Chinon: Bicycle Tour of Saumur Wineries with Picnic Lunch

If you’re dreaming of exploring the stunning Loire Valley by bike, this guided cycling tour from Chinon to Saumur might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally pedaled through it, the reviews and details paint a pretty appealing picture: a day filled with beautiful countryside scenery, top-notch wine tastings, and some truly memorable stops along the way.

What really catches our attention about this tour are two things: first, how well-organized it seems, with e-bikes, shuttles, and support making the day accessible and comfortable even for those who might worry about their stamina or biking skills. Second, the variety of experiences packed into just one day—from river views and troglodyte caves to castle panoramas and underground wineries—offers a well-rounded taste of the Loire’s charm.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that the price ($374 per person) is on the higher side, but many reviews suggest that the quality of guides, tastings, and scenery justifies it. Still, the tour is quite full, so if you’re after a very relaxed, unstructured day, this might feel a bit packed. But overall, it seems best suited for those who want a guided, engaging, and delicious way to see the Loire’s highlights without the hassle of planning each stop.

If you love scenic bike rides, wine, and good food, this tour could be a real treat. But if you’re traveling with very young children or prefer a more leisurely, less structured day, you might want to think about other options. Now, let’s go through the key takeaways before diving into a detailed look at what makes this experience special.

Key Points

• Scenic cycling route: Follow river paths, village lanes, and vineyard hills, with plenty of picturesque views.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides with wine certifications enhance the experience.
• Variety of stops: Visit châteaux, troglodyte villages, and wineries—each offering a unique glimpse of the region.
• All-inclusive experience: Bikes, shuttles, wine tastings, picnic lunch, and support van are included, making it straightforward.
• Flexibility: There’s support in case you want a break or to buy wine at wineries.
• Highly rated: With an average of 5 stars from 8 reviews, most travelers loved the day’s mix of scenery, wine, and local charm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour begins in Chinon, a charming town known for its history and vineyards, and sets off along a cycling path toward the Vienne River. The first stretch, about 45 minutes, takes you through lush countryside, giving a gentle warm-up with scenic vistas of rolling fields and distant châteaux. If you’re a fan of rivers, you’ll love the moment you reach Candes-Saint-Martin — a small town with a panoramic viewpoint where the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers can be admired in full glory.

Here, you’ll also visit the basilica of Saint-Martin, a lovely spot that offers a glimpse into regional architecture and history. The nearby village of Saint Martin is renowned for its beauty, offering a perfect photo stop before heading onwards.

Next on your route is Montsoreau, famous for its stunning castle that perches over the Loire. The castle’s striking silhouette against the river makes it one of the most iconic sights in the region. From there, you’ll pedal uphill to reach the hilltop vineyards of Saumur Champigny, a highlight for wine lovers. The landscape here is as picturesque as it is flavorful — vineyards stretching across gentle slopes, perfect for taking in the views.

The wine tastings at local wineries are a key part of the experience. Guides with wine certifications will walk you through the local varieties, focusing on Cabernet Franc and Chenin grapes, which define the region’s signature wines. Several reviewers praise the excellent selection of wines, noting that the tastings are both educational and enjoyable.

After sampling wines, it’s time for a delicious picnic lunch on the banks of the Loire. The food is described as very fresh, with a good variety, and heavily features local products, making it a highlight for many. Sitting here with your picnic, gazing out over the river, feels like a genuine treat.

Post-lunch, the route takes you through troglodyte villages such as Turquant and Souzay-Champigny. These limestone cave dwellings are fascinating; you get a sense of the region’s unique history and architecture. The underground galleries at Bouvet Ladubay’s sparkling winery are another unexpected highlight, where you’ll put on headlamps and walk through cool, subterranean passages on vintage bikes, ending the day with a sparkling wine tasting.

Finally, you’ll visit the castle of Saumur, which offers panoramic views over the entire city and surrounding vineyards. At the end of the day, a short shuttle takes you back to Chinon, completing a varied, scenic, and tasty adventure.

The Experience — What We Think

Based on reviews, the overall vibe is positive. Travelers love the professional guides like Yohan, who share their passion with warmth and knowledge, making the day engaging without feeling rushed. The bikes in excellent condition and the easy-to-follow route ensure that even those not used to cycling will find it manageable — especially with the support van ready to lend a hand.

