Trip code: C05LX 4.7 (3 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
8.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
This short break, gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Highlights include the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau. You'll pass vineyards, sunflowers fields and pretty, sleepy villages, before pedalling gently along shady riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.
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.
Enjoy the sweet and peaceful 'Art de Vivre' in boutique hotels and relax with a glass of local wine by the pool.
This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Mostly on tarmac roads and sign posted cycling paths.
Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.
You stay at Hotel Mercure.
Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotel's areas.
All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided.
Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. 'Le Quai', the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Cycle through nice tiny villages to Chaumont-sur-Loire and its spectacular chateau, which hosts the International Garden Festival (May-Oct). Then continue on the 'Loire a Velo' cycling tracks before arriving at the charming town of Amboise where the greatest Kings of France lived.
Visit the flamboyant Royal Palace and the elegant Clos Luce, a C15 manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last few years of his life. His workshops house 40 giant models of some of his most spectacular creations, the first plane, helicopter and tank, and the beautifully landscaped gardens bring life to his botanical drawings and geographical designs.
You stay at Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien.
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MinibarAircon
Safe
Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien is a charming 18th-century hotel nestled in the historical heart of the city of Amboise. Make sure you also take the time to relax in the heated, outdoor swimming pool or on the sun terrace. The spacious rooms with antique furniture are a haven of tranquility and provide a great feeling of relaxation in a warm atmosphere. Both rooms are equipped with high-standard bathrooms (jet showers, bathtubs, etc.) A wellness area with hot tub, sauna and fitness room is also available at the property. Free WiFi is provided throughout.
Gentle pedalling through the vineyards of Montlouis sur Loire will bring you to the superb Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous arches majestically spanning the river. Described by Flaubert as floating 'on air and water', it's arguably the most beautiful of all the Loire landmarks. This chateau was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.
Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers's garden, then the Catherine de Medici's one. Take a breath, under the shadow of one of the huge park trees, at the rhythm of the river murmur which will tell you stories about these 2 rival women.
You stay at Auberge du Bon Laboureur.
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AmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
This 18th-century country inn is located in the centre of Chenonceaux, just 500 m from the Castle of Chenonceau. It offers an heated outdoor swimming pool during summer and winter and Scandinavian baths. Guest rooms are elegantly decorated and are equipped with air conditioning and a TV with satellite channels. Each room has a private bathroom including bathrobes and slippers. Free Wi-Fi is available. You can stroll around the peaceful garden setting before dining in the gourmet restaurant. Auberge du Bon Laboureur also features a bar with an extensive wine list and a buffet breakfast is served every morning, which can also be enjoyed in the guest's room.
Ride along the peaceful riverbanks of the Cher to the medieval town of Montrichard. Leaving the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Chateau de Fougeres-sur-Bievre a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century.
Then, discover the famous sumptuously furnished Chateau of Cheverny. Inhabited by the same family for over 6 centuries, the Chateau, its gardens, its labyrinth and its Tintin exhibition will give you an unforgettable experience.
You stay at Relais des 3 Chateaux.
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Founded in 1850 to welcome voyagers travelling on foot, by horse and by car. The ancient stables are still visible in the current restaurant area, they could shelter up to 100 saddle and draught horses.
It soon became one of the main relay stops between Blois and Romorantin. In order to perpetuate the tradition, the restaurant has kept the original name of Les Trois Marchands : The three Merchands. An additional curiosity about the history of this building: The part that adjoins the church was a former convent.
Located in the heart of Cour-Cheverny, is now a days engaged both in keeping up its history and in preserving its conviviality spirit. This charming four stars hotel has been fully renovated and offers all the comfort of modern facilities. The atmosphere evokes the Renaissance style: curved shaped designed furniture, warm tones of the tapestries together with handcraft made lights respect the refined style of the charm typical of the Loir Valley.
Cycle to the prestigious and largest Chateau de Chambord, a real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms. Dreamed up by Francois I to cement his power in stone, the Chateau de Chambord is an unparalleled architectural exploit. Among the numerous innovations in Chambord, the double helix staircase is without a doubt one of the most remarkable. This staircase, which allows for two people to walk without crossing paths, has always fascinated visitors.
Then, ride along the Loire riverbank before arriving in Blois.
You stay at Hotel Mercure.
MastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotel's areas.
All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided.
Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. 'Le Quai', the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Fleur de Loire, Blois; Hotel Mercure, Blois.
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Tea/coffee
Possibility to upgrade your last night in Blois or have an extra night at this brand new 5* hotel facing the majestic Loire river and experience a gastronomic meal at the panoramic restaurant. A sustainable hotel and restaurant : Exalting the banks of the Loire, like a plant of rare beauty emerging from the riverbed, Fleur de Loire is an exquisite ode to the art de vivre. This amazing setting is also reflected in the unique ambience created by the decoration, whose palette of hues and environmentally friendly materials splendidly showcase the talent of local craftsmen. Experience true well-being thanks to the spa, which features a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and several pools. It is the ideal retreat to reconnect body and mind through delicious rituals based on phyto-aromatic treatments. Only a few kilometres away, renowned chef Christophe Hay cultivates the fruits and vegetables that guests enjoy in the hotel’s restaurant. On the restaurant Amour Blanc menu’s, the chef offers French gastronomy made from seasonal products selected from the best local producers. Rates upon to availability. Do not hesitate to ask us when booking the tour.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
MastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotel's areas.
All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided.
Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. 'Le Quai', the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £455.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
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.
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.
Self-guided cycling
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
8.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
