Pedal the Loire Valley
A relaxed, supported cycling journey through riverside towns, vineyards, and historic landscapes
31st August - 5th September 2026
From £895
Introduction
The Loire a Velo is one of France’s most renowned long distance cycle paths. Passing through picturesque vineyards, riverside villages and historic cities along the Loire, it offers a unique way to experience the region at a slower pace.
Our route, from Orleans to Saumur, meanders through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape and we’ll take time to visit some of the spectacular chateaux and heritage sights along the way. We’ll cover between 26 and 40 miles (42-62km) per day at a relaxed pace, mostly along dedicated cycle paths and quiet roads with little traffic.
Your luggage is transferred between hotels, and a ride leader and support rider support the group throughout.
What makes this trip special?
5 nights / 4 cycling days: Discover a UNESCO World Heritage landscape
Relaxed, scenic cycling: 26–40 miles per day on mostly flat, quiet routes
Small inclusive groups: Max 7 riders in an LGBT-led, welcoming environment
Connect from day one: Welcome dinner included with your fellow riders
Travel light: Luggage transfers between hotels included
Fully guided: Ride leader to handle navigation, support, and local insight – no map reading required!
Cultural highlights: Visits to selected châteaux and heritage sites included
Stay in comfort: Four nights in 3* hotels and one in a family-run 2* hotel, all including breakfast
Route map
Click the route map below to explore it in more detail. Please note that the route we follow may vary slightly from what’s shown.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive at Orleans
Settle in to your room at the stylish and quirky 3* Hôtel de l'Abeille (Bee Hotel) in Orleans. You can explore the city - famous for Joan of Arc and the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Croix.
We’ll meet for a relaxed welcome dinner where you can get to know your fellow riders. After dinner, you’re welcome to explore local cafés or bars.
Day 2: Orleans to Blois
Distance: 39miles/ 63km
After breakfast, we collect our bikes (just around the corner from the hotel), and set off along the Loire. We stop for lunch in the medieval town of Beaugency. Dating back over 1000 years, and with its picturesque 23 arch bridge across the Loire, it's often cited as one of the most beautiful in France. We end the day in Blois (pictured), where you can explore the charming old town, and experience the impressive son et lumière display at the castle in the evening.
Our accommodation is at the 3* ibis Blois Centre Château
Day 3: Blois to Amboise
Distance: 26 miles/ 42km
Today's route meanders through a series of small towns and villages along the Loire valley. We'll visit the Domaine de Chaument-sur-Loire. As well as the spectacular chateau (dating from the 15th century), the castle is famous for its its contemporary art installations, and international garden competition. Each year, 20 new gardens are displayed by designers who have won festivals around the world. This year's theme is "The garden goes to the movies".
We finish the day at Amboise: now a small market town, it was home to the French royal court for 150 years. Leonardo Da Vinci also spent the last three years of his life here, and is buried at the Château d'Amboise.
We’ll be staying at the historic, family run 2* Hotel le Blason
Day 4: Amboise to Azay-le-Rideau
Distance: 38 miles/ 62km
Day 4’s route takes us through vineyard-covered hills between Montlouis-sur-Loire and Vouvray, both renowned for their white wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes.
We stop in the lively university town of Tours for lunch, with time to explore the medieval old town and its squares lined with half-timbered houses. Tours is also renouned for its rich culinary heritage: sample specialities including Rillettes de Tours and Nougat de Tours.
From here, the route turns inland to the village of Azay-le-Rideau, where we’ll stay at the 3* Hotel de Biencourt.
Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau to Saumur
38 miles/ 62km
On our last cycling day we visit the château that inspired Sleeping Beauty: the Château d’Ussé, one of the prettiest and best preserved on the Loire. We then continue through vineyards and wine-producing villages, with a stop at the abandoned troglodyte village in Souzay-Champigny.
Our journey ends in the picturesque riverside town of Saumur (pictured), famous for its wine, château overlooking the Loire, and prestigious riding school.
Of course, you can’t visit a famous wine town without tasting some, and so we’ll end the day by visiting a local cave à vin.
We'll be staying at the 3* Originals Boutique Hotel Le Londres, a short walk from the Loire and well situated for exploring the town.
Day 6: Depart from Saumur
After checking out from the hotel, you can take the opportunity to explore Saumur. Attractions include its château, Le Cadre Noir riding school, the Musée des Blindés (Tank Museum), and beautiful old town and Saturday market. Regular trains run from Saumur to Paris.
The Cycling
The Route
Our route follows the Loire valley and is mostly flat or gently undulating, along a mixture of cycleways and quiet roads with little traffic. On much of this route you’ll be seeing more bikes than cars. There are a few short hills, but rest assured: we always wait at the top! Rides are led by Laurie, and a second support cyclist is always on hand.
Fitness and riding requirements
This is a relaxed, guided cycling holiday, with plenty of time for breaks and exploring the countryside along the way. Our total route is around 140 miles (225km) with daily distances of between 25-40 miles (40-65km). You can expect around 3-5 hours in the saddle per day, riding at a steady pace of around 9 mph (14–15 km/h) on the flat.
