Angers: Cycling tour with wine tastings !

Planning a trip to France and looking for an activity that combines scenic views, cultural insights, and excellent wine? This cycling tour around Angers offers just that. Designed for those who love to explore on two wheels, it takes you through some of the most picturesque vineyard landscapes in the Loire Valley, with the bonus of tasting some truly delicious wines. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this experience give you a balanced mix of adventure, education, and relaxation.

What makes this tour stand out are a couple of things we really appreciate: the chance to visit renowned wineries like La Coulée de Serrant and learn about the main grape varieties—cabernet franc and chenin—straight from knowledgeable guides. Plus, the scenic countryside cycling routes are truly stunning, offering peaceful moments away from the bustling city.

One possible consideration is the price point of $374 per person for a 6.5-hour experience, which might seem steep for some, but when you factor in the guided tastings, transport, and the quality of the tour, it can be well worth it. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy active days, are curious about wine, and want an authentic taste of the Loire Valley’s landscape and viticulture.

Key Points

• Beautiful landscape: The tour takes you through hillside vineyards, charming villages, and along the Loire River, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
• Expert guides: Guides speak multiple languages—French, English, Spanish—and are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• High-quality wine tastings: Stops at renowned wineries like La Coulée de Serrant and La Soucherie give you a real taste of local wines.
• Comfortable equipment: The use of great E-bikes makes the cycling accessible, even if you’re not an experienced rider.
• Well-structured itinerary: The tour balances cycling, wine tasting, and a picnic, making the day varied and engaging.
• Small group experience: Limited to just two participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This Angers cycling and wine tasting experience promises a combination of scenic riding and authentic wine culture, all within a manageable 6.5-hour window. Starting around 10 am, the tour kicks off from either Angers or Les Ponts-de-Cé, depending on your pickup choice. From there, you’ll hop onto your electric bike, which makes covering the varied terrains much easier, especially if you’re not a daily cyclist. The bikes, provided by Cube, are praised for their comfort and ease of use, which helps keep the focus on the sights and sips rather than on the pedaling.

The Ride Along the Loire River

We loved the way the tour begins with a gentle cycle alongside the Loire River, on dedicated cycling paths. It’s a smooth start that sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the day. The scenery here is truly postcard-worthy—wide river views, lush greenery, and the occasional boat passing by. The first stop is at La Coulée de Serrant, a celebrated winery famous for its white dry wine called Savennières. Visiting a winery of such renown offers a tangible sense of the Loire’s rich winemaking tradition.

Wine Tasting at La Coulée de Serrant

The tasting experience at La Coulée de Serrant is a highlight. According to reviews, guides do a great job explaining the secrets behind the cabernet franc and chenin grape varieties—two of the main players in the Loire Valley. Alexandra from the US called the guides “amazing,” noting how they tailored the experience to her interests, which added a personal touch. The wines here are distinctive, with the dry whites offering crisp, refreshing flavors that pair beautifully with local cheese or light snacks.

Picnic on Behuard Island

After the first winery visit, the group cycles to the island of Behuard for a picnic. The stop is a lovely break in the day, set in a peaceful spot with views of the river and hillside vineyards. The tour’s inclusion of a picnic with multiple courses, including rosé, cheese, and crème brûlée, really stands out. It’s not just a quick snack but a thoughtfully prepared meal, giving you a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy the surroundings.

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Exploring the Layon Region

Post-lunch, the ride continues across the river into the Layon region, famed for its white sweet wines. The path here is narrow and curvy, following the river through hillside vineyards—an ideal setting for photography or just soaking in the quiet beauty. The second stop at La Soucherie provides another tasting opportunity, allowing you to compare different wines and deepen your appreciation for the region’s offerings.

The Final Scenic Stretch

The last part of the tour takes you further into the heart of the Layon, with the vineyards lining the hillside and the river weaving through the landscape. The cycling paths here are a real treat—easy enough for most riders and offering spectacular views that make the effort worthwhile. The tour concludes back in Angers or Les Ponts-de-Cé, with transport support returning you to your accommodation if needed.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The experience with guides is frequently praised. Alexandra’s review highlights how her guides, Yohan and Jack, “listened to what we were interested in and tailored the experience to be perfect for us.” This personalized approach makes a real difference, especially for those seeking something more than just a run-of-the-mill tour.

Another notable feature is the quality of the equipment and logistics. The E-bikes remove the physical barrier for many, making the ride accessible, and the support van means you won’t be stranded if you need a break or encounter unforeseen issues—important for peace of mind.

The wine tastings themselves are actually a core part of the experience, giving you the chance to understand the unique characteristics of wines from different appellations like Savennières and Coteau du Layon. This isn’t just about sipping; it’s about learning what makes these wines special and appreciating the landscape and climate that produce them.

The Price and Its Value

At $374 per person, the tour isn’t cheap, but considering the guided wine tastings, private transport, high-quality bikes, and a gourmet picnic, it offers quite a comprehensive package. For wine enthusiasts or those wanting a full-day immersive experience in the Loire’s countryside, it can be a worthwhile splurge. If you’re traveling on a budget, there are simpler ways to explore, but few activities combine scenery and wine so seamlessly.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy cycling and are curious about wine. The small group size means you’ll get personalized attention, making it great for couples or friends. It’s also a good fit if you want a more active day in the Loire Valley, away from typical sightseeing tours.

It’s less suitable for those who can’t ride a bike or have mobility challenges, given the cycling component and the terrain. Also, if you’re not a wine drinker or want a more relaxed, less structured day, you might find this tour a bit intense.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially since the bikes are E-bikes, which make pedaling easier. The routes are designed to be accessible for most riders, and the pace is described as relaxed, even when detours happen.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses for sunny days and a light jacket if the weather is cool. The tour includes formal wine tastings, so dress comfortably but appropriately for outdoor activity.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
Since wine tastings are a key part of the experience, this tour might be less appealing if you prefer not to drink alcohol. However, you can always focus on the scenery and learning about the wines without necessarily tasting.

What if one of the wineries is closed?
The tour provider states that if a winery is shut on your scheduled day, they will take you to another winery, ensuring you still get a fulfilling experience.

How long is the cycling route?
While the exact distance isn’t specified, the focus is on scenic, manageable cycling rather than intense riding. The total duration is about 6.5 hours, which includes stops and breaks.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes support van transport, including transportation back to your accommodation after the tour ends.

How many people will be on the tour?
The experience is designed for small groups, limited to just 2 participants, which allows for a very personalized experience.

Are meals included?
Yes, a gourmet picnic with multiple courses is part of the day, complementing the wine tastings.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans are uncertain.

Final Thoughts

This cycling and wine tasting tour around Angers offers a well-rounded way to experience the Loire Valley’s landscape, viticulture, and gastronomy in one go. The combination of scenic cycling, expert-guided tastings, and a relaxed picnic makes it ideal for travelers who want a taste of everything—nature, culture, and wine—without rushing.

If you’re someone who appreciates thoughtfully curated experiences, enjoys active days, and loves discovering new wines, this tour will serve you well. It’s not a cheap outing, but the value lies in the personalized approach, high-quality wines, and the chance to see some of the best vineyards in the Loire.

On the flip side, if you’re not comfortable on a bike or are seeking a more laid-back, non-alcoholic day, you might want to explore other options. But for those ready to explore the countryside in a leisurely, engaging way, this tour could be a highlight of your trip to Angers.

Enjoy your trip, and cheers to discovering the beautiful wines of the Loire Valley!

You can check availability for your dates here: