This is a biking pilgrimage from Orleans to the tomb of St. Martin of Tours which follows the Columban Way pilgrimage route. The Loire Valley is the classic biking destination in France due to its many bike paths. It is also known as “le jardin de la France” (The garden of France). You will have the opportunity to visit three elegant chateaus, pray in beautiful churches, and experience the lush nature of the Loire Valley.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Tomb of St. Martin in Tours
- Biking to the Chateau of Chenonceau
- Praying in the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
ITINERARY
Orleans
Days 1-2: Explore Orleans and learn about its history with St. Joan of Arc, often referred to as the “Maid of Orleans” I Enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional French cuisine and get to know your fellow pilgrims I Get on your bike and start heading to Tours along the Loire River I Visit the largest chateau of the Loire valley: Chateau de Chambord
Blois & Amboise
Days 2-4: Get to know the town of Blois, a hillside town on the river with a beautiful cathedral I Head off toward Amboise with a stop at the Chateau de Chaumont, the host of the International Garden Festival I The next day ride to the Chateau de Chenonceau perched over the Cher River
Tours
Days 4-6: Bike from Amboise to Tours where we will visit the tomb of St. Martin in the Basilica dedicated to him I Pray in the Cathedral of Saint Gatien I Visit Candes-Saint-Martin, the village where St. Martin died I Bike to Fontevraud Abbey, one of the largest monasteries in Europe and the burial place of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart I Shuttle back to Tours
*Itinerary is subject to change
Lodging
Lodging
LEVEL: Standard
OPTIONAL UPGRADE: From Standard to Superior (double-occupancy)
We will be staying mainly in hotels, but we may spend a couple of nights in the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.). Air conditioner is generally not available.
To find out more about our lodging levels, click below.
EATING
We eat mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Some meals may be picnics. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.
LUGGAGE
You may bring any type of luggage with you on this trip. This particular itinerary is not a backpack-only pilgrimage. We will provide a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimage. Daily mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage. We hope to have a chaplain on every trip, but we cannot guarantee this.
Loire Valley
$2,190
INCLUDES
• 5 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners (with a drink)
• Ground transportation during the pilgrimage
• Outdoor activities (guides, rental equipment, tips)
• Chateau entrance fees (Chambord, Chaumont, Chenonceau) and Fontevraud Abbey fee
• Pilgrimage materials (reading packet, prayer booklet, maps, group gear)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Flights
• Transport to and from the pilgrimage
• All lunches
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
• Single room supplement if available ($650)
DATES
Dates tba
Sign-up Deadline: TBA
Details
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 2: Biking
Level 1: 14 miles
Level 2: 22 miles
Level 3: 36 miles
Day 3: Biking
Level 1: 15 miles, 256 ft elevation gain
Level 3: 30 miles, 543 ft elevation gain
Level 4: 43 miles, 702 elevation gain
Day 4: Biking
Level 1: 9 miles
Level 2: 17 miles
Day 5: Biking
Level 1: 12.5 miles
Day 6: Biking
Level 1: 7 miles, 505 ft elevation gain
This hike depends on where we get dropped off on the way to Rocamadour. It could be significantly shorter.
Click Here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels
“Optional” means it is easy for you to skip the activity. Skipping or modifying other routes may be possible but not in as easy of a manner. Activities are weather-dependent. Distances and durations may vary from the information given above
ARRIVAL
Orleans Train Station: Staff will be at the station to greet you. Please arrive by 5PM. Please wait to buy your plane/train tickets until you receive a confirmation from us.
DEPARTURE
The official pilgrimage end time is 5PM on day 6 in Tours, but you are flexible to leave when you need to. We will provide transportation to Tours from where you can easily reach Paris by train.
TRANSPORTATION
We will be using a variety of transport on this trip, both public and private.
INSURANCE
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels. Must have a sense of adventure. Under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions. Refund Policy
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up & Deposit
Fill out our short online form
Step 2: Registration
We will send you the registration materials to complete
Step 3: Payment & Confirmation
Please wait to buy your plane ticket until you receive a trip confirmation