The Loire à Vélo corridor running from Tours to Blois covers 60 kilometres of one of Europe's most celebrated cycling and walking routes, following the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley through Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher departments. The trailhead begins at the Embarcadère on Quai d'Orléans in Tours, where bicycle hire is available from local operators, and the route traces the south bank of the Loire before crossing at Amboise, continuing through vineyards, orchards, and levée embankments toward Blois.
The route is entirely flat, with a maximum elevation change of just 30 metres, making it one of the most accessible long-distance paths in Centre-Val de Loire. The surface varies between dedicated tarmac cycle paths, packed gravel levées, and quiet country lanes with well-maintained signage at regular intervals. Shade is available in wooded sections near Chaumont-sur-Loire and alongside the river, but levée stretches are fully exposed to sun and wind.
Key landmarks include the Château d'Amboise at kilometre 25, offering Leonardo da Vinci connections and panoramic Loire views; the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire with its internationally acclaimed Festival des Jardins at kilometre 40; and the Château Royal de Blois marking the terminus. Recommended stopping points for day walkers include Amboise and Chaumont-sur-Loire, both served by TER trains back to Tours.
Water sources and provisions are available in each village — Amboise, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Onzain, and Blois all have cafés and supermarkets. There are no staffed refuge huts on the route itself, but chambres d'hôtes and hotels are plentiful in every village. Cyclists typically complete the route in one day; walkers covering sections on foot should plan for three to four days with overnight accommodation in Amboise and Onzain. No permit is required. Bicycle hire in Tours starts from approximately €15–€20 per day; hybrid bikes are the most practical choice for the mixed surface.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Loire Valley, Indre-et-Loire / Loir-et-Cher
- Best season
- April–October
What to bring
- Bicycle (hire available in Tours, Amboise, Blois)
- Helmet (strongly recommended)
- Waterproof layer
- Sunscreen
Location
Starting point: Embarcadère, Quai d'Orléans, 37000 Tours, France
47.3932, 0.6838 View on map
Highlights
- Château d'Amboise perched above the Loire — a dramatic landmark at the 25 km mark with Leonardo da Vinci connections
- Levée embankments offering panoramic Loire river views across sandbanks and château landscapes
- Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and its internationally acclaimed Festival des Jardins, visible from the path
- Seamless TER train return from Blois to Tours (45 min, €8–€14) makes a one-way route highly practical
- Bicycle hire available in Tours, Amboise, and Blois for flexible trip planning
Tips for visiting
- Start early from Tours to avoid afternoon heat on exposed levée sections in summer.
- Bicycle hire operators in Tours require prior booking during July and August — reserve at least two days ahead.
- Walkers covering sections on foot should carry a packed lunch; cafés in smaller villages may close on Mondays.
- The return TER train from Blois to Tours runs every 1–2 hours; check SNCF timetables before departure.
- Wind along the Loire levées is consistently westerly — cycling Tours to Blois rides into the prevailing headwind on the return.
When to visit
April to October offers the best conditions, with wildflowers in spring and harvest colours in September. Mid-July and August are the busiest months; May, June, or early September provide a more relaxed experience with cooler temperatures.
Accessibility
The Loire à Vélo corridor is largely accessible by hand-cycle and wheelchair due to its flat, paved and compacted-gravel surface. Dedicated cycle paths between Tours and Amboise are of tarmac standard. Some levée sections have short gravel stretches that may be challenging for standard wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
Can the entire route be walked rather than cycled?
Yes, the full 60 km route can be walked over three to four days. Each section is well-marked and overnight accommodation is available in Amboise, Chaumont-sur-Loire, and Onzain.
Is the route suitable for children?
The flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths make it very family-friendly. Children aged 6 and above generally manage 15–20 km sections comfortably on bikes.
Where can bicycles be hired along the route?
Hire points are available in Tours (Détours de Loire near the TGV station), Amboise, and Blois. One-way hire with drop-off at the destination is offered by several operators.
Are there any tolls or entry fees on the Loire à Vélo route?
The path itself is free to use. Entry fees apply to the châteaux along the way — Amboise adult entry is approximately €17.50 and Chaumont-sur-Loire around €18.