Cycling
View route on map

From Orléans to Angers

Tour: FLOA10
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday
Linear Cycling Holiday

This Orléans to Angers tour joins our two linear Loire itineraries together to make one superb Loire Valley experience. Taking in three vibrant historic cities and countless châteaux both great and small, it's a great way to explore the very finest treasures of the Loire. Read More

Destination

Europe, France

Start Day

Any Day

Board Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Prices from

£1,347.00

Duration

10 Days, 9 Nights

Availability

Mar - Oct

Tour Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Read Overview
Home > Europe > From Orléans to Angers

Overview

Explore the three vibrant historic cities, Orléans, Tours and Angers and so many beautiful Loire gems in between from countless châteaux to the fine, time-honoured towns of Blois, Amboise, Chinon and Saumur and the sheer beauty of the broad river itself. This route is a real treasure trove of magical Loire moments.

Tour Code:
FLOA10
Activity:
Cycling
Type:
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday, Linear Cycling Holiday
Country:
Europe, France
Area:
Loire
Duration:
10 Days, 9 Nights
Board Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Availability:
Mar - Oct

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive & explore

Arrive in Orléans, home of France’s greatest heroine, Joan of Arc. There’s plenty of bustle beneath the neo-gothic towers of the Cathédrale de Ste Croix, but the Saint’s statue takes pride of ‘Place’ on the main square. You’ll find her reconstructed 15th century house in the old town and her place of prayer, the Chapelle de Notre-Dame-des-Miracles in St Paul’s Church.

Overnight in Orléans

Day 2 From saints to scents

Joan of Arc rode out of Orléans to Meung-sur-Loire – and that’s how you start your tour today too. Liberated by the great heroine, the town has a sprawling château which embodies its rather chequered history. Pink stucco walls of the 18th century Bishop’s Palace nestle in the protection of sterner, towered fortifications and you can certainly imagine Alexander Dumas’ d’Artagnan flourishing his fictional sword here at the Comte de Rochefort. A pleasant pedal leads further downstream to your hotel at historic Beaugency. These days the town is renowned for its floral displays, but it was another constant battleground in the 100 Years’ War. Don’t miss the massive medieval bridge across the Loire here – it’s a miracle that all its 26 arches survived.

Overnight in Beaugency

Miles: 17 Kms: 28

Day 3 The folly of François I

Heading out from beautiful Beaugency, it’s time to leave the riverside today and follow the call of perhaps the greatest royal hunting lodge of all time. As the lanes lead into the forest, little can prepare you for the overwhelming scale and sheer exuberance of both the Château de Chambord and its grounds. There’s so much to see – 400 rooms, 365 fireplaces, 84 staircases! – and hectare after hectare of beautiful forest and parkland to explore. When you eventually escape, there’s the Houdini Museum as well as further château treats in store back on the river at historic Blois where you’ll be spending your next overnight.

Overnight in Blois

Miles: 29 Kms: 46

Day 4 Loire & Leonardo

Take some time to enjoy the magical staircases and rich courtyards of the château at Blois before following the delightful country route which wends its way to Chaumont-sur-Loire. Here, another great château – squat and fortified this time – sits above the river. It’s impressive enough, but there’s even more riverside magic at Amboise where the huge royal château is only a fifth of its original size. Don’t miss the Clos Lucé mansion with its fascinating insight into the world of Leonardo de Vinci who spent his last days here. Staying in Amboise gives you a great opportunity to really get to know this lively town and enjoy a pleasant evening stroll down its wide promenades along the Loire.

Overnight in Amboise

Miles: 27 Kms: 44

Day 5 From vineyards to 'Vieille Ville'

Leaving the bustle of majestic Amboise, it’s time for a refreshing change. Around Montlouis-sur-Loire vineyard slopes envelop more petite châteaux such as the one-time home of a famous local Duchess, Château de la Bordelaisière. The route then leads steadily into Tours to your next hotel and a wonderful range of historic treasures both great and small, from half-timbered delights in the old town to the lively café culture of the Place Plumereau and imposing ornate towers of the magnificent Cathédrale St-Gatien.

Overnight in Tours

Miles: 16-19 Kms: 25-31

Day 6 Loire, Cher & Indre - Tours to Azay-le-Rideau

Leave Tours 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.

Overnight in Azay-le-Rideau

Miles: 27 Kms: 43

Day 7 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.

Overnight in Chinon

Miles: 26 Kms: 41

Day 8 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.

Overnight in Saumur

Miles: 28 Kms: 45

Day 9 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 for your final overnight.

Overnight in Angers

Miles: 38 Kms: 62

Day 10 Depart after breakfast

Train to Orléans or onward journey
After breakfast, there’s time to visit the Château d’Angers 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 Orléans or continuing your onward journey. Please note that train fare to Orléans 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 kit, lock)

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)

Luggage transfer between hotels

Local assistance on call (although puncture repair is excluded)

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 Amboise, Tours and Azay le Rideau, selected 3 star hotels in Orléans, Beaugency, Blois, 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