
























France
Loire Valley
A fairy tale freewheel
from 535 €
7 Days / 6 Nights, Cat. B
Web code FR020
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Info
Tour type
Self-guided
Departures
SA 17.04 - 18.09.2021
Price per person
535 € in double room, Cat. B: 3* hotels (with swimming pool in Amboise and Chitenay; Hotel in Blois is located in the outskirts)
685 € in double room, Cat. A: 3/4* hotels with swimming pool
Included- 6 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Welcome briefing in English
- App including maps, points of interest and GPS tracks
- Digital tour information
- Luggage transportation
- Hotline service
- Hotel taxes
Not included- Everything not mentioned in the section “Included”
Supplements per person
210/315 € single room (Cat. B/A)
Extra nights in Blois on request
Girolibero rental bikes including insurance against theft and damage:
85 € Touring bike
195 € E-bike
85 € Child bike
170 € Family Tandem
Additional bike accessories on demand:
85 € child trailer15 € helmet (head circumference from 54 to 61 cm)
Free of charge: child seat and FollowMe-Tandem
Reductions
100 € 3rd person in room
Children reductions
The reduction for the 3rd/4th child in room will be calculated on the basic price according to the following table:
100% 0-4 years (baby cot to be paid on site)
50% 5-12 years
25% 13-15 years -
Day by Day
1. Blois
Individual arrival.
2. Blois – Amboise (45 km)
We saddle up for the start of a magical ride that today takes us along the River Loire as far as Amboise. Steeped in history, the atmospheric market town is celebrated for its château and the Clos-Lucé manor, where Leonardo lived for three years (and died) and where some of his remarkable inventions are on display. The 19th-century turtle fountain (topped by a teddy bear figure), the Clock Tower and the 7-level Chinese Pagoda all add to the town’s interest.
3. Amboise – Chenoncheaux (35 km)
We start the day cycling through the magnificent Forest of Amboise and into fields of wheat and barley. Our destination is the Château de Chenonceau, its gardens fabulously landscaped against the meandering River Cher. What better way to enjoy today’s exploration through verdant landscapes than astride our two-wheeled steeds. Expect some ups and downs shortly before Chenoncheaux (it is always possible to return by train).
4. Amboise – Chitenay (45 km)
Fields of wheat and poppy meadows scattered with centennial oaks: welcome to the fertile farmlands of Touraine. The scenery is dotted with delightful hamlets such as Fougères and Vallières-les-Grandes, and towered by majestic castles – among them Fougères-sur-Biévre – all awaiting your discovery. The picturesque route takes us largely along quiet roads and the only challenging climb is a 1km stretch right at the start.
5. Chitenay – Blois (35 km)
An easy ride takes you from Chitenay to charming Cellettes, a commune bathed by the placid River Beuvron, for a visit to the Renaissance Château de Beauregard. After traversing the enchanting Forest of Roussy, we come to the Loire and the town of Blois, which welcomes you with its elegant bridge, monuments, works of art and narrow alleyways tangled around its castle.
6. Blois – Chambord (45 km)
Today’s stage leads us to one of the most famous and majestic of all Loire castles: Chambord. Leaving the hotel, we head for Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, an ancient hamlet perched on the river. From here we continue southwards into the heart of the countryside until we reach the castle’s surrounding forest.
7. Blois
After breakfast, end of tour.Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
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Route profile
- Total length: 205 km
- Total vertical up: 440 m
- Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
- Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2
- Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2 and 3
Routes are devised with the younger travellers in mind and are predominantly on cycleways and quiet roads.Leisure cycling in mostly flat areas, with only a few short ups and downs. Little effort required, suitable for everyone.
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How to get there
Blois is connected with the following airports:
Tours: 60 km, Paris: 140 km.For further information on train timetables and prices you can consult the following website: www.sncf.com.
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Accommodation and meals
We personally choose all the hotels mindful of your comfort as well as the proximity to cycling paths and any relevant local sites.
According to your category of choice you will be accommodated in:- Cat. A: 3/4* hotels with swimming pool
- Cat. B: 3* hotels (with swimming pool in Amboise and Chitenay. Hotel in Blois is located in the outskirts).
All rooms have en suite facilities.
When you book the tour please specify the type of room requested:- double room is a room with one double bed
- twin room is a room with two single beds
- triple room is usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or a sofa bed
- a family room could be converted into two double/twin rooms next to each other, according to availability
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Bikes and accessories
Girolibero bikes are available in different sizes and frames:
- Touring bike 27-gear Shimano Deore
- E-bike 9-gear Shimano
Features:- aluminium frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle www.selleroyal.com
- anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres
- ergonomic bicycle grips
- Speed Lifter system
You can also rent:- Child bikes | 20” wheels | 24” wheels
- Child seat | max 22 kg | 1-5 yrs
- Child trailer | max 35 kg | 1-4 yrs | 1 seat | www.croozer.com
- Follow-me tandem for 20” child bike | max 30 kg | 6-8 yrs | www.followmetandem.co.uk
- Family tandem | 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 yrs
These accessories can only be mounted on unisex 27-gear Shimano Deore Touring bikes.
