Information : Along the Loire river from Amboise to Angers
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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
seeing wondrous châteaux at each stage: Chaumont, Amboise, Saumur, Chinon, Angers
the well-signed itinerary suitable for cyclists
the very comfortable 3 and 4 star accommodation
the fantastic surroundings of a Unesco World Heritage Site
Gourmet meal and night in XVIII century 4 star hotel with heated outdoor pool above the Loire river.
D2
Ride along the river Loire via Chaumont sur Loire
47km stage with total uphill 288metres. Approx 2hrs cycling. Level 2/5.
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.
You eat out this evening and night in XVIII century 4 star hotel with heated outdoor pool above the Loire river.
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 à vélo'.
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.
Dinner and night in 4 star hotel set in the center of Tours.
D4
Along the Loire from Tours to Chinon
58km stage, total uphill 210m. About 4hrs30. Level 3/5.
A day of cycling punctiated by visits to sumptuous chateaux along the way: Villandrie and its 6 gardens, Langeais with its X century fortress, 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. (Rabelais, 1494 - 1553, is today considered by the French as one of their greatest clerics, writers and thinkers.)
Towards the end of this memorable day you may like to discover another local womder - the delicious vineyards and wines of the Chinonais.
You eat out this evening, then night and breakfast in charming 3 star hotel.
D5
Bike ride from Chinon to Saumur along the Loire
38km stage with total uphill 74m. Around 3hrs. Level 2/5.
After leaving the Chinon region your next target is that of Saumur.
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 roll on to the troglodyte caves of Souzeray and finally come to your destination, Saumur.
Gourmet meal and night in 4 star hotel just near the historical heart of Saumur.
D6
From Saumur to Angers
56km stage with total uphill 340m. About 5hrs. Level 3/5.
All day long you follow the Loire till you come to Angers. There are picturesque viewpoints along the river: the typical villages of Chenehuttes, Trêves, and Culnaut are built in Tuffaut, the limestone rock of the region. Once in Angers you'll notice the former slate quarries and a distinct change in the architecture.
After eating out, night and breakfast in a lovely 3 star hotel in the middle of the town.
3 nights in half-board lodgings with superb cuisine
3 nights in B&B
Very comfortable 3 and 4 star accommodation, superior rooms bookable
Your baggage transferred by vehicle
Return trip by taxi from Angers 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 for adult or junior : 175 €
Bike cart for child : 105 €
Child seat : 20 €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 240 €
What's not included?
Dinners on days 2, 4 and 6
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.
Daily stages between 35 and 58 km, 3hrs00 to 4hrs30 cycling daily.
Uphill sections: between 74 and 340 metres altitude change.
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, environmental and architectural setting.
Some stages are proposed without an evening meal. You wil 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
Autoroute (motorway)A10 : Paris / Bordeaux, exit Blois (170 km) Route Nationale (main road) RN 152 : Paris / Orléans / Blois (180 km) Blois / Onzain D952 (18 km) 'D' roads are Departmental - relatively minor.
By air
Blois le Breuil or Tours airport.
By train
Amboise railway station. The accommodation is next to the railway station (15 mn on foot)
Comments
Global note
5.0
Ready to set off again with Safrantours in 2025 with your eyes closed.
Trranslate from french
Very well organized stay, very beautiful route on the Loire by bike.
Translate from french
Magnificent route, very varied between cultural and natural visits, excellent choice of accommodation, quality bikes. It makes us want to do another cycling trip. (translated from french).
Loire Sauvage - Loire Majestueuse. Un séjour "clé en mains" parfaitement organisé. Des destinations de charme ou d'Histoire souvent un peu désuètes qui nous font sortir de notre confort.
Séjour agréable, paisible au bord de la Loire avec de belles rencontres.
Très bon séjour à conseiller aux amoureux de vélo, nature et châteaux.
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