France: Wine & Châteaux of the Loire Valley
Explore a land of grand castles, resplendent gardens and prolific vineyards during unrivalled cycling in the Loire Valley of France.
Guided Biking
- Daily Mileage: 13 - 33|
- Biking: 2 - 5 hr|
Starting From
10-day Air Package
$4,445
7-day Bike Tour Only
$3,645
Per person, double occupancy

France: Wine & Châteaux of the Loire Valley
Explore a land of grand castles and resplendent gardens during unrivalled cycling in the Loire Valley of France. Ride bucolic farmlands to French villages and cultural centers steeped in charm and history, from quaint Cour-Cheverny to historic Amboise and magnificent Tours. Follow the scenic Loire River and the Loire & Terroir bike path to wine growers and their stellar vintages. See the cave dwellings of medieval peasants. And marvel at the undisputed stars of the Loire – the sprawling châteaux built as royal retreats: stunning Chambord with its 440 rooms, Chenonceau with its gallery spanning the Cher River, Villandry with its impeccable gardens and Chaumont with its riverside setting. What’s more, you’ll conclude your journey amid the pinnacle of château opulence: the glorious Palace of Versailles.What to Expect
This tour offers easy terrain throughout the trip, with a few rolling hills. Ideal for beginning cyclists. Our VBT van shuttle is always available for those who need assistance.
- Daily Mileage: 13 - 33|
- Biking: 2 - 5 hr|
- Group Size: 20
Cycling
Cyclists
Support
Tour Highlights
- Explore some of the 440 rooms of Château Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, on a self-guided visit.
- Marvel at the resplendence of the 15th-century Château de Chaumont and its delightful gardens, beautifully set on the Loire River.
- Learn about the colorful and scandalous history of King Henry II and Catherine de Medici during an audio-guide tour of Château de Chenonceau.
- Admire the geometric, terraced gardens of Château de Villandry, bursting with flowers, vegetables and herbs.
- Contrast the châteaux of the Loire Valley with the opulence of Versailles during your audio-guided tour.
- Sip the region’s celebrated wines during an included tasting.
- Cycle the Loire & Terroir bicycle path past the rolling vineyards of France’s renowned wine-producing AOC of Touraine.
- Stroll the magnificent medieval Old Town of Tours, pausing to admire its stunning cathedral.
- Roll into the bucolic landscapes that inspired famed French novelist and playwright Honoré de Balzac.
- Uncover the history of medieval peasant cave-dwellers during a guided tour of the Troglodyte Valley of Goupillières.
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
Apr58º/39º
May65º/44º
Jun69º/50º
Jul74º/53º
Aug73º/53º
Sep68º/49º
Oct57º/42º
Average
Precipitation:
Apr1.8 in
May2.5 in
Jun3.3 in
Jul1.7 in
Aug3.5 in
Sep2.3 in
Oct2.9 in
Air Package | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Transfers to and from international airport | ||
Two nights in Paris in a conveniently located hotel with breakfast included | ||
6 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels | ||
11 meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners |

Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
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Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
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Road Bicycle (Aluminum alloy frame)
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Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Vehicle Support
Luggage Transfers
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2021 Pre-Trip Extension - Paris
2 Nights From $395 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $345
- 2 nights at the Hotel Château Frontenac
- Daily breakfast
- City Information
- Airport transfers
Depart home for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.
Upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area; VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Please note: Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.
After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van to your Paris hotel (approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic).
Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the CDG Airport, please call 06 72 07 59 24 or 06 15 15 15 25 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 672 07 59 24 or +33 615 15 15 25.
VBT provides you with City Information that includes recommendations for what to see and do in Paris. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the City of Light.
Accommodation: Hotel Château Frontenac, Paris
Today, see for yourself why Paris has inspired poets, lovers, emperors, and artists for centuries. Start with a stroll along the legendary Champs-Élysées, site of the final grueling yards of the Tour de France and the shopping boulevard of the city. Climb the mammoth Arc de Triomphe if you wish, then follow the world’s most famous street to the Place de la Concorde, punctuated by the Egyptian obelisk, a gift from Egypt in 1829. The Louvre and its world-class art collection is another delightful walk away, through the Jardin des Tuileries, studded with statuary and 17th-century gardens.
Accommodation: Hotel Château Frontenac, Paris
Included Meals: Breakfast
Take another day to discover Paris on your own. Visit Napoleon’s tomb at Les Invalides and the adjacent and fascinating Musée de l’Armée military museum. Strike a pose with The Thinker at the Musée Rodin, where the sculptor’s most remarkable works grace an outdoor garden and an indoor gallery. And take a romantic riverside stroll along the lovely Seine. VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.
Accommodation: Hotel Château Frontenac, Paris
Included Meals: Breakfast

Guest Reviews 94 out of 98 (96%) of reviewers recommend this tour
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