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Loire Valley Self-Guided Bike Tour

Discover the magnificent château of Chinon and the charming town of Saumur

Tour Duration

5D / 4N

Trip Style

Self-Guided

Activity Level

1, 2

Hotel Level

Luxury

Bikes

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+ 1

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Starting from

$2,599.00 per person

See dates

Pedal from one impressive Renaissance château to the next amidst splendid vineyards and unique gardens.

The magical Loire Valley, in the heart of Central France, is a region with an enchanted landscape of endless vineyards, fruit orchards, and farmland lining the banks of the Loire river. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty where the French royalty and nobility built an amazing collection of impressive châteaux that illuminate Renaissance thought and design. Discover this region for yourself as you pedal on quiet country roads from one château to the next. Along the way, take in the magical scenery and the sparkling waters of the Loire, Indre, and Vienne rivers and even troglodyte dwellings. This self-guided trip provides a great opportunity to combine an active bike holiday while discovering the region’s immense historical and architectural heritage, all at your own pace.
Learn more about Self-Guided trips and if they're right for you »

Trip Wows
  • Visit the fairytale châteaux of the Loire valley that make this area a UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Enjoy relaxed cycling on quiet routes and cycle trails to discover the treasures of the Loire Valley

  • Unwind in a boutique spa hotel on the banks of the Loire river

  • Sample the delicious and highly acclaimed local wines as you explore this magical region from the saddle of your bike

  • Discover fascinating historical towns and beautiful vineyards among lush green surroundings

Chateau reflected in water

Chateau d'Azay Le Rideau

Loire Valley's Fairy-Tale Châteaux and Scenic Bike Routes

Cycle through the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, where fairy-tale châteaux and scenic vistas along the riverbanks create a magical backdrop for every ride.


What Guests are Saying
a group of cyclists smiling at the camera

A very well-conceived trip with fun routes, excellent food, and interesting side tours. We felt Trek was fully behind us whilst enjoying the freedom of self-guidance. And the Trek bikes inspired confidence!

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John, Trek Travel Guest

Ebike rider on tree lined avenue waves and smiles for the camera

This is my 5th Trek Travel Trip. With every trip, I say, “Wow, this is the best trip yet!” I’ve encouraged quite a few friends to try Trek Travel and they too are now repeat customers. The trip itineraries are perfect. The cycling amazingly beautiful and perfectly (did I really just say that?) challenging.

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Allie Z., Trek Travel Guest

Fields and vineyards of Loire valley

I was expecting a lot from my Trek Travel tour after reading all the good comments online. My expectations were FAR exceeded by the actual trip. I cannot wait for another trip with you guys. The attention that your online trip planners gave me was exceptional.

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Kim M., Trek Travel Guest


Fields and vineyards of Loire valley

Great Ride

La Loire à Vélo

Ride a section of La Loire à Vélo, a unique 800 kilometer cycle route with stunning views of France’s Valley of the Kings!


Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Rider Information

Hotels
Double room in hotel la marine loire valley
Outdoor pool at hotel la marine
Gardens of Hotel La Marine
bathroom of hotel La Marine
lobby of hotel la marine
Montsoreau, France
La Marine de Loire Hotel & Spa
Luxury

La Marine de Loire perfectly combines elegance and relaxation. This fabulous hotel sits on the beautiful Loire River, and is wonderfully decorated inside and out, with great attention to detail. The rooms are exceptionally comfortable and homey, whilst still boasting an air of luxury that the Loire Valley region naturally possesses. A wealth of amenities awaits you here, from a lavish spa complex including a sauna and hammam as well as an inviting heated swimming pool. Relax in style by the shimmering water with a drink in hand after an exciting day of exploring.

...

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Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
Ride the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 adventure bike with Trek Travel Bike Tours Road
Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

It isn’t the cycling vacation of a lifetime unless you have the industry’s best bike to match. The Checkpoint ALR 5 is a high-quality build that is light and fast, and is incredibly comfortable for many miles of exploring beautiful terrain. What sets this model apart is the performance components, progressive geometry, and a wealth of features that give you a smooth ride even when the pavement is a bit more rugged. It is the ideal choice for your kind of adventure.

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Trek Verve+ Lowstep 1 E-Bike
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+ 1

With its Low-Step frame design, hopping on and off the Trek Verve+ is super easy. The suspension seat post will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Bosch system will keep you smiling from ear to ear.

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Additional Gear
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Bontrager saddle
  • Bontrager helmet
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Garmin Edge 830 or 1030 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
  • Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals, Shimano SPD mountain style pedals, caged, or flat pedals
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and your host will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
A collage of cycling gear guests will use on a Trek Travel Self-Guided Bike Tour.

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Your Day. You Decide.

Our self-guided vacations are designed to fit all types of travel styles. Whether you like to spend your time relaxing or on a non-stop adventure, you get to decide what your day looks like. Choose your mileage, itinerary, and experience level and leave the rest to us!

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • We do our best to avoid busy roadways as much as possible, however, urban riding and sections of busy roads are unavoidable for some segments of your rides.
  • It’s important to keep in mind that service at restaurants can sometimes be slow in France, but don’t let that discourage you! This is all part of the experience and it only adds to the charm of dining in France. Embrace the culture, savor each bite, and enjoy the flavors that make French cuisine so celebrated!
  • Please note that the bikes you will ride on this trip are aluminium frames with mechanical shifting, which differs from our standard fleet. See the Bikes & Guides section for more information.

Before and After Your Trip

Weather

Average monthly temperature and precipitation

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (°F) 46.0° 48.0° 55.0° 60.0° 67.0° 73.0° 78.0° 78.0° 71.0° 63.0° 52.0° 47.0°
High (°C) 7.8° 8.9° 12.8° 15.6° 19.4° 22.8° 25.6° 25.6° 21.7° 17.2° 11.1° 8.3°
Low (°F) 36.0° 35.0° 39.0° 42.0° 49.0° 54.0° 57.0° 57.0° 52.0° 48.0° 40.0° 37.0°
Low (°C) 2.2° 1.7° 3.9° 5.6° 9.4° 12.2° 13.9° 13.9° 11.1° 8.9° 4.4° 2.8°
Rain (in) 1.31° 1.05° 0.78° 1.19° 1.26° 0.83° 1.03° 0.71° 0.94° 1.26° 1.24° 1.3°
FAQs

From May through September, average temperatures in the Loire Valley range from the mid 70s to mid 80s Fahrenheit (mid to high 20s Celsius). The region enjoys a beautiful mild climate, never too hot, never too cold. In the Spring you can appreciate the blooming flowers coloring châteaux gardens and fields, while Autumn will give you the opportunity to witness the grape harvest as the forests beam red and gold in the mild sunshine. Rain is always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear in order to best enjoy your vacation.
View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know before you go. Once you arrive at your destination, your Trek Travel host will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and give you an overview on the daily route information and detailed maps within the Ride with GPS app. Your host will also review with you the preloaded Garmin GPS computer that allows you to ride with complete confidence and independence.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.

Read our Cancellation Policy

Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Your Self-Guided trip price is per person based on two guests sharing a room. If you are a solo traveler or if you want to stay in your own private room while traveling with other people, you will have a Single Supplement Fee added to your trip price at the time of booking.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See Self-Guided FAQs


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself