Are you fairly new to cycling and you’re not sure where to start? Here, we’ve got some ideas for short rides and cycle routes that can be broken up into sections of less than 40 km, perfect for exploring the Loire Valley on a family cycling holiday. Some of these suggestions involve a train ride there or on the way back. If you have hired a bike for the day or half-day, you can ask the bike hire company to deliver the bike to your departure point or pick it up at the end of your bike ride.
Around Orléans
Orléans – Chécy leisure complex (25 km)
A superb bike ride from the region’s capital, riding along the Loire and Orléans canal on a greenway route the entire way. You’ll pass through Combleux, a pretty little village with a lock, where you can stop off and go on a boat trip with the Loire’s skippers. A perfect activity to add to your family cycling holiday!
Orléans – Parc de Loire (10/15 km)
Leaving from the bike hire company’s location or the town centre, head to the banks of the Loire and then follow the Loire à Vélo cycle route towards Jargeau. After cycling 5 km, you’ll arrive at Charlemagne island leisure complex, where you’re guaranteed to find an activity to do as a family. Try the high ropes adventure course or paintball at Léo adventure park, bouncy castles, swimming and so much more. A fun-filled, action-packed day out awaits.
Orléans – Loiret Mills (25 km)
This cycling loop trail will guide you alongside various waterways, from the Loire dyke to the Loiret river, through the vineyard and orchards close to the town, and then past the mills. The route departs from the brick kiln on the south side of the Loire, and then leads onto the Loire à Vélo cycle route via the Pont de l’Europe (bridge) towards Meung-sur-Loire. Along the way, you’ll be passing several parks and the Domaine du Donjon, so you can stop off for the children to play and have some fun.
Orléans – Meung-sur-Loire (25 km OUTWARD – RETURN journey by train)
Just like the previous loop trail, this one also departs from the centre of Orléans and you’ll be cycling along the Loire à Vélo cycle route. For most of this loop, you’ll be pedalling along the Loire dyke, and we highly recommend stopping off at the Pointe de Courpain, the Jardins de Roquelin, and the Château de Meung-sur-Loire, where you’ll find plenty of activities and entertainment for the little ones. Great places to add some cultural discoveries and relaxation to your family cycling holiday. After your ride, stop by the Capitainerie for a meal or a snack as a family. Take the train from Meung-sur-Loire* train station to get back to Orléans.
Orléans – Beaugency (33 km OUTWARD – RETURN journey by train)
The ride to Beaugency is slightly longer than the previous one and you’ll also be riding along the Loire à Vélo cycle route. An unmissable activity in the summer for children is the maze with a brand-new theme each year. We also recommend stopping off at the Château de Beaugency which is a Digital Art centre. Take the train from Beaugency* train station to get back to Orléans.
Around Briare
There are two cycling loop trails departing from the spectacular Briare Aqueduct to explore the surrounding area of Briare. Your choice will depend on the type of activity you’d like to do apart from cycling.
Either choose to cycle along the A trio of historical treasures loop (30 km) that crosses through 3 ‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ (charming little towns) and goes past Mantelot Lock. This is a bike ride on the theme of history and you can also choose to stop by the Château de Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire where you’ll find some original activities for children.
Or you might prefer the Riverbank attractions in Briare loop (34 km) with a section along the Scandibérique cycle route on the banks of the canal, and then a section through the countryside. You could add all sorts of activities and visits to your bike ride, such as the Musée des Deux Marines et Pont-Canal (museum of the Briare Aqueduct and two marines), a trip on an electric boat that you’ll be driving yourself, or a guided boat trip.
Around Blois
Blois – Chaumont-sur-Loire (33 km OUTWARD – RETURN journey by train)
Your goal for the day will be to reach the stunning Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire to see the International Garden Festival there, stopping at Candé-sur-Beuvron on the way. To make the most of your adventure along the Loire, you could add a boat trip on the Loire to your day, or stop off at the local guinguette. Take the train from Chaumont-sur-Loire train station to get back to Blois.
