Tours to Amboise by Bike

Route Overview

This 27-kilometer route is the quintessential Loire à Vélo experience. Starting from central Tours, you'll follow dedicated cycling paths along the south bank of the Loire River, passing through the wine-producing villages of Rochecorbon and Montlouis-sur-Loire before arriving at the royal town of Amboise. The entire route is flat, signposted with green Loire à Vélo markers, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

What makes this route special is its accessibility combined with genuinely rewarding scenery. You're cycling alongside one of Europe's great rivers, with views across to north-bank villages, limestone cliffs carved with troglodyte caves, and vineyards climbing the hillsides. The path alternates between paved tarmac and hard-packed gravel, all well-maintained and safe for standard bikes.

Highlights Along the Way

Loire River Views

The entire route offers continuous views of the Loire. In summer, when water levels are low, you'll see sandbanks and islands where herons and egrets fish. In spring, the river runs fuller, reflecting the changing sky. The perspective constantly shifts as the river bends — sometimes you're riding alongside it, other times the path pulls back through vineyards before returning to the water's edge.

Montlouis Wine Country

Between kilometers 15 and 20, you'll pass through the heart of Montlouis-sur-Loire's wine appellation. These vineyards produce Chenin Blanc wines similar to nearby Vouvray — sparkling, dry, semi-sweet, and sweet. Several cellars offer tastings, though most require advance booking. If you're planning to taste, do so in Montlouis rather than waiting until Amboise.

Troglodyte Architecture

The limestone cliffs along this stretch have been carved into homes, wine cellars, and mushroom farms for centuries. Rochecorbon is particularly picturesque, with houses built directly into the cliff face. Some are still inhabited; others serve as wine storage. The cool, stable temperatures make them ideal for aging wine.

Detailed Route Description

From Tours, head east along the Quai de la Loire. The path is well-marked and begins as a paved riverside promenade. After 2 kilometers, the path transitions to a dedicated cycling lane separated from the road. You'll pass under the A10 motorway bridge before entering the quieter countryside.

Between Tours and Rochecorbon, the landscape is surprisingly green and peaceful despite your proximity to the city. Poplars line the riverbank, and you'll often see small pleasure boats moored along the shore. The first 9 kilometers are almost entirely flat and paved — easy warm-up cycling.

Rochecorbon marks the beginning of wine country. The path briefly joins a quiet country road before returning to a dedicated cycle path. If you're cycling on a weekend in summer, expect to see other Loire à Vélo cyclists here — this is the busiest section. Midweek or off-season, you may have the path to yourself.

From Montlouis onward, the path alternates between riverside sections and brief inland stretches through fields. The surface is about 70% paved, 30% hard-packed gravel. Standard road bikes handle it fine, though wider tires are more comfortable. The final 5 kilometers into Amboise offer the best Loire views as the river widens and the Château Royal d'Amboise comes into view, perched on its cliff above the town.

Bike Rental for This Route

Most cyclists start from Tours, where several rental shops are located near the train station. Recommended options:

• Détours de Loire (35 Rue Charles Gille, Tours): Full range of bikes including e-bikes, child seats, and trailers. €15-20/day standard bikes, €35-45/day e-bikes. They offer one-way rentals — pick up in Tours, drop off in Amboise for a €15 fee.
• Loire Vélo Nature (42 Rue de Bordeaux, Tours): Similar pricing and services. Advance booking recommended in summer.
• Amboise rentals: If returning by train and doing a round trip, you can rent directly in Amboise from Locavélo (2 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau) and cycle out-and-back.

Return Options

Train Return (Recommended)

One of the great advantages of this route is the easy train return. TER regional trains run between Amboise and Tours every 1-2 hours, with a journey time of just 20 minutes. Bikes travel free on TER trains (look for the bike symbol on carriages). The Amboise train station is 1.5 km from the château — an easy 5-minute ride or 15-minute walk.

This one-way option is perfect for those who want the cycling experience without the return journey. You'll have more time to explore Amboise, visit the château and Clos Lucé, and still make it back to Tours for dinner.

Round Trip (54 km total)

Cycling back to Tours is equally pleasant, as you'll see the route from a different perspective. The return along the north bank via Vouvray adds variety and wine-tasting opportunities. Allow 4-5 hours total for the round trip including stops.

Practical Tips

• Water: Bring at least 1 liter per person. Public fountains are available in Rochecorbon, Montlouis, and Amboise, but not along rural sections.
• Food: Cafes and bakeries in Montlouis (km 17) are the best mid-route option. Pack snacks if cycling early morning when shops may be closed.
• Repairs: Basic bike repair shops in Tours and Amboise, but not en route. Check tire pressure before departure and carry a spare tube or patch kit.
• Timing: Allow 1.5-2 hours for pure cycling, plus stops. Most cyclists take 2.5-3 hours including a cafe break and photo stops. Start early to arrive in Amboise by lunch.
• Best months: April-May and September-October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. June-August can be hot — bring sun protection and extra water.

Map and GPX Download

The route is well-signposted, but offline maps are recommended. Download the official Loire à Vélo GPX file for GPS navigation.

Download GPX File