Information : The Loire valley from Amboise to Saumur 4*
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The Loire is among the last remaining great untamed rivers of Europe. And yet nowhere else will you find such a concentration of palaces, chateaux and manors in such a superb natural setting. As the river flows, you roll through the heart of this exceptional territory classed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This top-of-the-range stay is a true voyage of discovery.
You'll love
the châteaux you visit at each stage (Chaumont, Amboise, Saumur, Chinon...)
the signposted itinerary adapted to the needs of leisure cyclists
comfortable 3 and 4 star accommodation
the sumptuous environment classed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Gourmet meal and night in XVIII century 4 star hotel with heated outdoor pool.
D2
Ride along the river Loire via Chaumont sur Loire to Onzain
24km stage with total uphill 160metres. Approx 2hrs cycling. Level 1/5.
After a few kilometres you come to the 'Loire à vélo' (Loire for bikes) itinerary and the Château of Chaumont sur Loire. You're sure to want to take the time to visit this handsome edifice; it takes about 2hrs to get round.
Return by train
You eat out this evening and night in XVIII century 4 star hotel with heated outdoor pool.
D3
Cycle ride along the Loire from Amboise to Tours
35km stage with total uphill 166m. Around 3hrs. Level 2/5.
As you leave Amboise, stop and take a last look at the chateau behind you...
Today you're off along a new section of the 'Loire 1 à vélo' of 2014.
Leaving the river you climb towards the hillside vineyards of the AOL MontLouis wine, then cycle right through the vines themselves. A while further on you can visit the principal borough of the 'département', Tours, a town steeped in history. Today's journey's end is at the chateau de Beaulieu (say 'bowlee-er'), 4 km from the town centre of Tour.
Dinner and night in 4 star hotel.
D4
Along the Loire from Tours to Azay-le-Rideau
39km stage, total uphill 210m. Abour 3hrs30. Level 3/5.
A day of cycling punctuated by visits to sumptuous chateaux along the way: Villandrie and its 6 gardens, Langeais with its X century fortress. Then you head for Azay-le-Rideau with its superb chateau surrounded by the waters of the river Indres. Note that the site has recently completed a restroration programme which at €23,000,000 is reckoned to be among the most expensive historic monument renovations ever effected.
You eat out this evening, then night and breakfast in charming 3 star hotel.
D5
Bike ride from Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon
36km stage with total uphill just 20m. Around 4hrs. Level 2/5.
A new day dotted with famous chateaux such as Rigny Usse where Charles Perrault dreamt up the tale of the Sleeping Beauty ("la Belle au bois dormant"), or again Chinon, Rabelais' home town with its fortress overlooking the Vienne river. Finally you come to the magnificent and delicious vineyards of the Chinon.
You buy your evening meal then spend the night with breakfast provided in a charming 3 star hotel.
D6
From Chinon to Saumur
38km stage with total uphill 74 m. About 3hrs. Level 2/5.
After leaving Chinon you go on towards the Saumur region. You follow the Vienne that flows into the Loire, passing through superb villages such as Candes St Martin (listed as one of the loveliest villages in France), and Turquant with its troglodytic site, cafés and art shops. Then you move on towards the troglodyte caves of Souzeray and finally come to your destination, Saumur.
Gourmet meal and night in 4 star waterside hotel close to the historical heart of Saumur.
D7
Breakfast and transfer back to Amboise
You will have breakfast at the hotel then a chauffeur will come and pick you up for the return trip to Amboise.
*Rates based on a room shared with two adults. Single-parent families, please contact us.
What's included?
3 nights half-board lodgings with superb cuisine
3 nights B&B.
Very comfortable 3 and 4 star accommodation
Train ticket from Onzain to Amboise.
Your baggage transferred by vehicle.
Return trip by taxi from Saumur to Amboise.
Road book and route-marked maps provided.
Update GPS tracks.
SatNav references on demand.
Technical and logistical assistance.
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike rental for adult or junior (from 1m45) : 175 €
MTB for child (under 1m45) : 105 €
Bike cart for child : 105 €
Trailer bike : 175 €
Child seat : 20 €
Electric power bike for adult or junior (from 1m45) : 240 €
What's not included?
Dinners on days 2, 4 and 5
Beverage and extra
Entrance fees for the visits
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Cycle trip, place-to-place, suitable for families.
Type of routes : cyclist paths
Type of bike : hybrid bikes
Organisation
These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. We take your luggage from lodging to lodging and a roadbook guides you all along the way. We also provide logistical and technical assistance.
Accommodation is in either 3 or 4 star hotels, chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting.
Some stages are proposed without an evening meal. You will find that there are many and varied options for eating out at these times.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
Highway A10 : Paris / Bordeaux, exit Blois (170 km) National rout RN 152 : Paris / Orléans / Blois (180 km)
By air
Paris airports or Tours Airport + train to Amboise railway station (Gare d'Amboise TGV) + taxi to the hotel (5 mn)
By train
Amboise railway station (Gare d'Amboise TGV) + taxi to the hotel (5 mn)
Comments
Global note
5.0
La Loire d'Amboise à Saumur nous a beaucoup plu.
It was an adorable trip: itinerary, accommodation, attraction suggestions and clear guidelines for the perfect execution of the route.
Excellent séjour alternant balades champêtres, pic nic sauvages en bord de Loire, bonnes tables et châteaux.
The Loire is among the last remaining great untamed rivers of Europe. And yet nowhere else will you find such a concentration of palaces, chateaux and manors in such a superb natural setting. As the river flows, you roll through the heart of this…
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