Bike rides and hikes
Between La Loire à Vélo, the mythical 900 km itinerary along the wild Loire River, The heart of France by bicycle and the countless signposted trails running alongside châteaux, vineyards and troglodyte villages, Touraine is the ideal destination for combining road trip and art de vivre. For a day, a weekend or several days, discover the options available to you!
![Balade à vélo sur la Place Plumereau]()
Plumereau square
This summer, let us be your guide!
In July and August, the Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office is offering themed bike tours suitable for everyone, in partnership with Accueil Vélo & Rando. (Re)discover Tours and its surroundings on unique routes that blend nature and culture, accompanied by a guide.
Monday, July 13, Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 15 - Night Tour of Tours
At dusk, Tours comes to life along the “Parcours Lumière” route. Place Plumereau, Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Saint-Martin Basilica… you’ll pass by all of the city’s iconic landmarks.
We love: seeing the monuments and half-timbered houses bathed in golden or bluish light—it’s magical!Friday, August 21—From Tours to Montlouis-sur-Loire
Treat yourself to a wonderful getaway along the Loire! Led by a nature guide, this hike takes you on a journey of discovery along the “royal river.”
We love: learning more about the local flora and fauna from a guide who’s passionate about nature.Wednesday, August 26—Along the banks of the Loire from Tours to Île de la Métairie
Get away from it all on this loop ride that takes you along the “La Loire à Vélo” route between Tours and Île de la Métairie in La Ville-aux-Dames. On the agenda: exploring the Loire region’s environment, its flora and fauna, and its landscapes, accompanied by a nature guide.
We love: getting a breath of fresh air and watching the birds of the Loire.![Groupes à vélo à côté du château de Chenonceau]()
Ideas of bike rides and hikes around Tours
Nestled between the Loire and Cher rivers, vineyards, and castles, Tours is an excellent starting point for exploring Touraine by bike. The city lies along the “Loire à Vélo” route and offers easy access to several major cycling routes.
Do you have an hour, half a day, a full day, or a weekend ahead of you? Here are a few ideas depending on how much time you have.
![Groupe à vélo dans le Vieux-Tours]()
One hour: exploring the old town
istoric center. The Old Tours loop, less than 4 km long, takes you past Saint-Martin Basilica, the Charlemagne Tower, Saint-Gatien Cathedral, and the old neighborhoods.
It’s an easy outing, perfect for getting your bearings in the city.
And to enjoy a leisurely ride, rent a bike at the Tours Tourist Office reception desk or online—just a 5-minute bike ride from Old Tours!
![Personne à vélo sur les rives du Cher]()
Half a day: cycling along the Cher River
To get some fresh air without going too far, choose the “Au bord du Cher” loop. Covering about 17 km, it takes you to the banks of the Cher River, Gloriette Park, and Saint-Avertin.
Another option: head toward Rochecorbon for a ride of about 28 km through the Loire Valley, rolling hills, vineyards, and troglodyte houses.
![Loire à vélo]()
A day trip: stroll along the Loire or visit Villandry
The “Bords de Loire: From One Bank to the Other” loop is perfect for a leisurely day out. Spanning nearly 30 km, it passes through Montlouis-sur-Loire, Vouvray, and Rochecorbon, among other places.
You can take the opportunity to visit a cave-dwelling winery in Vouvray, complete with wine tastings and local specialties!
For a slightly longer outing, head toward Villandry. The “Villandry at the End of the World” loop, about 50 km long, largely follows the Cher River and passes through Savonnières, Berthenay, and the must-see Villandry Castle and Gardens!
![Personne devant le Cher sur l'itinéraire de la Loire à Vélo à Savonnières]()
Two to five days: Cycling along the Loire à Vélo
Want to try a cycling tour? Set out on the Loire à Vélo cycling route!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Loire Valley is brimming with sights to see and hidden gems: royal castles, troglodyte cellars carved from tuffeau stone, renowned vineyards, wild islands, and picturesque villages.
Accessible to everyone, well-marked, and dotted with services for cyclists, it’s the perfect route to get started with bike travel, whether you’re looking for an active or a more leisurely experience.
To make planning your road trip a breeze, the Tourist Office offers a package unique in France: the Loire à Vélo Pass!
It includes bike rentals, lunches and snacks, tastings of local products, as well as visits to museums and the Loire Valley’s most famous châteaux: Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chaumont, Chambord… You’ll also enjoy special perks and discounted rates at major attractions, restaurants, hotels, wineries, gourmet shops, and recreational activities.
Find out about the Pass essentials and suggested routes in the article “Traveling with the Loire à Vélo Pass.”
Enjoy it to your heart’s content from April through September!
Loire à Vélo Pass - 2 days
Duration: 2 days - Price: 89€
The perfect short break to discover the highlights of the Loire à Vélo route between Tours and Orléans.
The Loire à Vélo Pass is an all-inclusive package (excluding accommodation and dinner) that lets you explore the Loire Valley at your own pace, without worrying about the logistics.
Over 2 days, enjoy an unforgettable cycling experience through majestic châteaux, beautiful gardens, picturesque villages, vineyards and riverside cafés.
Your Pass includes:- Classic bike hire with helmet (electric bikes available for an additional charge).
- 2 lunches and 2 afternoon snacks to enjoy at participating partner venues.
- Admission to the Loire Valley's major attractions, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau and Chaumont-sur-Loire, as well as numerous museums, gardens and guided tours.
- Wine and local food tastings.
- More than 60 exclusive offers and benefits from partner restaurants, attractions, leisure activities and local shops along the route.
You'll love:- A hassle-free package designed so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride.
- The freedom to create your own itinerary, with bike pick-up and drop-off available in Tours, Amboise, Blois and Orléans.
- The very best of the Loire à Vélo route, including world-famous châteaux, gourmet stops and charming villages.
Loire à Vélo Pass - 3 days
Duration: 3 days - Price:
€135€119
Take advantage of the special offer on the 3-day Pass, at €119 instead of €135! This package is ideal for a slow journey along the Loire à Vélo route, between Tours and Orléans.
The Loire à Vélo Pass is an all-inclusive package (excluding accommodation and dinner) that lets you explore the Loire Valley at your own pace, without worrying about the logistics. Over 3 days, take the time to cycle between Tours and Orléans, discover magnificent châteaux, relax at traditional riverside cafés (guinguettes), sample local specialities and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley.
Your Pass includes:- Classic bike hire with helmet (electric bikes available for an additional charge).
- 3 lunches and 3 afternoon snacks to enjoy at participating partner venues.
- Admission to the Loire Valley's major attractions, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau and Chaumont-sur-Loire, as well as numerous museums, gardens and guided tours.
- Wine and local food tastings.
- More than 60 exclusive offers and benefits from partner restaurants, attractions, leisure activities and local shops along the route.
You'll love:- An all-in-one package for a stress-free cycling holiday.
- Plenty of time to enjoy the route, combining outstanding heritage, gastronomy, nature and the unique Loire Valley lifestyle.
- The freedom to create your own itinerary, with bike pick-up and drop-off available in Tours, Amboise, Blois and Orléans.
Loire à Vélo Pass - 5 days
Duration: 5 days - Price: €205
The ideal package to cycle the full 130 km of the Loire à Vélo route between Tours and Orléans, with plenty of time to discover it all.The Loire à Vélo Pass is an all-inclusive package (excluding accommodation and dinner) that lets you explore the Loire Valley at your own pace, without worrying about the logistics. Over 5 days, enjoy the complete Loire à Vélo experience as you cycle the entire route between Tours and Orléans. Magnificent châteaux, beautiful gardens, picturesque villages, vineyards, traditional riverside cafés (guinguettes) and stunning Loire landscapes make every stage a memorable discovery.
With bike pick-up and drop-off available at four locations—Tours, Amboise, Blois and Orléans—you are free to create your own itinerary and enjoy a flexible point-to-point cycling holiday.Your Pass includes:- Classic bike hire with helmet (electric bikes available for an additional charge).
- 5 lunches and 5 afternoon snacks to enjoy at participating partner venues.
- Admission to the Loire Valley's major attractions, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau and Chaumont-sur-Loire, as well as numerous museums, gardens and guided tours.
- Wine and local food tastings.
- More than 60 exclusive offers and benefits from partner restaurants, attractions, leisure activities and local shops along the route.
>> Discover all the Pass benefits HEREYou'll love:- An all-in-one package for a carefree cycling holiday, including bike hire, meals, visits and tastings.
- Plenty of time to cycle the entire route between Tours and Orléans and enjoy every stage to the fullest.
- The freedom of a point-to-point cycling trip, with bike pick-up and drop-off available in Tours, Amboise, Blois and Orléans.
![Personne assise dans le train]()
Train + Bike: A convenient way to shorten your journey
Several train stations make it easy to combine biking and train travel, notably in Montlouis-sur-Loire, Amboise, and Chenonceaux.
Travel Smart: with the “Rémi Découverte” Pass, you get unlimited transportation for €45 for 1 to 5 people for 2 days.
Just be sure to check the rules for transporting bikes on Rémi trains before you leave, as some routes require a reservation.
Some turnkey bike trips and holidays
Want to pedal your way to (almost) freedom? Discover our all-inclusive or free cycling holidays!
