Chateaux of the Loire
Only 1 hour south of Paris lies a region that since the Renaissance has been a favorite of kings and the aristocracy; the Loire River valley is dotted with fine chateaux, vineyards, and some of the most beautiful (and gentle) cycling routes in France. Our tour visits the most magnificent chateaux, the extraordinary gardens of Villandry, but also leaves time to explore the subtler aspects of a region that has much to offer.
Only Great Explorations:
Tours, France
Starting Location
Amboise, France
Day 2+3
Montbazon, France
Day 4
Azay-le-Rideau, France
Day 5+6+7
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| May 11-17 | May 10-16 |
| May 25-31 | May 24-30 |
| Jun 1-7 | May 31- Jun 6 |
| Jun 7-13 | Jun 6-12 |
| Sep 7-13 | Sep 6-12 |
| Sep 14-20 | Sep 13-19 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
30-55 km daily (20-40 miles)
Van supported
Terrain3 days flat, 2 days with gently rolling hills
CostLand Cost
US $3,950
Includes 6 breakfasts /2 lunches /5 dinners
Single Supplement
US $1,000
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
E-Bikes*: US $480
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and racing bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
For those arriving via Paris, most international flights land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The easiest way to reach Tours is by TGV high-speed train from the airport’s TGV station. Direct trains run to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, the TGV station serving Tours, and take just under 2 hours. If you plan to spend some time in Paris beforehand, you can depart from Gare Montparnasse, where direct trains to Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tours
Arrive in Tours. Your hotel is included on arrival day on this tour; we have a walking tour of the historical district planned at 4 p.m. and then dinner at a favourite bistro at 7 p.m.
Amboise
Cycling from Tours, we’ll ride east along a quiet road winding through vineyards to Vouvray, where wine has been made since the Middle Ages, when the Catholic Church maintained the vines at local monasteries. Wine cellars were built from caves created from the excavation of tuffeau rocks, used to build châteaux in the Loire. We’ll then continue to Amboise, with its impressive castle and charming village. We’ll pass Château de Jallanges, a historic monument built in 1465 by Louis XI. Explore the French garden, centuries-old park, 17th-century chapel, and gallery with its giant frescoes, and then continue to historic Amboise, one of the most beautiful and atmospheric villages in the region.
Leonardo da Vinci came to the Château d’Amboise in 1515 and lived and worked nearby in the Château du Clos-Lucé, where he lived until his death in 1519, at the age of 67. We’ll visit his former home and see many of the inventions he is credited with.
Ride Distance & Elevation: 38km / 300m, or 75km / 600m
Chenonceaux
On our second day, we’ll cycle to Château de Chenonceau, where we’ll enjoy a guided visit of one of the most magnificent castle in France. Chenonceau owes much of its charm to women: it was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, then later enhanced by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, and saved from the rigours of the French Revolution by Madame Dupin. The cycling loop this day follows bike paths and winds through wonderful forests. There is also an opportunity to go kayaking for anyone so inclined. Back in Amboise, we’ll dine at one of the many wonderful restaurants in the historic center.
Ride Distance & Elevation: 38km / 320m, or 58km / 380m
Montbazon
Riding west, we’ll stop for lunch at a curious castle whose owner has a passion for growing tomatoes – his garden boasts 500 varieties. We’ll enjoy lunch here before continuing through forests and sunflower fields, making our way to a 12th-century monastery and then to Montbazon. Here, we’ll stay at the luxurious Domaine de la Tortinière, a 19th-century château built in an elaborate, romantic style with lofty turrets – you’ll feel like royalty. A longer option on this day offers a chance to ride to the gardens of Villandry.
Ride Distance & Elevation: 42km / 315m
Azay-le-Rideau
Following one of the tributaries of the Loire, we’ll enjoy some of the best riding in the region, stopping to visit Château de Saché, where the writer Balzac resided. In Azay-le-Rideau, we’ll visit the impressive château that is the “jewel of the Loire Valley”, built between 1518 and 1527 by Gilles Berthelot, state treasurer of François I and mayor of Tours, one of the great financiers of the time. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous picnic nearby. We’ll stay in the historic center, where you can stroll through town. This evening, dinner is on your own – enjoy exploring the many dining options in town.
Ride Distance & Elevation: 38km / 275m, or 52km / 290m
Azay-le-Rideau
On our last day of cycling, there are several options: you can ride past popular vineyards along quiet cycling roads, with opportunities for wine tasting or sightseeing. One short route follows the Loire River to Château d’Usse, the beautiful castle said to have inspired Charles Perrault’s famous fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. For those seeking more of a challenge, a longer route continues from there to Chinon, looping past an auberge restaurant near Saint-Épain.
As on all our trips, the day ends with a wine reception, followed by a celebratory feast at a distinctive restaurant near our hotel to mark the final night of the tour.
Ride Distance & Elevation: 36km / 170 m or 45km / 400m or 72km / 445m
Depart
Depart at your leisure from Azay-le-Rideau train station.
This charming property is more chambre d’hote than hotel. This quiet hotel is our favourite in Tours; the rooms are very large, the lounges are wonderful. The owner, Alexandra, is a bon vivant and a wonderful host. Breakfast is superb!
Alternate Hotel: Oceania L'Univers Tours
Recently renovated, this authentic 18th-century manor house was built on the foundation of an ancient medieval monastery and offers glorious views of the Château Royal d'Amboise and the Loire River. The spacious rooms are both elegant and luxurious.
Near Montbazon, this peaceful 19th century castle is in a fifteen acre park, overlooking the Indre River. The rooms in the Château and adjoining buildings are all decorated with rich fabrics and antique furniture. There is a large swimming pool on the grounds. Member of Relais du Silence.
Located 150m from the irresistible charm of the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, this former 18th-century coaching inn and its Directoire building have been turned into a charming 4-star hotel. The rooms feature exposed beams and tuffeau stone walls. Member of Chateaux & Hotels Collection.
Tour Reviews
“The trip was better than expected. The people on the tour with the guide made the dinners something to look forward to. The trip was awesome. The itinerary and chateaux we saw were incredible!”
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Having never been on anything like this before, didn’t know what to expect. A great way to see a country.
I have traveled with GE before and the experience is always excellent. You exceeded my expectations the first time:-). Now I expect the best!
“I loved both our guides. They were fun to be with and each had a great sense of humour. I loved the routes we took. We had a few falls along the way and the guides handled them calmly and did what had to be done. My experience was excellent and I don’t know what could have made it better.”
“First our guides were a delight, great personalities , concerned for our enjoyment, safety and just fun to be with. The area is fantastic and since the area is flat you had more time to look around and enjoy rather than work too hard cycling. I had a great time, you did a good job!”
“The guides were fun and had great personalities, the area was beautiful, the cycling was at the right level with interesting views. The chateaux visits were great and the group was fun!”
“The guides were fantastic. You should be very proud of how the guides represented your company and took care of me while at the same time providing excellent service to the other members of my group. Just excellent!”
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