Loire Valley Orleans to Tours France: Self-Guided Biking
Discover the incredible “Garden of France” as you cycle at your own pace. You can stop to admire the stately elegance of centuries-old chateaux, or to visit a museum, church, or wine cave, always assured that your charming room is waiting for you at the end of the day. Beyond Orléans, the Loire Valley lazily spreads out in this pleasant climate. On your tour you’ll pass through the medieval village of Beaugency to arrive at the doorsteps of Chambord, a magical castle only imagined in dreams. You’ll continue on to Cheverny - perhaps the most beautiful and refined of all the chateaux in the Loire - and then Blois, a royal city with an eclectic history. Further along the River Loire you will reach Chateau Chaumont and its splendid park, Amboise with its royal chateau, and then Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. Via the vineyards of Montlouis you'll pedal into the interesting University city of Tours to discover its well-preserved half-timbered houses.
Included in the Tour Price • Accommodations in small four-star hotels • Daily breakfast and dinner • Luggage transportation – (limited to 2 per person and 32 pounds per piece) • Entrance fees to the various mentioned chateaux • Route descriptions, maps, and travel highlight information • Emergency service phone number 7 days a week
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans You’ll spend the day exploring beautiful Orléans on the River Loire with its picturesque, well- preserved neighborhoods. Orléans is the home of Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France, and is known for the awe inspiring Sainte Croix Cathedral, comparable to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Although Orléans was severely bombed in World War II (first by the Germans and then by the Allies) it still preserves some of its old buildings. The city is also famous for its university, one of the most prestigious in France.
Day 2: Orléans - Beaugency - 16 miles (26 km) This morning you’ll pedal along the Loire to the flower-filled city of Beaugency with its imposing 11th century dungeon looming high above the streets. Beaugency has conserved the charm of a small medieval city and you can visit the Notre Dame Abbey, the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices of Beaugency), and the 14th century bridge. Beaugency has a violent military history: it was the site of the famous Battle of Beaugency when it was freed by Joan of Arc.
Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected]
Day 3: Beaugency - Blois – 29 miles (46 km) Today you’ll visit the impressive Chateau de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux. With 440 rooms it's one of the most extravagant commissions of its age. Then you'll bike on to Blois. Its famous chateau features four distinct architectural styles and houses the Musées des Beaux Arts and Archeology. St Louis Cathedral and numerous other churches and gardens decorate the city and are worth a visit.
Day 4: Blois – Amboise – 26 miles (42 km) You will cycle through the forests north of Blois and past scenic vineyards to the impressive Chateau de Chaumont, strategically located high above the River Loire and offering a majestic view over the river. Continuing to the charming town of Amboise, you might visit the Chateau d’ Amboise with its breathtaking views on the Loire, or Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci now converted to a museum.
Day 5: Amboise - Tours – 17 or 19 miles (27 or 31 km) Today you'll cycle to fascinating Tours, passing by the vineyards and caves of Montlouis, renowned for its sweet white and sparkling wines. Later you will pass by Chateau de la Bourdaisière, believed to be the birthplace of Gabrielle d'Estrées, the beautiful mistress and favorite of King Henri IV. Continuing to the center of Tours, you'll discover this lively, flower- filled, university city on the River Loire with its fascinating medieval quarter, the famous "Place Plumereau," and lovely half-timbered houses.
Day 6: Tour Ends Your tour will end today with departure after breakfast - or you can extend your vacation by biking on to Angers (see our Tours to Angers itinerary). The combined tour would be 10 days and 9 nights long, with just one day in Tours.
Starting Point A local train leaves from Paris (Austerlitz station) to Orléans about every hour. The train ride takes a little over one hour. It is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance and you can buy them at the Austerlitz Train Station in Paris on the day of departure. For last minute train schedules visit the website of the French Railways, www.sncf.com.
Level of Difficulty This tour is rated "moderate" with daily mileage between 17 and 29 miles. The cycling itinerary takes place on bike paths and quiet country roads with little traffic. You'll see flat areas along with rolling hills with nice ups and downs.
The Bicycles Bikes are included in the price of the tour. Bikes are well maintained 21-speed men’s and ladies bikes, equipped with a saddlebag, repair kit, odometer, and lock. Bike helmets are included. The bike is adjusted by a cycling specialist.
WiFi WiFi is available on a limited basis in hotels. Don't expect to have a perfect internet connection for your entire stay. Usually during the busiest hours when many people are online the speed gets slower, and you may have trouble connecting.
Not included in the tour • Beverages • Lunches
Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected]