Deconnection in Loire Valley
Just 1 hour from Paris by train, Touraine is the ideal place to take a "slow" approach. The program includes cycling, boating and hiking, as well as discovering the region's gastronomy and history while "taking your time"! A gentle itinerary, authenticity and the French art of living... A wonderful escape from Tours.
The Loire à Vélo, a mythical route along the wild river
Part road trip, part art de vivre, the Loire à Vélo cycle route offers a unique journey through landscapes listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These 900 km of safe, signposted paths combine active leisure, lush nature, château visits and wine tasting.
How to organize your road trip? Opt for the Pass Loire à Vélo!
A first in France, the 24h - 48h - 72h Pass Loire à Vélo lets you discover the sites along the Loire à Vélo at your own pace.
They include bike hire, lunches and snacks, Loire Valley wine tastings, as well as museum visits and admission to the Loire's greatest châteaux: Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chaumont, Chambord, Langeais...
You'll also benefit from preferential rates at major sites, restaurants, hotels, wineries, shops and leisure activities.
Discover 4 ideas for routes with the passes on our “Travel with the Loire à Vélo Pass” blog page.
Loire à Vélo Pass - 24h
Duration: 1 day - Price: 59€
Pick up your bike at the start of one of the 4 ‘stopover towns’ - Tours, Amboise, Blois and Orléans - and ride like a youngster!
The first of its kind in France, this Pass allows you to discover the riches of the Loire à Vélo at your own pace and in complete simplicity. It includes bike hire, lunches and snacks, Loire Valley wine tastings, as well as visits to museums and some of the Loire's greatest châteaux: Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chaumont, Chambord, Langeais, etc. You'll also benefit from preferential rates at major sites, restaurants, hotels, wineries, food outlets and leisure activities.
Suggested itinerary from Tours :
Pick up your bike in Tours and pick up your picnic at the Fourchette Paysanne before heading off along the Loire to visit the Prieuré Saint-Cosme.
You can then cross the river for a wine-tasting stop and a visit to the troglodytic cellars at the Grandes Caves Saint Roch in Rochecorbon or the Cave des Producteurs in Vouvray.
On your return to Tours, round off your day in style with a visit to the CCC OD or a gourmet stop-off at the Les Fromages de Camille shop.
Find all the Pass offers and practical information here.
This Pass includes bike hire, visits and activities as well as lunches and snacks at the following partners:- Bike hire: Roue Lib, Détours de Loire.
- Lunches and snacks: La Fourchette Paysanne, Chez Monsieur Henri, Maison Bigot, Le checkmate, La Doulce Terrasse, Sushi Shop, Cordier Traiteur, La Maison Rabelais, Popé coffee spot, Autour du VRAC, Le Cubrik.
- Places to visit: Domaine National de Chambord, Châteaux of Chenonceau, Beaugency, Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire, châteaux of Meung-sur-Loire, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Azay-le-Rideau, Château and park of Langeais, Prieuré Saint-Cosme, Hôtel Goüin, CCC OD, Château de Tours, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, Musée du Compagnonnage, Cloître de la Psalette, Tours Natural History Museum, Tours guided tour and coming soon, Orléans Fine Arts Museum, Balzac Museum, Savonnières petrifying caves, Orléans Floral Park, Hôtel Cabu - Museum of History and Archaeology, Orléans Museum for Biodiversity and the Environment, Joan of Arc House.
- Tastings: Maison Lacheteau, Les Fromages de Camille, Cave des producteurs de Vouvray, Vinaigrerie Martin Pouret.
- Sports & leisure: Petit train Orléanais, Petit train de Tours, boat trip in Orléans.
Loire à Vélo Pass - 48h
Duration: 2 days - Price: 105€
Because the Loire à Vélo is more than just a cycle route, the Pass Loire à Vélo invites you to discover all the facets of this legendary cycle route.
Châteaux, tastings, museums, picnics, accommodation, activities, restaurants... Choose your itinerary between Tours and Orléans and take advantage of the many offers and benefits selected for the 48-hour Pass!