Shuttle to Chambord and then bike ride around the estate
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the Domaine National de Chambord, you can do so by using the REMI shuttle service from Blois train station that will take you there & back, and give you the opportunity to go on a bike ride while you’re there and choose from plenty of other activities for families, to enjoy your time at the château and in its vast grounds. A perfect blend of culture and nature, leaving the whole family with lasting memories of this quality time together.
Around Tours or Amboise
If you stay in the city of Tours, you’ll be in the ideal location to visit several of the Loire’s Châteaux. These ideas for bike rides are perfect for family cycling holidays, thanks to the accessible routes and the return journey by train provides even more comfort.
Tours – Villandry – Langeais (34 km OUTWARD – RETURN journey by train)
You’ll be leaving Tours along the Loire à Vélo cycle route to visit the Château de Villandry and its stunning gardens. To really make the most of your Loire Châteaux experience, we recommend heading to Langeais, where you can visit another royal residence. Your outing comes to an end here and you can take the train back to Tours from Langeais train station.*
Tours-Amboise: 30 km OUTWARD
For this day trip, you’ll be cycling to Amboise. There is a fascinating cultural scene in Amboise, and you’ll be spoilt for choice between the Clos-Luce (Leonardo da Vinci’s residence), the stunning Château Royal overlooking the river, or you could stop off at the Touraine Aquarium or Montlouis-sur-Loire along the way. At each place you choose to go to, there are activities for the whole family, and while we’re on the topic, we also recommend visiting or just picking up some treats from the Confiserie 😋. Take the train from Amboise* train station to get back to Tours.
Tours-Chenonceau : 35 km OUTWARD
Today’s goal is to reach the so-called Château des Dames, where you’ll be dazzled by the unique and exceptional architecture as you discover that the Château de Chenonceau straddles the Cher. There is a special tour for children there, and the possibility to go canoeing underneath the arches of the monument, for an atypical experience that is not to be missed. Take the train from Chenonceau* train station to get back to Tours.
*For this one-way bike ride, you’ll need to go to the train station mentioned to get a train back to where you started (with or without your bike, depending on what you agreed with the bike hire company).
Need even more inspiration?
01
Brenne Nature Park
All these recommended bike rides are along quiet, country lanes and cycle paths surrounded by nature. This is the perfect destination for family cycling holidays, as you’ll have the chance to go on outings to observe the fauna and flora, go horse-riding, and just enjoy some real quality time with your children.
02
Cycling loop trail in the Cher
This recommended route can be either 15 or 30 km depending on where you depart from, and half of the loop is on the Loire à Vélo cycle route. You can visit the Château de Buranlure and find out about the history of Berry. Go over the bridge to Cosne-sur-Loire and visit the Musée de la Loire (Loire museum). If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can hire one from France Services (check the opening hours beforehand!).
03
Cycling loop trail from Vendôme
On this 24 km loop you’ll be cycling through towns, countryside and forest. This leisurely bike ride leads you alongside the river Loir, with a stop at the washhouse, and is an opportunity to embrace the rustic atmosphere. It is a short ride that can easily be done in a half-day, leaving time to explore Vendôme on foot.
04
Cycling loop trail from Chartres
A perfect 16-km loop trail to explore the town and marvel at the fascinating cultural and historic sights. You’ll be cycling alongside the river Eure, with an extraordinary view of the Cathedral, and a part of the loop is a greenway route for guaranteed comfort and safety for everyone.
Getting around the Loire Valley
How to get to the region?
Browse our page on the topic here
How can I get around the region and from one bike ride to the next?
Some of the recommended bike rides are only one-way, to make the most of the outing as a family without covering too far a distance. We put enjoyment before exhaustion 😉 Here’s the link to get all the information you’ll need on the REMI website
The Loire à Vélo train also provides regional train services with plenty of space to travel with your bike between June and September.
Here is the link to our national rail network, SNCF for all train times.
For the day trip to Chambord, we recommend using the Châteaux shuttle service from Blois train station. Here’s the link to all the information you’ll need
If you’re looking to link several cycle routes together, don’t hesitate to browse the webpage for the Loire Valley cycle routes
