Trip Information Sheet
Cycle Loire Valley, France – September 6-17, 2025
Trip Leader: Madeleine Davidson msdavidson0000@gmail.com
The Loire Valley, often called the "Garden of France," is a region of unparalleled beauty and cultural significance. Stretching along the Loire River, the valley is dotted with magnificent châteaux, each a testament to France's rich history and architectural prowess. These castles, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, stand as grand examples of Renaissance and Gothic design, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens that reflect the elegance of their era.
The valley’s lush, rolling landscapes, adorned with vineyards, orchards, and flower-filled meadows, create a picturesque setting that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. The Loire River itself, the longest in France, winds gracefully through the region, adding to its tranquil charm.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical importance. It was a favored residence of French royalty during the Renaissance, leading to a flourishing of art, culture, and learning. Today, the region is not only a haven for history enthusiasts but also for those seeking to experience France’s rich culinary traditions, with its world-renowned wines and gourmet cuisine making every visit a feast for the senses.
HOC will follow the last wild river in Europe along its gentle cycle paths, visiting the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley, and discovering enchanting natural landscapes, full of changing colours.
This is a 9-day guided tour with an English-speaking guide and a dedicated support vehicle to carry the luggage and provide assistance if needed. It has been curated by Ekilib.com (https://ekilib.com/), the most specialized bicycle travel agency in Quebec.
Ekilib has created a unique itinerary for Halton Outdoor Club, ensuring we see the most important areas of the Loire Valley. We will be cycling between 210-386KM on this trip.
SKILL LEVEL:
There are several tour providers who cycle the Loire Valley, and the general description is that the route is relatively flat and generally paved. However, you can expect some rolling hills. The daily elevations are provided in the itinerary below. If you want to feel optimally relaxed while riding and don’t want to have to worry about your ability to do the daily distances, then choose an electric bike.
BIKES:
Touring Bike: Scott brand, open or straight frame, Shimano 27-gear-derailleur gears with freewheel, disc brakes.
Electric Bike: Moustache brand, open frame, Bosch motor, Shimano 9-gear-derailleur-gears with freewheel, disc brakes. They are available for an additional $275.
All bikes have 1 rear pannier, 1 handlebar pannier, 1 phone holder, 1 repair kit, 1 bike lock
HELMETS: Available at no cost, please specify when you register.
SUPPORT:
The support vehicle is never far away! It comfortably accommodates several passengers (up to nine) at a time and is present on the route throughout the day. At Sur La Route/Ekilib, the support vehicle is not a broom wagon! Whether you are tired of riding, want to have a bite to eat or simply return to the hotel more quickly, you will always be welcome on board.
WEATHER:
We can expect pleasant maximum daytime temperatures of around 22°C and nighttime temperatures around 10°C in the region. In September, there is approximately 195 hours of sunshine, offering a mostly sunny climate that adds a pleasant and vibrant feel to the month. Of course, we could have some rain so pack some rain gear.
Visiting the Loire Valley during early fall will help avoid the most extreme temperatures, and is an ideal time to enjoy cycling in the region. We will avoid the largest tourist crowds visiting the castles of the Loire Valley, and are also likely to see the castle gardens at their most beautiful. The grape harvest starts in September and there are fall festivals at some chateaux starting in September. The fall colors in the vineyards are a splendid sight.
HIGH LEVEL ITINERARY:
Day 1/Sept 6: depart Toronto Air Transat 9:10PM, overnight trip to Paris
Day 2/Sept 7: arrive Paris 10:35AM – Transfer to Blois (approx. 3 hours) – visit Blois (D)
Day 3/Sept 8: Optional Cycling Day - Cycle Blois-Chambord-Blois (40KM, elevation 150M) (B,L)
Day 4/Sept 9: Cycle to Amboise (42KM, elevation 150M) (B,L,D)
Day 5/Sept 10: Optional Cycling Day - Cycle Amboise-Chenonceau-Amboise (45KM, elevation 340M) (B,L)
Day 6/Sept 11: Cycle to Tours via Vouvray (35KM, elevation 190M) (B,L,D)
Day 7/Sept 12: Cycle to Azay le Rideau via Villandry (43KM, elevation 100M) (B,L,D)
Day 8/Sept 13: Optional Cycling Day to Crissa sur Manse & Saché (48KM, elevation 340M) (B,L)
Day 9/Sept 14: Cycle to Chinon (40KM, elevation 230M) (B,L,D)
Day 10/Sept 15: Cycle to Saumur (50KM, elevation 250M) (B,L,D)
Day 11/Sept 16: Optional Cycling Day to Montreuil Bellay & Brézé (43KM, elevation 315M) (B,L)
Day 12/Sept 17: Transfer to Paris, depart to Toronto (B)
Note: all loop excursions are optional cycling days. Maximum 386KM over 9 cycling days. Minimum 210KM over 5 cycling days. Alternatively, you may choose to stay back and explore the town (Blois, Amboise, Azay le Rideau, Saumur).
