At a Glance
Bring to life a fairy tale as you cycle through architectural wonders, perfectly sculptured gardens, lush forests, green woodlands, charming villages, and breathtaking châteaus on this 6-day biking adventure through France’s magnificent Loire Valley.
Bring your adventure to a start as you arrive at the front entrance of the St-Pierre-des-Corps train station, France. Cycle past quaint villages and wheat fields catching a glimpse of the Loire River on our way to Villandry, and stumble upon the magnificent Château de Villandry castle acquired by Joachim Carvallo in the early 1900s. Journey into Loire Valley’s countryside, France’s largest wine region by area. Come across fascinating troglodyte caves, and delight in the indescribable sight of Château d'Ussé as you ride past. Pay a visit to the wine region of Vouvray, and explore the bustling ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- All luggage, shuttle and hotel transfers
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- 5 nights of accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Biking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Today, you meet with your tour leaders at 10:30 a.m. at the front entrance of the St-Pierre-des-Corps train station just outside of Tours, France. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's ride (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Following our meeting, we shuttle outside of Villandry. Here, we meet with our tour guides who fit your bike and give a brief lecture on the various biking techniques and safety measures there are. Kick start your adventure with a ride through quaint villages and fields of wheat and sunflowers, catching a glimpse of the rivers the Loire and Cher en route to Villandry. Discover the magnificent Château de Villandry acquired by Joachim Carvallo in the early 1900s and is surrounded by some of France’s most exquisite gardens. Today, Carvallo’s grandson tends the grounds, where the spectacular patchwork of greenery includes a water garden within a circle of lime trees; an ornamental garden; and the kitchen garden, with decorative geometric beds. With breathtaking scenery all around you, enjoy lunch on the grounds of the château, prepared with fresh ingredients picked from the vegetable gardens that adorn the grounds. After lunch, bike along the Loire River and make your way across the other side toward the charming village of Langeais where a mediaeval castle rests atop a promontory above the Loire. Cycle around and explore this quiet town, bordered on one side by the 15th-century castle built by Louis XI. |
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Make your way to the majestic Loire River just outside of town, afterwards we head to St-Patrice where we find our home for the next two nights. Located in the Loire Valley, the Château de Rochecotte is a beautiful tourist hotel, and formerly the private residence of a prince and duchess. This grand castle is set on a 20-hectare with an Italian terrace, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and is surrounded by the Bourgueil vineyards. Take a dip in the pool, treat your tired muscles to a rejuvenating spa session, or enjoy some downtime in the warm Loire Valley sun. Tonight, we gather for a welcome reception before sitting down to an exceptional French dinner at the hotel. |
Château de Rochecotte, Coteaux-sur-Loire
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: Today's adventure takes us west and deeper into the Loire Valley's countryside and the vineyards that comprise France's largest (by area) wine region. Experience the free-spirited way of life as you cycle amid serene woodland and celebrated cabernet franc vineyards. Although the Loire Valley wines may not yet be as popular in the US as those from Bordeaux or Burgundy, but the French adore these unique easy-to-drink blends and the country's most northerly wine-growing region is one of its most celebrated. Tour the tiny villages dotting the landscape, come across the fascinating troglodyte caves that have housed people (and wine!) for centuries, and discover some of the most beautiful villages (Plus Beaux) in France, including Montsoreau and charming Candes-St-Martin with sights of gabares (traditional flat bottomed boats) floating gently down the deep blue river. Relish the sight of the incomparable Château d'Ussé as you ride past it, and make sure to take a lot of photos. Take a break from adventure to refuel with a picnic in the ancient port of Bréhémont, once a bustling town of great importance to France’s naval excursions. Done with exploration for the day, head back to the hotel and relax in your room. We will be gathering tonight for dinner at the hotel with lots of local dishes to savour. Afterwards, you are free to retire for the night. |
