Cycling through the Bourgueil vineyards: immersing yourself in vineyards and heritage

Discover the Bourgueil vineyards by bike

Welcome to Bourgueil, where cycling is much more than a means of transport: it’s a gateway to authentic discovery, at the crossroads of flavours, landscapes and a history as ancient as it is captivating. Ride between the rows of vines and treat yourself to a timeless experience!

Where is Bourgueil?

Situated to the north of the Loire, in the west of the Indre-et-Loire département, the Bourgueil area is full of peaceful country roads and shady paths, perfect for a getaway on two wheels. Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, explore the varied landscapes of the Bourgueil vineyards, where the rows of vines stretch as far as the eye can see, between the Loire and the forests. Along the way, admire pretty tuffeau mansions, authentic little villages, vineyard lodges and wash-houses with the charm of yesteryear.

Discover Bourgueil

Cycling

Bourgueil and the surrounding area offer an idyllic setting. But before you set off, take a moment to savour the charm of the town itself.

Fancy a stroll through the market? Every Tuesday, the colourful stalls of the Bourgueil market, whose origins date back to the 15th century, take up residence in the central square, under and around the Halles, a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. Perfect for filling your picnic basket before setting off on the back roads. Don’t forget to stop off at theRoyal Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Bourgueil, founded at the dawn of the first millennium by the Duchess of Aquitaine, Emma.

Then stop off at the restaurant Le Moulin Bleu. The panoramic view over Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil is breathtaking!

Not to be missed

Panoramic walks between vineyards and the Loire

Breathtaking views over the vineyards and the Loire, and a traditional boat trip

Bourgueil market and historical heritage

Typical market, thousand-year-old abbey and panoramic views from the hillside

Wine tourism immersion in the heart of troglodyte cellars

Unique tastings in troglodytic cellars in the heart of the vineyards

What type of wine is Bourgueil?

Don’t forget to stop off at the Maison des Vins, where actor Jean Carmet spent his childhood.

Here you can discover the region’s wine-growing heritage and its precious nectars – to be enjoyed in moderation, of course! After all, this is a real treasure trove. Bourgueil is above all its vineyards, dominated by Cabernet Franc, or “Breton” as it is known locally. This unique grape variety, which gives rise to the famous Bourgueil red and rosé wines, extends over hundreds of hectares.

Cycling here is like cycling through the history of a terroir shaped for centuries by the hands of winegrowers.

©Maison des vins de Bourgueil|ADT Touraine - JC Coutand

Where to stop for a taste?

While you’re in Restigné, take a relaxing break at the Valley Bio wine bar or in one of the many wine cellars in the area, such as Domaine du Petit Bondieu.

In Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, the Jarnoterie vineyardis a perfect illustration of the two worlds of Touraine winegrowing. On the other side of the coin, the guided tour starts in the reception area. You’ll be guided along a small path that runs alongside the rows of vines, all neatly lined up. So far, so classic… except that on the other side, you’ll be surprised to discover a road dug into the hillside that plunges beneath the vines, into the heart of a maze of galleries where the temperature cools. This is naturally followed by a tasting of Carine and Didier Rezé’s vintages. It’s a great experience, especially on Fridays in the summer months, when they take you on one of their surprising wine tours!

Loops 22 and 23

Bike map in hand, mountain bikes or electric bikes, get equipped! Electrically assisted bikes, children’s bikes, baby seats… When it comes to hiring bikes, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Cycles Corrivaud in Bourgueil town centre. If you have your own equipment, set off straight away on an adventure where every pedal stroke is an invitation to discover and relax.

2 cycle routes await you to discover the region.

Follow route 22 (46 km) to admire the beauty of the majestic royal river and its sandbanks. At La Chapelle-sur-Loire, the view is breathtaking from the Nuances restaurant. In summer, the Bateliers des Vents d’Galerne association offers a free crossing for cycle tourists. Twice a day, a toue is made available to transport bikes and cyclists to the other side of the river, with the added bonus of explanations about the fauna, flora and marine life of the river! Further on, the loop takes you to Chouzé-sur-Loire. The Musée des Mariniers plunges you into the history of the Loire’s boatmen, while the Café de la Loire welcomes you for another break with a view of the river. Another highlight: don’t miss the passages along the Loire, at Ile au Than, on the way out of Chouzé-sur-Loire, a chance to take in the spectacular, soothing panoramas that are well worth the effort of a long journey. Enjoy a restorative picnic just opposite Candes-Saint-Martin, where the Loire and Vienne rivers meet. This 49-kilometre route is ideal for an electric bike for a gentle experience; note that you can decide on the way to shorten the circuit by half.

Shorter (34 km or 26 km), loop no. 23 winds through the vineyards to Restigné, Ingrandes-de-Touraine and Benais, before heading for the neighbouring vineyard of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. If the weather cooperates, you’ll have a fine collection of photos of these 2 wine appellations at the end!