Suggested itineraries from Tours:
> Day 1: Leave Tours for Villandry, this time following the Cher river. On the way, don't miss a visit to the Petrifying Caves of Savonnières. Then on to the Château de Villandry and its famous gardens. Before starting your tour, take time out for lunch at the foot of the château at La Doulce Terrasse, overnight stay recommended.
> Day 2: The following day, cycle to the châteaux of Langeais or Azay-le-Rideau to discover these jewels of the Loire Valley. On your return to Tours, you can discover the ‘special sports’ snacks concocted by Au Tour du Vrac and then enjoy the city's many museums.
Or
> Day 1: To get the day off to a good start, pick up a picnic prepared by the Chez Monsieur Henri restaurant in Tours, just a stone's throw from the bike hire points. You can enjoy it on a beach on the banks of the Loire before heading off to Amboise to visit its royal castle and medieval town. You can spend the night at the hotel La Maison Rabelais.
> Day 2: First stop at Maison Bigot, a renowned establishment that will have prepared a packed lunch for you. Then, from Amboise, set off to conquer the ‘ladies’ castle’ of Chenonceau. Back at the starting point, those with a sweet tooth can try the snack option at Maison Bigot, with a view of the château!
Find all the Pass offers and practical information here.
This Pass includes bike hire, visits and activities as well as lunches and snacks at the following partners:- Bike hire: Roue Lib, Détours de Loire.
- Lunches and snacks: La Fourchette Paysanne, Chez Monsieur Henri, Maison Bigot, Le checkmate, La Doulce Terrasse, Sushi Shop, Cordier Traiteur, La Maison Rabelais, Popé coffee spot, Autour du VRAC, Le Cubrik.
- Places to visit: Domaine National de Chambord, Châteaux of Chenonceau, Beaugency, Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire, châteaux of Meung-sur-Loire, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Azay-le-Rideau, Château and park of Langeais, Prieuré Saint-Cosme, Hôtel Goüin, CCC OD, Château de Tours, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, Musée du Compagnonnage, Cloître de la Psalette, Tours Natural History Museum, Tours guided tour and coming soon, Orléans Fine Arts Museum, Balzac Museum, Savonnières petrifying caves, Orléans Floral Park, Hôtel Cabu - Museum of History and Archaeology, Orléans Museum for Biodiversity and the Environment, Joan of Arc House.
- Tastings: Maison Lacheteau, Les Fromages de Camille, Cave des producteurs de Vouvray, Vinaigrerie Martin Pouret.
- Sports & leisure: Petit train Orléanais, Petit train de Tours, boat trip in Orléans.
Loire à Vélo Pass - 72h
Duration: 3 days - Price: 135€
With the 72-hour Loire à Vélo Pass, choose your itinerary between Tours and Orléans and take advantage of over 60 exclusive offers.
On the programme: châteaux, gardens, guinguettes, vineyards, listed villages and much more!
The 72h Pass also entitles you to a host of benefits and discounts on leisure activities (e.g. 10% discount on a treasure hunt in Orléans, free breakfast in a hotel, 10% discount on a half-day canoeing trip, 10% discount at a wine shop, etc.).
Suggested itinerary from Blois:
Day 1 > Depart Blois for Chaumont-sur-Loire to make the most of the Chaumont estate and its famous International Garden Festival. Overnight stay recommended.
Day 2 > On to the Château de Chambord, the architectural masterpiece of François 1st. Overnight stay recommended.
Day 3 > Cycle to Orléans for the morning, with a stopover at the medieval château of Meung-sur-Loire. On arrival, visit the Parc Floral and the Orléans Museum for Biodiversity and the Environment, before fortifying yourself with a snack at the Comptoir Jeanne d'Arc.
After this tour, head to the Orléans Youth Hostel or the Mercure Porte de Sologne to rest and dream about your next getaway!
Find all the Pass offers and practical information here.
This Pass includes bike hire, visits and activities as well as lunches and snacks at the following partners:- Bike hire: Roue Lib, Détours de Loire.
- Lunches and snacks: La Fourchette Paysanne, Chez Monsieur Henri, Maison Bigot, Le checkmate, La Doulce Terrasse, Sushi Shop, Cordier Traiteur, La Maison Rabelais, Popé coffee spot, Autour du VRAC, Le Cubrik.
- Places to visit: Domaine National de Chambord, Châteaux of Chenonceau, Beaugency, Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire, châteaux of Meung-sur-Loire, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Azay-le-Rideau, Château and park of Langeais, Prieuré Saint-Cosme, Hôtel Goüin, CCC OD, Château de Tours, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, Musée du Compagnonnage, Cloître de la Psalette, Tours Natural History Museum, Tours guided tour and coming soon, Orléans Fine Arts Museum, Balzac Museum, Savonnières petrifying caves, Orléans Floral Park, Hôtel Cabu - Museum of History and Archaeology, Orléans Museum for Biodiversity and the Environment, Joan of Arc House.
- Tastings: Maison Lacheteau, Les Fromages de Camille, Cave des producteurs de Vouvray, Vinaigrerie Martin Pouret.
- Sports & leisure: Petit train Orléanais, Petit train de Tours, boat trip in Orléans.
Themed tours departing from Tours
Tours is one of the key stops on the Loire à Vélo cycle route. The Tourist Office offers a wide range of stays, whether you're looking for a day trip, a loop, an itinerary, a self-guided tour or a turnkey tour. A change of scenery guaranteed!
![Bateau à Savonnières]()
Boat in Savonnieres
Immerse yourself in World Heritage by boat
This is one of the most pleasant and original ways to discover Touraine and its landscapes. Aboard traditional boats, Loire bargemen offer daytime and evening sightseeing tours, aperitifs on the river or guided biodiversity tours. These moments of disconnection in the heart of nature, just a stone's throw from the city, are unforgettable experiences.
Find out more about our river tours HERE.
![Paddle au pied du château d'Azay-le-Rideau]()
Sailing towards the unexpected
By canoe
Leave terra firma behind for an adventure on the Loire or Cher at your own pace. Pass under the arches of the Château de Chenonceau, slalom between the islands of the Loire, admire nature at as a family over several days, or push your limits on a sporty descent- there's no shortage of options in Touraine!
Special offer: discounted family canoeing
An afternoon on the royal river with your family? Yes, but at a low price with this offer for families! On the program: a 7km (1h30) trip on the Loire starting in Vouvray to introduce young and old to canoeing. Don't forget to bring biodegradable sun cream to protect the surrounding flora and fauna.
On a paddle
Try your hand at stand-up paddling on the Indre, at the foot of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau! Paddles and canoes are available for hire, and can be used to navigate around tourist sites such as Azay-le-Rideau and Candes-Saint-Martin. An unusual experience that can be
followed by a tasting of local wines and produce.![Randonneurs sur les sentiers de la métropole]()
Hikers on the city's footpaths
Hike along the trails
The mild climate and low relief make it easy to criss-cross Touraine on foot, for short family hikes or longer itineraries. Tours is the ideal place to explore or stop off.
Around Tours, nearly fifty signposted itineraries have been selected for their heritage and natural interest, from 3km walks to full-day loops (15km). Plus: they're all suitable for running!
Find out more about the favorite hikes of the Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office in the article “Hiking around Tours”.
Tours Marathon: your all-inclusive stay!
For the biggest running event of the autumn, on Sunday September 28, 2025, an all-inclusive package is available for participants and their companions. It combines a night's accommodation in a 3 or 4-star hotel, a “sportsman's dinner ”, an adapted breakfast, a race number to take part in the marathon and the room available until 3pm to change after the race.
From €219
Information and reservations tours-tourisme.fr, dmc@tours-tourisme.fr or 02 47 70 37 34
