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Cycling holidays in Loire

The Loire Valley is home to the longest river in France and boasts a stunning reputation for its world-class wines. On our cycling holidays in the Loire, you'll discover beautiful wildlife and scenery that is unparalleled.

With its gorgeous chateaux and grand castles, it's easy to see why the Loire Valley makes an unforgettable impression on visitors. You can expect cuisine made from locally grown food of the finest quality, along with restaurant experiences of the highest standards. The Loire vineyards produce a wider variety of wines than any other wine region in the world - and they're always divine.

At Headwater, our cycling tours in the Loire journey through the heart of the Loire Valley. Here, you'll find one of Europe's most congenial climates, making it the perfect destination for walking and cycling adventures.

We have cycling holiday packages in the Loire Valley that suit everyone, whether you want to take a walking break exploring the rivers or sample the gastronomic delights of the region. Our self-guided tours include all accommodation, fantastic food, and opportunities to make unforgettable memories.

The Loire Valley is easy to get to, as it's located only an hour from Paris via high-speed rail service. If you'd like to find out more information about flights and transfers for your trip, please contact one of our team.

Need some help booking your relaxed activity holiday in the Loire?

With historical and cultural highlights, world-famous wines, and majestic chateaux to experience, you won't regret booking one of our cycling holidays in the Loire.

It's time to see the Loire Valley for yourself with Headwater. If you're about to plan your next holiday and have questions about our adventure breaks to the Loire, one of our experienced team will be able to help.

What cycling holidays can I go on in Loire Valley?

Here are a few of our cycling holiday destinations in the Loire Valley, which offer the possibility of multiple exciting locations in just one trip.

AMBOISE

Experience a chateau lifestyle in the heart of the charming royal city of Amboise. The perfect romantic getaway, you can take in the antique beauty of the stunning Chateau du Clos Luce, built on the Loire River, where Leonardo da Vinci lived at end of his life. On our cycling holiday in the Royal Loire Valley, you'll ride from chateau to chateau, stroll through peaceful gardens, and stop in local cellars to taste the Loire Valley's delicious wines.

TOURS

Tours is the largest city in the Centre-Val de Loire region and home to some of France's most impressive architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known as the 'Garden of France' for its lush green spaces and picturesque 19th-century botanical garden. On a self-guided cycling tour through the UNESCO Loire River, you'll enjoy the beauty of this historical city before travelling on to the enchanting gardens of Villandry.

ANGERS

For those looking to indulge in fine food and local culture, Angers is a must-visit spot on your cycling holiday in the Loire. The unique atmosphere and rich history of this city make it the perfect destination to experience real French living. You'll follow the Loire River and enjoy the exquisite vineyards of Anjou. Once in the city, you can visit Angers' famous chateau and the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry it houses. All this, while staying at a stunning four-star hotel, selected by our team.

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Cycling In The Royal Loire Valley
France: The Loire

Cycling In The Royal Loire Valley

Experience a chateau lifestyle during a romantic stay in a 4* manor house in the heart of the charming royal city of Amboise. Ride from chateau to chateau, stroll through peaceful gardens and stop in local cellars to taste the Loire Valley's delicious wines.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeC03LX
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration3 nights, single centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £899per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • all breakfast and 1 evening meal
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Short Break
France: The Loire

Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Short Break

All the greatest chateaux of the Loire in a short break. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeC05LO
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £909per person, tour only

  • 7 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley
France: The Loire

Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley

Ride the famous 'Loire a velo' cycling path from Tours to Angers. All along the route, you stick closely to France’s last great wild river, with its sandy banks and islands, its vine-covered slopes, its typical towns and villages, its fine food and its unique atmosphere.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeC05LV
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £909per person, tour only

  • 3 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley - Deluxe
France: The Loire

Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley - Deluxe

Ride the famous 'Loire a velo' cycling path from Tours to Angers. All along the route, you stick closely to France’s last great wild river, with its sandy banks and islands, its vine-covered slopes, its typical towns and villages, its fine food and its unique atmosphere.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeC05LE
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £1139per person, tour only

  • 4 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Upgraded Short
France: The Loire

Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Upgraded Short

All the greatest chateaux of the Loire are waiting for you during this short break. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley. With a selection of 4* hotel accommodations, experience an unforgettable journey.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeC05LX
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £1179per person, tour only

  • 3 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfast
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire
France: The Loire

Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire

All the greatest chateaux of the Loire are waiting for you. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeC07LO
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £1209per person, tour only

  • 10 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Upgraded
France: The Loire

Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Upgraded

All the greatest chateaux of the Loire are waiting for you. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley. With a selection of 4* hotel accommodations, experience an unforgettable journey.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeC07LX
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £1559per person, tour only

  • 4 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfast
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Multi Activity in the Loire
France: The Loire

Multi Activity in the Loire

Experience a journey in the Valley of the Kings cycling, canoeing and walking where stunning scenery and rich history contribute to this region reputation as the most romantic destination.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
  • Holiday codeM05LO
  • Holiday typeMulti activity holiday
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From £899per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfast included
  • Bike hire included
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Frequently asked questions

Is the Loire Valley cycling flat?