Accessories
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:- 1 cycle computer
- 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
- 1 front bar bag
- 1 water bottle (0.75 l)
- 1 repair kit per room: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers
- 1 combination bike lock
At the moment of booking you can also rent helmets suitable for head circumferences from 54 to 61 cm. All our helmets have a certification mark according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European norm.
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Accompanying material
Before your arrival, you will receive an email from us with the digital information material. It contains:
1. Link to download the App including maps, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
2. Link to download the tour information material in Pdf:
- Tour notes
- Final tour details
- Travel guide with valuable information about the history, artistic heritage, landscapes and places of interest of the areas you pass through during your tour. Plus: local events, fun facts, suggestions on how to make the best of an extended break along the route, and tips on local wining and dining.
3. Digital travel documents:
- Final hotel list: due to overbooking or organizational needs your hotel list may be changed just before your arrival
- Hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- Luggage labels
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By your side
In Blois you will meet our representative who:
- will illustrate the tour
- will deliver your bikes
- will be available (about 30 minutes) for any questions you may have.
The exact time and place of the meeting will be specified in the Final Tour Details. We kindly ask you to advise if you cannot attend the meeting.
For the whole duration of your bike tour, you can contact us as follows:- office +39 0444 1278430 from Monday to Friday 8:30-13:00 and 15:00-18:30
- emergency phone number every day 8:00-20:00. The number will be specified in the Final Tour Details.
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29 Client reviews
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Elisa
Departure 08-14 August 2020
Online from 23 August 2020
Tour carino, diciamo che i castelli sono l'unica attrazione mi sarebbe piaciuto vedere anche altro....sarà per la prossima. -
Guido
Departure 08-14 August 2020
Online from 19 August 2020
Bellissimo tour dal punto di vista culturale, un paesaggio agricolo suggestivo anche se un po' ripetitivo. Castelli rinascimentali che si stagliano in mezzo a vigneti, campi di girasole e di grano e deliziosi villaggi di campagna. Da evitare nei mesi più caldi... -
Mery
Departure 24-30 August 2019
Online from 18 September 2019
posti bellissimi da vivere come nelle favole -
andrea
Departure 17-23 August 2019
Online from 01 September 2019
Giro molto bello -
Vanessa
Departure 17-23 August 2019
Online from 30 August 2019
Vacanza da fare con la famiglia, esperienza bellissima, i paesaggi e i castelli sono magici e la mente si perde in mezzo a foreste, girasoli e campi di grano. -
Diego
Departure 10-16 August 2019
Online from 26 August 2019
Posto superbo, ma peccato non poter prenotare le cene nel pacchetto vacanza -
Fabio
Departure 10-16 August 2019
Online from 23 August 2019
Penso che l'anno prossimo faremo altre esperienze di questo tipo -
Andrea
Departure 10-16 August 2019
Online from 21 August 2019
Tour della Loira affascinante con meravigliosi castelli -
Camilla
Departure 02-08 August 2019
Online from 20 August 2019
Vacanza stupenda -
Mario Massimo
Departure 03-09 August 2019
Online from 14 August 2019
Ottima esperienza... è un modo diverso di vedere i luoghi..di stare a contatto con la natura..assaporandone i suoni e i colori..in piena libertà!!! -
Diego
Departure 06-12 July 2019
Online from 31 July 2019
Esperienza molto positiva, ben organizzata, luoghi e paesaggi affascinanti, non facile per bambini non allenati (io ho tirato mio figlio con una longe sulle salite e quando era stanco). -
Ugo
Departure 13-19 July 2019
Online from 28 July 2019
Bellissimo itinerario c'è tanto da vedere bellissimo pedalare in foreste campagna e distese di grano, attraversare paesini rurali lontano dalle città dimenticarsi del tempo e incontrare castelli bellissimi parchi incantati. È bellissimo stare in famiglia comprare una baguette, del formaggio, e via, partire per la prossima meta. -
Massimiliano
Departure 15-21 June 2019
Online from 26 June 2019
Natura, paesaggi, castelli, ristoranti e hotel tutto adeguato alle aspettative. Consigliatissimo. -
Elena
Departure 2019
Online from 28 May 2019
Itinerario molto bello in una Francia "da cartolina": non manca qualche piccola e breve salita, ma fattibile con ogni livello di allenamento (o basta spingere la bici!).
Si percorrono anche lunghi tratti pianeggianti lungo fiume o in mezzo a piccoli villaggi francesi (con possibilità di una sosta a parchi giochi, boulangerie, una fontana d'acqua...).
Emozionanti i tratti nella foresta che circonda i castelli di Chambord e Chenonceau. -
Ciro
Departure 28 July - 03 August 2018
Online from 28 September 2018
Veramente bella, a misura di famiglia, la bici aiuta ad apprezzare dettagli non apprezzabili con altri mezzi. E neanche a piedi. Complimenti per i percorsi e la selezione delle strade. Tutte bellissime -
Laura
Departure 15-21 September 2018
Online from 28 September 2018
Chi vuole avvicinarsi ai Castelli della Loira in veló sarà contento -
Laura
Departure 11-17 August 2018
Online from 26 September 2018
Itinerario paesaggi e castelli meravigliosi. Organizzazione e bici ottime. Scelta degli hotel da rivedere -
Francesca
Departure 30 June - 06 July 2018
Online from 26 September 2018
Abbiamo fatto il giro sulla Loira e devo dire che l'esperienza è stata super positiva!
I ragazzi di Girolibero sono disponibili e ti fanno sentire seguito anche lasciandoti piena libertà di azione. Anche un piccolo intoppo iniziale alla consegna delle bici (il tandem genitore-figlio che avevamo scelto non andava bene per noi) è stato subito risolto.
Da rifare sicuramente con una nuova meta! -
Maddalena
Departure 11-17 August 2018
Online from 26 September 2018
Esperienza stupenda e paesaggi meravigliosi! Itinerario un po’ impegnativo, ma fattibile anche per principianti e bambini senza allenamento. Noi viaggiavamo con bambini da 8 a 12 anni e sono tornati super entusiasti e con la voglia di ripetere l’esperienza in altri paesi. -
Arturo
Departure 11-17 August 2018
Online from 25 September 2018
Consiglio vivamente questa esperienza con GiroLibero. -
Annalisa
Departure 11-17 August 2018
Online from 25 September 2018
Bellissima esperienza. Da ripetere -
Mario
Departure 08-14 August 2017
Online from 19 August 2017
Una vacanza da percorrere metro dopo metro. Un viaggio alla scoperta della natura e di quadri multicolori -
Eugenio
Departure 22-28 July 2017
Online from 05 August 2017
Grazie per averci aiutato ad organizzare questa bellissima esperienza. Il tragitto é relativamente facile, direi per i bambini non sotto i dodici anni affinché possano apprezzarlo, le persone del luogo gentili e straordinariamente rispettose di chi viaggia in bicicletta, i posti molto rilassanti e culturalmente stimolanti, i percorsi quasi esclusivamente per biciclette.
Mi sento di consigliarlo veramente a tutti, sia a chi voglia affrontare la prima esperienza di un viaggio in bici sia a chi già esperto voglia approfondire il lato culturale dei Castelli della Loira con il piacere di trasferirsi da un luogo all'altro pedalando. -
Ilario
Departure 22-28 July 2017
Online from 03 August 2017
Vacanza bellissima, itinerario stupendo.
I primi due giorni sono un po' impegnativi a causa del saliscendi, ma non lasciatevi intimorire che ne vale la pena! -
Daniela
Departure 08-14 July 2017
Online from 19 July 2017
I sentirei proposti sono estremamente belli e ben segnalati.
I sentieri sono sicuri anche se svolti con bimbi piccoli.
Ci sono diversi dislivelli che rendono impegnativo il percorso per bambini di 8 anni (con bici propria) e con un allenamento medio/basso. Fondamentale nel nostro caso il Follow me. -
Chiara
Departure 20-26 May 2017
Online from 15 June 2017
Ottimo itinerario per famiglia che combina bellissimi percorsi -piatti- relativamente facili in bicicletta, cultura -con le visite ai multipli castelli-, bei paesaggi -fiume, boschi e campi- con gastronomia -tappe in alberghi 'logis de France- dove si mangia proprio bene. -
Gianna
Departure 20-26 August 2016
Online from 11 September 2016
Bellissima vacanza, anche se più impegnativa del previsto.
I Km erano sempre di più di quelli della road map, che spesso non era precisissima.
Il percorso è abbastanza impegnativo soprattutto per i bambini, ci sono molti tratti sterrati e parecchi dislivelli. Sarebbero state più appropriate mountain bike. Il follow-me tandem è stato provvidenziale per mia figlia (7 anni e mezzo).
Lungo il percorso non ci sono fontanelle e i rari bar sono spesso chiusi e poco forniti, bisognerebbe partire ogni giorno con tanta acqua e viveri. -
Patrizia
Departure 13-19 August 2016
Online from 10 September 2016
Bellissima esperienza, percorso affascinante e adatto alle famiglie. Il Book fornito per la guida al percorso andrebbe rivisto in alcuni passaggi che ci hanno costretto ad usare molta intuizione ed un buon francese per chiedere informazioni... Per il resto ben organizzato molto apprezzato il Novotel ad Amboise e l'Houberge Du centre per la tipicità. La tappa a Blois all'hotel Bellagio andrebbe a mio avviso rinnovata vista la vetustitá della struttura. Nel complesso una bella vacanza! -
Michael, Mia and Sammy, Usa
Departure 2016
Online from 13 July 2016
We had a wonderful trip, thank you so much for your help arranging this, and answering all of our questions quickly. It was a perfect itinerary for us and Leonardo was so helpful and responsive, making sure the bikes were right for us and that we were ready to go. We absolutely loved the routes that were mapped out and it was really a beautiful trip, exactly as described. There was much to see and the length of the rides, and timings of sights, were really perfect for us. And the hotels in Blois and Chitenay were really wonderful, we give them very high marks for comfort, service, friendliness, everything! (Our Amboise hotel was comfortable and family friendly as well, but just further out from town - making it a little tougher to get there, go out for dinner, etc.)
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