Tour Highlights
- Cycle through the vineyards of Vouvray and sample Chenin-based wines to single out your preferred style: sec, demi-sec, moelleux, or sparkling
- Peruse Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, letters, and war machine replicas at Château du Clos Lucé, where he spent the final years of his life
- Let the castles of the Loire fill you with wonder, including the sumptuous Chateau Chambord, over-water gallery of Château de Chenonceau, pristine architecture of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, and whimsical gardens of Château de Villandry
- Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal at the exquisite Les Sources de Cheverny hotel
- Learn to prepare classic French desserts as well as healthy, no-waste dishes with seasonal ingredients at a local chef’s culinary garden and workspace
Eat
Fresh river fish, local asparagus, vibrant produce, wild mushrooms, and foie gras
Drink
Dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines like Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire, made from the incredibly versatile Chenin blanc grape
As featured in:
Itinerary
Print Itinerary- Day 1
Bienvenue to Loire
Your guides will greet you at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station for a transfer to nearby Château Villandry. Our first order of business is a light lunch (and a celebratory glass of local sparkling wine) at the château: erected around 1536, it’s the last of the Loire Valley’s large Renaissance castles. Wander its extraordinary mazes and elegant water garden, stroll the aromatic herb gardens, and finish your visit with an ice cream tasting inspired by the garden’s unique flavors. Then, we begin a warmup ride along the Loire and Cher Rivers. Pause in the town of Azay-le-Rideau to visit another iconic château built on an island of the Indre River, then continue pedaling through the countryside to our first luxurious woodlands hotel. Tonight, the château’s own chef prepares our first lovely dinner.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Tours, Château de Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Artannes-sur-Indre, Veigné
Accomplished: 22 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 958 feet / 292 meters
Accommodations: Domaine de la Tortinière - Day 2
Back to the Renaissance at Chenonceau
Start the day with a gently rolling ride along the Cher River and past the wheat and barley fields that earned this region its nickname as the breadbasket of France. After lunch near Château de Chenonceau, we’ll tour the expansive grounds and dueling gardens designed by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. There’s much to inspire the senses: Chenonceau is home to an unmatched collection of Renaissance furniture, 16th- and 17th-century tapestries, and priceless artwork. After our visit, hop back on the bike and head towards our next accommodation just outside of Amboise. Spend the afternoon settling in before we dine together in the center of Amboise this evening.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Cormery, Bléré, Chenonceaux, Amboise
Accomplished: 36 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 1,296 feet / 395 meters
Accommodations: Le Manor Saint Thomas or Château de Pray - Day 3
Vouvray Loop
Today we set out from a sea of Chenin Blanc vineyards in the Vouvray appellation and continue cycling until we reach Montlouis-sur-Loire for a coffee break by the Loire river. A few gentle rolling hills stand between us and lunch at our friend Louisa’s winery: a passionate winemaker herself, Louisa has paired our meal with some of her favorite Château de Montdomaine wines. After we return to our hotel, it’s time for one more tasting in Amboise. Take a journey through 500 years of Loire Valley winemaking in cellars dating back to 1463, enjoying Vouvray whites just as kings once did. The evening is yours to spend as you wish: return to the riverside town of Amboise to explore its charming medieval streets and choose your preferred restaurant for dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Montlouis-sur-Loire, Vouvray, Chançay,Amboise
Accomplished: 27 miles / 44 km, elevation gain: 761 feet / 232 meters
Longer Option: 33 miles / 54 km, elevation gain: 1,158 feet / 353 meters
Accommodations: Le Manor Saint Thomas or Château de Pray - Day 4
Through da Vinci's Eyes
Start the morning with an illuminating visit to Le Clos Lucé, the one-time home of Leonardo da Vinci; it is rumored that the artist arrived holding the Mona Lisa and spent the final years of his life at this whimsical estate. After, hop in the saddle and ride quaint village roads to La Grange, where we tie on our aprons and learn to prepare a beautiful zero-waste meal with herbs and vegetables from the garden. Back on our bikes after lunch, we’ll cycle through the town of Chaumont-sur-Loire, enjoying a pastoral panorama en route to our final hotel. Regroup this evening to savor regional cuisine at a local auberge.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Saint-Règle, Vallières-les-Grandes, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Cheverny
Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 1,102 feet / 336 meters
Accommodations: Les Sources de Cheverny - Day 5
Castles and Chocolate
After breakfast, pedal scenic roads all the way to the Château Chambord—a grand castle built in the 16th century that once served as a hunting lodge for Francois I. The brainchild of Leonardo da Vinci and a prime example of French Renaissance architecture, this château is now protected as a UNESCO-listed monument. Climb the famous double-helix staircase or stroll the manicured gardens before continuing to our next sweet spot: a local chocolate boutique where we’ll learn to make (and of course taste) candy confections. Leave room for a fresh picnic prepared by your guides before a final short spin to our luxurious hotel. Spend the afternoon at the spa or relax by the pool before we gather for a final and unforgettable Michelin-starred dinner at our hotel. Bon appétit!
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Cheverny, Chambord, Bracieux
Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 1,210 feet / 369 meters
Accommodations: Les Sources de Cheverny - Day 6
Au Revoir
Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at the château and perhaps a stroll through the grounds, saying goodbye to the Loire Valley however you see fit. Your guides see you off at the Blois train station.
Meals: Breakfast
DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
Arrival Details
Airport City: Paris, France Pick-Up Location: St. Pierre des Corps Train Station Pick-Up Time: 10:15 am
Departure Details
Airport City: Paris, France Drop-Off Location: Blois Train Station Drop-Off Time: 11:30 am
Arrival and departure details for alternate itineraries and future year departures may be subject to change.
Dates + Availability
- DatesPriceSpecial Events
- May 11 – 16$5,595
- May 18 – 23$5,595
- May 25 – 30$5,695
- Jun 8 – 13$5,595Reserved by a private group
- Jun 22 – 27$5,595
- Jul 6 – 11$5,695
- Jul 27 – Aug 1$5,595
- Aug 17 – 22$5,595
- Aug 24 – 29$5,595
- Aug 31 – Sep 5$5,595
- Sep 7 – 12$5,695
- Sep 14 – 19$5,695
- Sep 21 – 26$5,695
- Sep 28 – Oct 3$5,695
- Oct 5 – 10$5,595
- Oct 12 – 17$5,595
Inclusions + Details
Accommodations
- Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
- Luggage transfers
Meals
- Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
- 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
- Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal
Activities
- Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
- Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service
Gear
- Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
- Bike helmet
- Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
- GPS in most destinations
Support
- Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
- Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
- Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
- Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
