Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast
Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast
13 Days Starting in Orléans, France and ending in St Brevin, France
Visiting: Orléans, Beaugency, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Azay le Rideau, Chinon, Saumur, Angers, Mauges-sur-Loire, Nantes, St Brévin les Pins, St Brevin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ULV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
An epic cycle journey of nearly 500km following the banks of the Loire River from Orléans to the Atlantic Coast, following the cycling path 'Loire à Vélo'. Discover the royal valley as you cycle along the majestic river where thousands of treasures await including numerous chateaux, wonderful landscapes and regional gastronomic delights. Discover the charms of the western part of the Loire valley, from Angers all the way to St Brevin Les Pins. A chance to visit the typical countryside of vineyards and chateaux, of salterns and marshes, and to finally 'take the plunge' into the Atlantic Ocean.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Orléans
Location: Orléans
Accommodation Name: Hotel
On arrival in Orléans make your way to the first hotel. Gateway to the heart of the famous Loire valley, Orléans was a capital in the early French Middle Ages, and today is a lively, modern town with a beautiful historic centre. An ideal place to start this route along Europe’s last wild river: the Loire. Dependent on your arrival time, we recommend spending time exploring the old centre. The city is situated between the large countryside fields of the Beauce area and the green pastures, ponds and forest of Sologne.
Day 2 : Cycle to Beaugency (26km/16mi)
Location: Beaugency
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Follow the wild river banks today, and cycle in calm and serenity to the charming town of Beaugency. This afternoon you can visit the Hall of Honour, in the town hall, with its 8 impressive embroidered wall hangings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Other notable sites include Chateau de Dunois, the Abbey church and the clock tower.
159m ascent, 172m descent
Day 3 : Cycle via Chambord to Blois (46km/28.5mi)
Location: Blois
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today you will leave Beaugency along the river banks, passing the prestigious château of Chambord, the widest château in the Loire Valley and a Renaissance masterpiece. Continue cycling towards Blois, known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries, and its serene atmosphere. The château in Blois offers an excellent illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
328m ascent, 345m descent
Day 4 : Follow the Loire River to Amboise (42km/26mi)
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Cycle to the chateau of Chaumont, overlooking the Loire river. It is worthwhile stopping here, and the grounds are usually open to the public. The Chateau itself is famous for its luxurious stables and there is often free wine tasting at the base of the driveway. The cycle continues to Amboise and its royal chateau dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Nearby you can also visit Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last home.
337m ascent, 343m descent
Day 5 : Cycle to Tours (56km/35mi)
Location: Tours
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today's cycle will take you via the vineyards of Montlouis to Tours. After approx 15km you have the option to visit the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, which was sabotaged by the Queen, Catherine de Médicis. Continue to Montlouis, with its numerous cellars offering prestigious sweet white or sparkling wines. The ideal microclimate, close to where the Loire and Cher unite, produces grapes of a unique quality. Discover this for yourself during a visit to a wine cellar or a lunch break. A fine track leads to Tours, the friendly capital of what is called ´the garden of France'. Here great experiences await including the magnificent cathedral and basilica, the Olivier Debré Art Centre, the Botanical Garden, the flavours of the markets...
419m ascent, 434m descent
Day 6 : Continue via Villandry to Azay le Rideau (41km/25.5mi)
Location: Azay le Rideau
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Cycle to Savonnières and visit the 'Petrifying Grottoes'. These limestone caves are used to create quite interesting ceramics. You will then proceed to Villandry with its chateau and famous gardens. These gardens are unmatched in Europe and have three superposed terraces. Continue to Sache and visit the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. You will eventually arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau set over the Indre river.
336m ascent, 339m descent
Day 7 : Pedal past chateaux to Chinon (35km/21.5mi)
Location: Chinon
Accommodation Name: Hotel
This morning you will cycle towards Langeais and its 15th century chateau, a typical medieval fortified castle where you can admire wonderful tapestries and furniture. Then ride towards the 'Sleeping Beauty' chateau in Ussé which inspired the famous fairy tale by Perrault. Overnight in the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne river. It is possible to visit numerous cellars and sample the famous red wine appreciated by Rabelais.
276m ascent, 292m descent
Day 8 : Cycle via the abbey of Fontevraud to Saumur (36-48km/22-30mi)
Location: Saumur
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today you will cycle towards the impressive Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the greatest monastic cities in Europe from 1101 to 1804. Eleanor of Aquitaine spent her last days here and it is the necropolis of the Plantagenet sovereigns. Napoleon saved the abbey from destruction in 1804, transforming into a penitentiary and it remained a prison until 1985. Continue to the lovely town of Saumur.
