Loire Valley  Bike Tour Reviews

  • Nature, Villages, and Castles
    (5/5) Mary Allyson Emerson 5 days ago

    Perfect amount of mileage

    · Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

    It was a wonderful experience. The hotels were clean and comfortable and always expecting us when we arrived. Never an issue with our luggage transfers either. Would definitely use Biketours.com again to organize our next trip!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Oct 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
  • Loire a Velo
    (4/5) Allen Terrell 3 weeks ago

    Beautiful

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    Of the nearly dozen bike trips we’ve taken, the sights and the bike paths were probably the best. Biketours.com was very helpful in organizing us for the trip.
    BUT THE E-BIKES WERE VERY HEAVY AND HARD TO MANAGE. LIGHTER WEIGHT E-BIKES WOULD BE SAFER.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Custom and Private Bike Tours in France
    (5/5) Thayne L 3 weeks ago

    Amazing bike trip down the Loire

    · Custom and Private Bike Tours in France

    We loved our custom bike trip we did with friends in the Loire River valley in France! Most of trip was on dedicated bike trails and one-lane roads shared with the occasional car. The 4 star hotels exceeded our expectations. The route was well organized and we found we could easily stay on the selected paths. Overall, it was a great experience and we want to do something like it again!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Loire a Velo
    (4/5) Steven F 3 weeks ago

    Beautiful

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    The perfect way to experience France. Bike through beautiful farm lands and vineyards, stay in beautiful small cities. Enjoy the grand and beauty of many Châteaus along the way.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
  • (4/5) Andres Volosin 4 weeks ago

    Great location, not the best hotel choises

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    You should do better in some locations with the hotels. The last 4 day, not much to see. Is just pedaling to get to the next town. Dont do the 14 day unless you just like to pedal. Better rent a car in Nantes and continue that way to Le Croisic.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 1/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Grand Châteaux & Gardens of the Loire Valley
    (3/5) Nancy Gillespie 1 month ago

    Sixteen riders is too many to keep corralled

    · Grand Châteaux & Gardens of the Loire Valley

    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
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 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. 1 month ago

    Awesome introduction to France

    · Grand Châteaux & Gardens of the Loire Valley

    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
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 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 1 month ago

    Spectacular!!!

    · Grand Châteaux & Gardens of the Loire Valley

    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.

    Countries included in this tour?
    France
  • (5/5) Krista A 1 month ago

    Perfect!!

    · Grand Châteaux & Gardens of the Loire Valley

    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
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 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)
  • Loire a Velo
    (4/5) Jacquelyn 5 months ago

    scenic ride with bird song soundtrack

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    The bikes were ready when we arrived, and in great condition. The RoadBook App made finding our way easier than paper maps, although we did miss a few turns. The app did need cell service and ate through the battery fast enough that we needed a power bank. The navigation feature thought we were a car, which led to some odd instructions until we realized what was happening and then ignored it.
    The Chateaus are lovely and easy to visit. We did the trip in late April and enjoyed the sound of birds and frogs as we cycled. The daily distances allow for sufficient time to take in the sights as well as some leisure at the end of the day. Most of it is done on either bike trails or very low traffic roads, although there a few narrow and moderate traffic roads that are less pleasant.
    We used electric bikes and were happy to have chosen them. Although there are very few hills, we were glad of the boost.
    Hotels were excellent and generally easy to find in the towns. without too much city traffic. We chose the meal plan, and received no information on how that worked. The second restaurant explained how in worked in their case and that each restaurant would be different. It would have been helpful to know in advance.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 25 - May 4, 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Cynthia Cook September 22, 2024

