E-bike tour of the Loire & French countryside

Sancerre

Day 1: Welcome to France!

Welcome to the beautiful French countryside. Today you will have a short walking tour of the charming town of Sancerre. You will go back in time to the medieval town overlooking the river gorgeous river Loere. Head back to your hotel afterward for a delicious dinner and get some rest!

Sancerre

Day 2: Tour of the charming vineyards

No visit to the countryside is complete without a visit to a winery! This is a relaxed day with a quality wine tasting tour booked for you. You will be in the most romantic setting of your life as you walk the vineyards with your guide and sipping on the different flavors and notes of the nector of the gods. The tour is at an Estate Winery, where you will visit one of the most fabulous limestone cellars of the region and will taste wines of the domain (pouilly-sur-loire and pouilly-fumé). Your wine knowledge will impress your friends after a day like today!

Sancerre - Orleans

Day 3: Explore the beautiful town of Orleans

Get ready for a delightful train ride to the charming town of Orleans. After checking into your hotel you will be ready to explore this beautiful area.

This is a city where six centuries after the famous Jean d’Arc led the French army to a momentous victory to repulse an English attempt to conquer France during the Hundred Years' War. The ‘Maid of Orleans’ still exerts a powerful hold on the local imagination you’ll see at least seven statues of Joan around town. Other attractions in the old city include an outstanding art museum and a breathtaking cathedral. It's a pleasant place to people watch and spend the afternoon. When it comes to activities, we would encourage first day settle in, shop, and enjoy the cafe scene. Your will have your E-bikes by the late afternoon and be sized, charged, and ready to go the next day.

Orleans - Huisseau-sur-cosson

Day 4: Begin your beautiful bike journey

Today you will start your exciting bike ride! Travelling mostly on the right bank of the river, you’ll be amazed at how closely so many villages are tied to the Loire via their bridges, former trading quays and typically elegant buildings. This is a joy of a section for cyclists, with the architectural beauty of some of Europe’s most spectacular chateaux also close by. The E-bikes mean the cycling proves easy.

Today’s big visit is to Chambord, Francis 1st’s masterpiece (tickets will be included). If all is going well you can also time your arrival for a show inside the grounds. Your accommodation is nearby in a beautiful chateau, in Huisseau-sur-Cosson. The Grotteaux as it is known is not a chateau to be visited like a museum. It is a chateau that is lived in and all the objects around you have a personal significance. It is truly wonderful experience.

Huisseau-sur-cosson - Amboise

Day 5: Bike to beautiful Amboise

On your beautiful path owards Amboise, you will first stop in Blois. You absolutely must visit of the Royal Chateau de Blois and your visit should not be rushed. The town oozes charm, and this is especially so during market days and the weekends. The beautiful route will continue away from the Loire, and to the magnifient Cher River. Here you’ll come upon (whilst your bike trail meaders through a Forest) the beautiful ‘ladies chateau’ Chenonceau. It spans the entire river and is a sight to see and just your luck, your ticket is included on this trip. Spend the afternoon returning to the Loire all the while along a trail which takes an old abandoned trainline towards Amboise where you’ll spend a wonderful night.

Amboise - Tours

Day 6: Lovely ride to Chaumont sur Loire

Today is a day of beautiful art! You will visit the Clos Luce, a beautiful royal residence where Leonardo Devinci spent the three last years of his life. The museum clearly shows why Leonardo was truly an amazing Renaissance Man. Leaving Amboise, you’ll will bike along the stunning riverside bike path to Chaumont sur Loire. With sweeping views along the Loire, the beautiful chateau has a medieval exterior (cylindrical towers, drawbridge) and an interior that is very much of the Renaissance with magnificent gardens that will truly leave you in awe.

In the afternoon, you’ll pass through the lovely town of Tours. The ‘urban’ cycling is easy and straightforward, trails are well marked so don't worry about getting lost. You’ll visit a Museum - the heart and soul of French artisanal, trades and traditions, the Campagnnoage or guilds museum. Your comfy hotel awaits you at the end of this day.

Tours - Villandry - Chinon

Day 7: Surmount the stunning hills to Chinon

Theres nothing like spending a morning at Villandry chateau and gardens. This serene six landscaped French gardens are some of France's finest, with kitchen gardens, cascading flowers, ornamental vines, manicured lime trees, perfect hedges and ornate fountains. Truly awe inspiring. You’ll then head towards Chinon, and be thankful for the 500 watts of e-bike assistance as you surmount the stunning hills towards stunning Chinon. Surrounded by massive walls, this hilltop castle dominates the old city and offers fabulous views across town, towards the river and countryside. Your guesthouse is below the castle, in the old town where you will have lovely dreams of romantic times.

Chinon - Saumur

Day 8: Visit "The Most Beautiful Village" in France

This is the final day of the bike portion of your journey! If you thought you've seen beautiful villages wait until you go through one of the most beautiful villages in France which is along the Vienne River towards the Loire again. Your cycling along the riverbank near Montsoreau leads you past numerous fascinating cave dwellings still in modern usage. Bars, cafes, galleries and private homes occupy trogolodyte caves, and are always worth a visit.

The last section of your cycle holiday takes on some of the most beautiful views of the whole itinerary, as you ride along a high ridge above the river. You will see many magnificent structures that tranport you back in time.  Once you settle in to Saumur you will be ready to celebrate your the end of you bicycle trip with what else? A delicious wine tasting!

Saumur

Day 9: Relaxing day in Saumur

Today is a rest day. You finished the bike journey. You deserve to take it easy today. If your dates work we will book the Cadre Noir on the outskirts of Saulmr. This is France’s top level military horse training centre. An unforgettable moment. So stretch your legs and visit some wonderful history. There are definitely plenty of places to get some amazing food and wine as well! Well done!

Saumur - Orleans

Day 10: Farewell and Safe Travels!

Today you will hop on the train for a quick 1.5 hour beautiful countryside ride back to Orleans. While your journey has come to an end, be certain that the memoriers and wonderous sites you saw will last you a lifetime.  We thank you for joining us on this delightful bike journey and know that you won't help yourself but recommend it to all of your friends and family.  Have a safe flight and see you soon!