Slow travel is one of the top travel trends for 2025, and cycling is one of the most popular ways to experience it. In France alone, the number of bike-friendly stays on Airbnb has increased by over 110% in four years. More and more travelers are trading speed for silence, tranquility, and winding roads.
With centuries-old castles, artisanal workshops, and long lunches along the way, the Loire is the perfect setting for this. Truly ideal for families seeking meaningful moments, breathtaking landscapes, and above all, a pace that suits them.
Stay, Cycle, and Live Like a Local
With Airbnb, it’s not just about where you sleep, but about stays that truly matter. Whether you’re cycling through vineyards or discovering picturesque villages, you stay, cycle, and live like a local. And it’s getting easier: Airbnb data shows that the number of bike-friendly accommodations in France has increased by more than 110% in the past four years — to about 42,000 stays with amenities like e-bike charging stations and secure bike storage. No more struggling to fit your bike in an elevator or endlessly searching for a safe place to park. Just enjoy the ride. And with the Loire’s flat bike paths and quiet roads, even families with young children can join in with ease.
Sleep in the Heart of Nature, History, or Beauty
The Loire is known for its grand castles, charming villages, and lush nature — thanks to the many branches of the river that make the landscape endlessly surprising. In this unique setting, you’ll find some of the most beautiful Airbnb stays in the region.
Château de Bizard: A Royal Stay
Amid 800 hectares of forests and vineyards lies the impressive Château de Bizard, the beating heart of the Les Orfeuilles estate. Belgian hosts David and Stéphanie ensure your stay is unforgettable. The 600 m² castle home exudes tranquility, space, and elegance. With ten bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a private pool, it’s the ideal setting for families or groups up to 19 people who want to slow down and enjoy an exceptional natural environment.
Other Guest Favorites Along the Loire:
- Château Marsauderie: Historic grandeur with modern comfort on the Loire. This 19th-century Petit Château is steeped in history and set in a 3.5-hectare park. Enjoy peace and quiet, a heated pool, tennis court, and kitchen garden. Ideal for families or groups up to 20, just six minutes from the TGV station.
- Characterful House with Private Sauna: La Renaissance is a cozy, well-appointed house just five minutes from the Loire, in the historic center of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire. Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a private sauna make it perfect for those seeking comfort and relaxation. Chambord Castle is just five minutes away.
And what about:
- Domaine de la Chambaudière: A former monastery on four hectares of greenery, fully renovated in 2023.
- Old Wine Estate in the Loire Valley: Centrally located and transformed into a unique holiday home with seven bedrooms.
- Le Clos de la Varenne: A family gem on the edge of Sologne and in the heart of the châteaux region, near Blois.
- Le Clos de la Saugeure: The ideal base for multi-family vacations, close to the Loire’s most famous castles, Zoo Parc de Beauval, and the region’s best cycling routes.
More Than a Trip: How Airbnb Experiences Bring the Loire to Life
Travel is about more than just ticking off sights. It’s about truly connecting with a place and its people. What’s the best way to discover the Loire Valley? With locals who know the region inside out. That’s why Airbnb launched Airbnb Experiences in May 2025: carefully curated activities, from cultural tours and museum visits to cooking workshops, outdoor adventures, and wellness moments — all led by passionate locals.
During your slow travel cycling trip through the Loire, these Experiences turn an ordinary ride into a true journey of discovery. Whether it’s a picnic overlooking Château de Chenonceau, a sunset balloon ride, or baking a real Tarte Tatin, with Airbnb Experiences you don’t just visit the Loire — you experience it your way, with those who know it best.
Your Experiences During This Trip
- Cycling Along the Cher and Picnicking with a View of Château de Chenonceau: Follow a scenic e-bike route through the Cher Valley, ending with a picnic of local delicacies overlooking the majestic château.
- Balloon Ride Over French Castles: Take off at sunset for a flight over estates, castles, and vineyards, ending with a traditional toast and sparkling Loire wine.
- Bake Your Own Tarte Tatin: Learn the story of this iconic dessert and make your own, finishing with a tasting and a drink.
- Be an Artist in France: Join a painting workshop in a local studio under the guidance of artist and Airbnb host Sylvie Beauché.
The Loire has so much to offer: stunning landscapes, impressive castles, delicious gastronomy, and welcoming people. Thanks to this slow travel trip, you’ll discover it all at your own pace — by bike, to the fullest, and above all: in your own way.
