Setting out on a full-day bicycle adventure through the stunning Saumur wineries promises an immersive experience for oenophiles and nature enthusiasts alike. This guided tour allows visitors to cycle past picturesque vineyards, savor delightful wine tastings, and indulge in a scenic picnic lunch along the Loire River. Uncovering the cultural heritage of the region, the journey also explores the captivating troglodyte villages and the historic Castle of Saumur. With options in French, English, and Spanish, this cycling tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the Chinon and Saumur countryside.
Key Points
- A full-day guided cycling trip from Chinon to Saumur wineries, offering scenic routes through vineyards, villages, and historic sites.
- Includes wine tastings at local wineries, a picnic lunch by the Loire River, and a visit to the Castle of Saumur.
- Explore troglodyte villages and discover the region’s unique cultural heritage during the cycling adventure.
- Taste renowned Saumur vintages, including Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, with the guidance of knowledgeable wine experts.
- Free cancellation policy, available in multiple languages, and a reserve now, pay later option for the cycling tour.
Tour Overview
The "Chinon: Bicycle Tour of Saumur Wineries with Picnic Lunch" is a full-day guided cycling trip that takes participants from Chinon to the wineries of Saumur.
Priced at $349.51 per person, the tour is available in French, English, and Spanish. Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the "reserve now, pay later" option.
The tour promises a scenic route through vineyards, picturesque villages, and panoramic vistas, as well as wine tastings, a picnic lunch, and visits to historic sites like the Castle of Saumur.
Looking for more options in Chinon? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Cycling Adventure
This full-day guided cycling trip offers an array of captivating highlights. Cyclists will enjoy a scenic route through vineyards, picturesque villages, and panoramic vistas. They’ll have the opportunity to taste wines at local wineries, focusing on cabernet franc and chenin grapes. A picnic lunch by the Loire River will provide a delightful respite. Visitors can explore troglodyte villages and the famous Castle of Saumur. The tour also includes an underground tour at Bouvet Ladubay sparkling winery.
| Highlights | Description |
| — | — |
| Scenic Cycling | Ride through vineyards, villages, and panoramic landscapes |
| Wine Tastings | Sample local wines at wineries specializing in cabernet franc and chenin |
| Picnic Lunch | Enjoy a delicious lunch by the Loire River |
| Historical Sites | Discover troglodyte villages and the Castle of Saumur |
| Winery Tour | Explore the underground caves of Bouvet Ladubay |
Discovering the Scenic Route
As cyclists embark on this journey, they’ll be captivated by the scenic route that winds through the heart of the Loire Valley.
The cycling path leads them along the Vienne River, offering panoramic views of the confluence with the Loire. Pedaling through the charming village of Candes-Saint-Martin, they’ll admire the impressive Montsoreau Castle perched atop the cliffs.
The cycling path winds along the Vienne River, offering panoramic views of the Loire’s confluence. Cyclists will admire Montsoreau Castle atop the cliffs of Candes-Saint-Martin.
The route then climbs through the vineyards of Saumur Champigny, showcasing the region’s renowned Cabernet Franc grapes.
Stopping to savor a picnic lunch by the Loire, cyclists will soak in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Wine Tasting Experiences
What truly captivates visitors on this tour are the exceptional wine tasting experiences. The guided cycling journey takes participants to local wineries, where they have the opportunity to sample a variety of Saumur’s renowned vintages. The focus is on the region’s signature Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc grapes, showcasing the diverse terroir and winemaking techniques. Visitors delight in discovering the nuances of these premium wines through structured tastings led by knowledgeable guides. The tour also includes an underground exploration of the Bouvet Ladubay sparkling winery, adding a unique dimension to the wine-tasting experience.
| Winery | Grape Varieties | Tasting Notes |
| — | — | — |
| Château de Picoron | Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc | Vibrant, fruit-forward, and well-balanced |
| Domaine de Nerleux | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon | Complex, with notes of black fruit and spice |
| Bouvet Ladubay | Chenin Blanc | Crisp, refreshing, and showcasing the region’s terroir |
| Domaine de la Paleine | Cabernet Franc, Malbec | Elegant, with a velvety texture and subtle oak influence |
| Clos Rougeard | Cabernet Franc | Renowned for its exceptional purity and age-worthiness |
More Great Tours NearbyIndulging in the Picnic Lunch
A highlight of the Bicycle Tour of Saumur Wineries is the delightful picnic lunch enjoyed along the banks of the serene Loire River.
The guides have carefully curated a selection of local delicacies, from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to freshly baked bread and seasonal produce.
Travelers have the opportunity to savor these regional specialties while taking in the stunning views of the river and surrounding vineyards.
The tranquil setting provides a perfect respite before continuing the cycling adventure through the picturesque countryside.
This picnic lunch is a true embodiment of the region’s culinary and natural wonders.
Exploring Troglodyte Villages and Saumur Castle
Following the cycling through the vineyards and the picnic lunch along the Loire River, the tour takes visitors to explore the fascinating troglodyte villages and the iconic Saumur Castle. The troglodyte villages of Turquant and Souzay-Champigny offer a unique opportunity to discover the region’s history, as these dwellings were carved into the soft limestone cliffs. Next, the tour heads to the impressive Castle of Saumur, a medieval fortress overlooking the Loire River. Guests can admire the castle’s impressive architecture and learn about its rich history.
| Village | Highlight | Significance |
|———|———–|————–|
| Turquant | Troglodyte Dwellings | Historic cave-dwelling community |
| Souzay-Champigny | Troglodyte Dwellings | Historic cave-dwelling community |
| Saumur | Castle | Medieval fortress with panoramic views |
Winery Tour and Shuttle Back to Chinon
After exploring the troglodyte villages and Saumur Castle, the tour heads to Bouvet Ladubay for an underground winery experience.
The group learns about the winery’s sparkling wine production as they tour the extensive underground cellars. Tasting the Bouvet Ladubay’s signature chenin blanc and cabernet franc wines is a highlight.
Visitors tour the extensive underground cellars, learning about Bouvet Ladubay’s sparkling wine production and tasting its signature chenin blanc and cabernet franc wines.
Following the winery visit, the group boards a shuttle for the return trip to Chinon. Along the way, travelers can reflect on the day’s cycling adventure, sip any remaining wine, and savor the picnic lunch memories.
The guided tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the Saumur region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bicycles Available in Different Sizes?
The bicycles are available in different sizes to accommodate riders of varying heights. Customers can request their preferred bike size when booking the tour to ensure a comfortable and safe cycling experience.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour includes a picnic lunch, so bringing your own food and drinks is not necessary. The guide will provide a delicious spread of local products for participants to enjoy during the tour.
Do the Guides Provide Any Historical or Cultural Information?
The guides provide historical and cultural information about the region during the tour. They share insights into the local winemaking traditions, architecture, and landmarks visitors encounter along the cycling route.
Is There a Possibility to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration can likely be extended, though details are not provided. Travelers would need to inquire directly with the tour operator to determine if extending the tour is possible and any associated costs or logistics.
Can We Book Additional Wine Tastings or Activities During the Tour?
Yes, travelers can typically book additional wine tastings or activities during the tour. The guide is often able to accommodate special requests, subject to availability. Reaching out to the tour operator ahead of time is recommended to inquire about customization options.
The Sum Up
This full-day bicycle tour through the picturesque vineyards and charming villages of the Saumur region offers a delightful blend of cycling, wine tasting, and cultural exploration. Cyclists will savor the region’s renowned cabernet franc and chenin grapes, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch by the Loire River, and discover the fascinating troglodyte villages and historic Saumur Castle, seeing the area’s rich heritage.
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