Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley

Cycling information

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

Day 1: Arrival in Tours

Enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the 'Place Plumereau', a beautiful square with half-timbered houses.
You stay at Artist Hotel*** (Breakfast included)

Day 2: Tours to Azay le Rideau (41km/25.5mi)

Cycle to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces.

Perhaps the Loire Valley's most famous gardens, those at Villandry are enchanting. The symmetry of the beds, trimmed with absolute precision, and the harmony of the floral arrangements... from one terrace to the next, these green expanses are a symbol of perfect beauty. In one spot a labyrinth to get lost in, in another a kitchen garden checkered like an embroidery. The water gardens catch the sunlight and prompt dreams of long summer evenings, while the 'Jardin des Simples' captures the important properties of aromatic and medicinal plants.

Then continue to Sache, where you can visit the house of the famous novelist Honore de Balzac. Arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau. Standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, is one of the finest.
You stay at Hotel Biencourt*** (Breakfast included)

Day 3: Azay le Rideau to Chinon (35km/21.7mi)

Discover other marvels, such as the 'Sleeping Beauty' chateau in Usse which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairy tale story. Once upon a time, a chateau surrounded by pretty woodland, and Prince Charming (who else) arriving on his white steed.

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*** (Breakfast included)

Day 4: Chinon to Saumur (36km/22.4mi or 48km/29.8mi)

Follow the 'Loire a Velo' routes which will lead you to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin. You have a superb view of the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne rivers. Several viewpoints are worth the detour.

Continue to the beautiful village of Montsoreau along troglodyte sites and vineyards before reaching lovely town of Saumur. You have the opportunity to reach Fontevraud abbey, Europe's largest remaining monastic complex which is also the Necropolis of the Plantagenet kings!
You stay at Hotel Le Londres*** (Breakfast included)

Day 5: Saumur to Angers (57km/35.4mi)

First follow the Loire River before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau which shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
You stay at Hotel de France**** (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Leave Angers