The Loire Valley is mainly flat and broad, however, there are also low hills. We offer a variety of cycling tours that cross all over the Loire Valley, with biking difficulty ranging from easy to moderate.

What time of year is best for cycling in the Loire?

Our cycling holidays in the Loire Valley are available between April and October as the area experiences a lot of rain outside of these months. The summers in the Loire tend to be sunny and warm, making cycling during this time more enjoyable and practical.

Which cycle route is best in Loire?

All our cycling tours in the Loire are handpicked with the best destinations, hotels, and activities to guarantee that your adventure holiday is one to remember. The ideal cycle route for you will depend on what you're hoping to get out of your trip. If you're looking to admire the sandy banks and natural beauty of the Loire, then we recommend cycling through the UNESCO Loire Valley. For peaceful bike rides amongst the vineyards and chateaux, our deluxe cycling route of the Chateaux of the Loire may be better suited to you.

How long to cycle around Loire?

We offer cycling tours in Loire Valley that range from three to seven days. This is to ensure that you have time to experience the best that the region has to offer. For a more in-depth exploration of Loire Valley, we recommend one of our weeklong self-guided cycling holidays.

How do I book a Loire cycling holiday?

If you're ready to book one of our cycling tours in Loire, you just need to follow these simple steps:

  1. Click the 'Book now' tab of the holiday page to check the availability of your travel dates and confirm the details.
  2. Your booking will be held for five days so you can arrange your travel details. To confirm it, we just need a deposit. with your debit/credit card details or use our secure online card payment page.
  3. You'll receive your invoice in the post within seven days of confirming your booking. Approximately 10 weeks before your departure date, you'll need to provide your final payment to receive your holiday documentation.

If you have any questions about making a booking or would like to make amendments before your departure, contact our sales team. Call us, email us, or use our live chat feature.

 

What to expect on a cycling holiday in Loire?

Basking in the beauty of the Loire Valley, as you take in the cultural and historical delights, is at the forefront of our cycling holidays to the Loire. And there is no need to carry your luggage around with you, as our dedicated team will arrange to have your belongings transported to your next destination. To find the cycling tour that best suits you, we recommend browsing our four grades of routes before selecting your trip.

Our self-guided cycling holidays in Loire Valley give you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. You'll begin with a briefing to ensure you're set up with the appropriate equipment and information. Using our audio navigation app, you can receive tailored instructions for the different routes available for your journey. You'll also find a GPS function and conventional maps here.

What to pack for a cycling holiday in Loire?

Our cycling tours in Loire take place between April and October, so you can expect the weather to be warm and humid during the spring and summer months. Temperatures may cool after August so you may need additional layers to keep yourself comfortable on your holiday. Some important things to bring include:

  • Bicycle helmet
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Comfortable shoes
  • First-aid kit
  • Waterproof jacket/windbreaker (if required)
  • SPF and other sun protection

We'll supply you with Headwater bikes to use throughout your cycling holiday in the Loire Valley. You can bring pedals, cycling computers, saddles, water bottle cages, and child seats to be fitted as long as they're compatible with our bicycles.

Why choose a Loire cycling holiday with Headwater?

Choose one of our cycling holidays in the Loire Valley to engage with the scenery and cultural sights that central France has to offer. We have nearly 40 years of experience creating bike tours across the globe and our team will do everything they can to make your booking process quick and easy.

  • Highly rated holidays - We've got a 4.6 rating on Feefo from satisfied customers who've been on our activity holidays.

  • Exciting destinations - Our five-step approval process means we only offer outstanding locations and impressive hotels that will give you the activity holiday you want.

  • Hassle-free travel - We'll arrange all the travel for your Loire Valley cycling holiday, including booking your flights.

  • Sustainable adventures - The People, Places & Planet plan is moving us towards becoming Nature Net Positive and helping our tours run sustainably.

  • ABTA- and ATOL-protected - Book your Loire cycling tour with peace of mind thanks to it being ABTA- and ATOL-protected. You can learn more about your key rights when booking a holiday with us.

  • Supporting communities - We give back to communities via The Exodus Travels Foundation. We aim to make a difference in social, conservation, and disaster relief causes.

  • Award-winning holidays - Our adventure holidays have won British Travel Awards for the exciting and unique experiences we offer you.

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