The Cycling Festival Much more than just a bike ride!

Every first Sunday in September, the Fête du Vélo offers an average of 800 participants the chance to explore our Blois-Chambord region and its ‘Châteaux de la Loire à vélo’ cycle routes, for a day filled with fun, nature and culture.

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Edition 2026

Sunday 6 September 2026

Departing from Chouzy-sur-Cisse

A 40 km route to explore on the day, and a shorter 30 km route to celebrate the 26th edition of the ‘Châteaux de la Loire à Vélo’ festival and cycle routes!

Activities all along the route: local traditions, leisure activities, demonstrations…

Lunch at a surprise communal picnic area from 12.00 to 14.00 – bring your own picnic or buy something on the spot from our food trucks and catering stalls.

Plenty of entertainment on site along the route and at the lunch spot:

Nature activities
Heritage tours
Storytelling
Dance demonstrations
Local craftspeople
Tasting sessions

Consult the rules549KB

Parking at the pond in Chouzy-sur-Cisse

The programme for La Fête du Vélo

A full day out where, all along the route, the ‘Châteaux de la Loire à Vélo’ cycle routes are given just as much prominence as the local people

Departure between 9.00 am and 11.00 am

At the visitor centre in the starting and finishing town, participants park their vehicles in a large car park. They collect their tickets and are given a map of the route before setting off along a signposted and secure route. Bicycles can also be hired from our service providers, subject to booking.

Activities along the route

Depending on the towns and villages along the route, activity hubs are set up to showcase the local heritage through a variety of sporting and cultural activities, and may also offer small food and drink outlets.

Lunch break

A large event is organised over lunchtime at a spacious venue, the location of which is only revealed to participants at the start of the ride. For those who do not wish to bring their own lunch, various catering options are available, including food trucks offering a range of cuisines. Before setting off again, participants can explore numerous workshops and games, and enjoy relaxation areas – all with the aim of promoting local businesses.

The day ends at your own pace, around 4 pm, with a return to the starting point to collect your vehicle.

You can book your bike hire through our partner, Station Bee’s Chaumont.

PLEASE NOTE

This event is not a race; there is no ranking. To make the most of the activities and safety measures, please observe the break times. It is pointless, and even dangerous, to complete the route in 2 hours rather than over the course of the day. The activities and safety measures will not be in place, so you will not be able to enjoy this walk to the full.

41 km route, shortened by 10 km if required in the afternoon	Open to all; hybrid bikes recommended
On-the-spot registration: €5 in cash only (lunch not included)	Free for under-12s
Helmets compulsory for all (see rules) High-visibility vest recommended	Bike hire available by booking with Station Bee’s Chaumont
Drinking fountains and toilets along the route (don’t forget to bring a water bottle)	Repair service available at the event (Bee’s Chaumont Station)
E-bike battery charging (limited availability – please plan accordingly)	Food available on site: food trucks and charity stalls

The organisation

The event organiser, the Blois-Chambord Tourist Office, in partnership with the Syndicat Mixte du Pays des Châteaux and the Centre-Val de Loire region – and its famous ‘Échappées à vélo’ cycling events – is committed to providing a fully safe route full of surprises. The route, which is around 30 to 40 km long depending on the year, is organised in agreement with the local authorities along the way, who also offer a range of activities to showcase their heritage.

Every year, nearly 1,000 cycle tourists set off on a signposted route based mainly on the ‘Châteaux de la Loire à vélo’ itineraries, gathering for a lunch break in a unique setting where local organisations (charities, farms, producers, etc.) who have come to showcase their produce, alongside food trucks and refreshment stalls, as well as plenty of entertainment for the whole family. There will be plenty of water points available along the route, so don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

Get involved in the event

If you would like to get involved in the event as:

–A volunteer: marshal, course marker.

–A sponsor: 800 people from the department – great exposure for your business! Partnerships from €300 (excl. VAT): a trade stand during lunch or advertising space in the event booklet.

-Local sports or cultural organisation: presentation of your activities, taster sessions or demonstrations to recruit new members. No financial contribution required.

-Tourist Office members: present your activity through a fun workshop, or hand out goodies or treats to participants. No financial contribution required.

-Street traders: if you’d like to sell ice cream, sandwiches or local produce, please contact us.

CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Tel 02 54 90 41 48

feteduvelo@bloischambord.com