In a region where time stands still, a visit to the Loire will transport you back to a time when Kings, Queens, nobles and dukes held lavish balls. Cycling in the Loire Valley is as close as you can get to a real-life fairy tale. Everything about the Loire exudes grandeur, studded with thousands of decadent palaces, stone villages and rolling vineyards. Located in western France, this region blends history, nature and the French art de vivre like no other. It’s no wonder that UNESCO has listed this entire area an enormous World Heritage Site.
Arguably the best way to explore the Loire Valley is by bike. With perfectly flat land and well-groomed paths, you can potter through delightful villages which attest to over a thousand years of architectural and artistic creativity. On our Loire Valley cycling tours, you can go at your own pace and explore to your heart’s content. To get you started, we’ve listed some of the best things to do whilst staying in the Loire.
Châteaux Spotting
The Loire’s grandeur is epitomised by its many decadent châteaux whose soaring blue cupolas fill the sky. Once home to French royalty, these architectural masterpieces are omnipresent in Loire with each being just as magnificent as the next. Their intricate facades, reflective moats and lavish gardens are truly a sight to behold. As you pedal along paths lined with poplar trees, make sure to pay a visit to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Villandry, Château de Chinon and Château d’Ussé, just to name a few. These illustrious buildings are jewels of the French Renaissance and tell their own unique story of sumptuous feasts, royal weddings and historic meetings. When it comes to exploring châteaux, in the Loire Valley you’ll be spoilt for choice!
The magical region of Loire; world-famous for its marvellous châteaux, magnificent rivers, delicious wines and fabulous cycling holidays, of course!
Pedal Along the River
One of the highlights of being in the Loire is cycling along its fertile riverbanks sprinkled with hundreds of France’s most beautiful aristocratic estates. The Loire River itself has carved out the landscape for millennia carrying with it a wide diversity of wildlife and fauna. It has also provided the perfect soil conditions for vineyards to thrive establishing one of France’s largest wine regions. As you follow the curves of the river, cross secret villages and lively cities.
Stop for a picnic or look out for a guinguette eatery! When spring starts to warm the air, these temporary restaurants pop up along the riverside and serve delicious local specialities. Taste some fouées, small baked bread balls with scrumptious fillings near Saumur. If you head a little further, be delighted by Rivarennes’ pear tapées near Tours. Or if you like freshwater fish, try zander with beurre blanc sauce or Loire whitebait.
Based on our classic Châteaux of the Loire itinerary, this tour harnesses the power of e-bikes to make it easier for you to see even more of this beautiful corner of France.
Troglodyte Caves
Hidden within the landscape of the Loire Valley is a network of unique caves called the troglodyte caves. For thousands of years, these stunning cave-like houses have been carved out of the limestone cliffsides and used as dwellings by local people. Head to Saumur and discover troglodyte caves dating back to the 4th century BC. Once home to the poor citizens of the Loire Valley, they have become a spectacle that many travel to see. Today, many are still homes but you’ll also find museums, shops and even wine cellars. Due to their cool atmosphere inside, remaining at a constant temperature of 14 to 18°, they provide the ideal conditions for storing the delicious wine made in the valley. Spend a day exploring the mysteries of these underground settlements while cycling in the Loire Valley.
A fantastic single centre cycling holiday in the stylish and sumptuous apartments of the Chateau de Candes.
Wine Tasting, of Course!
The wine here is so flavourful that you will say “Ooh la la” with the first sip. The Loire Valley is a haven of fine wines, arguably with the best wine diversity in France. Three distinct soils shape the remarkable wines here. Sandy-clay, gravelly and limestone conditions produce sparkling wines, crystalline whites, exciting rosés and deep reds.
At Domaine de Noiré vineyards, embark on an incredible tour and tasting which allows you to venture into the Loire’s impressive wine collection. Taste six of the most prestigious wines cherished by oenophiles accompanied by some canapés of locally sourced produce. Whether you’re a budding connoisseur or just a wine lover, this is an amazing experience to learn more about these world-renowned wines.
Famed for its grand châteaux, leftover from its past as a preferred home for French royals and aristocrats, few other regions in the world exude the same sense of class as France’s Loire valley.
Canoeing Along the Loire River
Take a break from the bike and embark on a journey downstream to discover the Loire Valley from a different perspective. Seeing the Loire Valley from a canoe is the best way to view the châteaux and fortresses that line the riverbanks as well as the beautiful swaying willow trees. The relaxing atmosphere of the river makes exploring refreshing in the heart of nature.
Paddle in the gentle stream from Chinon to Saumur. Chinon itself lies on the riverside, painting beautiful reflections of castle turrets in the waters below. Canoeing here allows you to appreciate the true glory of the architecture in the valley. There’s no better way to see Loire’s famed châteaux than floating along the river lying beneath them. If you’re lucky, you may spot a local otter or beaver along the way.
For more information about our tours in the Loire Valley, give our cycle experts a call on 020 7471 7760, or view our Loire Valley cycling holidays.