Many say the Loire Valley is THE classic French region. Criss-crossed not only by the Loire, but by the Cher and Indre Rivers, speckled with the magnificent chateaux, and immersed with great wines, this really is the Playground of the Kings.
This easy-going cycling region will enchant you – from the grandiose castle of Chambord, the gardens of Chaumont and Villandry, the resting place of Richard the Lionhearted… come get your fill of the beauty and history of France.
Loire Valley Self-Guided Biking Trip, combing castles, vineyards and timeless French charm!
Our self-guided cycling trips through the Loire Valley are one of the most beautiful ways to experience France. Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley offers a dreamlike mix of royal châteaux, rolling vineyards, and riverside paths. Our different independent cycling itineraries take you between Blois to Saumur, meandering through Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Tours, Montsoreau, Château d’Ussé, Azay le Rideau, and Fontevraud Abbey, to name but a few — all while staying in handpicked local hotels with 24/7 on-hand support.
Whether you’re a casual rider or seasoned cyclist, the Loire’s gentle terrain, dedicated bike routes, and historic beauty make it an unforgettable self-guided biking holiday in France.
Many of our Loire cycling journeys start in Blois in the east of the valley, a charming riverside town that perfectly captures the Loire Valley’s spirit. You can explore the Château Royal de Blois, a stunning mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles. Wander through the old quarter’s narrow lanes, stop at local cafés, and enjoy a leisurely dinner overlooking the Loire River. We provide a self-guided walking tour and map to help in your explorations.
Chambord is a Royal Masterpiece. On the Loire bike packages that include it, you will cycle through tranquil forests and quiet country lanes to the Château de Chambord, the largest and most extravagant castle in the Loire Valley. Its double-helix staircase, designed by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of France’s architectural marvels. The cycling route is flat and scenic, taking advantage of the Loire à Vélo path for much of the day — a dedicated biking route that ensures safe and enjoyable travel.
The stunning Loire Valley is full of other famous Chateaux. Chateau Chenonceau – The “Castle Over the River” is perhaps the most romantic castle in France. Spanning the river on elegant arches, Chenonceau is known as “the Ladies’ Château” for the noblewomen who shaped its history. While there, you can visit the magnificent gardens after a visit of the castle, or perhaps choose to explore the views from the water below, with a local canoe rental.
Also on many of our Loire Self Guided cycling itineraries, the town of Amboise is a royal town filled with Renaissance charm. The Château d’Amboise dominates the skyline, offering sweeping views of the Loire River. Nearby, the Clos Lucé museum celebrates Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian who adopted the Loire Valley as his home, and spent his final years here. The museum showcasing many of his eccentric designs and works, was his luxurious manor house home.
Amboise is a highlight for cyclists: picturesque lanes, bustling markets, and great local restaurants make it a perfect stop before continuing on. The easygoing cycle river route from there brings you to Tours, the region’s capital, and a lively city blending modern culture with historic architecture. At the end of your Loire Cycling day Stroll the medieval Place Plumereau, where you can sample Loire wines, or visit the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Gatien. Tours has a fantastic array of restaurants – from sophisticated Michelin-stars to local bistro, you’ll definitely find your culinary happiness. Again, we provide a map and self-guided walk of the historic centre, including the great covered market.
Leaving Tours, your Loire bike route follows the peaceful riverbanks toward Château d’Ussé, said to have inspired Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. Its fairytale turrets rise above lush gardens — a must-see stop.
Pedal down to another River, the Indre, and visit the fortress of Chinon – looming over the town, and with a panorama into the medieval streets, shops and cafes below.
On your Loire Cycling tour, you can also visit Fontevraud Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monastic complexes and the resting place of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart. The site’s serene atmosphere and remarkable architecture make it a true highlight. Nearby, the village of Montsoreau—officially listed among the Prettiest Villages of France—offers art galleries, a riverside château, and panoramic views of the Loire. This stretch of the biking tour route combines culture, countryside, and calm.
Our Loire Self-Guided cycling itineraries continue as far west as Saumur, a graceful town surrounded by vineyards. The Château de Saumur overlooks the town from its hilltop, while cobblestone streets lead to wine cellars and lively cafés. En route, you can explore some of the unique sites of the Loire Valley, with troglodyte dwellings, mushroom caves, and the region’s odd (but delicious) “smashed apples” or Pommes Tapees! Celebrate your final evening with a glass of Crémant de Loire, the region’s signature sparkling wine.
As with all of our trips, you’ll benefit from a face-to-face bike fitting, your luggage is always waiting for you at your next hotel, and we are always available for on-trip support by phone — giving you peace of mind during your self-guided Loire Valley cycling trip. On top of the comfort & flexibility, with your own dates, and the hotel comfort you choose, you’ll love the freedom to explore at your own pace — with our detailed route notes and GPS maps making navigation easy, and rich regional information. Cycling through the Loire Valley on our self-guided bike tour offers the ultimate blend of independence, comfort, and discovery. From the royal grandeur of Chambord and Chenonceau to the riverside calm of Saumur, every day brings new beauty, cuisine, and history.
