Loire Valley cycling tours
4 tours see all tours
In brief
Welcome to the Loire à Vélo!
The Loire à Vélo is the cycle route that links Nevers to the Atlantic Ocean and attracts almost a million cyclists annually. Its 900 km are part of the Eurovelo 6, the cycle route that crosses Europe from east to west.
The valley is beautiful, so it is not surprising that it was chosen as the residence of the kings of France. Amongst castles, forests and vineyards, easy cycle paths alternate with river towpaths and quiet roads, making for a varied and stimulating ride. There are many places to visit, always well signposted and equipped with all the facilities for cyclists, from refreshment stands to children’s playgrounds.
To know
Itineraries through history, nature, and flavors
A wonderful food and wine experience is paired with unmissable cultural visits. The castles are all within biking distance, as are the nearby towns, treasure troves of art and culture. As the miles go by, the landscape changes: toward the end of the route, beaches and cliffs take the place of architecture and vineyards, while the river opens into its estuary, plunging into the Atlantic. You can toast at the end of each ride with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc or Cabernet Franc!
Organized bike tours in the Loire Valley
The route between the chateaux of the Loire is suitable for everyone, and it’s even easier if you let us handle the organisation and logistics of your vacation. We book comfortable hotels and guesthouses, transport your luggage, and provide you with rental bikes, an App with maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks, and a seven-day-a-week support service. Find out more about our easy cycling holidays.
Tours
Between Orléans and Saumur (3 tours)
This is the royal route, that of the most famous castles and gardens: Chenonceau, Chambord, Cheverny, Villandry. Pedaling along the Loire, we pass through many beautiful towns, through which great figures in history have passed: from Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, to the great Leonardo Da Vinci, who chose Amboise as his final resting place. Not to be missed are Tours, the former capital of the kingdom of France, and the charming city of Blois.
Themes
For families (1 tour)
The Loire Valley is undoubtedly a bicycle- and family-friendly area! The routes are short and flat, on bicycle paths or low-traffic roads. We offer you facilities with family rooms, discounts for children and teens, and the possibility of renting bikes or special attachments for children of all ages. Add to that castles, princesses, falconers, playgrounds along the way, plus the possibility of extending your vacation in Paris or at its famous amusement park! Read more about biking holidays with children.
for families
FAQ
When is the best time to take the Loire à Vélo route?
From April to September, this route is at its most stunning. Kilometre after kilometre, it welcomes cyclists with a mild climate, even during summer, along with the delightful scents of flowers and wheat fields.
How many castles are there in the Loire Valley?
More than 300 can be counted, although some are private or put to other uses.
Which are the most beautiful castles to visit?
The Château de Chenonceau is certainly one of them. It is also known as the ‘Château des 3 Dames’ in tribute to its owners: Catherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Another not to be missed is the Château d’Amboise, which contains the remains of Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, see both the largest, the fairy-tale Chambord Castle, and the smallest, the graceful Troussay Castle.
Is the trail suitable for beginners and families with children?
Yes, absolutely! We propose a 7-day itinerary with daily stops that are easy for young children to manage. It’s a magical journey through gardens, castles and labyrinths that will captivate even the most reluctant of children!
How do you get to the Loire Valley?
If you’re arriving by plane, the most convenient airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY) and Paris Beauvais (BVA). If you’re travelling by train, Gare d’Orléans is the main station for departures from Orléans, while Blois-Chambord is the main station for departures from Blois.
How many days does it take to visit the Loire Valley's castles?
Six or seven days is ideal for seeing the main castles and taking in the wonders of this corner of France at a relaxed pace.
Are there any discounts or cumulative passes available for visiting multiple castles?
Yes, there are cumulative passes that allow you to save money on entrance fees. However, if you choose this tour, castle admissions are included!
Bikes
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Pino hase bike
- 20/26” wheel
- 27 gears
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Pino hase bike
- 20/26” wheel
- 27 gears
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Two-person tandem: driver sits in back, passenger in front (and may not ride).
Thanks to the reclined front seating position, the passenger is more relaxed during cycling and communicates easily with the driver. Both riders enjoy panoramic views.
Recommended for body height: driver min 155 and max 195 cm; passenger min 130 and max 195 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- water bottle
- front map holder
- lock
- repair kit
Adult tandem
- 26” wheel
- 8 or 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Adult tandem
- 26” wheel
- 8 or 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Tandem for two adults: the driver sits in the front and both of them pedal.
Recommended for body height: min 155 and max 200 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- front bag (7 l)
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Tandem to carry an adult and a 6-8 year-old child. The adult sitting in the back rides, while the child sits in the front and may not pedal.
Recommended for body height: adult min 155 cm and max 200 cm; child min 120 cm and max 135 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory to be attached above the rear rack of the adult bike. The backrest reclines, which is useful when the child falls asleep. Approved for a child 1-5 years old, maximum weight 22 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Appendix to be attached to the back of the adult bike. Complete with belts to secure the child, windproof semi-waterproof fabric cover, clear pvc window. Recommended for carrying a child 11 months-4 years old, max 35 kg. Upon request, the "hammock" seat can be included to carry a baby younger than 11 months old. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- age: 6-8 years old
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- weight: max 30kg
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- age: 6-8 years old
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- weight: max 30kg
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory consisting of a hook (to attach to the back of the adult bike) and a 20" child bike. If the child wants to ride independently, the hook detaches from the toddler bike and folds onto the adult bike. Recommended for carrying children 6-8 years old, min height 120 and max 135 cm, max weight 30 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes for hire.
Assistance
Luggage transportation
Traveling light makes all the difference! All travel itineraries come with our signature luggage transport service: simply leave your bags at the front desk each morning and we’ll drop them off at your next lodging.
Tour information
We’ll send you all the tour information before you set off on your adventure. It contains practical information, instructions on how to reach the starting point, a list of hotels, and answers to frequently asked questions. For our self-guided tours, we’ll also hand over detailed maps and roadbooks, in either physical or digital format, so you can follow the route on your own.
No need to worry about figuring out which turn to take if you opted for one of our group trips; in this case, your chaperone will gladly tell you where to go next!
Need help?
We plan your trip carefully to prevent any mishaps, but in case you need assistance, we’re available for support 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Discover more
Girolibero Cycling holidays
Holidays on cycle paths and the best cycle tourism routes in Italy and Europe, featuring accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport services, informational materials, bike rentals, and dedicated assistance
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The land of excellent bike paths
In recent years, France has perfected an excellent network of bicycle paths, voie vertes and cycleways. Bicycle tourism is a valuable resource here, with dedicated two-wheel routes and hotels and accommodations ready to welcome bicycle tourists.
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