The Loire Valley in slow mode

2 days / 1 night

Discover the famous "Loire à Vélo" itinerary during your stay in Tours. Take advantage of the gentle way of life in the Loire Valley during walks that are accessible to all in this region, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for cultural landscapes: an ideal setting for your visits.

3 days / 2 nights

Relax on the famous “Loire à vélo” (Loire Valley cycling) route, with routes for all ages and fitness levels, in a region with UNESCO World Heritage Site status for its cultural landscape: an ideal setting for your adventures.
Discover the tourist capital of the Loire Valley; admire a Renaissance masterpiece; enjoy the gentle way of life and the pleasures of the land.

DAY 1

Unaccompanied visit to the CCC OD, Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré. In this artistic setting installed in a building with remarkable architecture, discover contemporary art through temporary exhibitions from nationally- and internationally-renowned artists. In this truly artistic setting, you can admire the exhibitions open on the date of your visit.
Free time to visit the historic districts. As you discover the narrow streets of the historic districts (secteur sauvegardé), fall under the spell of the myriad charms of the Loire way of life. On the famous Place Plumereau make sure to stop at a pavement café.
Dinner in a restaurant and night in a hotel in Tours city centre.

DAY 2

You will leave by bike heading eastward, on a route along the banks of the Loire as far as Rochecorbon, a small market town nestled at the foot of cliffs with troglodytic caves carved into them. The village is located in the Vouvray wine region, renowned for its white wine since the 4th century when Saint Martin planted vines there.

You will arrive at the vineyard and will be welcomed for an accompanied visit of a TROGLODYTIC CAVE.
Throughout the tunnels sculpted in tuffeau stone, and arriving at the deepest one, you will discover the secrets of the production of sparkling wine and the ageing of still wines. There you will taste a selection of still and sparkling VOUVRAY WINES.

Dinner in a restaurant and night in a hotel in Tours city centre.


DAY 3

You will leave by bike heading westward, for an idyllic ride along a former tow-path towards Villandry. You will make a stop in the charming village of Savonnières on the banks of the River Cher, where you will find traditional flat-bottomed boats. 

At Villandry, unaccompanied tour of the CHÂTEAU DE VILLANDRY AND ITS GARDENS. Each room in this cosy, family castle represents a specific era in its furnishings and careful decoration. In THE GARDENS that wrap around this CASTLE, one of the last great castles built, like a jewel in its case, you will stroll through one of the most beautiful gardens in France, arranged on three levels: the water garden; the decorative garden; The ornamental vegetable garden, like a multi-coloured chess board with its nine squares of vegetables and fruit trees planted geometrically.
Return to Tours by bike.

A moment out of time, along the water, when nature is waking up or getting ready to go to sleep, come and observe the birds of the Cher and the Loire, in the intimacy of our professional boatmen and ornithologists! Escape guaranteed!
 
Starting from the village of Savonnières, during 2h30 and 10 km of navigation, we will sail up the calm waters of the Cher towards the Grand Moulin de Ballan-Miré. A suspended moment, during which our senses will be awakened to discover the birds and biodiversity of this royal river. Accompanied by an ornithologist guide, you will be able to admire the shimmering colours of the kingfishers, go in search of herons and other bird species along the Cher. Quality equipment will be provided (spyglass, binoculars, documents) which will enable you to make extraordinary observations. Finally, don't hesitate to bring something to eat on board.

Treat yourself to an afternoon under the sign of the Loire, to discover the functioning of the river while tasting its gentle way of life. First on foot, your eco-guide will explain the Loire landscapes, their history and the ecology of the river before boarding a traditional Loire boat for a 50-minute cruise.

An aperitif composed of Touraine specialties as well as a glass of wine or fruit juice will accompany you during the gourmet stroll. A friendly and educational outing.

Come aboard a traditional boat for an hour and a half of escapism in the heart of the Loire. 
Information on the history of inland waterway transport, the fauna and flora will enhance your trip along the water. 
To get a closer look at the secrets that the Loire can reveal, bring a pair of binoculars.

BOUTAVANT company offers boat trips all summer long on the Loire river with some local produces & wines on board. 

Get on board on a traditional boat for a pre diner drink. During 1 hour enjoy the landscape with a glass of local wine matched with local delicacies.

Before booking, please let us know if you prefer rosé or white wine. Soft drinks will be served for children.

Hydroalcoholic gel at your disposal on the boat.
French speaking tour.

Departures :

• July and August : on Wednesdays, Thurdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm
• Meeting at the pier 10 min before the departure quai André Malraux facing the former castle of Tours (upstream), under the pedestrian bridge ("Pont de Fil".
• Booking required at the Tourist Office at least 1 day before untill 11 am.

With La Rabouilleuse, enjoy an exceptional moment on the Loire at sunset on board a traditional boat.

A little upstream from Tours, along the hillsides of Rochecorbon and Vouvray, La Rabouilleuse offers you the opportunity to discover the Loire through a very special atmosphere and colours. Our booty: the light of the Loire, the observation of its fauna, the charm of its islands, the contemplation of its landscapes... Come and take your share!

When the winds are favourable, we send the sail, otherwise we use the motor, the oar or the boat. In all circumstances, we plan a part of the tour in soft mobility (without motor) to better taste the rhythm of the river.

It is possible to bring your own aperitif basket to share, if you wish, with the people present. A moment of conviviality guaranteed!

A few kilometers are enough to discover the biodiversity of the Loire and perhaps escape for a moment. Man has shaped and organized the landscape according to his needs over the centuries, and the Loire is no exception.

During this "little walk", your eco-guide will propose sensory and playful activities, punctuated with explanations on the fauna and flora of the Loire banks. A friendly and educational outing for the whole family.