Discover the enchanting Loire Valley on a private 2-day wine cycling adventure from Saumur. This guided tour takes you through picturesque villages, offering tastings of exceptional wines from clay and flint soils, including the renowned Saumur Champigny. With electric mountain bikes and support vehicles provided, you’ll learn about the region’s rich winemaking heritage and stunning landscapes. But the true delight lies in the experiences that await you along the way.
Key Points
- Departs from eastern Chinon near the Vienne River, exploring local wineries and the Chinon Fortress.
- Samples diverse wines from clay and flint-rich soils along the Vienne River, learning about the unique terroir.
- Cycles towards Saumur, visiting picturesque villages and tasting renowned Saumur Champigny wines.
- Enjoys picnic lunches with views of the Loire River and its surrounding pastoral scenes.
- Concludes at the majestic Saumur Castle, offering stunning views and rich heritage.
Overview of the Loire Valley Wine Cycling Trip
The Loire Valley Private 2-Day Wine Cycling Trip offers participants an immersive experience exploring the renowned wine region by bicycle.
Experience the renowned Loire Valley by bicycle on a 2-day private wine cycling tour.
Starting at €850 per person, the tour provides guided cycling through picturesque villages, visits to local wineries for tastings, and meals featuring regional cuisine.
Cyclists will cover approximately 40-50 km per day, with electric mountain bikes and support vehicles available.
The tour is limited to private groups and caters to a range of languages.
Certain age and weight restrictions apply, and guests are expected to adhere to tour policies during the rain-or-shine cycling adventure.
Looking for more options in Saumur? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Exploring the Eastern Chinon Region
Beginning the cycling tour in the eastern Chinon region, participants depart from near the Vienne River.
They visit local wineries, sampling wines from clay and flint soils. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in front of the impressive Chinon Fortress.
The cycling route then continues south along the Vienne, passing through scenic landscapes.
After a day of cycling and wine tasting, the cyclists return to their accommodation for dinner and a relaxing swim.
-
Depart from eastern Chinon near the Vienne River
-
Visit local wineries, taste wines from clay and flint soils
-
Enjoy a picnic lunch in front of Chinon Fortress
-
Cycle south along the Vienne River
-
End the day with dinner and a swim at the accommodation
Tasting Wines From Clay and Flint Soils
As cyclists wind their way along the Vienne River, they stop at local wineries to sample the diverse array of wines cultivated from the region’s clay and flint-rich soils.
The clay soils lend a velvety texture and bold, fruity flavors to Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc grapes. In contrast, the flint-dominant soils impart a mineral-driven complexity and crisp acidity to the wines.
Visitors learn how the unique terroir shapes the distinct profiles of these local varietals. They savor the captivating interplay of earth and vine, gaining a deeper appreciation for the Loire Valley’s winemaking heritage.
Dinner and Relaxation at the Accommodation
After a day of cycling and wine tasting, cyclists return to their accommodation for a well-deserved dinner and relaxation.
The evening offers:
-
A hearty, regional French dinner featuring local specialties
-
A chance to unwind with a glass of the day’s discoveries
-
Access to a swimming pool for a refreshing dip
-
Cozy indoor and outdoor seating areas to enjoy the setting
-
Spectacular views of the Loire Valley and its historic landmarks
As the sun sets, cyclists can savor the flavors of the day and recharge for the next adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyCycling Towards Saumur
Cyclists set off the next morning, pedaling towards the town of Saumur. They explored picturesque villages, tasting renowned Saumur Champigny wines along the way.
Cyclists pedaled towards Saumur, exploring picturesque villages and tasting renowned Saumur Champigny wines along the way.
The group visited Candes Saint Martin and Montsoreau, pausing for a picnic lunch with stunning views of the Loire River.
The cycling route then took them through troglodyte villages before reaching Saumur Castle.
The support van followed the cyclists, carrying their luggage and supplies for the picnics.
This second day offered a chance to delve deeper into the Loire Valley’s wine heritage and charming countryside landscapes.
Discovering Picturesque Villages and Saumur Champigny Wines
As the cyclists pedaled onward, they discovered a tapestry of picturesque villages dotting the landscape. The route took them through:
-
Quaint hamlets with cobblestone streets and charming cafes
-
Hilltop towns offering panoramic views of the Loire River
-
Historic châteaux and ancient churches preserved from bygone eras
-
Cellars and tasting rooms showcasing the region’s renowned Saumur Champigny wines
-
Tranquil pastoral scenes of vineyards, orchards, and rolling hills
The cyclists savored the complex, fruit-forward Saumur Champigny, made from Cabernet Franc grapes thriving in the limestone-rich soils.
Each sip captured the essence of this picturesque Loire Valley landscape.
Picnic Lunch With Views of the Loire River
Having explored the picturesque villages, the cyclists arrived at a serene spot along the Loire River to enjoy a delightful picnic lunch.
They unrolled a checkered blanket under the shade of a sprawling tree, taking in the sweeping views of the majestic river. The local cheeses, crusty bread, and seasonal fruits were a perfect accompaniment to the crisp, chilled Saumur Champigny wines they’d sampled earlier.
After a satisfying meal, they lingered, soaking in the tranquil ambiance before continuing their cycling journey towards Saumur Castle.
Reaching Saumur Castle
After enjoying the picnic lunch along the Loire River, the cyclists set out again, making their way towards the majestic Saumur Castle.
The cyclists set out once more, their sights set on the magnificent Saumur Castle after a picnic along the Loire River.
They cycled through the charming troglodyte villages, marveling at the unique architecture and history of the region. The route offered stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills and the meandering Loire River in the distance.
As they approached Saumur, the impressive castle came into view, standing tall and proud on the banks of the river. The cyclists felt a sense of accomplishment as they reached their final destination, eager to explore the castle and its rich heritage.
-
Cycling through troglodyte villages
-
Stunning countryside views
-
Majestic Saumur Castle
-
Meandering Loire River
-
Sense of accomplishment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Bicycle?
Unfortunately, no. The tour includes the use of electric mountain bikes and helmets, which are provided as part of the package. Bringing your own bicycle is not permitted or included in the tour.
Is There Wi-Fi Available at the Accommodation?
The details provided don’t mention if there’s WiFi available at the accommodation. However, it’s common for accommodations on cycling tours to provide WiFi access to help guests stay connected during their trip.
Can I Book a Private Transfer To/From the Start/End Locations?
Yes, the tour provider offers private transfer options to and from the start and end locations. Guests can arrange these additional transportation services when booking the 2-day Loire Valley wine cycling trip.
Are There Any Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options?
Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and vegan meal options. Customers can request these dietary preferences when booking, and the tour operator will accommodate them for the included picnic lunches and dinners.
Can I Store My Luggage at the Accommodation?
Yes, you can store your luggage at the accommodation. A support van is included to transport your luggage between locations, so you don’t have to carry it while cycling.
The Sum Up
The Loire Valley private 2-day wine cycling trip from Saumur offers an enchanting experience, showcasing the region’s winemaking heritage and stunning landscapes. Cyclists can enjoy exceptional wines, regional cuisine, and charming accommodations while exploring picturesque villages and the renowned Saumur Champigny. With electric mountain bikes and support vehicles provided, this guided adventure is a practical and immersive way to discover the rich cultural and natural beauty of the Loire Valley.
You can check availability for your dates here: