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

Discover the Bourgueil vineyards by bike

Welcome to Bourgueil, where the bicycle is much more than a means of transport: it’s a gateway to a unique sensory discovery, at the crossroads of flavours, landscapes and a history as ancient as it is captivating.

Here, ride between the rows of vines, and treat yourself to a timeless experience.

Where is Bourgueil?

Located to the north of the Loire, in the west of the Indre-et-Loire department, the Bourgueil area is full of peaceful country roads and shady paths, perfect for a getaway on two wheels. Take advantage of being away from the hustle and bustle of the cities to ride through the Bourgueil vineyards and explore its varied landscapes, where rows of vines stretch as far as the eye can see, between the Loire and forests, pretty tuffeau mansions, authentic little villages, vineyard lodges and washhouses with the charm of yesteryear.

Discovering Bourgueil

Bike rides

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

Fancy a stroll through the market? Every Tuesday, the colourful stalls of the marché de Bourgueil, 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 the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Bourgueil founded at the dawn of the first millennium by the Duchess of Aquitaine Emma. A must-see here.

Then make a stop at the Moulin Bleu on the heights of Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil.

The panoramic views here are breathtaking!

enfants en vélo dans le vignoble de Bourgueil — ©vélos dans le vignoble de Bourgueil|ADT Touraine - JC Coutand

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?

Also consider a stop at the Maison des Vins, where actor Jean Carmet lived as a child.

Discover the region’s wine heritage there, 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 red and rosé wines of Bourgueil, extends over hundreds of hectares.

Here, to pedal is to travel 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?

Take advantage of a visit to Restigné for a relaxing break at Valley Bio or in the many cellars in the commune, such as at Domaine du Petit Bondieu for example.

At Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, the vignoble de la Jarnoteriefor example perfectly illustrates the two worlds of Touraine winegrowing. On the reverse side, the guided tour starts from the reception area. You’ll be directed along a small path that runs alongside the rows of vines 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.

A great experience, especially every Friday in fine weather, during their surprising wine-tourism tours.

Loops 22 and 23

Map of the circuits vélo in hand, mountain bikes or electric bikes, get equipped!

Electric-assist bikes, children’s bikes, baby seats… When it comes to bike hire, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the cycles Corrivaud set up in Bourgueil town centre. If you have your own equipment, set off from Bourgueil for an adventure where every pedal stroke invites discovery and relaxation.

The route winds through the vineyards, through the village of Restigné, before heading south to La Chapelle-sur-Loire.

2 cycle routes await you for a discovery of the region.

Follow the boucles n°22 and 23. There, let yourself be caught up in the beauty of the majestic royal river. At La Chapelle-sur-Loire, the view of its wide beaches is breathtaking. In summer, the Bateliers des Vents d’Galerne association offers free crossings 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 canal boats! Get on board quickly!

Further on, the loop takes you to Chouzé-sur-Loire. The Musée des Mariniers will immerse you in the history of the Loire’s boatmen, while the café de la Loire welcomes you for a break with a breathtaking view of the river.

Another highlight: don’t miss the passages along the Loire,at l’île au Than, on the way out of Chouzé-sur-Loire, an opportunity for you to take in the spectacular, soothing panoramas that are more than worth the effort of a long journey. Enjoy the restorative picnic to be savoured just opposite Candes-Saint-Martin, the high spot where the Loire and Vienne rivers meet.

This 49-kilometre route can ideally be covered on an electric bike for a gentle experience; note that you can decide along the way to shorten the circuit by half.