France : The Loire

Tour de France - Loire

Trip code: C05FL

Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

Navigation App

This trip forms part of our 20 night, Tour de France trip. Click here for further details.

SUMMARY

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Loire Valley and follow the famous 'Loire a Velo' cycling path.
  • Discover chateaux and vineyards in abundance.
  • Named Garden of France, explore the regions excellent gardens including the famous ornamental gardens of Villandry.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • all breakfasts included
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Follow the famous 'Loire a Velo' cycling path and admire in all its glory 'La Loire'. This path, made up of marked and secured tracks, is a unique route perfect for bike lovers to enjoy while exploring the scenic Loire Valley.

From Blois to Nantes you will discover the delightful chateaux and Renaissance gardens. Named 'Garden of France' this region amaze visitors with fragrant rose bushes, vegetables or aromatic plants.

You will cycle through vineyards and cross medieval-looking villages. Red, white, rose... The wines of the Loire Valley have a palette of colours which each of the variety have their own characteristics.

Experience a peaceful and wild landscapes through historical places and famous cellars for tasting.

Terrain

This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows marked and secure tracks along the 'Loire e Velo' cycling path.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Blois

Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.

You stay at Hotel Novotel.

hotel details

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Hotel Novotel, Blois

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


Located 5-minutes from the historic town centre of Blois, the Hotel Novotel is in the heart of the administrative zone. Opposite the Halle aux Grains, and is only 15 minutes by foot from the Château de Blois and Maison de la Magie, making it a perfect base for sightseeing. Completely renovated in 2018, each room at the Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire is modern and comfortable.

Day 2: Blois - Amboise - Tours (70km/43.5mi)

On your way, will appear the chateaux of Chaumont and Amboise majestically overlooking the river. Then, the vineyards of Montlouis will surround you before arriving in the heart of Tours to discover the medieval town area with half-timbered houses.

You stay at Hotel du Cygne.

hotel details

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Hotel du Cygne, Tours

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


Hôtel du Cygne ★★★ is located in the heart of an elegant 18th century residence. It is in the centre of the historic centre of the Vieux Tours, between Rue Colbert (where the best restaurants are located), near the Cathedral, the Fine Arts Museum, the castle and the banks of the Loire with its taverns ! At the Hôtel du Cygne ★★★, you will be welcomed in a chic and relaxed atmosphere, a bit bohemian. Around a luminous patio, our armchairs are at your disposal for a coffee break or a refreshment.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Tours - Azay le Rideau - Chinon (76km/47.2mi)

Cycle to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces. In Azay le Rideau admire one of the finest Renaissance chateau standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River.

Continue to the mediaeval town of Chinon dominated by its castle and famous for its red wine. To combine pleasure for the eyes and the palate, take a break in the vineyards or in a cellar for a tasting.

You stay at Hotel Diderot.

hotel details

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Hotel Diderot, Chinon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
WiFi
TV
Safe


This hotel from the 17th Century offers a calm elegance in the charming city of Chinon. The Hôtel Diderot, with its courtyard garden and white limestone walls, is a 12-minute walk from Chinon Royal Fortress. Guest rooms are all individually decorated and have private en suite bathrooms with a bath or shower and a toilet. A French breakfast is served next to the 15th-century fireplace in the breakfast room, or it is served on the terrace during the summer.

Day 4: Chinon - Saumur - Angers (93km/57.8mi)

The trail will lead you to the beautiful village of Montsoreau along troglodyte sites and vineyards before reaching lovely town of Saumur. Further, on the peaceful path you will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau which shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.

You stay at Hotel de France.

hotel details

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Hotel de France, Angers

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Hôtel De France is located opposite Angers-St Laud TGV Train Station, close to the city centre and the medieval Château d'Angers. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with modern facilities. You can enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the Hôtel De France in the dining area or have breakfast served in your room from 07:00 to 11:00. The friendly and attentive staff at the Hôtel De France will be happy to help you plan your stay in Angers 24-hours a day.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 5: Angers - Nantes (105km/65.2mi)

Enjoy a relaxing ride through quaint villages and enjoy bird watching during your ride along the river banks and later explore the lively city of Nantes with a large choice of cafes and restaurants.

You stay at Hotel de France Oceania.

hotel details

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Hotel de France Oceania, Nantes

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This fully renovated 18th-century former mansion offers a delightful blend of classic charm and quirky decor. Ideally located in the heart of the city, it’s just a stone’s throw from the splendid Passage Pommeraye. The 4-star Oceania Hotel de France Nantes has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its historical heritage, while incorporating stylish contemporary touches. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s authentic character, enhanced by vibrant colours, contrasting materials, and striking staircase lighting that bring the building’s rich history to life.

Day 6: Departure

Train connection to La Rochelle if you want to continue to the Atlantic Coast (2 hours journey). See the Tour de France - Atlantic Coast for further details.

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel de France Oceania, Nantes; Hotel Novotel, Blois.

hotel details

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Hotel de France Oceania, Nantes

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This fully renovated 18th-century former mansion offers a delightful blend of classic charm and quirky decor. Ideally located in the heart of the city, it’s just a stone’s throw from the splendid Passage Pommeraye. The 4-star Oceania Hotel de France Nantes has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its historical heritage, while incorporating stylish contemporary touches. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s authentic character, enhanced by vibrant colours, contrasting materials, and striking staircase lighting that bring the building’s rich history to life.



Hotel Novotel, Blois

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


Located 5-minutes from the historic town centre of Blois, the Hotel Novotel is in the heart of the administrative zone. Opposite the Halle aux Grains, and is only 15 minutes by foot from the Château de Blois and Maison de la Magie, making it a perfect base for sightseeing. Completely renovated in 2018, each room at the Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire is modern and comfortable.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £319.

TRAVEL DETAILS

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

REVIEWS

First class service with all requests managed perfectly.
Staff were very friendly and helpful and responded to communications expertly.

William Fox, 29 Nov 2024

Advice was very helpful and relevant, including flights and hotels in addition to the choice of destination

8 Nov 2024

Good service on our 4th Headwater booking.
However booking an extra night in our first hotel was going to be a lot more expensive than if we booked independently on the hotel website. One wonders whether the hotels raise their charges for companies like Headwater with the extra cost borne by the traveller.

5 Aug 2024

A consistently prompt and personalised level of service, nothing is ever too much trouble. Great communication, easy to contact, and regular updates. Feels reliable and trusted at every stage of the process. And all done with a smile. Thank you Andrew!

3 Jul 2024


Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

Navigation App

5 nights from £1179

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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