Cycling Tours along the Loire★★
The "Loire à Vélo" is one of the most beautiful long-distance cycling routes in Europe — 900 kilometers of signposted bike paths from Cuffy (near Nevers) to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins on the Atlantic. The route follows the river through the UNESCO World Heritage Valley, past castles, vineyards, troglodyte villages, and medieval towns. The terrain is mostly flat to gently hilly — perfect for less athletic cyclists and families.
Recommended Stages in the Core Area
Blois → Amboise (approx. 40 km, 3–4 hours)
One of the most beautiful stages: along the Loire through small villages, past Chaumont-sur-Loire (castle with international garden festival, 15.50€). Mostly paved bike paths, separated from car traffic. Wine tasting possible in Montlouis-sur-Loire along the way.
Amboise → Chenonceau (approx. 15 km, 1.5 hours)
Short stage through the forest of Amboise to the Cher River and Château Chenonceau. Ideal as a half-day trip from Amboise. Partly on quiet country roads, partly on bike paths.
Tours → Villandry → Azay-le-Rideau (approx. 40 km, 3–4 hours)
Along the Cher and the Loire: Château Villandry with its famous Renaissance gardens (12€), then on to the picturesque Château Azay-le-Rideau (11.50€), which sits like an island in the Indre River.
Saumur → Chinon (approx. 45 km, 4 hours)
Through the vineyards of Saumurois and Chinonais. Along the way: Fontevraud-l'Abbaye (the largest monastic complex in Europe, burial site of Richard the Lionheart, 13€) and troglodyte cave dwellings in Rochemenier.
Practical Information
Bicycle Rental: Numerous providers along the route, e.g., "Détours de Loire" (trekking bike from 16€/day, e-bike from 30€/day, including breakdown assistance). Bikes can be rented at one location and returned at another (one-way fee approx. 20€). Booking at detours-de-loire.com.
Luggage Transport: Several services transport luggage from hotel to hotel (from 12€/suitcase/stage). This way, you only ride with a day backpack.
Accommodations: "Accueil Vélo"-certified hotels and Chambres d'Hôtes offer secure bike storage, tools, and breakfast from about 60€/night. Bookable via francevelotourisme.com.
Best Time: May–June and September — pleasant temperatures (18–25°C), fewer tourists than in July/August, long days.
💡 Tipp
The Loire à Vélo is extremely well organized: seamless signage, regular rest areas, drinking water fountains, and bicycle repair stations. For a week, the Blois–Saumur route (approx. 170 km, 5–6 stages) is recommended, covering all the highlights. The TER regional train carries bicycles for free — ideal for shortening stages or returning to the starting point.
