France : The Loire

Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley - Deluxe

Trip code: C05LE 4.3 (3 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

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.
  • Deluxe accommodation with a selection of 4 star hotels
  • Based on our popular 5 night, Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • 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 the last wild European river: 'La Loire'. This path, made up of 800km of marked and secured tracks, is a unique route perfect for bike lovers to enjoy while exploring the scenic Loire Valley.

From Tours to Angers 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. Embark for a poetic and botanical stroll in extraordinary Renaissance gardens in Azay le Rideau and Villandry.

Between Loire and Vienne rivers where traditional boats are sailing, you will cycle through Chinon and Saumur 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. On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.

A relax journey to enjoy the 'French art de vivre' along the 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.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

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 Hotel Univers.

hotel details

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Hotel l'Univers, Tours

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


Right in the center of Tours, close to the train station and the tram, our 4-star hotel with its real “Grand Hotel” feel welcomes you to a truly mythical establishment facing the town hall. The Tours L’Univers hotel and restaurant is one of the city’s historic hotels. Since its opening in 1846, the hotel has hosted many famous guests whose portraits you can contemplate in the impressive gallery overlooking the vast lobby, a genuine trip down memory lane... Discover all the authenticity of this unique hotel, from the spa and well-being area to the rooms, where the unique decoration blending tradition and modernity invites you to step into another world.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

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 Le Grand Monarque.

hotel details

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Hotel Le Grand Monarque, Azay le Rideau

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Hôtel Grand Monarque is an 18th-century post house, located at the heart of the Loire Valley in Azay-le-Rideau, 150 m from its famous castle. It features a lounge bar.

The hotel with stone walls and exposed beams is set within a large tree-lined courtyard. The spacious guest rooms are uniquely decorated with antique furnishings and each have a private bathroom.

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 de France.

hotel details

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Hotel de France, Chinon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The beautifully restored 16th-century residence is set in the land of famous writer Rabelais in the heart of the medieval quarter of the old town of Chinon and in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural Regional Park.

Decorated harmoniously, the spacious and air-conditioned rooms and suites at the Best Western Hotel De France each have their own unique character. They are all equipped with modern en suite facilities and fitted with lovely furniture. Free Wi-Fi internet access is also available.

This romantic hotel combines comfort and warmth with tradition, all just steps away from the cobbled streets of a city with a tremendous historical and cultural heritage.

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 Anne d'Anjou.

hotel details

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Hotel Anne d'Anjou, Saumur

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This hotel dated from 17th century offers to the visitors a unique experience. The façade, listed as a “Historical Monument”, its sumptuous staircase surmounted with a“Trompe l’Oeil” ceiling, drawings of Percier & Fontaine, architects of the emperor Napoleon 1st … so many testimonies of the passed which you will contemplate with emotion.

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 21 Foch.

hotel details



Hotel 21 Foch, Angers

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


This 19th century town house hosts 12 finely and elegantly decorated rooms in a setting where the heritage is magnified. You will enjoy a friendly and hospitable welcome. The establishment is located in a delightful region: Anjou, at the heart of the Loire Valley where you will discover the many surprises the cultural and gastronomical heritage holds: the châteaux, the vineyards, the River Loire, nature...

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: Leave Angers

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend: Hotel de France, Angers; Hotel 21 Foch, Angers.

hotel details



Hotel de France, Angers

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


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.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.



Hotel 21 Foch, Angers

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


This 19th century town house hosts 12 finely and elegantly decorated rooms in a setting where the heritage is magnified. You will enjoy a friendly and hospitable welcome. The establishment is located in a delightful region: Anjou, at the heart of the Loire Valley where you will discover the many surprises the cultural and gastronomical heritage holds: the châteaux, the vineyards, the River Loire, nature...

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$832.

These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$832.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Alternative flights, including regional departures
  • Electric bikes
TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

We enjoyed our holiday very much. As indicated we were generally pleased with the accommodation. We didn’t meet a rep before the start of our cycle, not sure if we missed them. We were surprised on the first morning g however when we were called for our luggage at 9am. We were told the driver had a schedule to follow. We realised then that we were part of a much larger group, not actually Headwater but a Loire cycling group so we felt some of the individual attention was lost on this holiday. (They will not have received this e mail?)

The app was generally good but needs updated as some of the eating places/boulangeries etc were actually closed permanently.

Our group consisted of 2 couples and despite asking several times to contact each couple individually we always received only one e mail with information, invoiced etc., which I then had to forward. This was irritating, especially as our friends have also travelled with Headwater previously and are on your database.

Jill Acheson, 24 Sep 2023

 

Fantastic vacation. The hotels were all fantastic and the bikes were very good. One bike had troubles but with phone call to local contact we got it fixed. Thank you.

Inga Lara Gylfadottir, 18 Sep 2023

 

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Booking through Headwater was easy, though in retrospect we could have booked the same holiday ourselves much cheaper. Our contact, Joanne, was very helpful in sorting out our late booking.

Mr Mcgill, 19 May 2022

 


Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

5 nights from NZ$3455

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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