Information : The Loire Valley from Chateau to Chateau
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Journey back to the time of the Renaissance and all its splendours, moving from chateau to chateau, ...
You'll make your way alongside the Loire on appealing narrow paths, slip through vast estate woods in search of Sleeping Beauty, and of course avoid getting lost in the big bad forest by following our excellent signposted cycle tracks specially selected so that even mums and dads can find their way! A 'master key' in hand, you'll open the great gates of castles along the way. And the youngest among you will love searching for his lordship's treasure thanks to the guidebook for the use of curious kids.
Reception and settling in.
If you arrive in the middle of the day, we advise you to visit the Château de Blois included in your Châteaux pass.
Dinner at leisure and night in 3 star hotel.
D2
Bike ride along the Loire to Château de Chaumont
24 km stage from Blois to Chaumont. Around 2hrs30.
In the morning, we suggest you visit the Château de Blois, if you didn't have time to discover it the day before.
Then, let's go for the bike! This first day of warm-up will take you along the Loire River to the Château de Chaumont. The return journey will be by train from Onzain station.
Longer option: 50 km stage with the extension to the Château de Chaumont - Estimated time: 5h - Level 2/5
If you wish, you can also return to Blois by bike via a beautiful 26 km walk through the Montils and the Russy forest.
Dinner at leisure and night in 3 star hotel.
D3
From Blois to Bracieux via the Château de Chambord
Fairly level 33 km ride. About 3hrs.
The first section is along the "Loire à Vélo" itinerary to the village of Saint-Dyé, the former port of Chambord. Then you head for the Château of Chambord. When you see it, you'll know why it's not-to-be-missed. Fine paths through the Forest of Boulogne (sic!) bring you back to your hotel.
Dinner at leisure and night at 2 star hotel in Bracieux.
D4
Ride in the area around Bracieux
29 kms if you include an extension for a bathing break. Level terrain. 2 or 3 hrs.
On the programme - a lovely cross-country ride to get to Cour-Cheverny. (The visit to the Château if planned for tomorrow.) Today we suggest a dip in the natural surroundings of the forest of Chambord. In the afternoon there's food for the mind on a visit to the Château of Villesavin.
This evening you eat out independently, then spend the night at the 2 star hotel in Bracieux.
D5
From Bracieux to Chitenay via the Chateau de Cheverny
26 km stage on fairly even ground. About 3hrs.
A sally into La Sologne, between small lakes and market gardens.
After a lovely passage through the forest, you arrive at the gates of the Château de Cheverny. And if you have the time, why not also visit the Château de Troussay just before you get back to your hotel.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel in Chitenay.
D6
From Chitenay to Blois
Today we propose you 2 itineraries to reach Blois. There, you will drop your bikes and get back your vehicle for a last night in Chitnenay.
18.6 km stage with a low altitude difference. About 2hrs.
This stage leads you to Château de Beauregard, famous for its portrait gallery. Then you will pedal in the Russy forest before joining Blois by small roads and cycle tracks.
Longer variant: 36 km stage with a low altitude difference - Estimated time: 3hrs30.
we propose an extension which includes the Castle of Fougères. You will cycle in a more open landscape, between the vineyards of Cheverny and the meadows where the sheep graze.
You will then join the short stage with the possibility of visiting the Château de Beauregard.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with pool and spa in Chitenay.
*Rates based on a room shared with two adults. Single-parent families, please contact us.
What's included?
4 nights in bed and breakfast and 2 nights in half board
2 and 3 star hotels.
"Pass" provided for visits to 4 chateau: Blois, Cheverny, Chaumont and Chambord.
The train tickets from Onzain to Blois (day 2)
Baggage transported for you from place to place.
Roadbook provided along with route-marked maps.
Update GPS tracks.
Technical and logistical assistance provided.
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike rental for adult or junior (from 1m45) : 125 €
Mountain bike for child (under 1m45) : 85 €
Trailer bike or bike cart for child : 85 €
Follow-me : 125 €
Child seat : 10 €
Electric power bike for adult or junior (from 1m45): 195 €
What's not included?
Dinners on days 1, 2, 3 and 4
Beverage and extra
Parking for your vehicle for the 5 first days in Blois : to pay directly
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Cycle tour going from place to place, suitable for families.
Even terrain, little uphill.
Type of bike : hybrid bikes
Organisation
These rides are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. We transport your luggage to each stopover location. A detailed roadbook will be your guide throughout your trip. We also provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
On longer holidays you change lodgings every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or just take the time to rest and relax.
Accommodation is in either 2 or 3 star hotels, chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting. Certain stages do not include an evening meal; on these occasions you will find plenty of eating places locally.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may have to be modified according to availability at the moment when final reservation is confirmed.
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 Blois railway station. The accommodation is 10' walk from the railway station
By train
Blois railway station. The accommodation is 10' walk from the railway station
Comments
Global note
4.8
First experience with Safran Tours conclusive - Ready to repeat*
(*translated from french)
Encore un délicieux voyage en vélo, en famille, avec Safrantours ! De vraies vacances en autonomie, sur les plus belles routes, au coeur de la nature, de châteaux en châteaux. Un grand merci !
Merci à l'équipe Safrantours qui nous a préparé un magnifique tour dans les Châteaux de la Loire.
Comme toujours: bon choix des itinéraires, estimation réaliste des distances/durées, charmants hôtels à rapport qualité/prix raisonnable. Nous feuilletons d'ores et déjà le catalogue pour nos prochaines aventures (la 5ème avec Safran).
Un voyage très agréable, bien organisé, adapté aux familles, une très belle expérience.
Le circuit Loire - Châteaux en famille est un pur bonheur alliant de manière très équilibrée vélo (électrique: un plaisir) et les visites de châteaux. A recommander...
Très bon format de vacances (sportives, culturelles et familiales)
Journey back to the time of the Renaissance and all its splendours, moving from chateau to chateau, ...
You'll make your way alongside the Loire on appealing narrow paths, slip through vast estate woods in search of Sleeping Beauty, and of course…
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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