Biking in the Loire Valley
7 Days
from
$4,074
to
$4,613
per person*
Highlights:
France
(Paris)
,
Loire
(Tours, Langeais, Chinon, Saumur)
Trip Start/End:
Paris
/
Paris
The Loire is the perfect region to discover by bike. Outside of the fact that it is a beautiful region of the country as well as having a great infrastructure of flat traffic free roads and cycling paths, there is such an abundance of fantastic sites to see. Magnificent castles and towns are generally within an easy ride from each other which makes it easy to experience the richness of the region on two wheels. The only difficulty becomes having to choose which sites to spend the most time at, in order to be able to fill your eyes and your senses with as much of this "Playground of the Kings" as possible! Before embarking on your biking trip you will be fully briefed and equipped with maps, route notes and restaurant recommendations and any bike adjustments will be made. Then you can take off and discover the wonders of this region on this self-guided biking tour.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Paris
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (CDG or Orly) - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional Activities
- Dinner (not included)
- Optional: Evening Activities
| Hotel Le Littre (4*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Paris
| - Private - 1/2 Day Walking Tour of Paris (3hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- 1/2 Day Dinner at the Eiffel Tower & Cruise (3.5 hrs) - Coach/Driver/Hostess/Boat
| Hotel Le Littre (4*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Paris - Tours
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Paris - Tours [1.5 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Train Station Meet & Greet & Hotel Transfer - Deluxe Tour
- Welcome Package and Bike adjustment
- Dinner (not included)
| Chateau Belmont (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Tours - Langeais
| - Bike - Tours - Azay-le-Rideau [via Villandry & Azay le Rideau (35 kms)] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Chateau de la Rochecotte (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Azay-le-Rideau - Chinon
| - Bike - Azay-le-Rideau - Chinon [via Cher River & Chateau d'Ussé (40 km)] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (included)
| Chateau de Marcay (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Chinon - Saumur
| - Bike - Chinon - Saumur [via Royal Abbey of Fontevraud & Quaint Villages (40 km)] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (included)
| Chateau de Verrieres (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Saumur - Tours
| - Saumur - Tours [Transfer, 1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Tours - Paris [2 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Paris
Louvre
Hotel Le Littre Reception
Day 1: Paris
Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.
There are so many things to do and see in Paris it is hard to know where to start! Within the city you can choose from any number of private guided tours - of neighbourhoods or places of interest such as the Louvre or with a focus on architecture. Consider a few hours with a personal shopper, or a guided tour in a vintage car through one of the neighbourhoods. If you are interested in doing something further afield consider a day trip to Chatres, Giverny (known because of Monet's paintings), Versailles, Normandy or Burgundy. A fun way to spend an afternoon is by hot air balloon - this is possible to do in the Parisian countryside. Please ask your Sale Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional tours and activities.
Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Littre (4*) Hotel Le Littre (4*) is charming and traditional. The staff here welcomes you for your holiday, business trip or a long weekend. You will be in the center of Paris, between Saint Germain des Prés and Montparnasse districts mythical and lively attractions of the capital. Your location in Paris is very key, and you will enjoy the quiet, comfort, atmosphere and quality of service of this establishment run by the same family since 1942.
Notre Dame
Eiffel Tower by night
Day 2: Paris
Your English speaking professional guide will meet you at your hotel for a tour of the local's Paris. As well as showing you the highlights of Paris (the city is very accessible on foot) your guide will tell you the history of the city and show you the city from a local's point of view.
NB: If you have a specific area of Paris you would be interested to explore let us know and we can request a specialist guide, along with adding a Metro Pass where necessary.
This evening you will enjoy dinner at the Eiffel Tower, where you can view Paris from the first floor during your own private dinner at the restaurant Eiffel Tower 58. Dinner includes an aperitif, three course dinner, coffee and your choice of either 1/2 bottle of wine, mineral water (50cl), a beer or soda. Your assistant will then help you board the boat for your cruise along the river Seine, while you admire the monuments and bridges of the city known as the 'City of Light'. In case of an exceptional impossibility to access the 1st or 2nd floor, the Eiffel Tower will be replaced by the Montparnasse Tower (56th floor as height as 210 meters). Alternative arrangements will be made so please speak to your Destination Expert for further details. There will be a central meeting point from which the tour starts. The tour ends at the Eiffel Tower. Please note that shared tours can have up to approx. 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day, and are carried out in a number of languages).
Accommodation: Hotel Le Littre (4*) 
Tours
Chateau Belmont
Day 3: Paris - Tours
Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.
Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Tours. There are typically numerous trains departing throughout the day, some of which are direct. Direct train travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
You will be met by our trip manager at the train station and be transfered to your first hotel.
At your hotel, you will receive your welcome package complete with maps and route notes and a list of restaurant recommendations. You will also have your bike adjusted if needs be by the trip manager. Once you are all set, you can explore Tours before your first dinner at leisure. The town's 12th century cathedral, with its gothic flamboyant facade is impressive, but also simply wander through old Tours, with its half-timbered houses and lively pubs and cafes.
Accommodation: Chateau Belmont (4*) Located in the heart of Tours, the Hotel Belmont Castle (4*), operating under the name Clarion, combines a peaceful and relaxing place very close to the city life of Tours. The hotel is set in a majestic environment in the middle of a park of 2.5 hectares, and offers the comfort of a personalized hotel service and the pleasure of a prestigious decoration. The Hotel offers 65 modern rooms and air-conditioned suites shared between the tourism residence and the Castle dating from the XVIIe century and totally renovated in 2011. There you can find a restaurant with its traditional French cooking, a bar, and a spa area, signed by the famous trademark Cinq Mondes, with its heated indoor swimming- pool, hammam, jacuzzi and fitness corner.
Church in Langeais
Chateau De Rochecotte
Day 4: Tours - Langeais
Your ride today will take you to the famous chateau and gardens of Villandry. This Renaissance castle is definitely overshadowed by the world-famous and exquisite gardens, considered by some to be the most beautiful in France. There are four different gardens in the grounds; the water gardens, ornamental flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and symbolic gardens. After taking time to visit, cycle on to Azay le Rideau, site of the chateau by the same name. Not one of the largest castles of the Loire, it is one of the prettiest, with the mix of Italian Renaissance style that was so popular, and the charm of a French castle on the water.
Accommodation: Chateau de la Rochecotte (4*) The Chateau de la Rochecotte(4*) is located right in the heart of the Loire valley between Tours and Saumur and boasts a magnificent 10 hectare landscaped garden. The aristocratic house dates from the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries, is charged with history, and consists of a main building with two wings each sheltering an enchanting interior courtyard framed by the surrounding hills. The large main stone facade hides two very beautiful dining rooms on the first floor, as well as several lounges of different styles and a Napoleon III library. The spacious rooms are pleasantly decorated in a XVIIIth century style with contemporary notes with a tendency towards the baroque. The property also has a large heated outdoor swimming pool, a very beautiful row of lime trees runs straight to the Castle, located at the edge of a forested domain. On the gastronomic side of things, you are sure to appreciate the delicious dishes served in the restaurant.
Chinon
Chateau de Marcay
Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau - Chinon
Today’s ride takes you through the countryside towards the Cher River which you follow up to Langeais. You soon reach the Château d’Ussé, the enchanting castle of Sleeping Beauty. Pass through the woods and the vineyards of the Chinon area – wine tasting is possible and recommended en route, in this region which is famous for its red wines! You arrive in the medieval town of Chinon with its enormous fortress overlooking yet another river, the Vienne River.
Accommodation: Chateau de Marcay (4*) The Chateau de Marcay(4*) dates back to the 15th century and is in fact built on the ruins of an 11th century fortress. The property spans over 15 hectacres and includes outbuildings and a park planted with trees and vineyards. The castle has been operating as a luxury hotel since 1973 and has a total of 32 rooms. Some of the rooms have views to the park while others give onto the main courtyard. The rooms have been decorated in the Haute Epoque style. There is a gastronomic restaurant on site where cooking classes can also be arranged. Staying here, you will truly feel like a King or a Queen!
Saumur
Chateau de Verrieres
Day 6: Chinon - Saumur
Across the peaceful countryside where famous medieval French author François Rabelais spent his youth, you reach the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the biggest abbeys of western Christendom. Discover the exceptional sites of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, two of the nationally rated Most Beautiful Villages of France. Ride across the Saumur-Champigny vineyards where wine tasting is recommended! This evening before your dinner, explore charming Saumur and its Château overlooking the Loire River.
Accommodation: Chateau de Verrieres (4*) Peacefully set in a four acre park, right in the midst of Saumur, the 10 bedroomed Chateau Verrieres(4*) has managed to retain its private mansion atmosphere, with its authentic decoration and its period furniture. Within a short walk, you will discover the pedestrian streets in old Saumur, historical houses built in tuffeau stone, and the lively activity of its traditional Saturday morning market. Every room is tastefully furnished and offers guests a and restful stay. The walls are fabric lined in material of the best quality and design while the high ceilings give a sense of space and luxury. The large windows allow light to flood into the bathrooms and the original ceramic tiles were commissioned for the chateau and are now reproduced by the manufacturer. There is no restaurant on site, but you are within a stone's throw of a number of options within the town of Saumur.
