Day 1. Orléans

Arrive in Orléans, an interesting and ancient town to explore, and where you start cycling the Loire. This was once capital of medieval France and home to one of the world’s most famous female warriors, Joan of Arc but also the gateway into the most romantic area of the Chateaux. Settled in the virtual heart of France, its own streets are full of historical monuments including the most austere cathedral, a sister to Paris’ Notre Dame. It’s a very impressive Gothic monument and also depicts Joan of Arc’s battle efforts in its large stained-glass windows. The annual festival commemorating her freeing of the city from the British in 1429 is a highlight and shows her importance here still.

Day 2. To Beaugency (or Tavers)

Ride: 26 km | Elevation Gain: 80 m

Arrive in the lovely city of Beaugency after a pretty cycle down France’s most peaceful, but longest river. Cycle along the wild riverbanks, enjoying the bird life and the river’s serenity. Beaugency, overlooked by it’s imposing 11th century dungeon, has kept it’s charm of being a small medieval city with its many flowers and gardens. 

Tour Style

Leisure Tour – Self Guided

Bikes – Hybrid or e-bikes

Group Size – 1+

Route – Orléans, Beaugency, Blois, Amboise, Tours

Riding Level

Easy – distances are a daily average of 0km. The terrain is mainly flat with a couple of small hills. Good surfaced roads on quiet country routes (busier near the bigger towns).

Accommodation

5 Nights

Historic and comfortable 3 and 4 star hotels

Food

All breakfasts

Also Included

• Luggage delivered to your next hotel
• Emergency support and contact details
• Pre-tour pack
• Tour guidebook, T-shirt & Tags
• 5% off your next Tour with us!

Extras Not Included

• Lunch and dinners
• Drinks, visits and other personal expenses
• Hybrid Bike Rental:  135€ Scott Sport or similar
• Electric Bike Rental: 190€ Scott e-Sub Active or similar
• Helmets: we don’t provide helmets anymore, so please bring your own!
• Jersey: Receive a Cycling Country custom designed Loire Valley Cycling Jersey, delivered to your first destination: 65€ per jersey inc p&p

Other extras to tempt

Châteaux experience, featuring entrance fees to these sites: Château de Meung sur Loire, Park Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise, Domaine de Chambord (château + gardens), Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (château + Garden Festival): 80€ per person.

Getting Here

Orléans and Tours are both connected by good bus and train connections.

• From Paris to Orléans – Austerlitz train station to Orléans train station (about 1:15h)
• From Tours to Orléans – Tours train station to Orléans train station (about 1:20h)
• To Paris from Tours – Tours train station to Paris Montparnasse station (about 1h)

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 and 4 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.

This medieval city will enchant you because of its authentic style, perfectly preserved and located. This hotel opens the doors to the châteaux de la Loire, and also the villages of Blois, Meung-sur-Loire or Chambord, and invites you to discover French History.

A 19-century small luxury hotel will welcome you to the old royal and pintoresque city of Amboise, near the François I’ Castle, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci in the Clos Lucé.

“Overall the trip was fantastic. The cycling was beautiful and the bike tracks so easy to follow and really enjoyable along the river. Our bags were always delivered so easily and the people at the hotels were really nice and enjoyable to deal with. We just had a great time and I think you would love it. We will be back in Europe again at some point and I would definitely go with cycling country for more rides because you have been a delight to work with and communicate with. Thank you so much.
S. Hooper and S. Epstein – Australia, Sept 2024

“Beautiful Loire!”
Hope all is well with everyone there! I meant to thank you guys for the excellent Loire Valley bike tour.
We really enjoyed ourselves! The towns and accommodations were excellent! Thank you
W. Vogeli group – Calgary, Sept 2023

It was a wonderful adventure and greatly appreciate all the proactive communication leading to the start of our biking adventure.
Highlighting few areas:
1. Electric bike quality and performance was amazing. It made biking so pleasurable and comfortable.
2. Hotels were good and service was excellent.
3. Calling the hotline the response was excellent and immediate. Truly comforting.
4. The trail and App route provided was amazing. Hopefully next time we can do the second leg of Loire trail and maybe making the daily km between 45-60km.
You offer truly a life memorable adventures and we were blessed to have experienced it.
Thank you again for making bikers dreams come true and your support throughout.
S. Halwi – Wisconsin, July 2023

Both Kate and I had similar views on both the accommodation and the friendliness of the staff at the venues.
In all they were excellent and their ratings reflected their quality, in room offerings, extra services sometimes like pool and spa and dressing gowns, their cleanliness, generally full buffet breakfasts and their convenient and accessible locations in the town centres where we were staying that night.
We found the maps and directions pretty good and with the well marked velo signage along the way it made it a very enjoyable tour. The added booklet for chateaux visits, accommodation vouchers and luggage transfers worked very well. Our luggage turned up on time every day.
The bikes were very good and fit for purpose for the tour.
We hope this feedback helps with your future planning and again thank you for our Cycling Country jerseys and T shirts.
P. Crossman – Australia, September 2022

With great hybrid bikes, fantastic scenery, luxury and historic hotels, great food but above all excellent directions, maps, gpx and information notes this holiday delivered on every level. We will be back! Thank you Cycling Country
Sandy Evans – London, April 2018

Hi Maggi and Jeff,
Our last day of cycling went just as well as the preceeding ones. Thanks again for the great trip! We‘ll recommend your tours to anybody showing the slightest interest in cycling. 🙂 Have a good time!
Antoine Brédif – Canada, June 2017

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 .