Self-guided cycling
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
9.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
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.
This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows marked and secure tracks along the 'Loire e Velo' cycling path.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
MastercardVisaAmExHairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafe
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.
Show prices including flights and onward rail?
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £378.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £378.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air-rail prices include our standard flights and onward rail
Out: British Airways Heathrow to Paris CDG then rail Paris Montparnasse to Tours and walk to the hotel 3 minutes
Return: Walk to the station 2 minutes then rail Angers St-Laud to Paris Montparnasse then British Airways Paris CDG to Heathrow
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am tomorrow) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided cycling
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
9.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
