Castles of the Loire Valley
“La Route Royale”
Please note: You can only take part in this trip if you are vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19!
As of Oct 2022, subject to change.
Feel save, book flexible: FREE rebooking up to 6 weeks prior arrival to any alternative date in 2021 - applies to bookings between May 01 and June 15 2021 , the price of the newly selected date 2021 applies in the event of a rebooking.
Its rural charm is equally as impressive as the cultural wealth of its cities. But above all it is the castles which make the Loire valley world famous. Kings, feudal lords and ladies of court, all seduced by the charm of the Loire valley, had several hundred castles, manor houses, and fairy-tale residences built here in the "Garden of France". Villandry, Langeais, Usse, Chinon, Saumur, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, Chaumont, Blois, Chambord, to name but a few.
The mood of the river can change from one extreme to the other in the space of a single day. What the French call "grisaille", a foggy, gloomy melancholy atmosphere (although the French term sounds poetic), can give way to a mgnificent sunset, bathing the countryside in pastel colours! What could be nicer than exploring this fascinating region of France by bike?
Route
Tour profile / level 1-2
The route takes you through gently rolling countryside with only a few climbs, although a certain level of basic fitness willl enable you to enjoy the countryside and its many attractions. The route runs mainly along cycle paths, service roads and quiet side roads.
Day 1: Tours
Individual arrival in Tours, in the historical centre of Touraine, the famous "Garden of France". In the afternoon you will receive detailed tour information (in German and English) and also your bikes (if you have rented one in advance).
Day 2: Tours - Chinon, approx. 60 km
The river Cher takes you on your way to Castle Villandry with its terraced gardens. Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous gardens! The shady paths, arbours decorated with flowers, fountains and the artistically arranged vegetable garden will impress even the most critical visitor. A few kilometres further on your route takes you from the banks of the Cher for to the banks of the Loire, where the next castle, Castle Langeais, awaits you. The fortified tower [this castle was used exclusively for military purposes] has a commanding view of the river and the surrounding countryside. At the edge of the dark, mysterious forest of Chinon lies Castle Ussé - "The Sleeping-Beauty-Castle". Your journey continues along small villages and along side roads to Chinon.
Day 3: Roundtrip Fontevraud l’Abbaye, approx. 55 km
Today you reach the village of Candes-Saint-Martin. At the spot where Saint Martin died a splendid Romanesque church was built. In Montsoreau the Vienne joins the mighty Loire – an impressive natural spectacle! Your journey continues through well-tended vineyards to Fontevraud l’Abbaye. Nowhere else in the world will you encounter such an extensive, well-preserved medieval monastery as in Fontevraud. The return journey to Chinon takes you along literary paths. On the way you pass the birthplace of the famous author Francois Rabelais, as well as cycling through the valley which was the setting for his famous work, "Gargantua".
Day 4: Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau, approx. 40 km
You leave Chinon with its medieval alleys, and continue northwards. The route takes you through ancient vineyards and isolated villages to Crissay, which, with its 15th-century-houses, is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Today’s route also includes a castle, one of the finest. Azay–le-Rideau – the perfect Renaissance-castle! Balzac described it as "a diamond with a thousand facets, set in the river Indre". What more is there to say? You spend the night here, directly in the village, and have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the castle with its impressive cultural events.
Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau - Chenonceaux, approx. 60 km
Today’s journey includes a scenic highlight: through the romantic river scenery along the Indre, you come to the lovely small town of Montbazon. There is a short climb to overcome, over a ridge to the valley of the river Cher. You continue along meadow paths beside the Cher towards the village of Bléré, and on to your overnight accommodation in the historical town of Chenonceaux. The castle of Chenonceaux is the most spectacular of all the Loire castles, and is located in an unique position, with a two-storey gallery spanning the river, and with the impressive castle gardens stretching out in front of it.
Day 6: Chenonceaux - Blois, approx. 45 - 75 km
Today, you have two possibilities: you can choose the shorter trip which takes you through the scenic countryside of the Touraine to Castle Chaumont, and from here further along the romantic paths of the Loire to Blois. After checking in at the hotel, you can explore the surroundings. An excellent choice would be to visit Castle Blois with its galleries, balconies, and oriels. The second, longer option, is for all devoted Loire castle fans: via Montrichard, Cheverny, Villesavine to Castle Chambord. The "Domaine de Chambord" extends as far as the eye can see. The walls of the largest and most magnificent residence in the Loire are visible through the trees from far away – the immortal legacy of a disloyal king. The choice is yours!
Day 7: Blois - Tours, approx. 70 km
The river flows gently between golden, shimmering sandbanks. A characteristic feature of this region are the cliff dwellings, built into the soft limestone, so that the only evidence of their existence was the smoke rising from their fires. You cross the Loire to visit the king of all castles – Castle Amboise. It hosted five kings and a Roman emperor. A genius of the 16th century – Leonardo da Vinci – also spent his last years here. Along hidden paths and through vineyards and past wine-cellars, you cycle through Rochecorbon towards Tours.
Day 8: Tours
C’est la vie – today your journey to the castles of the Loire has come to an end! One more substantial breakfast, then it’s time to say goodbye to one of the most charming, delightful regions of France. If you prefer to extend your holiday, we would be delighted to book accommodation for you!
Services
- 7 nights in
room with private facilities, breakfast
- luggage
transfer from hotel to hotel
- information meeting
- maps and information material per room
Dates & Prices
Extras
Discounts extra bed in double room with 2 full paying adults | |
0-3,99 years | -100% |
4-13,99 years | -25% |
14-99 years | -10% |
Bicycle & equipment | |
21-speed-bike | 80 |
E-bike | 175 |
Additional night Tours | |
Tours Cat. A (dbl/sgl) | 65/99 |
Tours Cat. B (dbl/sgl) | 46/72 |
Best - Price - Guarantee
If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!Accommodation
Bicycle
21-speed-bikes
The offered bikes are 21-speed-bikes with an aluminium frame and kitted with responsive brakes and gears. Plus: mudguards, trip computers, comfort gel saddles, flat-palmed grips, Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyres. All bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and a handlebar bag.
E-bike
By popular demand, we have now invested in a considerable number of e-bikes without back-pedalling braking system, much favoured by cyclists who love the great Outdoors, but prefer to let the bike take the strain.
With an electro bike every bike tour is a breeze! If you had few opportunities to cycle over the last weeks or if you are not sure concerning your fitness, but also with physical disabilities, every bike ride is a treat! The shiftable, low noise electric drive of our modern E-bike relieves you of some of the work and increases the pedal force up to 3 times ... So you can now book a bike tour together with cyclists who have different fitness level. Acclivity can be handled easily.
Private bicycles
You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. This is adapted especially to your needs. Do not forget to bring a repair kit with all necessary tools such as: keys, reserve tube and lock. Please check your own bicycle for operability upon arrival.
Useful
ARRIVAL - PARKING - DEPARTURE
ARRIVAL BY PLANE
Airport: Paris/Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Good plane connections, also cheap economy flights; good connections by train to Tours (about 250 km).
ARRIVAL BY CAR
Parking: At both hotels in Tours garage is available for approx. € 40-45,- a week. No reservation necessary, fee to be paid directly to the hotel.
ARRIVAL BY TRAIN
Train station: Train ride from Paris.Change trains in Paris (you will have to go by Underground to another station; therefore it is not possible to take your bike with you). Get off at "Tours-Centre" station. We recommend to take a taxi to the hotel (1,5 km). Cost is approx. € 10,-
Current train connections and prices you will find under: www.radreisen.at/france-train