Loire Valley by Bike: Orléans to Saumur Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Known as the grand gateway to the heart of the Loire Valley and a former capital in the Middle Ages, Orléans is a modern town with a lively atmosphere and it’s here that your cycling tour begins.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orléans
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Cycle Historic Towns to Blois

Your cycling tour begins with a mesmerizing route that has you bound for the countryside towards an area known for the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire. Tracing the high banks of the river, you’ll enjoy magical views of rolling hills and the Loire as your steadfast companion for the ride. Your route will have you pedalling through the historic towns of Meung-Sur-Loire and Beaugency, both well worth hopping off your bike to explore briefly.

Then, a relaxed flat track takes you to Blois as you enter the whimsical world of the ‘Pays des Châteaux’ (Land of Castles).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Blois
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Trace the Loire’s South Bank to Amboise

Departing Blois this morning you’ll trace the Loire’s south bank, pedalling gently rolling hills and vineyards to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Returning to the Loire tracing the Beuvron River, you’ll enter the historical region of Touraine. Take in the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire and its impressive gardens, or perhaps take a well-earned break with a visit to a local winegrower, enjoying a tasting of a superb local Sauvignon Blanc.

Continuing the route, you’ll lay eyes on the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where the famous Leonardo da Vinci once stayed.

Concluding a mesmerizing day on the bike, you’ll embark on some short climbs to your accommodations in Amboise, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Amboise
Distance: 43km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Explore the Montlouis Wine Region

An exceptional day awaits you as you ride towards the home of the famous Montlouis wines, produced in Montlouis-sur-Loire. The unique, high-quality grapes grown here result from an ideal microclimate, highly influenced by the Loire and Cher rivers’ uniting. Spend some time exploring the vineyards and treat yourself to a tasting (or two!) before setting back out on the road for Tours, the capital of the idyllic area known as the “Garden of France.”

Tracing the Cher’s southern bank, you’ll happen upon the Château de Villandry and its spectacular formal gardens. Villandry is the place you’ll call home for the evening. Settle into your accommodations and enjoy the romantic charm of this town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villandry
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Cycle the Bec do Cher and Anjou to Saumur

Depart Villandry this morning via the Bec do Cher, again tracing the Loire as you ride to the Château of Ussé. Spot the Indre flowing out into the Loire and soak in the beautiful views of the river’s small islands wholly covered in water birds.

Continue the route to Candes-St-Martin. Not long after, you’ll find yourself navigating the paths of the striking Anjou-Touraine natural reserve. Pedalling alongside sprawling vineyards, you’ll ride to the beautiful Château de Saumur where your cycling route ends.

Enjoy a wonderful dinner in Saumur tonight celebrating the completion of a section of the Loire a Vélo, raising a toast to a magical week spent in the Loire Valley!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saumur
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Departure

Breakfast marks the end of this splendid trip in the Loire Valley. If you’ve booked some extra nights in Saumur, or your departure time permits, spend some time exploring the town’s castle and its prestigious riding academy, Cadre Noir.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast