Cycling getaways

Urban & heritage walks

Get on your bike and discover the open-air art and built heritage of Tours and the surrounding area, accompanied by a guide. These rides offer a unique immersion in the history and culture of the city. Pedal your way through picturesque lanes, historic monuments and emblematic neighborhoods, for an enriching experience that lets you rediscover the city from a new angle.

A guide will accompany you, sharing his or her knowledge and anecdotes based on the chosen theme.

Cycling loops in the Tours metropolitan area

With 15,000 km of trails, including 800 km on the Loire à Vélo®, France is a cyclist's paradise. With your nose to the wind, find your own rhythm and explore Touraine by bike.

A 1/2-day tour from Tours

Hop on your bike for a half-day nature break along the Loire à Vélo® on the "Bords de Loire: d'une rive à l'autre" route. Departing from Tours, this loop takes you to Montlouis, Vernou-sur-Brenne, Vouvray and Rochecorbon. You'll ride along the banks of the royal river, through the vineyards of the AOC Vouvray grape variety and past troglodyte dwellings. If you'd like to extend the day's ride, you can stop for a picnic on Île de la Métairie, enjoy a wine tasting at Château de Moncontour, admire Marmoutier Abbey and, on the way back, visit the Cloître de la Psalette nestled in the heart of Tours' Cathedral of Saint-Gatien.

Loop 2: Along the Loire "from one bank to the other"

Distance: 29 km

Difficulty: easy

Another idea for a shorter route: from Tours to Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, pedal in the footsteps of Honoré de Balzac! This itinerary will take you to the key places

Special Balzac loop #2: in the footsteps of Balzac, from Tours to Vouvray

Distance: 9 km

Difficulty: easy

You can find all the cycling loops at the Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office reception desk or at velo-rando-touraine.fr

Practical info

What if I didn't bring my bike?

At both Tours and Villandry, it's easy to reserve your bike in advance or on site at the Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office!

Would you like to opt for an electric bike? EZ Bike offers a fleet of electric bikes for hire.

Rent a bike for people with reduced mobility

Discover a bike adapted for people with reduced mobility! With its electric assistance, it's easy to ride as a duo, making two-wheeled tours accessible to all.

This equipment can be rented from the Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office by the day for €40.

Enjoy the services of Accueil Vélo & Rando

Located in the heart of town, the Accueil Vélo Rando is a multi-purpose facility dedicated to cycling. On site, you'll find tailor-made services for everyday cyclists and cyclorandonneurs (self-repair workshop, showers, lockers, electric bike and telephone recharging, etc.).

You'll also find suggestions for itineraries around the Touraine metropolis, free events and a program of guided tours to help you discover the area in a different way.

Opening hours

May to October: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

November to April: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Address: 31, boulevard Heurteloup, Tours

Further information: website - 02 47 33 17 99

Sleep or take a break at The People

This trendy hostel, a showcase for the glory of cycling, is open to all from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. for coffee, lunch or a drink. It's a great opportunity to meet travelers from all over the world, including those taking the Loire à Vélo®, right in the heart of Tours!

Address: 84, avenue Grammont, Tours

More information HERE

But also...

For even more ideas for "slow" rides along the Loire, check out the blog article Pédalez le long de la Loire à Vélo ® !