From Saumur: Loire Valley Private 2-Day Wine Cycling Trip

This 2-day private cycling trip through the Loire Valley promises a delightful blend of wine tasting, scenic landscapes, and charming villages. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll pedal through vineyards, visit historic castles and abbeys, and enjoy authentic local foods — all from the comfortable seat of an electric bike. It’s a chance to experience the region’s famed wines and stunning scenery without rushing or feeling overwhelmed.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of scenic cycling and immersive winery visits, creating a more authentic and relaxed way to explore. The route is thoughtfully designed to highlight key landmarks like Chinon and Candes Saint Martin, along with vineyard-rich soils and riversides that make the Loire Valley truly special.

A possible consideration is that the itinerary involves multiple long cycling stretches over two days, so some travelers might need to be comfortable with sustained activity. Also, the tour is tailored for adults and older teens, so it’s less suitable for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers wanting a balanced mix of active sightseeing and culture in one of France’s most picturesque regions.

Key Points

Balanced Mix of Cycling and Wine Tasting: You get to enjoy an active two days with plenty of stops for wine, food, and sightseeing.
Authentic Experiences: Interacting with local winemakers offers genuine insights into the winemaking process.
Breathtaking Scenery: From vineyards and river views to medieval villages and castles, the visuals are unforgettable.
Comfort and Convenience: Electric bikes make pedaling easier, and support vans carry luggage and picnic supplies.
Relaxation and Wellbeing: A pool at the hotel and leisurely picnic lunches ensure you unwind amidst your adventures.
Expert Guides: Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll learn about the region’s history, wine, and culture in a friendly atmosphere.

A Deep Dive into the Loire Valley Wine Cycling Experience

Starting Point and First Day Highlights

The adventure begins in Saumur, with pickup at your accommodation included, making logistics straightforward. You’ll hop on electric mountain bikes—a real bonus since they make climbing hills and covering large distances more manageable—allowing you to enjoy the scenery without fatigue. As you leave Saumur, the landscape shifts quickly to vineyards and rolling hills, setting the tone for the days ahead.

The first leg of the journey takes you approximately 20 km eastward near Chinon, by the Vienne River. Here, the views of famous local wineries and historic sites start to emerge. Stops are made along the way to visit notable wineries, where you can sample wines and learn about local techniques. One reviewer mentioned the guidance was “very pleasant,” which hints at a relaxed, engaging atmosphere during tastings.

A highlight of the day is lunch in front of the Chinon Fortress, an outdoor picnic that feels like a scene from a postcard. Dining with historic castles in the background elevates the experience from ordinary to memorable, and the food pairing with local wines adds to the indulgence.

Post-lunch, the route takes you south along the Vienne River, where soils made of cflint and clay produce the region’s renowned red wines. Another tasting enriches your understanding of what makes Loire reds unique, especially wines like Chinon and Saumur Champigny.

The day ends at your hotel, which features a nice swimming pool, perfect for relaxing tired legs after a day’s cycling. Dinner is served at a nearby restaurant, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Second Day: Villages, Vineyards, and Historic Monuments

The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, your journey continues toward Saumur. You’ll explore the famous Saumur appellation before heading to the picturesque village of Candes Saint Martin, where the meeting of the Loire and Vienne rivers creates a stunning backdrop.

Next, you visit Candes Saint Martin, renowned for its basilica, and Montsoreau, home to a medieval castle—both fantastic stops for history lovers and those craving picture-perfect moments. From there, a climb up to hillside vineyards rewards you with breathtaking views of the Loire River and the surrounding landscape.

Lunch is again a picnic, this time amidst vineyard scenery, fueling you for the afternoon’s tastings of Chenin and Cabernet Franc wines. Visiting local wineries and tasting these varieties gives you a real taste of the region’s diversity, with many reviews emphasizing the amazing wines and the friendly, knowledgeable guides.

The route then takes you through troglodyte villages like Turquant and Souzay, where caves and underground dwellings add a layer of intrigue and historical interest. The final stretch follows the Loire River back to Saumur, ending at the impressive Saumur Castle, a fitting conclusion to this scenic, wine-filled adventure.

What’s Included and What to Consider

For $995 per person, the tour covers guided cycling with electric bikes, helmets, accommodations, winery visits with tastings, picnic lunches, dinners, and breakfast. The support van carrying luggage and picnic supplies provides extra comfort, especially if your cycling stamina fluctuates.

While the price might seem steep, the value stems from the comprehensive experience: expert guides, authentic tastings, scenic routes, and convenient logistics. The inclusion of hotel with a pool and local dining enhances relaxation, making it more than just a cycle tour.

Keep in mind that wines purchased at wineries and additional beverages are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to take some Loire wines home. Also, the tour runs rain or shine, so packing appropriate gear is advisable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and those curious about French culture. It’s well-suited for travelers comfortable on bikes, especially since the electric bikes make covering long distances easier. Given the pace and activities, it’s best for adults and older teens, with a weight limit of 115 kg (254 lbs) and an age minimum of 7 years.

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Could Be Perfect for You

This Loire Valley wine cycling tour from Saumur offers a balanced mix of activity, culture, and wine tasting—delivered in a relaxed, friendly way. The guides’ expertise helps deepen your understanding of local wines and history, making each visit more meaningful. The gorgeous scenery, from rivers and vineyards to medieval villages, ensures your camera will be busy, and your memories vivid.

If you’re looking for a trip that combines fitness, flavor, and discovery without the usual rushed tours, this experience hits the mark. The carefully curated stops and authentic interactions make it feel personal rather than touristy.

On top of that, the emphasis on local wines and scenery means you’ll leave with not just photos, but actual taste memories and stories to tell. The inclusion of time to relax at your hotel or enjoy a leisurely dinner makes this an experience that can be both invigorating and restful.

In short, this tour is a wonderful choice for those who want to experience the Loire Valley like a local, cycling through the landscape, tasting acclaimed wines, and discovering the stories behind each vineyard and village.

FAQ

Is transportation provided at the start and end of the tour?
Yes, pickup at your accommodation in Saumur is included, and the tour ends with drop-off back at your hotel.

Are the bikes electric?
Yes, the tour uses electric mountain bikes, making cycling easier, especially over longer distances or hilly terrain.

Can I buy wine during the winery visits?
Yes, you have the opportunity to purchase wine at the wineries, and you can store it in the support van.

What meals are included?
Lunches (picnics) are included on both days, along with dinner at a local restaurant and breakfast at the hotel.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children aged 7 and above, but those over 70 years or over 115 kg (254 lbs) may find the activity challenging.

What should I bring?
Bring appropriate rain gear, comfortable clothing, and some cash or cards for any additional purchases. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also advisable.

How physically demanding is the tour?
While the electric bikes assist with pedaling, expect some long cycling stretches. The route involves scenic but sometimes hilly terrain.

Is the tour suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, guides speak English, French, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout.

What happens if it rains?
The tour proceeds rain or shine, so pack rainproof gear. The experience remains unchanged, just with different weather scenery.

This 2-day Loire Valley wine cycling trip from Saumur offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the region—perfect for those seeking a leisurely yet active way to explore, taste, and experience France’s famed vineyards and historic sites.