491m ascent, 458m descent
Day 9 : Through vineyards en route to Angers (58km/36mi)
Location: Angers
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Cycle along the southern bank of the river where you can admire the monuments of local white tuff stone, such as the church in Cunault and St-Maur Abbey. Once in St-Mathurin-sur-Loire you follow the northern bank of the Loire through a former swamp that was drained in the Middle Ages. Some time later you see tracks of the old slate quarries of Trélazé. Then enjoy crossing the Authion River via a little chain ferry. Your destination is the peaceful city of Angers, with its chateau housing the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
695m ascent, 680m descent
Day 10 : On to Ingrandes/Mauges-sur-Loire (48km/29mi)
Location: Mauges-sur-Loire
Accommodation Name: Hotel
In the heart of Anjou, this stage takes you from opposite Angers’ central castle out via the green setting of the Lac de Maine. This urban stage avoids the road traffic, taking you through parkland and alongside the Maine River. Bouchemaine is great for a stop, for its typical quayside restaurants or a picnic beside the Loire. Continue to La Pointe in the heart of Anjou, where the Maine River joins the Loire. Further west there are glimpses of the prestigious vine-covered slopes of Savennières while you closely follow the river. Don’t miss Béhuard Island before continuing to cross Chalonnes’ island, one of the largest on the Loire. Nearby, along the south bank, are the celebrated Coteaux du Layon vineyards, then the pretty perched villages of Montjean-sur-Loire and Ingrandes. Overnight usually in Mauges-sur-Loire just across the river.348m ascent, 360m descent
Day 11 : Continue to the city of Nantes (52m/32mi)
Location: Nantes
Accommodation Name: Hotel
From Ingrandes/surrounds, you quickly reach the village of St-Florent-le-Vieil, with its great views of the Loire Valley. Continue to Champtoceaux, an historic fortified site with further tremendous river views, standing on Anjou’s frontier with the Pays d’Ancenis on the north bank. It’s worth conquering the heights of St-Florent and Champtoceaux for the panoramas! The route is along quiet roads and greenways and soon the city of Nantes comes into view. Cycle into town on a shaded towpath. The Tabarly Bridge leads to L’île de Nantes, home to extraordinary outsized machines including the giant elephant. Enjoy sightseeing through Nantes' numerous pedestrian and cycle-friendly streets.442m ascent, 447m descent
Day 12 : Cycle along marshland to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins (59km/37mi)
Location: St Brévin les Pins
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Leave Nantes via a small boat across the river and continue on the cycling path of 'Loire à Vélo'. Later in the day you will follow a narrow canal for a peaceful cycle through marshlands and countryside. This will bring you to the estuary of the Loire river at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. St Brevin is a seaside resort with a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and pine tree forest - an ideal place to relax after a long cycling day.337m ascent, 335m descent
Day 13 : Trip concludes
Location: St Brevin
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes in St Brevin after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights if you'd like to extend your stay to visit the beautiful Atlantic Coast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in 3 star -
12 breakfasts
Breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices.
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12 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies).
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Digital information pack
Includes a smartphone app with maps, roadbook, and GPS tracks.
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Luggage transfer
1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.
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21 speed men’s or ladies’ bike
Equipped with a pannier, helmet, bike lock, map holder, and repair kit. Electric bike available on request - supplement applies.
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Tourist tax
Tourist tax is included.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Orleans and from St Brevin
Travel to the starting point and from the ending point is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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E-bike hire
Electric bike hire is available on request - supplement applies.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Solo traveler or single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers if you need to skip a stage
Transfers are not included if you need to skip a stage.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal items are not included.
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Printed documents
Printed documents are available at an additional cost. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel.
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Hotel taxes if applicable
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
Accommodation
12 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels
During the trip you will stay in carefully selected 2 to 3 star hotels, chosen for their character and location. Whilst these hotels have charm and comfort, you can choose to upgrade to 3 to 4 star hotels. A supplement applies if you decide to take the upgrade option.
Grading
GRADE 2
Daily cycles are between 26 and 60km / 16 and 37.5mi on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Orleans and from St Brevin. 21 speed men's or ladies' bike (electric bike available on request - supplement applies) equipped with a pannier, helmet, bike lock, map holder, and repair kit.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
You will be provided with a 21-speed men's or ladies' bike equipped with a pannier, helmet, bike lock, map holder, and repair kit. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in carefully selected 2 to 3-star hotels, chosen for their character and location. These hotels offer charm and comfort. There is also an option to upgrade to 3 to 4-star hotels for an additional supplement.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 12 continental-style breakfasts consisting of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included. You can transfer one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is there any emergency support available during the tour?
Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the tour.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as introductory to moderate (Grade 2). Daily cycles range between 26 and 60km (16 and 37.5mi) on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads, with an emphasis on a relaxed pace to enjoy the attractions.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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Can I get printed documents for the tour?
Printed documents are available at an additional cost. They must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage during the tour?
Transfers are not included if you need to skip a stage. You will need to arrange and pay for any necessary transfers yourself.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