Minimum number of participants: 16 including the trip leader
Maximum number of participants: 20 including trip leader
Details on itinerary: refer to separate document
COST:
HOC Fees $ 90
Tour $7,510
TOTAL $7,600
Single Supplement: $ 850 (maximum 6 available)
E-bike: $ 275 (unlimited number available – please specify at registration)
What’s Included:
Cycle Tour:
NEW FOR 2025: Starting in 2025 there is a requirement to obtain ETIAS travel authorization for Europe which is linked to your passport. The cost is 7 Euros (approx. $11) and you must obtain it yourself. For more details visit the EU website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ This new system is not in operation as of October 2024. There is also a new Entry/Exit System for registering non-European Union nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries that is supposed to be in place starting in the second half of 2024. It is not in operation as of October 2024.
**PLEASE NOTE**
This pricing is based on an exchange rate that conservatively reflects our best estimate. If there is a significant increase in the exchange rate, we may have to charge a supplement to cover the difference. Similarly, if the rates drop significantly, we will refund you the difference. Please be aware that the air fare, air tax and service charges are also subject to change at any time without notice. In the case of currency fluctuation, the airline reserves the right to adjust the rates accordingly.
INSURANCE:
Emergency medical insurance coverage is mandatory. Your medical insurance information will be collected. If paying by credit card, check your credit card policy to see if you have adequate coverage as a benefit of the card.
Cancellation insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. This protects you in the event your plans change.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:
Registration is a two-step process; your spot is not secured until both steps are completed.
Step 1.
Use the Halton Outdoor Club website to register and pay the $90 registration fee ($25 is non-refundable). You will need to include your emergency contact name and phone number, and specify if you require an e-bike and/or helmet. You will also be able to identify your preferred roommate (if applicable). If the club is unable to match you up with a roommate and there are no alternative rooming arrangements, we will cancel your registration and process a refund.
Step 2.
A non-refundable deposit of $2,200 per person must be paid to Custom Adventures, a TICO registered travel agency, within five business days of your registration. Three payment options are available.
i) E-transfer. Use the e-mail info@customadventures.ca The security password is “adventure.”ii) Credit card. There will be an additional 3% charge for credit card payments. Contact Madeleine Davidson to receive a link for secure, direct payment. Credit card information is not retained by Custom Adventures.iii) Cheques. Payable to Custom Adventures Inc. and mailed to 5010 S Service Road, Burlington, ON L7L 5Y7, attention Jill Fost. Phone number 905-581-1008.
The balance is due June 6, 2025. We do not expect any change to the final pricing but will notify participants if an adjustment is required due to fluctuations to currency exchange rates, airfare, airport taxes or service charges. All terms and conditions, schedules and rates are subject to change without notice.
Before departure, you will be asked for personal information including your full name, passport information, height, limited medical information etc.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you need to cancel your trip, please contact Madeleine via email. Please also contact Cheryl, our Club Manager at manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca. $25 of club registration fee is non-refundable. Substitutions are permitted up until flights are booked. HOC is not responsible for finding a substitute but will assist if there is a waiting list. If a replacement cannot be found, the cancelling party will be responsible for the cost of the trip. HOC highly recommends that you purchase cancellation insurance.
All payments to Custom Adventures are non-refundable, unless a substitute can be found. Should the club cancel the trip due to insufficient registrations; a full refund will be provided.
If the trip experiences delays or changes in itinerary due to weather or circumstances beyond our control that result in extra expenditures, these expenses are the responsibility of the participant, not the club or the travel agent. If the entire trip must be cancelled, you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable payments that have been made.
If we are unable to match you up with a roommate and there are no alternative rooming arrangements, we will cancel your registration and process a refund.
October 28/24