Many reviews mention the delicious picnic lunch as a standout. It’s described as five-star quality, with fresh ingredients and a nice variety of local flavors. The wine tastings are another high point — not just for the quality of the wines, but for the welcoming attitude of winery staff, who enjoy sharing their stories.

The inclusion of shuttles, support vans, and e-bikes makes this tour accessible, especially if you’re worried about fatigue or navigating the region on your own. Those who’ve taken the tour note how much easier it is with these comforts, allowing them to focus on enjoying the scenery, wine, and company.

One thing to keep in mind is the price. At $374, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but most reviewers feel it’s justified given the quality of the experience — the guided visits, tastings, and included meals all contribute to a well-rounded day.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour starts from right in front of the “bar café” in Chinon, where you meet your guides and hop on e-bikes. You’ll spend the morning cycling along rivers and through villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos or explore a little. The pace is leisurely, suitable for most fitness levels, especially with the electric bikes providing assist when needed.

The day includes visits to several wineries, where tasting sessions are led by knowledgeable guides. These stops are designed to be educational but also fun, with chances to purchase wines directly from the producers (be mindful that purchases are not included in the price).

The picnic lunch is on the banks of the Loire, giving you a relaxing break amid stunning scenery. Post-lunch, you’ll continue cycling through troglodyte villages and past other vineyards, finishing with a visit to Saumur’s castle and the underground sparkling wine cellars.

The whole day lasts around 7 hours, with a mix of riding, sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing. The group size is typically small to ensure a personalized experience, and the tour is offered in multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish.

Value for Money

Is it worth the $374? When considering the all-inclusive nature—bike rental, guide, winery visits, tastings, picnic lunch, and support—the value is quite good for what you get. The reviews reflect a sense of well-spent money, especially for those who enjoy a structured, engaging day of food, drink, and scenery.

If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply want a way to experience the Loire without the hassle of planning, this tour hits many of those notes. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, fun, and scenic day with plenty of opportunities to learn and indulge.

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Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous wine lovers, history buffs, and those who enjoy cycling in beautiful countryside. It’s flexible enough for most fitness levels, especially with the e-bikes, and the guided aspect makes it accessible even if you’re unfamiliar with the region.

It’s ideal if you’re looking for a full-day immersion in Loire Valley highlights—landscape, wine, castles, and local culture—all rolled into one. Families with teens might find it enjoyable, though the cycling component and wine tastings are geared more toward adults.

FAQs about the Tour

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the bikes are in excellent condition, and the use of e-bikes makes it manageable for most fitness levels. The route is leisurely, and support is available if anyone needs a break.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes for cycling, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a light jacket depending on the weather. You might want to bring a small bag for purchases or personal items.

Are the wine tastings educational?
Absolutely. Guides with wine certifications lead the tastings, sharing insights about the grapes, regions, and wine-making process, making it interesting even if you’re not a wine expert.

Can I buy wine at the wineries?
Yes, the tour includes visits to wineries where you can purchase bottles if you wish. The cost of wines is not included in the tour price.

What’s the duration of the whole experience?
The full day lasts about 7 hours, including riding, tasting, and breaks. The shuttle back to Chinon takes around 40 minutes.

Do I need to worry about vaccination or health requirements?
A vaccination pass might be required for winery visits, so it’s worth checking closer to your trip to ensure you meet any health protocols.

Final Thoughts

This Chinon to Saumur wine and cycling tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-rounded way to experience the Loire Valley. With knowledgeable guides, diverse stops, and a delicious picnic, you’ll get a taste of everything that makes this region special — from castles and caves to vineyards and river views.

It’s ideal for travelers who want an organized, engaging day filled with good food, excellent wine, and memorable scenery. The combination of guided visits, support vehicles, and e-bikes makes it accessible and comfortable, even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist.

In the end, if you’re after a fun, flavorful way to explore the Loire and enjoy its highlights without the stress of planning, this tour looks like a smart pick. Just be prepared for a full day of activity, socializing, and tasting, and you’ll leave with plenty of wonderful memories and maybe even some new favorite wines.

Enjoy your Loire adventure, whether you’re cycling, tasting, or simply soaking up the views — this tour promises a rich, enjoyable experience for most travelers seeking a blend of activity and indulgence.

You can check availability for your dates here: