Discover the Loire Valley beauties during an active and private tour with a bike experience and Villandry gardens visit
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Loire Valley on a captivating bike experience and Villandry gardens visit. This full-day excursion, available from April to October, whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life into a world of stunning scenery, charming villages, and historical wonders. Led by an experienced English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the picturesque landscapes, savor local pear specialties, and delve into the rich history of the region.
Villandry gardens
Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at your hotel where your guide will welcome you. Then, discover Villandry gardens, the most of all famous in France and all over the world for its wonderful gardens. You will discover 3 main gardens, on the lower level are the amazing vegetable or kitchen gardens, on the middle level directly in front of the chateau are the formal ornamental gardens and to finish, on the top level are the water gardens and the new garden of the sun. Each year, 115,000 flowers are planted to paint this living masterpiece.
Bike tour in the afternoon
After getting fitted with a comfortable bike, you’ll set off on a scenic ride along the peaceful Loire River. A quarter of this loop follows the renowned “La Loire à Vélo” itinerary, offering glimpses of charming villages and historical landmarks. Make a stop at the “house of the ‘poire tapée'” in Rivarennes, where this unique pear delicacy has been enjoyed for generations. Relish the flavors and discover a local tradition unique to the region.
©ADT Touraine – JC Coutand
Here are some highlights of your ride
- Discover Bréhémont : this picturesque village is the home port of traditional boats and hardworking fishermen.
- Loire River Sandbanks & Landscapes: Immerse yourself in the rolling vineyards of the Touraine Azay-le-Rideau AOC, vast cornfields, and diverse natural beauty.
The bike experience and Villandry gardens visit is a perfect way to experience the best of the Loire Valley. From the breathtaking scenery to the charming villages and historical wonders, this excursion offers something for everyone. So come and explore the magic of the Loire Valley on a two-wheeled adventure!
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Testimonials
A superb collaboration during an event with Loire Secrets. The team is really friendly and available. A top organization. We recommend with your eyes closed!
The Calliope Travel team
Very good experience.. A wonderful stay. Very well organized..I recommend..It was perfect..To do again without hesitation…Thank you France Trip Secrets…
Great attention paid to the customer’s wishes. Good humor and unfailing professionalism. It’s a real pleasure to work with France Trip Secrets!
Whether for our professional event or for our reunion event with friends, the Loire Secret team did double duty.
A successful evening and weekend
Bravo for these 2 exceptional organizations.
We will do it again for sure!!!
© Léonard de Serres
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Villandry bike tour available?
This full-day tour runs from April to October, when the gardens are at their best and the riverside paths are pleasant to ride. It is led by an experienced English-speaking guide and starts with a pickup at your hotel, so you don't need to arrange any transport yourself.
What will I see in the Villandry gardens?
Villandry has three main levels of gardens: the famous ornamental kitchen garden on the lower level, the formal gardens in front of the château in the middle, and the water garden and the Garden of the Sun at the top. Some 115,000 flowers are planted there every year.
Where does the afternoon bike ride go?
You ride along the Loire on a loop where about a quarter follows the Loire à Vélo route. You pass Bréhémont, a village home to traditional boats and fishermen, sandbanks on the river and the vineyards of the Touraine Azay-le-Rideau appellation.
What is poire tapée?
Poire tapée is a specialty of Rivarennes: pears dried slowly in ovens, then flattened. On the ride you stop at the house dedicated to it, taste the pears and learn about a local tradition that has been passed down for generations. It is a nice break halfway through the loop.
image sources:
- Detail of part of the gardens of the Chambord Castle in France: Saturnino Perez Garrido
- France Trip Secrets – VIP experiences in Brittany – ©BERTHIER Emmanuel: ©BERTHIER Emmanuel
- France Trip Secrets – Fontevraud Royal Abbey ©Christophe MARTIN – Anjou Tourisme: ©Christophe MARTIN - Anjou Tourisme
- France Trip Secrets – Wellness stay in Brittany – ©Castelbrac: J-L T
- France Trip Secrets – VIP experiences hot air balloon ride Loire Valley – © Léonard de Serres: © Léonard de Serres