    Biking Loire Valley

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    Nice ride, there is a fair amount of riding with traffic, it would be difficult with younger kids. The trail signage needs updated. Some were faded and others covered by trees or brush. There were a few spots on the ride that GPS was needed for sure. Some of the trails were very rough and bumpy. It would be nice to stay in smaller towns, in city centers it was not very nice nor necessary. The scenery was varied, from vineyards to vegetable fields, orchards and quaint towns. The chateau package was nice. We had the dinner package which is nice after a days ride to have your restaurant already set.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) David Reynolds September 14, 2024

    Orleans to Angers - great chateaus

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    Great tour. Biking route was easy to follow and attractions were amazing, esp for chateau lovers.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Mylen Huggins June 18, 2024

    Great family bike trip

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    Our trip was from Orleans to Tours, 4 total days of great biking, seeing the country side and visiting small villages. Biketours made it easy for us to navigate our route, sights and hotels. Having great information about the trip prior to our arrival and at our arrival was very organized. It was worth it to get the castle tour and dinner package. We would use Biketours again.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 9-14
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 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
  • Nature, Villages, and Castles
    (5/5) Cheryl Sparks May 29, 2024

    Scenery and castles and yummy food, oh my!!!

    · Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

    Very very enjoyable trip. All of the hotels were clean, comfortable and beautiful. Whole experience was great. We found that the app “ Geovelo” worked a lot better for navigation than the app from the bike company.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 24
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Loire a Velo
    (5/5) Adrian Gnyra May 18, 2024

    Fabulous experience

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    The trip allowed us to connect with the French culture … all the hotels and meals exceeded our expectations

    Countries included in this tour?
    France
  • (5/5) Sandra Bentjerodt October 22, 2023

    Viaje perfecto

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    Todo muy bien
    La ruta muy bien indicada , fantástica coordinación
    Hoteles de calidad con gente muy amable.
    Teníamos paquete con cena y muy ricos los restaurantes

    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • Un café en el camino (photo by Sandra Bentjerodt)
  • Nature, Villages, and Castles
    (2/5) Michael Beiley October 8, 2023

    Mediocre bike trip

    · Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

    This is our 6th bike trip in Europe as an older couple and our least favorite. The chateaux (chateaus) were the highlights with beautiful gardens and art work. The beginning town of Blois and last town of Ambroise were charming and the best part of the trip. The biking along the Loire the very first day and last day were the prettiest. Most of the biking was along dedicated bikepaths or very quiet roads. Otherwise, the bicycling though flat farmland, small towns with zero to very limited restaurants, and vineyards without opportunity to for tastings was very uninspiring. The tour operator booked us in a hotel for two nights when the restaurant was closed and the nearest town was 4km through a forest at night if we wanted to eat dinner. They also booked a canoe trip for 2:30 when we passed through it was 11:00 a.m and closed (we asked for a refund but they never replied.) The hotels other than the first and last day were very average. Overall, the 4 chateaux and the two 1/2 days biking along Loire river were the highlights, the rest was mediocre.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept-Oct 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • Chateau Chambord (photo by Michael Beiley)
    • Chaumont sur Loire (photo by Michael Beiley)
    • 1/5 Value
    • 1/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 2/5 Hotels or boat
    • 2/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Tim Cooper September 8, 2023

    Dream trip

    · Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

    The daily route map was good but it needed specific directions about where to turn and specific streets with noticeable landmarks. This is a critical factor especially when arriving in Ambois and. how to get to the designated hotel.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 19,02023
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
    (5/5) Cindy Kinney November 8, 2022

    Great way to discover France

    · Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour

    We had a knowledgeable guide that helped us experience the beauty of France. We enjoyed the food, wine and people. Great biking and a wonderful adventure.

    The gardens were amazing and the history of the area was fascinating.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 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)
  • Loire a Velo
    (5/5) John Rosenfeld November 7, 2022

    Thoroughly enjoyable

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    Will plan by the tour group. Beautiful scenery. Many interesting sized to see that were both historical and educational. The bed and breakfast is that were selected were outstanding. Food along the way was outstanding. The directions were easy to follow

    Countries included in this tour?
    France