m.touch travel
Walking & Bike Trips
On the Way
Azay le Rideau
Archetypal early Renaissance Chateau with a magnificent staircase. The setting is one of the most romantic in the Loire Valley, between two branches of the Indre river. 'A diamond with two facets, set in the Indre, mounted on a flower-covered support', Balzac: from 'Le lys dans la vallee'.
Amboise
One of the first royal defensive medieval castle overlooking the Loire and its charming city; a combination Gothic and Renaissance. Interesting furniture.
Blois
A large royal Chateau illustrating the development of French
architecture from the 13th to the 17th century. Facade of
the Loges, Louis XII wing, Francois I wing, Gaston d'Orleans
wing, the apartments of Francois I, musee des Beaux-Arts
Cheverny
Cheverny is the perfect example of a Louis XIII Chateau, elegant
and of unusually unified style with a magnificent decor. The
staircase and furniture (King's Room) are exceptional; interesting
Musee de la Venerie (Hunting Museum). Hergé (the
author of Tintin) used it as a model to draw Moulinsart.
Chambord
The largest of the Chateaux of the Loire built as hunting
grounds for François Ist. Impressive and majestic,
it has architecturally innovative terraces with the famous
“double revolution” staircase attributed to Leonardo
da Vinci: 'an abridged version of human industry', as Charles V said.
Chaumont
Elegant Gothic and Renaissance Chateau castle flanked by spectacular
and numerous towers on a dominating site. The park was designed
by contemporary landscape gardens. 'Black trees surround this
ancient manor house on a sides and, from afar, resemble the
feathers on King Henry's hat'.
Chenonceau
A stunning fairytale bridge castle stretching across the River
Cher with Renaissance and Classic architecture of rare elegance.
Chinon
Impressive medieval ensemble consisting of three Chateaux
on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Loire. Here Joan of Arc
met the future Charles VII
de Villandry
A remarkable reconstruction of the 16th c. gardens divided
in three terraces. The last of the great Chateaux of the Loire,
it reflects a combination of influences from the Loire Valley
(Renaissance) and Ile-de-France (Classicism).
Bike Tours
Includes:
Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel.
Maps and itineraries. Tourist information.
Accommodation : Generally on half board.
Bike Rentals:
21 speed men’s and ladies' bike, equipped with two saddlebags, a water bottle, an anti-theft device, a map holder, a helmet and a repair kit. Adjustment by a cycling specialist.
Costs 13 euro per day pp
Walking Tours
Includes:
Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel.
Maps and itineraries. Tourist information.
Accommodation : 7 nights with ‘continental’ breakfasts’ in 2** star hotel - double room with showers
R4137: 1 transfer by taxi on Day 5 from the hotel to Oisly.
R3749: 3 transfers by taxi : on day 2 from the Tours hotel to Villandry - on day 3 from Azay le Rideau hotel to Rigny Ussé - on day 7 from Fontevraud hotel to Turquant
Dinners based on program
Walking & Bike Trips in the Loire Valley
A stay in a wonderful manor house from 18th century in a green scenery, in the heart of Cheverny AOC vineyards and close to the famous chateau which has inspired Hergé for his comics in Tintin adventures. Discover on cycling path the numerous chateaux of the area.
Here are just a few of our bike route. Please emails us if you are looking for something specific or a less traveled route.
Available: March - October
Inquiry Form
Self Guided Bike Tours
Roundtrips
Only 2 hours from Paris and you are in the magnificent Loire Valley where you can tour the magical chateaux and gardens. During the summer some of the Chateaux hold concerts.
more details
Three River Route - 8 days / 7 nights - Ref#CR3Luxe
From 1,450€pp
1st Day : Arrival in Joué les Tours.
2nd Day : Joué les Tours - Montbazon 58 km
A stage with the opportunity of discovering the famous gardens of Villandry crossing the Indre Valley and the château of Azay le Rideau situated in a nice setting of water and green. Option : accommodation in a superior 4* château- hotel classified by “Grandes Etapes Françaises”
3rd Day : Montbazon – Céré La Ronde 50 km
Cycling along the Indre Valley, passing via the famous château of Chenonceau built on the river Cher. Then you will reach the château of Montpoupon.
4th Day : Céré La Ronde - Ouchamps 44 km
An itinerary through the countryside and vineyards passing by small châteaux before cycling towards the famous château of Cheverny.
