Bike Tour Reviews  Grand Châteaux & Gardens Of The Loire Valley

  • Grand Châteaux & Gardens of the Loire Valley
    ★★★★★ (3/5) Nancy Gillespie 3 weeks ago

    Sixteen riders is too many to keep corralled

    This trip could have been excellent, if only the number was smaller. Sixteen riders and two guides were way too many riders to keep together. We should have been divided into two groups.

    The countryside was beautiful, and I enjoyed the stops at the many chateaus that dotted our route. The accommodations were very good. Chinon was probably my favorite, having a balcony overlooking the village square. Dinners were all good, one exceptional and the Salt and Pepper in Blois just okay.

    The guides were nice, perhaps too nice; they did not take control of the group. There was no instruction on how to ride in a group and consequently, some riders were dangerous. Some stopped without warning and stopped whenever and wherever they pleased. As a result, of the sixteen riders, twelve fell at one point in the ride. Most of the problem was the inexperienced riders stopping without warning. An orientation from the guides on day 1 could have helped. Geez, even our four hour bike tour in Paris started with bicycle etiquette. And no guide advised the cyclist sucking on a lollipop and carrying a selfie stick the length of a golf club that she was a hazard.

    The difference in fitness and skill level of the riders demanded two groups of cyclists, not one group of sixteen riders.

    I’m an experienced cyclists with many tour companies around the world, thus I was extremely frustrated by the danger the inexperienced cyclists posed. Because of my competence and therefore invisibility, on day six, when I asked a guide if he knew my name, he replied incorrectly. Great reward for fitness and competence.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    Too many to count throughout the world: Vietnam twice, Portugal, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Patagonia, New Zealand
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • ★★★★★ (5/5) David H. 3 weeks ago

    Awesome introduction to France

    I have done many cycling tours over the years, many with BikeTours.com. We have never used Chain Gang Cycling as a tour operator before and I know our group, which is an older group and not all the strongest riders, is probably more "needy" than the typical Chain Gang tour but they did a fantastic job of providing for all our needs. Our guides were excellent, we never got anyone lost.

    BikeTours.com set up an excellent tour through a very beautiful and picturesque part of France. The average daily mileages were good for our group and the sights we saw along the way were amazing. Beautiful small country towns, rolling hills of farmland and forests, and incredible chateaus with magnificent gardens, lots of photo opportunities. We set up a few lovely picnic lunches on several of the ride days with the wonderful French baguettes and ham and cheese.

    Our intrepid group of 16 riders managed the routes with a few hills with no real issues besides a couple of falls and a few bumps and bruises. Just part of cycling. We had lovely weather with the exception of one day where we got some rain. Lots of nice memories and new friends were made on this trip and we're already eagerly looking forward to our next BikeTours.com cycling trip in Poland in 2026!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Late August 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • Our wonderful group of cyclists posing with Chambord in the background (photo by David H.)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • ★★★★★ (5/5) Nancy r 3 weeks ago

    Spectacular!!!

    My first trip to Europe and it far exceeded my expectations. The guides made the entire experience a dream come true. Everything was perfectly orchestrated-From the beautiful landscapes, castles and great food. Highly recommended-don’t miss it.

  • ★★★★★ (5/5) Krista A 3 weeks ago

    Perfect!!

    I loved seeing France this way! So much fun! The hotels and food were amazing! Our guides were the best!!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2025
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)