"We chose the Loire Valley tour which is beautiful scenery and the Castles are unbelievable. This was our first trip abroad and Discover France made it so easy and stress-free: I would highly recommend them and use them again for another Cycling Vacation."
- D. Lingle, Loire

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Tours > Multisport Tours> Loire Hiking, Biking, & Canoe: Chateaux to Vineyards

Loire Hiking, Biking, & Canoe: Chateaux to Vineyards

The Loire Valley has seen many of France's kings pass through its regions, the "valley" is known as the Kings Valley. It is probably most famous for the King Francois Ier who was under the crown during the building of some of the most extravagent castles during the renaissance. However, many of the castles in the Loire date from the Medieval period and some even before. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, the valley offers so many chateaux, mansions, churches, and abbeys that a visitor can't possibly see it all!

On this tour from Blois you will hike past Chambord and Cheverny during 2 days. Then you will have your bike ready to go and visit numerous chateaux and historical sites including Amboise, Chaumont, Chenonceau! The last day to Chenonceaux, you will have a canoe trip to ride unederneath the Chenonceau Chateau arches !

Blog Articles about the Loire Region:

Loire Valley Wine | 5 Things You Didn't Know About the Loire | 5 Foods to Try in the Loire Region | 3 Must Visit Towns in the Loire |


Tour Details


Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1

Day 1:Arrival in Blois, famous for its Royal Renaissance Chateau. Blois is a short train ride from Paris and has plenty to offer for your first night: pedestrian streets, 18th century stone bridge, Saint Louis Cathedral, shopping, restaurants. And since you are spending the night in Blois, do not forget to check if there is a Light & Sound show tonight (in English on Wednesdays!). Dinner on your own. Orientation by phone with our office at 6pm.

Mercure Blois Centre

3

Blois

The hotel Mercure Blois Centre, completely renovated, is located in the heart of the chateaux of the...

DAY 2

Day 2 After breakfast, we will transfer you to one of the most recognizable Chateaux of France: Chateau of Chambord. You can visit the Chateau, walk around in the park, and then start your hike from Chambord to Bracieux through the forest! Stay in a charming 2* hotel in Bracieux, dinner included. (B,D) 9 km hiking.

Chateau de Chambord: it is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the castle. There are suggestions that Leonardo da Vinci may have designed the staircase, but this has not been confirmed.

Hotel de la Bonnheure

2

Bracieux

Simple but pleasant 2 star hotel located just outside the Chambord forest in the village of Bracieux...

DAY 3

Day 3: Cheverny. This hike will take you to Cheverny, another famous town because of its Chateau. The present Chateau de Cheverny is an original jewel among the more famous monuments that stretch along the Loire Valley. In fact, Renaissance style did not find its place in Cheverny, which is built in the purest Louis XIII classical style, distinguished by an extraordinarily symmetrical architecture. But Cheverny is primarily known for being an inspiration to Herge, cartoonist and author of Tintin, who drew the castle in his comics as the Chateau de Moulinsart, home to Captain Haddock! Stay in 3* hotel near Cheverny, dinner included at your hotel. (B,D) 14km

Le Relais des Landes

3

Ouchamps

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL: (Near Blois) In the center of the Loire castles,in the quiet Sologne, ...

DAY 4

Day 4 - Bike! to Amboise: After breakfast you can take the bikes that are available to you and start your ride to Chaumont-sur-Loire, a village rich in history and a perfect place for walks along the riverbanks. Each year the International Garden Festival is held in the castle grounds. But Chaumont sur Loire is also known for its feudal castle dominating the valley. After your visit of Chaumont, you cycle on to Amboise, where you stay tonight. Amboise has a lot to offer and plenty to visit: The Royal Castle, which introduced Italian-style architecture in the 15h and 16th centuries; Clos Luce: last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where you can see some of his many projects in different fields. Night in a nice 2* hotel, dinner included. (B,D) 48 or 35 km riding.

Hotel La Breche

2

Amboise

At a distance of 500 yards from the town center in the shadow in the raised garden, this residence d...

DAY 5

Day 5: Bike and Canoe! Amboise visit day or optional loop ride with canoe trip in the countryside. Amboise is a very culturally rich town with enough sites to occupy most of the day; so today we give you the time to enjoy them all! The castle and the Clos Luce are must see sites. You can consider a Sound and Light show during the high summer months at the castle, and also work in some wine tastings at caves located right in Amboise. The bike ride is to Chenonceau, one of the most famous of all castles erected by Henry II in the 16th century on the Cher River, and then improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. It is known as the "Ladies Castle" because of the feud between Diane de Poitiers, Henri II mistress and Catherine de Medicis, his wife. It is on that river too that you have the option for a canoe trip, which is included. Same hotel in Amboise tonight, dinner on your own. (B) 30-50 km cycling.

Hotel La Breche

2

Amboise

At a distance of 500 yards from the town center in the shadow in the raised garden, this residence d...

DAY 6

Day 6: Departure . Trains from Amboise return you to Paris and beyond. (B) Additional nights and activities can be arranged.



General Tour Information

Loire Hiking Tour - Chateaux, Vineyards, Sites
5 Nights / 6 Days
Dates 2012
Tour can start any day except Sunday, based on hotel availability. April through October.

Level

Moderate (2) Flat terrain with some hikes up to 15km- average and rides 40-50km, Canoe trip requires the ability swim - water is flat.

Tour departs any day, based on hotel availability.

What's Included

gps on hiking tours in france

The trip includes:

Included in this package are 5 nights accomodation in 2 and 3 star hotels, all breakfasts, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, taxi transfers as mentionned in the itinerary, bike rental, canoe excursion, orientation upon arrival, local emergency support, roadbook with detailed itineraries, GPS included. We also include travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more. Note: Son et Lumiere shows are both seasonal and on certain days of the week. Depending on your dates, you may not be able to catch this each time it is mentioned.


To learn more about the road books and GPS units we included, visit this link: GPS & Road Book Details

For hotels included in this tour, please see the Itinerary tab; each hotel is shown for each day.
Details

Arrival is Blois which is accessible by train from Paris. Departure from Amboise/St Pierre des Corp by train to Paris. Train from Paris. 1hour 40 minutes to Blois, 1 hour return.



Additional Night: please inquire.

Tour Rates

Price

- Standard 2&3 star hotels

Double Occupancy

TBD €/person

Triple Occupancy:

TBD €/person

Solo Supplement:

TBD €

Single supplement when traveling with others is TBD €

NOTES: bike rental and canoe fees included.

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Photos & Videos

Virtual Tour

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Bike Info


Bike Info

Bike Rentals:
bike rental discover france cycling tours Scott Sportster P3/P4 & P40 hybrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region!
Bike Equipment: Scott Sportster P3/P4 or P40 hybrid; see details on this page including a virtual photo tour, specs and all information.

Rental Rate: included for the duration of the tour. This includes all the gear shown as well as bike delivery, set up, and bike return. Every bike is given an inspection by our mechanics in the bike shop before they go out again. Pedals with or without straps available. Clients can bring their own Clipless pedals to be changed over.



Scott Sportster P3/P4 & P40 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included in the tour price.



You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure, see below. Upon confirmation of your tour we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists, cell phone rental, travel insurance, and more!

Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, a packing list, regional information about sites, culture, regional specialities, important towns and historical sites, general France travel information, bike travel tips, vouchers, train travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!

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