Current as of: May 9, 2024 - 08:09
Cycle the Loire Valley Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: France
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 7 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MLV
Trip Overview
Discover fairytale chateaux and prestigious vineyards on a gentle riding trip through the Garden of France
From magnificent chateaux steeped in Renaissance history to world-renowned vineyards, the Loire Valley is a dream destination for a gentle cycling adventure. On this trip, we ride sections of the Loire à Vélo, a scenic cycling route tracking the Loire river past orchards, vineyards and small villages. Starting in Blois and finishing in Saumur, we take in a host of architectural treasures, including the fairytale Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and the river-spanning Château de Chenonceau, not to mention enjoying multiple wine tastings along the way.
At a Glance
- Six nights in hotels
- Five cycling days
- Gentle route
- Group normally 4 to 16. Minimum age: 16
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E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Explore Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived for the final years of his life
- Visit a wine cellar in the town of Amboise for a tasting session
- Marvel at fairytale castles including Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château du Rivau
- Sip wine in the vineyards of Vouvray and Chinon
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
The route’s terrain is generally flat with some gentle undulation, with an average daily ascent of just over 721ft (220m) and an average distance of 23mi (37km).
We ride on a mix of cycle paths (20 percent); signposted routes for cyclists, mostly asphalted (about 70 percent); and roads with little traffic (10 percent).
A support vehicle is available on all cycling days; if you would like to use an e-bike for the trip, these are available for a supplementary cost and need to be booked in advance. Please speak to your sales representative for more information.
Group
We are accompanied by a local cycling guide for the adventure.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Blois
- End City: Saumur
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Blois; welcome dinner
The adventure starts in Blois, a charming town on the banks of the Loire river. If you have time, make sure to explore the cobbled streets and beautiful gardens.
There will be a welcome briefing and a group dinner in the evening, where we meet each other for the first time.
Those arriving into Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport in time for the group transfer: please note the transfer time to Blois is around three hours. Please check with your sales representative for details of these timings.
Accommodation: Hotel le Monarque (or similar)
Start in Blois; welcome dinner
The adventure starts in Blois, a charming small town on the banks of the Loire river. If you have time, make sure to explore the cobbled streets and beautiful gardens here. There will be a welcome briefing and group dinner in the evening, where we meet each other for the first time and discuss the adventures to come.
Accommodation: Hotel le Monarque (or similar)
Cycle from Blois to Château de Chambord
We leave Blois and follow the Loire river on cycle paths to the village of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, a port town used during the construction of the Château de Chambord. We cross the expansive castle estate until reaching the chateau itself. Built under the reign of François I, it is a true masterpiece of the French Renaissance movement. After free time in Chambord, we continue cycling through the Sologne region taking quiet roads and paths before returning to Blois.
Accommodation: Hotel le Monarque (or similar)
Cycle from Blois to Amboise, wine tasting in Amboise
Today we follow the Loire à Vélo through tiny villages to the fairytale castle of Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, which dominates the Loire river and the little town, before reaching the city of Amboise and its royal chateau. Here we visit the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived for the last three years of his life. There is free time to explore the history of the great man.
Before going to the hotel, we stop for a wine tasting in a Loire cellar. The sommeliers will show you tasting techniques and let you sample five wines, including an old vintage. They will explain how to match food and wine, and present the products with a gourmet selection from an aperitif plate to accompany the tasting.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Blason (or similar)
Cycle from Amboise to Vouvray; wine tasting in Vouvray; transfer to Chinon
Today we follow the river once more, before cycling up the banks to reach the Vouvray vineyards, which are lined with troglodyte houses. These beautiful cave-like homes carved into limestone have been used for hundreds of years as dwellings by the locals. We can also admire private Renaissance castles, such as the Château de Valmer. After lunch, Maison Brédif welcomes you to the majestic site of its 10th-century troglodyte cellars for an exclusive visit. After discovering this heritage, you are welcomed in the Pavillon Fines Bulles, a warm and welcoming house for a tasting of five wines.
We then transfer by minibus to Chinon; on the way, we see Château de Chenonceau, which majestically spans the river Cher. Here there is free time to explore this stunning property and beautiful gardens.
Accommodation: Hôtel de France (or similar)
Excursion to Château du Rivau and Chinon vineyards
Today’s cycling takes us to the little church of Notre Dame, hidden in the village of Rivière, where we see magnificent 11th-century murals. We continue to Château du Rivau, which looks like it’s been plucked from the stories and legends of the Middle Ages, before riding through the most prestigious Chinon vineyard of Cravant les Côteaux.
Once back in Chinon, we enjoy a cellar visit for another wine tasting, accompanied by regional specialities, such as rillon (succulent pork pieces), rillette (a local dish similar to confit) and goat cheese.
From the first wine to the finest cuvées, the grapes are harvested with the greatest care by hand. With no chemical yeast, no chaptalisation and no other additions, the grapes are slowly transformed into wine that reflects the land in which they come from. In this unusual place, where wine breathes, you can taste all the estate’s vintages.
Accommodation: Hôtel de France (or similar)
Cycle from Chinon to Saumur
We follow the Loire à Vélo to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin (where you can visit the magnificent 12th and 13th-century collegiate church) and the beautiful village of Montsoreau. We continue past troglodytic sites and vineyards before arriving in the historic town of Saumur.
Accommodation: Hôtel Anne d’Anjou (or similar)
End in Saumur
Our cycling adventure across the Loire Valley ends after breakfast. We catch our transfer to the airport for our flight home. However, if you’d like to spend more time exploring this beautiful part of France, speak to your sales consultant about extending your stay.
