Cycling the Loire
We hope you liked the facebook live that Explore France streamed on October 29th. If you haven't seen it yet, you can view it here : Facebook Live (External link)
Many thanks to our guests, Antoine from RandoVélo (External link) , Séverine from Chateau de Blois (External link) and Maxime from Au Charme Rabelaisien (External link) .
Q: What is the best season to cycle along the Loire?
A: In spring or summer. The months of June or September are perfect to discover the Loire Valley.
Q: What is the departure city and how many kilometers is the Loire à vélo?
A: The departure is in Cuffy in Cher and there are 900 km from there to Saint Brevin (arrival).
Q: Are the bike paths mostly paved?
A: If you see the "voie verte" mention during your bike tour, you can be sure that it is surfaced with a layer of compact sand or other surfaces suitable for use by all-road bikes. You can find more information on this website (External link) .
Q: Do we have to carry our luggage on the bike?
A: You can have them transported if you wish: bike-services (External link)
Q: Is there a luggage limit?
There are different providers who take care of your luggage. Count approximatively 18€ per person for a maximum of 3 suitcases. For more information (External link) .
Q: Does the way to Saint James of Compostela pass close to the Loire River?
A: Indeed, the city of Tours is on the way of Saint James! Loire Valley website (External link)
Q: How many days do you suggest to cycle along the Loire River?
A: You have several possibilities, here are suggested routes according to the paths you wish to take: suggestions (External link)
Q: What is the approximate cost to rent a bike?
A: It depends on your destination. For a 2-days bike escape from Blois to Chenonceaux, count 145€/pers minimum. Here is the RandoVélo link (External link) where you will find many choices of equipment.
Q: What are the types of bikes?
A: You can choose between a mountain bike or a road bike. Here are the elements to make your choice : which type of bike to choose to do the loire à vélo (External link) .(French link only)
Q: How do we do with the bike during a visit? Do you provide locks for people who rent them?
A: Many places have the Accueil Vélo (External link) label. So it won't be difficult to leave your bike there during your visit. RandoVélo (External link) provides a lot of equipment when you rent a bike such as a pump, a safety lock, a helmet...
Q: Is there the opportunity to rent electric bicycles as well?
A: Sure, you can rent electric bicycles in several agencies along the way.
Q: I usually travel solo. Would this trip be appropriate? I cycle regularly.
A: Yes absolutely, you have a lot of solo travelers on the Loire by bike but also many other cyclist groups.
Chateau of Blois
Q: How long do we need to reserve for the visit of the chateau and lunch?
A: The visit of the chateau (External link) can be done in 1h30 or even 2 hours.
Q: Is there still the magnificent sound and light show in the evening at the castle of Blois?
A: The last performance of the season was on October 29, 2020. The show start again from April to September every year.
Q: Where does the sound and light show take place?
A: Sound and Light show (External link) takes place in the royal chateau of Blois, in the inner courtyard.
We hope to reconnect soon for a new Facebook Live!