Château de Rochecotte, Coteaux-sur-Loire, FranceBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: After devouring a hearty breakfast this morning, we will be travelling to the wine region of Vouvray, famous for Chenin Blanc vineyards and peppered with fruit trees. According to legend, Saint Martin of Tours planted the area's first grapevine on a hill overlooking his abbey in AD 372. Explore the Vouvray vineyards with their wines being some of the most recognized in France. Continue to the bustling town of Amboise, home to famous kings, lords, ladies, merchants, and scholars. Once home to François the First and the original centre of the French royal court, even Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life here; his former Manor-Clos Lucé-now houses replicas and drawings of some of his most famous inventions. Take a stroll through the bustling town with lots of shops and places to explore, and enjoy lunch on your own with lots of restaurants to choose from. |
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When you are done exploring, continue on your bike along riverside bike paths and open plains filled with wheat fields and sunflowers to our home for the next two nights, Domaine des Hauts de Loire. A hunting lodge built in 1860 and located at the heart of Loire castles amid greenery, Des Hauts de Loire is the perfect abode for nature lovers with a secluded setting. Relax in the hotel sauna, unwind by the pool or take a peaceful walk through its garden. Tonight, treat your taste buds to spectacular dishes and wines at a fantastic French dinner. |
Domaine des Hauts de Loire, OnzainBreakfast, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Begin the day with a delightful breakfast this morning, afterwards go on cycling along quiet roads following the river's plateau, taking in the sights, sounds, and a modest hill or two before tackling the breathtaking southern plateau. Ride to the most famous of the Loire Valley châteaux, where you are met with the enchanting sight of Château de Chenonceau which spans the River Cher, and is graced with vast gardens, galleries, magnificent fireplaces, 16th-century Flemish tapestries, and paintings by Rubens and Rigaud. Learn the history behind its famous name “Château of Six Women”, nicknamed so because of the efforts of six women, each of whom added personal touches to the elaborately decorated château. |
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After your tour, enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch prepared by your tour guides, then after we travel south to north crossing the Loire once again. Navigate your bike through quiet roads along the north banks and into the burgeoning new wine appellation of Mesland, leading you back to the hotel. Rest in your room, relax by the hotel’s lounge or go for a swim in the pool before gathering for dinner at a delightful Bistrot (small restaurant). |
Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Onzain, France.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: After a hearty breakfast this morning, we spin east through the vineyards and villages outside of Onzain past the bustling town of Blois. Make your way through a forested landscape and striking small villages to the largest castle in the Loire Valley and the grand finale of our journey, the 16th-century Château de Chambord. Decadent, immense, and profoundly regal, Chambord captures the spirit of the Loire's châteaux with its exuberant disdain for modesty. |
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Head out on your bike toward the lovely Sources de Cheverny (Cheverny Springs), a classic 15th-century French homestead set on 75 acres of magnificent woodland and our home for the night. A 5-star peaceful haven created to enjoy the good things in life. Relax and unwind at the hotel’s numerous amenities; luxuriate in a refreshing spa session, relax by the indoor or outdoor pool. Gather tonight for a festive farewell dinner, toasting the week’s adventures and sitting down for a sumptuous meal. |
Les Sources de Cheverny, ChevernyBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 2, Approx. 32 km (20 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft) Start the last day of this epic adventure with an early morning spin while appreciating the Loire Valley landscape in the quiet morning light. Bask in the unspoiled countryside views surrounding our hotel and the fertile fields that earn the Loire its moniker as the Garden of France. We’ll celebrate one last time together before saying our deep-hearted goodbyes. After, board a private coach back to St-Pierre-des-Corps train station outside of Tours. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is St-Pierre-des-Corps.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to St-Pierre-des-Corps. The closest major airport to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, France is Tours Val de Loire Airport and is 10 km from the center of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps.
The Loire Valley has a mild climate moderated by the Atlantic wind, though heat waves are possible in the summer. In fall the warm moist winds from the Atlantic often bring morning mist. On most days you'll be comfortable biking in a short-sleeved jersey or T-shirt. On average, the valley receives about 26 inches of rain, which is distributed evenly throughout the year.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km (36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