On shorter days, we’ll take time to visit some of the châteaux along the route (see details in the Day by Day above).
This trip is a good fit if you:
Ride your bike fairly regularly (e.g. commuting, or weekend leisure rides).
Have experience with regular rides of 15–25 miles, and feel ready to build up to longer days of 25–40 miles
Enjoy steady social riding rather than fast-paced, road cycling
Bikes
We use high-quality hybrid bikes that are well suited to our route and come in a range of sizes to ensure a good fit. Bikes come with a lock, helmet and handlebar bag for carrying daily essentials. You may wish to bring your own helmet if you prefer.
What if there are any issues?
We carry a repair kit, and any simple mechanical issues (e.g., punctures) can be dealt with immediately. Should more in-depth repairs be needed, the cycle hire company operates a breakdown assistance service to make sure you’re back on the road ASAP!
What’s included
Included
Five nights’ accommodation in shared twin rooms (double rooms available on request)
Five breakfasts and one welcome dinner
Fully guided cycling tour, including rider leader and support rider
Bicycle and helmet hire for the duration of the trip (included if selected at booking)
Entry to at least two châteaux and winery
Luggage transfer between all accommodation
Mechanical support and assistance during the tour
Not included
Transport to Orléans and from Saumur
Single occupancy (available for a supplement, subject to availability)
Travel insurance
Meals other than those stated
Drinks with welcome dinner
Personal clothing and equipment
Personal expenditure
Entry to museums and attractions other than those listed
Costs associated with loss or damage to hire equipment
Dates & Booking
Dates
31st August - 5th September 2026
Price
£995 per person
A limited number of early booking places are available at £895 for the first 3 riders or until 31st May, whichever comes first.
Secure your space with a £250 deposit.
The remaining balance can be paid in full or up to 6 weeks before departure.
Single occupancy
The price is based on shared accommodation (if you’re travelling solo, we’ll pair you with another rider). A limited number of single occupancy rooms are available for a £250 supplement.
Book
To book, click on the button below to be transferred to WeTravel. This is a secure third-party booking platform used by independent travel companies worldwide.
Cancellations & Refunds
Your deposit is non-refundable, as it secures your place on this trip. If you need to cancel, the remaining balance is refundable on a sliding scale:
60+ days before departure: full refund of remaining balance
35–59 days before: 50% refund of remaining balance
Fewer than 35 days before: no refund
Alternatively, you may transfer your place to another rider if you can no longer attend. If we have a waiting list, then we will help to facilitate this where possible. If the trip is cancelled by Pedal with Pride, you will receive a full refund. Full terms are available in the Terms & Conditions.
Damage deposit
A refundable bike damage deposit of £200 applies to the hire bike and is fully returned after the trip, subject to the bike being returned in good condition (accounting for any reasonable wear and tear). You will receive a separate payment link after booking
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes! Please get in touch with us in advance to discuss this option.
-
Yes. Your safety is our priority, so helmets must be worn at all times while cycling. Helmets are provided with hire bikes, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
-
In a word: yes! If you’re travelling solo, our small groups and inclusive atmosphere make it easy to get to know others. You’ll be paired in a twin room with another rider of the same gender, unless you request a single occupancy room (available for a supplement).
If you’re travelling as a couple, we’ll accommodate you together. Double beds may be available on request. If you have specific requirements, just let us know.
-
Sharing a room is standard practice for cycling holidays. You’ll be paired in a twin room with another rider of the same gender, unless you request a single occupancy room (available for a supplement).
If you’re travelling as a couple, we’ll accommodate you together. Double beds may be available on request.
If you have specific requirements, just drop us a message.
-
We use a luggage transfer service, meaning that your bag will be waiting for you when you arrive at the next hotel. Each bicycle is equipped with a small handlebar bag for carrying daily essentials.
-
The easiest route is via Paris. Regular trains run from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Orléans (around 1 hour 5 minutes).
For the return, trains run from Saumur to Paris (usually with one connection), taking approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes depending on the route.
We recommend booking in advance via SNCF Connect.
-
While we can’t guarantee the weather, early September in the Loire Valley tends to be mild, with daytime temperatures peaking around 22°C - perfect for cycling!
Layered clothing is recommended, and we provide a suggested packing list when you book.
-
The tour leader is qualified in outdoor first aid and as a British Cycling Ride Leader. Our route passes through towns and villages, so assistance is never far away if needed.
-
Of course! Everyone with an inclusive and respectful attitude is welcome
-
This trip is about enjoying the journey, not racing! We ask that you meet the minimum cycling requirements, but we ride at a relaxed pace with regular stops, and no one is left behind.
If you’re looking for a high-speed or performance-focused trip, this probably isn’t the right fit.
If you have any questions or concerns, do get in touch via the contact form.
-
When you book, you’ll be redirected to WeTravel, a secure third-party booking platform used by independent travel companies worldwide. Your payment is processed safely through their system.
If the trip is cancelled by Pedal with Pride, you will receive a full refund.
-
Refunds and cancellations are handled according to our policy - please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.
-
Then drop us a line and we’ll get back to you