France : The Loire

Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley

Trip code: C05LV 5 (3 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Loire Valley and follow the famous 'Loire a Velo' cycling path
  • Discover chateaux and vineyards in abundance.
  • Named Garden of France, explore the regions excellent gardens including the famous ornamental gardens of Villandry.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Follow the famous 'Loire a Velo' cycling path and admire in all its glory the last wild European river: 'La Loire'. This path, made up of 800km of marked and secured tracks, is a unique route perfect for bike lovers to enjoy while exploring the scenic Loire Valley.

From Tours to Angers you will discover the delightful chateaux and Renaissance gardens. Named 'Garden of France' this region amaze visitors with fragrant rose bushes, vegetables or aromatic plants. Embark for a poetic and botanical stroll in extraordinary Renaissance gardens in Azay le Rideau and Villandry.

Between Loire and Vienne rivers where traditional boats are sailing, you will cycle through Chinon and Saumur vineyards and cross medieval-looking villages. Red, white, rose... The wines of the Loire Valley have a palette of colours which each of the variety have their own characteristics. On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.

A relax journey to enjoy the 'French art de vivre' along the peaceful and wild landscapes through historical places and famous cellars for tasting.

Terrain

This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows marked and secure tracks along the 'Loire e Velo' cycling path.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Tours

Enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the 'Place Plumereau', a beautiful square with half-timbered houses.

You stay at Artist Hotel.

hotel details

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Artist Hotel, Tours

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


The contemporary design of the hotel, with many references to the 7th Art, exudes a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. An artistic way of life, but with all the comfort, perfect to enjoy a relaxing city break: queen size beds, air conditioning, fitness room and a lounge bar. Each morning, a delicious breakfast buffet is served from 6.30 am to better meet the expectations of our business clientele or early bird.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Tours to Azay le Rideau (41km/25.5mi)

Cycle to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces.

Perhaps the Loire Valley's most famous gardens, those at Villandry are enchanting. The symmetry of the beds, trimmed with absolute precision, and the harmony of the floral arrangements... from one terrace to the next, these green expanses are a symbol of perfect beauty. In one spot a labyrinth to get lost in, in another a kitchen garden checkered like an embroidery. The water gardens catch the sunlight and prompt dreams of long summer evenings, while the 'Jardin des Simples' captures the important properties of aromatic and medicinal plants.

Then continue to Sache, where you can visit the house of the famous novelist Honore de Balzac. Arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau. Standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, is one of the finest.

You stay at Hotel Biencourt.

hotel details



Hotel Biencourt, Azay le Rideau

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


This hotel is divided into 2 buildings from the 18th-century, a former school, from Napoleon III period. Each room has modern décor and views of the city or of the flowered patio. They are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The property offers organic bed linen which comes from the fair-trade market. A buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining room or on the terrace and it is made with the products coming from the local producers. Many restaurants are situated nearby.

Day 3: Azay le Rideau to Chinon (35km/21.7mi)

Discover other marvels, such as the 'Sleeping Beauty' chateau in Usse which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairy tale story. Once upon a time, a chateau surrounded by pretty woodland, and Prince Charming (who else) arriving on his white steed.

Continue to the mediaeval town of Chinon dominated by its castle and famous for its red wine. To combine pleasure for the eyes and the palate, take a break in the vineyards or in a cellar for a tasting.

You stay at Hotel Diderot.

hotel details



Hotel Diderot, Chinon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
WiFi
TV
Safe


This hotel from the 17th Century offers a calm elegance in the charming city of Chinon. The Hôtel Diderot, with its courtyard garden and white limestone walls, is a 12-minute walk from Chinon Royal Fortress. Guest rooms are all individually decorated and have private en suite bathrooms with a bath or shower and a toilet. A French breakfast is served next to the 15th-century fireplace in the breakfast room, or it is served on the terrace during the summer.

Day 4: Chinon to Saumur (36km/22.4mi or 48km/29.8mi)

Follow the 'Loire a Velo' routes which will lead you to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin. You have a superb view of the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne rivers. Several viewpoints are worth the detour.

Continue to the beautiful village of Montsoreau along troglodyte sites and vineyards before reaching lovely town of Saumur. You have the opportunity to reach Fontevraud abbey, Europe's largest remaining monastic complex which is also the Necropolis of the Plantagenet kings!

You stay at Hotel le Londres.

hotel details



Hotel Le Londres, Saumur

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


The Hôtel Le Londres, Saumur is located in the heart of the historic town of Saumur. This 19th-century building offers stylish individually decorated and furnished rooms with floor to ceiling windows. Each soundproofed room has facilities such as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is offer daily in the breakfast lounge. Home-made cakes are cooked for guests on weekends and tea is available all day, every day.

Day 5: Saumur to Angers (57km/35.4mi)

First follow the Loire River before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau which shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.

You stay at Hotel de France.

hotel details



Hotel de France, Angers

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Hôtel De France is located opposite Angers-St Laud TGV Train Station, close to the city centre and the medieval Château d'Angers. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with modern facilities. You can enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the Hôtel De France in the dining area or have breakfast served in your room from 07:00 to 11:00. The friendly and attentive staff at the Hôtel De France will be happy to help you plan your stay in Angers 24-hours a day.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: Leave Angers

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Artist Hotel, Tours; Hotel de France, Angers.

hotel details



Artist Hotel, Tours

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


The contemporary design of the hotel, with many references to the 7th Art, exudes a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. An artistic way of life, but with all the comfort, perfect to enjoy a relaxing city break: queen size beds, air conditioning, fitness room and a lounge bar. Each morning, a delicious breakfast buffet is served from 6.30 am to better meet the expectations of our business clientele or early bird.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.



Hotel de France, Angers

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Hôtel De France is located opposite Angers-St Laud TGV Train Station, close to the city centre and the medieval Château d'Angers. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with modern facilities. You can enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the Hôtel De France in the dining area or have breakfast served in your room from 07:00 to 11:00. The friendly and attentive staff at the Hôtel De France will be happy to help you plan your stay in Angers 24-hours a day.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £264.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Electric bikes

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

We loved that every thing was arranged, bikes, app and all info was ready for us. We enjoyed having the freedom to cycle at our own pace, stops and look around beautiful villages, castles and chateaus. Lovely wine and food on our way .

Kim Weeks, 15 May 2024

 

We loved the holiday and the routes were carefully planned and easy to follow on GPS. There was one occasion when we had to cross a motorway (the A10) which was a bit scary

Kathryn Caswell, 26 Aug 2023

 

Cycling the Loire Valley with Headwater Holidays was a great experience. The maps and instructions provided were first class and we were able to cycle mostly on dedicated cycle paths. The itinerary was well thought out and we were able to stop and visit other villages/towns along the way if we wanted to. We were also able to arrive in the next town early/later afternoon - just in time for an ice cream and check-in at the next hotel. The bikes were quite heavy but easy to ride. The gears made the few hilly areas a bit easier but we did have to walk up one or two steeper hills. The bike panniers were very useful and meant that we did not need to carry a rucksack. The hotels were lovely; each one very different to the next. The only problem was that one hotel had no air conditioning and it was very hot during our holiday. A fan was provided but it was no substitute for real air conditioning. Overall, we really enjoyed our trip along the Loire Valley.

STABLES, 7 Jun 2023

 


Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

5 nights from £909

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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