Tours to Angers
6 days − Self Guided
Quality Hotels & Country Retreats
From
€ 985
The exhilarating colours and the beauty of the gardens of the Château de Villandry will plunge you into the heart of the 16th century. Following the direction of the current of the Indre you will arrive in Chinon with its incredible 12th century fortress. From Saumur Castle, you will cycle through the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park. This area has six PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin), offering wine tastings in the coolness of troglodyte cellars.
Continue onwards on cycle paths alongside the Loire and visit the country that inspired the writers Ronsard, Rabelais and Balzac. And maybe you too will find new inspiration. It is a beautiful world of castles, vineyards, idyllic scenery and of course amazing French cuisine. Enjoy the pedal!
Dates
1 May 2020 to 31 Oct 2020
1 May 2021 to 31 Oct 2021
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Encounter enchanting quaint villages in dramatic castle settings
- Visit two of France’s most beloved Chateaux, Azay le Rideau and Chinon
- The Loire River is a bird lovers’ paradise with visions of egrets, herons and songbirds
- Tread in the footsteps of Kings and Queens and visit Leonardo da Vinci’s home
- Tempt your taste buds with the French fare of fresh produce straight from the gardens and orchards
CC Advantage
A picture perfect route that takes in the best of this region
Enjoy your CC Loire Valley history book in your package
An easy going cycle allowing time to enjoy the best of the Loire
Thanks for making this bike trip the perfect blend of riding and sightseeing. Now I know why people talk so highly of the Loire Valley. Thanks again Maggi.
Route Map
itinerary
Day 1. Tours
Arrive in Tours and check into your central hotel. Set up and orientation meeting with our guide today. Take the afternoon to visit the cathedral before enjoying a drink in a ‘guinguette’, a bar on the bank of the river with a lively atmosphere.
Day 2. Tours to Azay Le Rideau
35 km (100m ascent)
Depart Tours and pedal along the Cher riverbanks as you head west. Stop to discover the exhilaration of colours and beauty of the gardens of the famous Château de Villandry – a magical place. You are now in the heart of sixteenth century France. Leave the Loire riverbanks and head south, cycling through vineyards and forest. Reach the incredible castle of Azay-le-Rideau, set on an island in the middle of the Indre river. For many, this is the greatest example of early French renaissance architecture. Relax in the local town of Azay, a peaceful place to contemplate your day’s adventure.
See more
Day 3. Azay Le Rideau to Chinon
36 km (110m ascent)
After breakfast, ride from Azay along the Indre, until reaching the Loire river. Full of surprises, this day arouses your curiosity. Pass picturesque manors, old watermills, farms and small villages. Uncover the secrets of the Loire Valley before reaching the Royal fortress town of Chinon for tonight’s stay. Chinon, a world UNESCO heritage site, is well known for its castle and wine.
Day 4. Chinon to Saumur
35 km (200m ascent)
The Vienne river, running through the village of Chinon, guides you to picture perfect Candes-St-Martin. Labelled one of the most beautiful villages in France, Candes-Saint-Martin and nearby Montsoreau are both dazzling. Visit the castle of Montsoreau and the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud before reaching Saumur beside the Loire riverbanks. A discovery of the city is a must! Its castle and streets are full of history, intertwined by their intimate relationship with the Loire.
Day 5. Saumur to Angers
54 km (150m ascent)
This last day of cycling is a little longer, but the rewards will be worth it. Leaving behind Saumur, ride through the beautiful Nature Park of Loire-Anjou-Touraine. The Loire, a sometimes fierce and wild river, grows wider with every kilometre. Cycle through ancient villages and typical old hamlets to the Trélazé slate quarries, another local resource. As you enter the heart of the city, experience the old quarter of Angers with its castle, Artisans (Adams) house, and its incredible cathedral with luminous stained glass windows. Enjoy a relaxing final night in this interesting and beautiful town.
Day 6. Angers
After breakfast in your hotel in Angers, there is the opportunity for one last stroll in the city’s streets and the castle halls. (Enjoy an optional bike ride to discover the Angevin country: explore the lakes and nearby countryside and villages, still showing the scars of WWII.) Say au revoir as it is time to depart with fond memories of kings and castles of the Loire Valley.
Trip details
Tour Style
Leisure Tour – Self Guided
Bikes – Hybrid or Trekking
Group Size – 2+
Route – Tours, Azay Le Rideau, Chinon, Saumur, Angers
Riding Level
Easy – distances are a daily average of 35km. The terrain is mainly flat with a couple of small hills. Good surfaced roads on quiet country routes (busier near the bigger cities and town of Blois). Suitable for hybrid-touring bikes.
Accommodation
5 Nights
Historic and comfortable 3 star hotels
Food
All 5 breakfasts
Extras Included
- Luggage delivered to your next hotel
- Welcome meeting and introduction to the route and area
- Emergency support and contact details
- Pre-tour pack
- Tour guide book / maps / route notes
Staff
1 representative will meet and greet in Tours and give an introduction to the area and route.
Extras Not Included
- Lunch and dinners
- Visits to monuments
- Bike Rental
- High Season Supplement in July and August, 35 Eur extra pp (Single supplement 325 Eur)
- Jersey: Receive a Cycling Country custom designed Loire Valley Cycling Jersey, delivered to your home before departure: 59 Eur per jersey inc p&p
- Optional extra nights
Lodgings
If you have been trying the famous Loire Valley wine then you will appreciate a good bed at the end of the day! The hotels will not disappoint. They are all set in convenient places and close to sights. Good quality 3 star lodgings will be a welcome place to come to after each day’s cycle. Lay your head and dream again of all the things you have seen that day.
The building that now houses the Hôtel Diderot goes back to the 15th century, and its history is intwined with that of the neighbouring Saint-Mexme collegiate church.Before being a hotel, a family of public servants, the Baillons, lived in the main building, and the right wing hosted the archives of the city of Chinon.
Reviews
We had a great time! Everything was very well organised and the hotels were just what we were looking for. The routes were all great. We loved the whole region, to be honest with you! So thanks very much!
Jane Shoulmer – Worcester, England, June 2019
Well, the fantastic scenery around the Loire river was so impressive. The hotels were comfortable to relax in and get the peace we needed. We will be back for sure! Thanks Cycling Country!
Will Rooks – USA, April 2018
Testimonials from previous cyclists are always available and we enjoy receiving the feedback after tours. It helps us improve our services and offer you an even better experience. Please feel free to contact us if you would like a reference to talk to. Others have also posted reviews on the independent travel website 
.
DATES & RATES
ROUTE OF THE KINGS, LOIRE VALLEY FRANCE
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
€ 985
SINGLE SUPP. FROM € 235
Choose your date: Any date between 1 April and 31 October given availability
Extend your trip in France along the Loire!
Start this tour in Blois and cycle to Tours first on our sister Castles of the Loire Valley self guided bike tour.
Make it a classic Loire Valley bike tour! Contact us for discounts.
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