The youngest have returned to school, the parents the frantic pace of the “metro, work, sleep” days, so after these last intense weeks, a dynamic and invigorating cycling break in the Loire Valley, will certainly be welcome!
Whether you want to enjoy the Indian Summer, maintain your physical fitness or share moments in the great outdoors with family or friends, let yourself be guided to one last outdoor adventure, before the frost of winter.
All Saints' Day holidays: 3 good reasons to go on a family cycling trip
1. Autumn colors
In the vineyards of Touraine, in the forest of Amboise and on the wooded trails of the banks of the Cher and the Loire, the foliage is tinted with shimmering colors: yellow, orange, red, gold. Each bike ride becomes a spectacular visual adventure, in the heart of nature preparing for fall.
2. Mild temperatures
In October, temperatures are mild. The Indian Summer invites you to extend the practice of cycle tourism, with the days becoming cooler again and so pleasant for cycling! Let the sun gently caress the faces while pedaling!
3. Less crowd
In the fall, summer tourists have returned home and the Loire à Vélo and Cher à Vélo cycle routes are less busy. You can enjoy your bike rides and tourist sites in complete peace and quiet.
Our advice so that an autumn bike ride rhymes with pleasure
- Choose circuits adapted to the duration of sunshine days for pedal at the best times of the day while taking the time to visit the wonderful sites that mark the stages of the Loire and from its castles by bike.
- To cycle in autumn, adapt your clothing. If the days are still beautiful, the morning dew brings freshness and humidity that persist until the sun sufficiently warms the atmosphere. Protect your feet, hands, head and neck. And bring breathable short-sleeved and long-sleeved jerseys as well as a windbreaker to protect you from the wind of course, but also from the rain (you never know!). And since the days are shorter, wear bright colors and equip yourself with a reflective vest.
Idea for a cycling trip for the fall holidays,
Family cycling weekend around the Chateaux of the Loire Valley
Discover the brand new Trip à Vélo stay: a three day loop departing from Tours with 80 % of cycle paths and very little elevation gain. The routes are varied and pass through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire, on the banks of the Loire and the Cher and in the Amboise forest. And the good news is that this cycling trip can still be done during the All Saints holidays !
Day 1: Tours – Amboise
This 28 km cycle route leads to Amboise along the banks of the Loire and through the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire. In addition to the landscapes so particular to the Loire Valley, the stage offers the advantage of only having a small hill halfway and of being able to cycle on a majority of cycle paths.
Day 2: Amboise – Chenonceaux
24 km by bike to go from the banks of the Loire to the banks of the Cher. With a bit of elevation gain to get out of Amboise, you inevitably press the pedals a little to start. Then, very quickly, we follow an ultra-easy cycle route to Chenonceaux, through the forest and the countryside.
Jour 3: Chenonceaux – Tours
We return to Tours by cycling the 35 kilometers which separate the capital of Tours from Chenonceaux, on a very pleasant route on the banks of the Cher, completely flat, with 90 % of cycle paths.
Sites to visit with the family
THE Royal Castle of Amboise to discover the royal residence, former home of the royal family, the Saint Hubert chapel in flamboyant Gothic style, housing the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, the gardens, labeled Remarkable Gardens, the ramparts and the terraces which offera breathtaking view over the entire Loire Valley.
THE Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci : a very interesting tour to discover the world of the Master, indoors and in the Park.
THE Chenonceau Castle, nicknamed the Château des Dames and marked by the presence of two of its most famous owners, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. The tour immerses the visitor in the refined world of the Renaissance in France, with the famous gallery bridge over the Cher, the numerous furnished rooms, ranging from kitchens to bedrooms, and the superb Renaissance gardens of Diane and Catherine.
The Grand Aquarium of Touraine is the largest freshwater aquarium in France. We discover fish from the Loire but also fish from tropical freshwater and the oceans. A 1.5 hour dive with catfish, giant sturgeons, sharks, piranhas, clown fish and other 360 species of fish for the pleasure of children and adults.
HAS Amboise, THE Ambacia Cellars allow you to discover the world of vines and wine which so characterize the Touraine region. In the historic cellars created in 1463, the visit the Odyssey of Vintages offers a sensory journey to understand the terroir, the appellations, the different aromas before a 3D tour of the cellars and an oenolology course to learn tasting methods around 5 wines.
To find out more about the stay, the program, the services, the price and practical advice, follow the link
Family cycling weekend around the Chateaux of the Loire Valley