Cycle the Loire Valley, France – September 2025
The Loire Valley, often called the “Garden of France,” is a region of unparalleled beauty and cultural significance. Stretching along the Loire River, the valley is dotted with magnificent châteaux, each a testament to France’s rich history and architectural prowess. These castles, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, stand as grand examples of Renaissance and Gothic design, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens that reflect the elegance of their era.
The valley’s lush, rolling landscapes, adorned with vineyards, orchards, and flower-filled meadows, create a picturesque setting that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. The Loire River itself, the longest in France, winds gracefully through the region, adding to its tranquil charm.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical importance. It was a favored residence of French royalty during the Renaissance, leading to a flourishing of art, culture, and learning. Today, the region is not only a haven for history enthusiasts but also for those seeking to experience France’s rich culinary traditions, with its world-renowned wines and gourmet cuisine making every visit a feast for the senses.
We will follow the last wild river in Europe along its gentle cycle paths, visiting the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley, and discovering enchanting natural landscapes, full of changing colours.
This is a 9-day guided tour with an English-speaking guide and a dedicated support vehicle to carry the luggage and provide assistance if needed. We will be cycling between 210-386KM on this trip.
SKILL LEVEL:
There are several tour providers who cycle the Loire Valley, and the general description is that the route is relatively flat and generally paved. However, you can expect some rolling hills. The daily elevations are provided in the itinerary below. If you want to feel optimally relaxed while riding and don’t want to have to worry about your ability to do the daily distances, then choose an electric bike.
BIKES:
Touring Bike: Scott brand, open or straight frame, Shimano 27-gear-derailleur gears with freewheel, disc brakes.
Electric Bike: Moustache brand, open frame, Bosch motor, Shimano 9-gear-derailleur-gears with freewheel, disc brakes. They are available for an additional $275.
All bikes have 1 rear pannier, 1 handlebar pannier, 1 phone holder, 1 repair kit, 1 bike lock
HELMETS: Available at no cost, please specify when you register.
SUPPORT:
The support vehicle is never far away! It comfortably accommodates several passengers (up to nine) at a time and is present on the route throughout the day. At Sur La Route/Ekilib, the support vehicle is not a broom wagon! Whether you are tired of riding, want to have a bite to eat or simply return to the hotel more quickly, you will always be welcome on board.
WEATHER:
We can expect pleasant maximum daytime temperatures of around 22°C and nighttime temperatures around 10°C in the region. In September, there is approximately 195 hours of sunshine, offering a mostly sunny climate that adds a pleasant and vibrant feel to the month. Of course, we could have some rain so pack some rain gear.
Visiting the Loire Valley during early fall will help avoid the most extreme temperatures, and is an ideal time to enjoy cycling in the region. We will avoid the largest tourist crowds visiting the castles of the Loire Valley, and are also likely to see the castle gardens at their most beautiful. The grape harvest starts in September and there are fall festivals at some chateaux starting in September. The fall colors in the vineyards are a splendid sight.
HIGH LEVEL ITINERARY:
Day 1/Sept 7: depart Toronto Air Transat 9:10PM, overnight trip to Paris
Day 2/Sept 8: arrive Paris 10:35AM – Transfer to Blois (approx. 3 hours) – visit Blois (D)
Day 3/Sept 9: Optional Cycling Day – Cycle Blois-Chambord-Blois (40KM, elevation 150M) (B,L)
Day 4/Sept 10: Cycle to Amboise (42KM, elevation 150M) (B,L,D)
Day 5/Sept 11: Optional Cycling Day – Cycle Amboise-Chenonceau-Amboise (45KM, elevation 340M) (B,L)
Day 6/Sept 12: Cycle to Tours via Vouvray (35KM, elevation 190M) (B,L,D)
Day 7/Sept 13: Cycle to Azay le Rideau via Villandry (43KM, elevation 100M) (B,L,D)
Day 8/Sept 14: Optional Cycling Day to Crissa sur Manse & Saché (48KM, elevation 340M) (B,L)
Day 9/Sept 15: Cycle to Chinon (40KM, elevation 230M) (B,L,D)
Day 10/Sept 16: Cycle to Saumur (50KM, elevation 250M) (B,L,D)
Day 11/Sept 17: Optional Cycling Day to Montreuil Bellay & Brézé (43KM, elevation 315M) (B,L)
Day 12/Sept 18: Transfer to Paris, depart to Toronto (B)
Note: all loop excursions are optional cycling days. Maximum 386KM over 9 cycling days. Minimum 210KM over 5 cycling days. Alternatively, you may choose to stay back and explore the town (Blois, Amboise, Azay le Rideau, Saumur).
Cycle Tour:
- Return flight Toronto-Paris
- 10 nights accommodation and city taxes
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 6 dinners
- Hybrid bike
- English speaking tour leader from day 1 to day 11
- Support vehicle from day 2 to day 11 from 9 am to 5 pm
- Tips for the guide and driver
- All transport (Paris CDG-Blois and Saumur-Paris CDG)
- Activities:
- visit of the Château de Chambord
- visit of the Château de Chaumont and its gardens
- visit of the Manoir du Clos Lucé
- wine degustation in Amboise
- visit of the Château de Chenonceaux
- visit of the Château de Villandry
- visit of the Château d’Azay le Rideau
- wine degustation in Chinon
- visit of the Fontevraud Abbey
- visit of the Chateau de Brézé
What’s Not Included
- All beverages other than those offered at breakfast
- 4 dinners, 1 lunch
- Travel medical insurance (mandatory in accordance with HOC policy)
- Any costs incurred if travel plans are altered due to weather or circumstances beyond our control
- Any personal items
- Any other gratuities (e.g. hotels)
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 20
TRIP IS FULL