Saumur bridge
Day 7: Saumur - Tours
Avail of a private transfer between Saumur and Tours today. The journey should typically take about one hour.
Enjoy the train ride from Tours to Paris. There are typically numerous trains departing throughout the day, some of which are direct. Direct train travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to the city centre and 2 hours to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Hotel Le Littre Reception
Hotel Le Littre (4*) - Paris
Hotel Le Littre (4*) is charming and traditional. The staff here welcomes you for your holiday, business trip or a long weekend. You will be in the center of Paris, between Saint Germain des Prés and Montparnasse districts mythical and lively attractions of the capital. Your location in Paris is very key, and you will enjoy the quiet, comfort, atmosphere and quality of service of this establishment run by the same family since 1942.
- Chateau Belmont
Chateau Belmont (4*) - Tours
Located in the heart of Tours, the Hotel Belmont Castle (4*), operating under the name Clarion, combines a peaceful and relaxing place very close to the city life of Tours. The hotel is set in a majestic environment in the middle of a park of 2.5 hectares, and offers the comfort of a personalized hotel service and the pleasure of a prestigious decoration. The Hotel offers 65 modern rooms and air-conditioned suites shared between the tourism residence and the Castle dating from the XVIIe century and totally renovated in 2011. There you can find a restaurant with its traditional French cooking, a bar, and a spa area, signed by the famous trademark Cinq Mondes, with its heated indoor swimming- pool, hammam, jacuzzi and fitness corner.
- Chateau De Rochecotte
Chateau De Rochecotte Room
Chateau de la Rochecotte (4*) - Langeais
The Chateau de la Rochecotte(4*) is located right in the heart of the Loire valley between Tours and Saumur and boasts a magnificent 10 hectare landscaped garden. The aristocratic house dates from the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries, is charged with history, and consists of a main building with two wings each sheltering an enchanting interior courtyard framed by the surrounding hills. The large main stone facade hides two very beautiful dining rooms on the first floor, as well as several lounges of different styles and a Napoleon III library. The spacious rooms are pleasantly decorated in a XVIIIth century style with contemporary notes with a tendency towards the baroque. The property also has a large heated outdoor swimming pool, a very beautiful row of lime trees runs straight to the Castle, located at the edge of a forested domain. On the gastronomic side of things, you are sure to appreciate the delicious dishes served in the restaurant.
- Chateau de Marcay
Chateau de Marcay (4*) - Chinon
The Chateau de Marcay(4*) dates back to the 15th century and is in fact built on the ruins of an 11th century fortress. The property spans over 15 hectacres and includes outbuildings and a park planted with trees and vineyards. The castle has been operating as a luxury hotel since 1973 and has a total of 32 rooms. Some of the rooms have views to the park while others give onto the main courtyard. The rooms have been decorated in the Haute Epoque style. There is a gastronomic restaurant on site where cooking classes can also be arranged. Staying here, you will truly feel like a King or a Queen!
- Chateau de Verrieres
Chateau de Verrieres
Chateau de Verrieres (4*) - Saumur
Peacefully set in a four acre park, right in the midst of Saumur, the 10 bedroomed Chateau Verrieres(4*) has managed to retain its private mansion atmosphere, with its authentic decoration and its period furniture. Within a short walk, you will discover the pedestrian streets in old Saumur, historical houses built in tuffeau stone, and the lively activity of its traditional Saturday morning market. Every room is tastefully furnished and offers guests a and restful stay. The walls are fabric lined in material of the best quality and design while the high ceilings give a sense of space and luxury. The large windows allow light to flood into the bathrooms and the original ceramic tiles were commissioned for the chateau and are now reproduced by the manufacturer. There is no restaurant on site, but you are within a stone's throw of a number of options within the town of Saumur.
Travel Info
Travel tips of France
VISA/PASSPORT
France is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of France for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/france.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Paris.
Government: Republic since 1792.
Language: French is the official language. Many people speak at least some English.
Religion: Approximately 83% Roman Catholic; Protestant 2%; Muslim 5%
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used.
Telephone: Country code +33.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Internet: Public access is available at Internet cafes in most cities.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (50% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 121 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus 50% of the program price and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 120 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client. Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 120 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
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