5th Day : Excursion 67 km
After Cheverny and Villesavin, you will enjoy visiting the prestigious château of Chambord and the Château of Beauregard.
6th Day : Ouchamps - Amboise 34 km
Cycling along the Loire river via Chaumont sur Loire and its chateau before reaching the nice town of Amboise overlooked by its Royal Château.
7th Day : Amboise - Joué les Tours 49 km
Your last stage cycling through the countryside and famous ‘Vouvray’ vineyards.
8th Day : Departure
Royal stay in Chateau Country - 5 days / 4 nights - Ref#S41MB
From 850€pp
Excursion 1 : Fougère-sur-Bièvre 29 km
A short excursion allowing to discover the Château of Fougères-sur-Bièvre of feudal style which represent perfectly the 15th century in a nice rustic village. Do not forget to taste the local wine in one of the numerous cellars on your route.
Excursion 2 : Chateau of Beauregard 26 km
Through vineyards and Forest allowing the possibility to visit the Château of Beauregard famous for its Portrait Gallery.
Excursion 3 : Chateau of Chambord 50 km
A stage in Sologne, first to Chateau of Villesavin before reaching the famous Chateau of Chambord, where a stop is essential to visit the most majestic château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms.
Excursion 4 : Blois 47 km
Through numerous typical villages, reach the Loire river banks and the nice town of Blois, worth visiting for its old quarter and also its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Then return through the forest of Russy.
Excursion 5 : Chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire 46 km
Passing by the countryside before reaching the Loire banks at Chaumont where you can visit the nice Château overlooking the Loire and its international "Gardens Festival"
Art de Vivre Route - 7 days / 6 nights - Ref#C37GEF
From 1,950€pp
1st Day : Arrival in Amboise
The nice town of Amboise, built at the edge of the Loire River, is overlooked by its Royal Chateau where lived the most important kings of France. Do not forget to visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci lived the last 3 years of his live, invited by his friend Francis the 1st. Dinner & accommodation at Le Choiseul 4* a group of 18th century residence is built between the Loire, terraced gardens and cave dwellings ! The panoramic restaurant offers a beautiful view over the Loire River !
2nd Day : Excursion to Chenonceaux & Montrichard 47 km
This 1st cycling trip will bring you to the Cher Valley, at Chenonceau famous for Renaissance château spanning the Cher river still steeped in memories of the famous ladies in French History : Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. Proceed to Montrichard, a medieval town made of ‘tuffeau’ stones !Dinner & accommodation at Le Choiseul 4*
3rd Day : Stage Amboise - Luynes 52 km
Departure for a ‘country’ stage through the vineyards of Vouvray to reach the Château de Valmer offering a beautiful illustration of the Italian Gardens style. Continuation through the peaceful ‘Tourangelle’ countryside to join your château-hôtel. Dinner & accommodation at Domaine de Beauvois 4*. This 16th and 17th century manor, located in a wooded 140 hectare park across form the Briffaut pond, offers hotel service with charm and refined comfort.
4th Day : Transfer by taxi to Fontevraud : Fontevraud - Chenehuttes 31 km
From Frontevraud, well-know for its Abbey which is the largest monastic city remaining in Europe, departure through the forest and the vineyards to Saumur, nice town overlooked by its imposing château. Continuation following the Loire river to the chateau-hotel. Dinner & accommodation at Le Prieuré 4*
This 12th and 16th century residence, located in an age-old park, offers rooms of character and dinning rooms with a unique panorama over the Loire Valley.
5th Day : Excursion to Rochemenier 46 km
You will enjoy the ‘Angevine sweetness’ by cycling through the forest, vineyards and typical troglodyte villages of the area ! Rochemenier is the most complete troglodyte site of the Loire Valley showing how used to live the former inhabitants of such villages. Dinner & accommodation at Le Prieuré 4*
6th Day : Transfer by taxi to Villandry : Villandry - Montbazon 37 km
Do not hesitate to visit in Villandry the famous Gardens ‘à la française’, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces ! This stage will bring you to the Indre Valley passing via Azay le Rideau and its Renaissance château : a jewel in a wonderful setting of water and green ! Then, following the meandering Indre River, you will reach your last château-hôtel.
Dinner & accommodation at Château d’Artigny 4* This exquisite residence built by the famous perfumer Coty in 18th century style, with dazzling white stones that contrast with the green 25 hectare park, overlooks the Indre river Valley. The entrance to the property leads through the forest to the striking discovery of French style Gardens and a majestic, elegant chateau.
