Cycling in Pays de Loire along the Indre and Cher rivers
Pricing informations
Tour description
Cycling in Pays de Loire along the Indre and Cher rivers
Here is an alternative cycle route in the Loire Valley, a loop cycling trip in Pays de Loire from Tours along the Indre and Cher rivers. Come and visit its pretty town center with its half-timbered houses before cycling on a route along the Loire river (naturally !!) but also along two of its many sisters, the Indre and the Cher rivers, two charming rivers that will have you in store many surprises.On the program, exceptional heritage sites, picturesque villages and bucolic landscapes! A cycling route between essentials castles such as Azay-le-Rideaux or Chenonceau, and small nuggets off the beaten track such as the little-known medieval towns of Loches or Montrichard. You will also discover the famous “Jardins à la Française” of Villandry, the village of Montrésor, one of the the most beautiful villages in France or even Chédigny famous for its 800 rose bushes ! You will spend two nights in the magnificent royal city of Loches, the time to stroll through its medieval streets. Finally, you will cross the vineyards of Mont-Louis famous for its white wines.The recent cycling facilities along these two rivers will make rides easy and pleasant. Discover this part of the Loire Valley by bike in the heart of a amazing richnesse’s concentration and peaceful countryside.. Certainly, a cycling holiday that will delight lovers of nature and heritage.If you want to know everything about the history of the monuments that make up this route, then choose to book the “Castle Pack”.
- 2 nights in Loches to fully enjoy the superb medieval city
- Cycling routes along the Indre and Cher rivers
- The alternation between essential sites and more confidential places
Program
Take time to enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the “Place Plumereau”, a beautiful square with half-timbered houses. Take a look at the splendid gothic cathedral.
For your first bike stage, leave Tours town center following the “Loire à Vélo” cycling paths towards the famous French classical gardens of Villandry, then Azay le Rideau with its romantic château, a Renaissance marvel in a water and greenery setting.
Day devoted to the very bucolic cycling route « Indre à Vélo »! First follow the mill road with pretty mansions unto the Medieval Fortress of Montbazon sheltering the oldest keep in France still standing. Continue to former Cormeryabbey then the village of Reignac-sur-Indre where you see the 15th century castle. At the end of the route, the superb Royal city of Loches is waiting for you! Discover its medieval streets, its old keep, its Royal Lodge and its splendid romanesque Saint-Ours Collegial Church.
Bike escape into the Indrois Valley, to find other tiny treasures. Ride to Montrésor, classified as one of the « Most Beautiful Villages of France » and dominated by its surprising castle. Make a stop at the La Chartreuse du Liget toadmire its vestiges which still testify to the importance of this 12th century monastery. Do not miss nearby the secret Chapel Saint-Jean-du-Liget, lost in the woods! Bike to Loches following the beautiful cycling routes through the forest.
Ride to the city-garden of Chédigny, famous for its 800 rose trees of 250 different varieties. After wandering into this charming village, go the château de Montpoupon, overlooking a beautiful green valley. Then cross the Touraine vineyards to reach the Cher Valley and the unmissing château de Chenonceau, straddling elegantly the Cher river, and which was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.
Option : Excursion Montrichard and Vallée du Cher (45 km) and extra night in Chenonceaux
Ride along the nice Cher river banks to Montrichard, an authentic medieval village dominated by its keep. Then, the Cher river guides you from troglodyte houses to former tufa stone quarries, became wine or murshroom cellars. Cross again the Touraine vineyards to the old Aiguevives abbey.
Keep follow the “Cher à vélo” bike paths, between the river and beautiful mansions, before reaching the beautiful château de la Bourdaisière famous for its vegetable gardens: a tomato conservatory producing more than 650 varieties … unique in the world! Cross the village of Montlouis-sur-Loire, famous for its great white wines and the Loire river banks. The “Loire à Vélo” cycle paths lead you peacefully to the center of Tours. Possibility to visit the Royal city of Amboise and its château (where lived the greatest Kings of France) and the Clos Lucé Manor House where lived Leonardo da Vinci, at the request of the French King François 1st! Go for a walk in the park landscaped around the artistic and visionary universe of the greatest creative genius.
Departure after breakfast.
Practical details
Luggages
Documents
Bikes
Accomodations
Support
We take care of transporting your luggage at each change of accommodation so that you travel light and take full advantage of your daily hike.
You leave your luggage at the reception of your accommodation before your departure .
At the end of the afternoon, you will find them at the reception of your new accommodation or directly in your room.
Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (20 kg maximum)
We remind you that rental bicycles are equipped with saddlebags to be used to transport the things you deem useful for the day
Your travel record corresponds to the documents or files you receive before your trip (usually a month before) and upon arrival at the first accommodation.
It includes:
- A welcome letter with the main practical information:
- The time slot for baggage transport
- Details of the delivery and collection of bikes from rental if necessary
- Your local contact and telephone number (s) in case of emergency
- Any additional information
- The logbook travel package including map with the route (to the appropriate scale) and directional, tourist and practical indications
- The necessary voucher (s) to be given to the service provider (s) (only if necessary!)
On request and depending on the circuits:
- The “Evazio” application to download from smartphone for “GPS” navigation with visual guidance (reading of the track on the your smartphone) and / or oral.
- The application also contains practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no internet connection is necessary
- The loan of a GPS device with the pre-recorded tracks
- Sends GPX tracks of each stage to be used with your own navigation support
On this circuit, we suggest that you provide you with the choice and by reservation:
- A hybrid bike suitable for hiking and for the route
- An electric bike adapted to the route
With its equipment:
- 1 rear bag
- 1 handlebar bag
- 1 set of repair
- 1 anti-theft device
- 1 charger (for the electric bike)
For the youngest, we can offer depending on age and size
- A child’s bike
- A baby seat
- A trailer
- A follow-up bike
The bike is delivered to the first accommodation and is adjusted to your size.
At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. We will take care of their recovery.
This tour is available in “comfort” and “Superior” version.
The type of accommodation is classified into 3 ranges:
Comfort : The circuit mainly presents hotels classified 2 and 3 stars (or equivalent) and rooms of host.
Superior : The circuit mainly presents hotels classified 3 and 4 stars (or equivalent) and charming guest rooms.
Luxury : The circuit mainly presents 4 and 5 star hotels or equivalent
Our support team remains available for the duration of your trip.
