terraces before you cycle back through quiet flat pastures.

3. 3
   Day 3 · ChevernyAmboise

   

   Optional morning visit to Chateau de Cheverny (arrange ahead). Cycle the scenic plateau down to the Cher River where Château de Chenonceau awaits. Skip the interior and kayak beneath the bridge instead, experiencing the elegant château from the water below.

4. 4
   Day 4 · VouvrayVillandry

   

   Follow the Loire downstream through Vouvray's chenin blanc vineyards, then cut across to Chateau de Villandry. Explore the sprawling manicured gardens and U-shaped castle at the Loire Valley's most famous châteaux.

5. 5
   Day 5 · VillandrySaumur

   A longer 60km day from Villandry along the Loire past Château d'Ussé, which inspired Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. Cycle through riverside villages Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau—the latter featuring homes carved into cliff faces—before finishing in Saumur.

6. 6
   Day 6 · SaumurAngers

   Ride down the Loire from Saumur, detour inland to Brissac-Quincé and France's tallest château, then return to the river toward Angers. Finish with a cheese tasting at a local fromagerie and an optional group celebration dinner.

7. 7
   Day 7 · AngersAngers

   Your final day in Angers is unscheduled; leave whenever you like. Additional accommodation can be booked if you want to stay longer, subject to availability.

What's included

• Guide: All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as you’d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
• Meals: 6 breakfasts
• Activities: Chateau de Chambord Chocolaterie visit and tasting Kayaking on the Cher River (Jun to Sept only) Wine tasting in Amboise Chateaux Villandry & Gardens Loire River Small Boat Cruise Cheese Tasting - Angers
• Transport: While there are occasions when we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities, we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course as an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. In most regions, the support vehicle will be a minivan, but may range in size up to a full-sized coach or overland vehicle. Your main piece of luggage is transported in the support vehicle. Our bikes do not have panniers or bags on them, so we recommend a small backpack or a cycling jersey with rear pockets to carry any essentials you’ll need with you., On this trip we use a variety of 2019 bike models from the Polish bike manufacturer Kross. These models include the Evado 8.0, Hexagon 6.0, and Hexagon 7.0. All models include an aluminium frame, front suspension, 27.5-29” wheels, 21-30 gears and hydraulic disc brakes., E-BIKE OPTION: An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking., On this trip we use a mixture of 2019 Specialized Tero & Specialized Levo e-bikes, which you may request in the following sizes: Small, Medium & Large. Please provide your height at time of booking so the correct size can be arranged. Sizes are limited, so confirmation is subject to availability., BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you. SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE: Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike. We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike. BEFORE THE TRIP: We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy. DURING THE TRIP: Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together). In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees. While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts). TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION: Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes. A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities. Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. , INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. , IMPORTANT : – Support Vehicle limitations on this trip. Due to French licencing restrictions the support vehicle on this trip can only be used to transport bikes and carry luggage, and not to carry travellers who are feeling tired or do not wish to ride. The only exception to this is in a medical emergency where it can be used to transport injured people to medical care. Should you be unable to complete the ride due to fatigue or other factors your cycling leader will assist you in arranging private or public transportation at your cost. Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle (bicycle & luggage on;ly), Boat, Kayak
• Accommodation: FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (6 nights)

How travellers rate it

Your free day in Blois

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Common questions