7th Day : Departure from Montbazon.
Wine & Gastronomy Route - 7 days / 6 nights - Ref#C4137G
From 975 €pp
1st Day : Arrival in Blois.
Possibility to visit the town centre : its typical narrow streets and its beautiful château.
2nd Day : Blois - Amboise 43 km
Through the forest and the vineyards. Discover the charming countryside landscape before reaching Chaumont-sur-Loire, then theRoyal city of Amboise with its chateau and the last home of Leonardo da Vinci.
3rd Day : Amboise – Civray-de-Touraine 33 km
A trip trough the ‘Montlouis’ vineyards ! Do not miss to make a stop in a local wine cellar before joining the Renaissance château de la Bourdaisière. Proceed to the Cher valley.
4th Day : Excursion à Montpoupon 45 km or 69 km
An excursion in the heat of the Touraine area which allows you to discover the châteaux of Montpoupon, devoted to the horse and the hunt. Possibility to extend your trip to the beautiful château of Montrésor.
5th Day : Civray-de-Touraine - Candé-sur-Beuvron 35 km
Cycle along the Cher river to the famous chateau of Chenonceau (Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis home), then to the mediaeval town of Montrichard with its troglodyte sites : mushroom cellars and wine cellars. Proceed to Candé-sur-Beuvron.
6th Day :Candé-sur-Beuvron - Blois 55 km
A last stage via the château of Cheverny, known for its apartments very well furnished and decorated before reaching the prestigious chateau of Chambord, a French Renaissance jewel built under Francis 1st reign.
7th Day : Departure
CLOSE
Self Guided Bike Trips
Linear Routes
Select any combination of routes. Lower prices for combinations
more details
Stage 1 - 5 days / 4 nights - Ref#4544-A
From 675 €pp
1st Day : Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans and its old historical centre, situated between the large countryside fields of Beauce area, green pastures, ponds and forest of Sologne area.
2nd Day : Orléans – Beaugency 30 km
Longing the wild river banks for a stage in calm and serenity through the charming and very flowered city of Beaugency .
3rd Day : Beaugency - Blois 47 km
Leaving Beaugency by the river banks passing via the prestigious château of Chambord: the widest Château of the Loire Valley masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Then, follow the direction of Blois presenting a rich historical heritage with the château offering a brillant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
4th Day : Blois – Amboise 45 km
A trip between forest and vineyards of Touraine Mesland appellation until the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire river, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau from 15th –16th century. Few streets further on, is the last home of Léonardo Da Vinci : Manorhouse of ‘Clos Lucé’
5th Day : Amboise – Tours 40 km
A stage via the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favourite of King Henri IV. Continue to the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses.
6th Day : Departure
Stage 2 - 6 days / 5 nights - Ref#4544-B
From 675 €pp
1st Day : Arrival in Tours
2nd Day : Tours – Azay le Rideau 40 km
Reach Savonnières for a journey in the heart of Petrifying Grottoes. Then proceed to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces, then Saché, the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. Finally arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau, a jewel set over the Indre river.
3rd Day : Azay le Rideau – Chinon 33 km
Departure towards Langeais and its 15th century château offering a typical form of a medieval fortified castle where you could admire wonderful tapestries and piece of furniture. Then ride towards the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ chateau in Ussé which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairy tail story.
4th Day : Chinon – Saumur 40 km
Before leaving the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne river, possibility to visit numerous cellars which propose the famous red wine such appreciated by Rabelais. Then, continue towards the abbey of Fontevraud, the largest monastic city remaining in Europe which is the Necropolis of the Plantagenêts sovereigns before reaching the lovely town of Saumur.
5th Day : Saumur – Angers 60 km
A stage following the Loire river before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau sheltering the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
6th Day : departure
Stage 3 - 7 days / 6 nights - Ref#4544-C
From 875 €pp
1st Day : Arrival in Angers
2nd Day : Angers - Ingrandes sur Loire 40 km
From the heart of the vineyards of Anjou: slopes of the River Loire, Aubance and Layon, to the banks of the Loire at Chalonnes, the confluence of the Rivers Loire and Layon.
3rd Day : Ingrandes /Loire - Champtoceaux 35 km
A ride along the banks of the River Loire to Champtoceaux, in its magnificent setting marking the boundary between Anjou and Brittany.
