Setting off to discover the Loire Valley by bike is an unforgettable experience that combines nature and heritage. This journey, which stretches from Tours to Saumur, offers the opportunity to explore picturesque landscapes, discover majestic châteaux, and wander through villages rich in history. Whether with family or friends, this itinerary promises an adventure full of discoveries and moments of sharing, all in an enchanting setting, punctuated by the gentle lapping of the Loire.
Setting off to discover the splendid Loire Valley by bike is an experience that will delight nature and history enthusiasts. This family journey, undertaken between sisters with two children, allowed us to explore breathtaking landscapes, majestic châteaux, and charming villages. Throughout our adventure, we balanced relaxing distances with fun activities, all while enjoying the cultural and gastronomic wonders of this iconic region of France. Here’s an overview of our itinerary, between the city of Tours and Saumur.
The Departure: Tours, Meeting Point
Our adventure begins in Tours, a vibrant city located on the banks of the Loire. The atmosphere of this destination is simply enchanting. After a train journey, we decide to rent our bikes from the agency Les Vélos Verts, specialized in bike tourism rentals. This agency also offers a luggage transport service, allowing us to travel light. Thus, we can pedal without being burdened by heavy bags, which is a real plus when you have children with you!
In the early afternoon, we take the time to explore Tours. The Plumereau square greets us with its lively terraces, historic buildings, and the famous Saint-Gatien cathedral. The setting is idyllic. For dinner, we reserve a table at Chez ta mère, a guinguette that offers colorful and flavorful cuisine. The children are thrilled: the dishes please them just as much as the friendliness of the place. For the night, we choose Hôtel Etape 84 The People, a place suitable for bike tourists, with an original and environmentally friendly decor.
Day 1: From Tours to Savonnières
The first biking day starts with a 22 km route leading to Savonnières. The first pedals are filled with excitement. This short distance allows us to immerse ourselves calmly in the landscapes of the Loire. We ride along the winding banks of the Loire, where the riverside guinguettes catch our attention. Along our path, we make a stop at La Burette, a guinguette in Ballan-Miré. The welcome is warm, and the meal delicious, a true moment of pleasure. The children enjoy this wooded area to stretch their legs.
Continuing our route, we arrive in Savonnières, where we have booked a traditional boat tour with the Bateliers du Cher. Sailing on the Loire aboard a charrière, a typical 18th-century boat, is a memorable experience. The children discover the aquatic fauna and the surrounding landscapes, amazed by the nature around them. Our day ends with a visit to the Pétrifying Caves. Despite a cheesy atmosphere, the place is intriguing and feeds our curiosity.
Day 2: From Savonnières to Bréhémont
We set off towards Bréhémont, covering a distance of 21 km. This route is punctuated by an essential stop at the Villandry castle. Pedaling to this architectural wonder, the French gardens welcome us with their enchanting beauty. While visiting the castle, we dive into history, discovering richly decorated rooms, while admiring the gardens and their enigmatic charm. The children are captivated by the puzzle booklet we have, which makes the visit even more playful.
For lunch, we take a break at La Cabane, an eco-friendly bistro where everything is homemade. The atmosphere is warm, and the dishes are prepared with local ingredients. After a good meal, we continue our route towards Camping Loire et Château. At the campsite, the children have a blast at the pool while the adults prepare dinner. This moment of togetherness makes us realize how precious this adventure is.
Day 3: From Bréhémont to Rigny-Ussé
On the third day, we sail from Bréhémont to Rigny-Ussé, covering 15 km. We begin with a visit to Ussé Castle, a true masterpiece that stands majestically. The children participate in a treasure hunt that keeps them occupied while we explore the beautiful halls. The displays are fascinating. We then have lunch at the Terrasses d’Ussé, where the view of the castle delights us. The dishes are tasty, and the staff charming. We couldn’t wish for more to enhance our day.
In the late afternoon, we have booked a night in a Mongolian yurt, an unusual accommodation surrounded by nature. It’s a unique experience that we all enjoy. The children marvel at the animals all around. It’s the perfect place to disconnect, rest, and rejuvenate before tackling the next part of the adventure.
Day 4: From Rigny-Ussé to Candes-St-Martin
On this fourth day, we cover the 30 km that separates us from Candes-St-Martin. This village, ranked among the most beautiful in France, is a gem to explore. As we wander through the cobbled streets, we discover ancient houses that tell a story. The Saint-Martin church, dominating the hillside, captures our attention. We then enjoy the Street Art Park, where each artwork adds a touch of modernity to this historic setting. The place is simply fascinating, and we spend an unforgettable moment there.
Starting from history, we also inherit stunning views of the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne. This natural spectacle is impressive. Upon reaching the campsite Terres de Belles Rives, we settle into a wooden cabin. The setting is bucolic, and we spend the evening by the water, enjoying delicious pizzas.
Day 5 and Beyond: From Candes-St-Martin to Saumur
For this final leg, we travel the remaining 15 km to Saumur. The troglodyte village of Turquant is our first stop. This charming village, with its vineyards and rock-hewn houses, is a feast for the eyes. We enjoy lunch at Bistroglo, where local products delight our taste buds. The visit to the village’s Museum of Tapped Apples also deserves special mention, as the experience is both fun and rich in knowledge. We come out with smiles.
Finally, upon arriving in Saumur, we take the time to explore the city, particularly the magnificent castle. The national stables promise us an equestrian show that dazzles both young and old. After saying goodbye to our bikes, we savor our last night at Hôtel de Londres, in the heart of this lively and welcoming city. A stay that will remain etched in our memories.
For more adventure ideas to explore, discover destinations like the Orkhon Valley in Mongolia or the magic of the Tufs waterfalls in the French Jura. These natural and cultural beauties enrich our passion for travel.
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IN BRIEF
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Setting off to discover the Loire Valley by bike constitutes an unforgettable experience, combining visual pleasure and family sharing moments. This journey from Tours to Saumur allows exploring enchanting landscapes, visiting majestic châteaux, and savoring the French art of living.
During this adventure, each day holds its share of surprises. Moments of relaxation in picturesque guinguettes, visits to historical sites, and playful breaks are all opportunities to create unforgettable memories with one’s children. The gentle and relaxed pace of our route has enabled the youngest to embrace the experience of bike tourism while discovering the cultural and natural richness of the region.
From the old town of Tours to the cobblestone streets of Candes-St-Martin, it is fascinating to see how the Loire shapes the landscape and character of the surrounding villages. Each stop is an invitation to stroll, smell the aromas of the local market, or admire works of art along the water. The connection to nature is strengthened by the alliance between cycling and the contemplation of these picturesque landscapes.
Finally, this journey is not just an opportunity to visit remarkable sites, but also to reconnect, marvel, and enjoy the simple joys that nature offers. It’s a beautiful introduction to the region’s heritage, to be savored as a family, combining discoveries and shared happiness. Who knows, this first adventure could well lead to others in exploring the treasures of France by bike!
