Retro Tour Side CarRetro Tour Side Car
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Rétro Tour, it's a gift! a unique side-car adventure

They have a firm handshake, an easy smile, elegant attire and above all… the right comment. They are the Gentlemen Sider who, at the agreed time and place, welcome you to their gleaming machine. Frédéric is one of them, and with good reason: in 2019, he’s the man behind Rétro Tour Châteaux de la Loire in Tours, alongside Rétro Tours Paris and Rétro Tour… Las Vegas!

A vintage walk in the heart of the Loire Valley

Starting in Tours, your gentlemen siders guide you along the most beautiful roads in the Loire Valley. The magic happens from the very first moment: the cobbled streets of old Tours pass before your eyes, before giving way to the spectacular panoramas of the banks of the Loire.

Between the vineyards of Vouvray and characterful villages, your tour takes you to the hidden treasures of Touraine. A tasting break in a cellar or a photo stop opposite Villandry castle punctuate this unforgettable experience, recognised by the Guide du Routard.

Equipped with vintage helmets and jackets provided by Rétro Tour, you enjoy this immersion in Touraine’s exceptional heritage in complete safety.

The châteaux of the Loire differently

From your side-car, admire the château of Azay-le-Rideau reflected in the Indre from a new angle, or discover the gardens of Villandry from the heights. A tasting break in a troglodyte cellar in the rue des Basses Rivières will delight your taste buds.

Gentlemen Siders, passionate wine lovers and members of GREAT France, share their insider secrets with you. From the fortress of Chinon to the terraces of Amboise, these Petit Futé-approved tours reveal Touraine as you’ve never seen it before. From an hour to a day, each walk becomes a page of living history, punctuated by captivating anecdotes about our legendary châteaux.

Magical moments to offer

Since 2019, Fred has been taking you on a unique adventure in vintage sidecars. Passionate, they will help you discover the unusual and secret places of Touraine, far from the beaten track. Let them guide you and plunge you into the heart of local life through anecdotes and authentic experiences. Routes available:

  • All of Touraine departing from Tours
  • All of Touraine departing from Amboise
  • All of Touraine departing from Chinon

A little history on the sidecar

In the late 19th century, Frenchman Jean Bertoux patented his invention: the addition of a third side wheel transformed a bicycle into a tricycle. The concept would later be applied to the motorbike. During the Second World War, the various armies involved also made use of this vehicle, particularly for reconnaissance missions. Some scenes from the film “La grande vadrouille” will surely come to mind!

In a nutshell Retro Tour

An unforgettable vintage ride

Discover the Loire Valley in a sidecar with enthusiastic guides.

Give the gift of magic

Personalised gift vouchers for a retro adventure.

A different view of heritage

Admire châteaux, vineyards and villages from the comfort of an elegant sidecar.

How do you go about this experience?