Exploring France’s Loire Valley vineyards and chateaux on an ebike tour
Exploring France’s Loire Valley by ebike offers a gentle and immersive way to experience the region’s stunning sunflower fields, medieval towns, gourmet food, and fine wine. The Loire Valley is renowned for its opulent chateaux, honeyed stone villages, and vibrant landscapes that have inspired artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Émile Vernon.
Starting the journey at Château du Rivau
The tour begins at Château du Rivau in Lémeré, a Renaissance chateau with historical ties to Joan of Arc. Visitors can enjoy a glass of chilled local rosé and explore the gardens before setting off on ebikes provided by Cycling for Softies. The itinerary covers approximately 100 miles (160 km) over three days, cycling along the Loire River, through vineyards, and visiting towns such as Langeais and Azay-le-Rideau.
Château du Rivau has been restored since 1992 and features a contemporary art gallery within its ancient turrets. The gallery showcases modern reinterpretations of classic works by artists including Pierre Ardouvin, Jeff Koons, and Sabine Pigalle. The chateau also has a room dedicated to Joan of Arc. Dinner is served in the chateau’s gourmet restaurant, Jardin Secret, where guests can enjoy dishes like stuffed courgette flowers, roast duck with cherries, and local cheeses paired with Chinon wine.
Following the Loire à Vélo cycling route
The first day’s cycling route is about 27 miles and follows La Loire à Vélo, a 560-mile cycling path tracing the river from Nevers to the Atlantic. The route passes through vineyards, farmhouses, and the ancient river port town of Candes-Saint-Martin, where cyclists can stop for refreshments and explore local shops and wine caves.
Later, the journey continues to Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages. The night is spent at L’Hôtel de Fontevraud L’Ermitage, a four-star hotel set within the abbey grounds. Guests can enjoy a picnic dinner in the gardens and explore the abbey after dark.
Exploring chateaux and countryside on subsequent days
On the second day, cyclists cover 34 miles, crossing the Loire and heading towards Château d’Ussé, known as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. The route is mostly traffic-free and passes through scenic countryside with poplar trees, willows, and the scent of hay and apples. The day ends at Château de Rochecotte near Langeais, where guests stay for two nights and enjoy a lavish dinner featuring local specialties.
The final day includes a 37-mile ride through medieval river towns such as Azay-le-Rideau and past orchards to Château de Villandry. This 16th-century Renaissance chateau is famous for its tiered geometric gardens, including a harp-shaped box bush garden, a maze, and a water garden shaped like a Louis XV-style mirror.
The ebike tour offers a relaxed pace, allowing riders to enjoy the natural beauty, historic sites, and culinary delights of the Loire Valley. The trip is provided by Cycling for Softies, with a four-night Loire in Luxury package starting from £1,510 per person. The price includes half-board accommodation, bike rental with optional ebike upgrades, luggage transfers, and route information.