4th Day : Champtoceaux - Nantes 30 km
From countryside and small villages to the big city of Nantes. Discover another point of view of the Loire in the capital of the western part.
5th Day : Nantes – St Brévin 60 km
A stage along marshlands and countryside to finish at the estuary of the Loire river and enjoy the seaside and beaches.
6th Day : St Brévin – Le Croisic 50 km
From the estuary of the River Loire to the wild sea coast of Le Croisic. An opportunity to discover the famous salterns of the medieval town of Guérande.
7th Day : Departure
CLOSE
Self Guided Walking Trips
From the prestigious Loire River and its Royal chateaux, hiking via the green Sologne forest, to the famous Touraine Vineyards, you will enjoy the richness of the Loire Valley
more details
Kings' Path Route - 8 days / 7 nights - Ref#R4137
From 665 €pp
1st Day : Arrival in Blois
Do not forget to discover the town with its typical pedestrian streets and its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
2nd Day : Blois - Bracieux 21 km
Departure for a walking stage through the forest to reach the pretty village Bracieux situated at the door of the Sologne area !
3rd Day : Excursion to Chambord 22 km
Walking excursion to the prestigious Château of Chambord, the widest Château of the Loire Valley mainly built under the king Francis the First, passing by the Forest Estate covering more than 5500ha.
4th Day : Bracieux - Chitenay 19 km
Walking stage in direction of Cheverny well known for its Château still inhabited by the owners and hunting traditions before proceeding to the typical and charming village of Chitenay.
5th Day : transfer by taxi to Oisly : Oisly – Montrichard 24 km
Leaving the Sologne area through the vineyards, you will reach the Cher Valley and the villages of Bourré and Montrichard. Overlooked by vineyards, these typical villages are sheltering incomparable underground sites : mushroom bed installed in an old carrier where before were extracted the Bourré’s “tuffeau” and where you can now discover the astonishing mushrooms cultivation.
6th Day : Excursion to Chenonceaux 29 km or 24 km
Following the Cher river, this excursion will bring you to Chenonceaux, famous for its Renaissance chateau spanning the river and still steeped in memories of the famous ladies in French History : Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis.
7th Day : Montrichard - Amboise 20 km.
Leave the Cher river to join the Loire river. You will cross the forest of Amboise before reaching the charming town of Amboise where you will have the opportunity to visit the Royal Château (where lived the most important Kings of France) or the Parc Leonardo Da Vinci, last home of Leonardo da Vinci sheltering an astonishing collection of models representing the fabulous inventions of this Renaissance genius.
8th Day : Departure from Amboise
Royal Touraine to the Anjou Vineyards - 8 days / 7 nights - Ref#R3749
From 665 €pp
1st Day : Arrival in Tours
You will have the opportunity to visit the heart of the city, especially the old quarters including the famous ‘Place Plumereau’ with its half-timbered house and the gothic cathedral.
2nd Day : Transfer by taxi to Villandry : Villandry – Azay le Rideau 17 km
Do not hesitate to visit in Villandry the famous Gardens ‘à la française’, matchless in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces ! This stage will bring you to the Indre Valley passing via Azay le Rideau and its Renaissance château : a jewel in a wonderful setting of water and green !
3rd Day : Transfer by taxi to Rigny Ussé : Rigny Ussé - Chinon 19 km
From Ussé and its château of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, which inspired Perrault to write hid famous novel, departure through Chinon Forest to the medieval city of Chinon built on the edge of the Vienne river and famous for its red wine well appreciated by François Rabelais.
4th Day : Excursion around Chinon 17 km
An excursion through the vineyards of Chinon where you will have the opportunity to enter and visit numerous cellars, without forgetting to taste this famous red wine of course !
5th Day : Chinon – Fontevraud 17 km
Leave Chinon following the Vienne river to reach Fontevraud, well-known for its amazing Abbey which is the largest monastic city remaining in Europe.
6th Day : Excursion to Montsoreau 14 km
Excursion towards Montsoreau, a charming village on the Loire river, where you will have the possibility to visit incomparable troglodyte sites become mushroom beds installed in an old carrier where before were extracted the “tuffeau” stone.
7th Day : Transfer by taxi to Turquant : Turquant - Saumur 11 km.
Departure from Turquant for a stage through the vineyards of ‘Saumur’ and ‘Saumur-Champigny’ towards Saumur, a nice historical town overlooked by its imposing château.
8th Day : Departure from Saumur.