End in Saumur
Our cycling adventure across the Loire Valley ends after breakfast. However, if you’d like to spend more time exploring this beautiful part of France, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Accommodation
Well-located hotels
Each hotel has a unique character and is ideally situated to provide a memorable experience. The accommodations we usually use are listed below.
Blois: Hotel le Monarque (nights 1-2)
Just over a five-minute stroll from the royal Château de Blois and not much further from the Loire River, Le Monarque is well placed for exploring. The cycle-friendly hotel also has 29 rooms plus a restaurant serving traditional cuisine from the Loire region.
Amboise: Hotel Le Blason (night 3)
Set within a half-timbered house from the 15th and 17th centuries, Le Blason has plenty of character. The building itself started life as a boarding school, before becoming home to a blacksmith until the Second World War. Now it delivers 28 boutique-style rooms in downtown Amboise.
Chinon: Hôtel de France (nights 4-5)
The birthplace of French satirist writer Francois Rabelais, Hôtel de France is a superbly restored 16th-century residence in the centre of Chinon. The 28-room hotel is ideally placed for exploring, located in the shopping area and within walking distance of the three castles that form the Royal Fortress of Chinon.
Saumur: Hôtel Anne d’Anjou (night 6)
Stay in a listed historic monument built in 1774 by the Levesque-Desvarannes family with a night at the Anne d’Anjou. This four-star, 41-room hotel is set at the foot of the Chateau of Saumur while also overlooking the Loire River. It also has a wellness centre with a jacuzzi, sauna and a heated outdoor pool. Alternatively, grab a wine from the bar and raise a glass to your adventure.
Single supplement from £ 470
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners are included.
For breakfast, the hotels offer a wide choice of cereals, fruit, cheeses and cold meats and a selection of drinks (tea, coffee, milk and fruit juice).
Four picnic lunches are included, prepared by the guide or assistant guide. Picnics are an important part of a day’s cycling, and we’ve selected a few products from the Loire Valley for you to try during your stay: rillons from Touraine, rillettes from Tours and goat cheeses (Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, Selles-sur-Cher, Valençay) accompanied in moderation by Loire wines. We are committed to offering quality regional products on this trip, chosen whenever possible from local producers and including a proportion of organic food. We also aim to reduce packaging (particularly plastic) and recycle what remains.
The two dinners are taken in a restaurant with a set menu comprising a starter, main course and dessert. The restaurants were selected to help you explore French gastronomy, including local specialities.
Vegetarians can be fairly easily accommodated in this area of France; however, vegans may find the variety of dishes available is rather limited.
Transport
All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional excursions. Airport transfers and transfers during the week will be by private, air-conditioned minibus. There will be vehicle assistance available during the cycling in case of bike issues and luggage will be transferred between hotels.
Weather & Seasonality
The Loire Valley climate remains favourable most of the year. The river acts as a line defining the weather and has a significant effect on the regional climate, increasing the temperature. The valley gets rain throughout the year.
In the west of the region, the climate is affected by the Atlantic Ocean, bringing milder and wetter conditions. The east has a more continental climate – dryer and hotter in summer, colder in winter.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Loire Valley, the orchards burst into colour as soon as the weather warms and gets sunnier.
Summers in the Loire Valley tend to be warm and sunny. The high temperature usually averages around 23C (73F) in the afternoon, while the average minimum temperature at night drops to a still-pleasant 12C (54F). Summers can be hot. However, thanks to winds from the Atlantic Ocean, hot temperatures are tempered by moderate, cool breezes.
The Loire Valley enjoys mild autumns. This time of year is a favourite among food and wine lovers, as this is the time of hunting, ripening of the grapes and figs, and the grape harvest, while the leaves brighten the scenery with their warm autumn colours.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Le Monarque Nemours Rennes, 61 Rue Prte Chartraine, 41000 Blois
Phone: +33 2 54 78 02 35
Recommended arrival time: 6pm. There is a welcome briefing and dinner in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a three-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
If you are coming from the UK, you may prefer to take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, then meet the group transfer at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Tours (TUF) independently with Ryanair as we are unable to book these flights. From Tours airport, a 10-minute taxi to the train station will enable you to catch the train to Blois (35 minutes). Please note, these flights to Tours only operate on a Monday, Friday and Sunday from Stansted.
An alternative is the option of taking the train from Paris d’Austerlitz station directly to Blois, taking roughly 1hr 45min.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Blois
Location end: Saumur
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Small backpack (for water bottle, camera etc)
- Refillable water bottle
- Cycling clothing such as a wind- and waterproof lightweight jacket and padded shorts
- Sunglasses
Optional Equipment
- Swimwear
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £100/US$150/190 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
Visa
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Vaccinations and Health
France
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
We recommend you bring some spending money in cash (for use in smaller shops) but a credit or debit card will be useful for larger payments.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader and driver at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution starting from €20 per person. It is customary to leave a small tip when eating/drinking in cafés and restaurants.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Read more about our other initiatives here
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- For the picnics on the trip we work with local restaurants to provide meals in washable containers with local produced organic food.
- Hotel Anne d’Anjou is Clef Verte certified for their sustainability efforts.
- Hotel Le Blason use LED and motion detecting lighting. The exterior lights are switched off between 1030pm and 7am. Heating and air conditioning systems are fitted with energy saving air pumps. Plus eco-responsible products are used in the hotel and no more single use welcome packs are used.
- Monarque Hotel use LED and motion detecting lighting and operate a high degree of recycling at the property.
- Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.