Cycling
View route on map

From Tours to Angers

Tour: FLTA6
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday
Linear Cycling Holiday

A tale of five rivers along the Loire. Countless wonderful wines, 8 inspiring Châteaux, 5 winding rivers, 2 outstanding cities - one winning formula. Cycle from Tours to cross the Cher and skirt the Indre’s watery meadows. Migrate from the castle-clad banks of the Vienne to the richest vineyards and love the Loire all the way to Angers. Flat riverside tracks and quiet lanes are combined with undulating countryside on this linear tour which reveals the Loire Valley’s sparkle through its waters and its wines. Read More

Destination

Europe, France

Start Day

Any Day

Board Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Prices from

£859.00

Duration

6 Days, 5 Nights

Availability

Mar - Oct

Tour Grade

Grade 2 (Easy)

Read Overview
Home > Europe > From Tours to Angers

Overview

An unforgettable journey exploring the 5 rivers that wind their way through the Loire Valley: the Loire, Cher, Indre, Vienne and Thouet and taking advantage of many kilometres of newly dedicated cycle route between Tours & Angers.

Tour Code:
FLTA6
Activity:
Cycling
Type:
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday, Linear Cycling Holiday
Country:
Europe, France
Area:
Loire
Duration:
6 Days, 5 Nights
Board Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Availability:
Mar - Oct

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive & explore

Arriving at Tours, you’ll stay at a 2 star hotel in the centre of this prosperous city, beautifully restored to reveal much of its medieval glory. You can explore the medieval quarter with its half timbered facades, hidden courtyards and crooked towers, visit the magnificent Cathádrale St-Gatien or simply drink in the atmosphere at a pavement café in Place Plumereau.

Day 2 Loire, Cher & Indre - Tours to Azay-le-Rideau

Your journey starts cycling along the banks of the Loire before crossing the Cher to visit the spectacular Renaissance gardens at Château de Villandry. South then to the Indre to see the château at Saché, a retreat for the novelist Balzac, before following the river downstream to Azay-le-Rideau. Your accommodation is in a 3 star hotel a few minutes walk away from the château, whose round towers are reflected in the Indre below. Wine-tasting in the village is a welcome reminder of the vineyards all around.

Miles: 27 Kms: 43

Day 3 Fairytales & filmsets - Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon

As you cycle along the banks of the Loire, you can contrast the fiercely feudal 15th century fortress of Langeais, with the fairytale Château d’Ussé. Overlooking watery meadows and the river Indre, the castle’s white turrets and pointed towers inspired Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. The medieval town of Chinon is like a film set, nestling beneath the Château Chinon. Stroll down Rue Voltaire lined with medieval houses to No.44, the stonemason’s house where Richard the Lionheart is said to have died. Your 3 star hotel is tucked away in the ancient streets behind the market place.

Miles: 26 Kms: 41

Day 4 Vienne & vineyards - Chinon to Saumur

Cross the river Vienne and cycle through vineyards to the 12th century Abbey at Fontevraud, the largest and most remarkably intact in France. Today you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste the wines of the Loire, as well as sampling the local méthode champenoise sparkling wine, when you arrive in Saumur. Celebrated for its fairytale cháteau and cavalry school, Saumur is also famous for its mushrooms and you’ll pass caves burrowed out of the rock, used for mushroom growing, storing sparkling wines, as well as for dwellings, as you approach the ancient town.

Miles: 28 Kms: 45

Day 5 Along the Loire & Maine - Saumur to Angers

First stop today is the village of St Hilaire des Grottes with its many cellars or caves running back into the hillside overlooking the Loire. Pedal along the banks of the Loire to Cunault, with its Romanesque church and carvings, and on to the charming little town of Gennes. Crossing the Loire at St Mathurin-sur-Loire, you continue to follow the river before you turn north to take a picturesque cycle route along the River Maine into the heart of Angers.

Miles: 38 Kms: 62

Day 6 Depart after breakfast - Train to Tours

After breakfast, there’s time to visit the Château and see the Apocalypse, one of France’s finest medieval tapestries. You might fancy a little shopping at Galeries Lafayette, before jumping on the train to take you back to Tours. Please note that train fare to Tours is not included in the price of the tour.

Dates & Prices

Download Prices

For tour start days/dates, seasons and all prices, please click on the PRICES button above

PRICE INCLUDES

Ensuite accommodation as described with buffet/continental breakfast (prices based on two adults sharing)

Hire of hybrid bicycle and ancillary equipment (2 pannier bags, map holder, odometer, puncture repair equipment, lock)

Luggage transfer between hotels

Information pack with detailed joining instructions and daily route overviews sent out approximately 2 weeks before departure so you can plan ahead and look forward to your cycling adventure

Detailed route notes and maps with marked routes provided on arrival, 1 set per room (IGN 1:100,000 maps)

GPS tracks available on request (there may be a small charge)

Please note that the price EXCLUDES

Costs of getting to and from the tour area

Accommodation Options

Selected 2 star hotels in Tours and Azay the Rideau, selected 3 star hotels in Chinon, Saumur and Angers.

Options:
  • Upgrade to 3 star hotels for the whole tour
  • Upgrade to a mix of châteaux and 4 star hotels in more central locations.
  • Half board is available on this tour

We are pleased to discuss details on request

More Information

Useful websites, travel information and tips to help you plan your journey to and from the country and location of your holiday.

HOW TO GET THERE

Request Booking