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Cycling in the Loire Valley
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A Self-Guided cycling tour of the beautiful scenery, chateaux and vineyards of the Loire valley |
Ref: EX-DFR
8 days
from £669 (minimum 1 passengers)
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Destination:
France
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Highlights: Rivers Loire and Cher - Undemanding cycling - Wine cellars - Beautiful chateaux - Dense hunting woods - Choice of routes
The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches the hunting grounds and lodges of the kings and noblemen of the 15th to 18th centuries grew into extraordinarily ornate chateaux, a short journey for them from Paris and a world away from the lives of their subjects. Some are still privately owned but many are run by the state, attracting tourists from all over the world. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire valley is famous for its wine. Collectively they are known as vins de Tourraine; flourishing vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two - perfect for those on a cycling holiday in the area! All types of wine are produced, including an excellent Champagne-like ‘methode traditionelle’.
The countryside is a mix of leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages, and is ideal for undemanding cycling. The attractive market town of Amboise, historically important during the 15th and 16th century and nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point. The routes move between the Loire and Cher rivers, and visit some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.
Optional activities and excursions:
The cycling routes will take you to the chateaux mentioned, but entry is optional and not included. Cycle routes are described, but you may devise your own diversions from these routes if there is something of particular interest that you wish to visit. There are optional free days in Chaumont and Cour Cheverny – these are small towns that only take a short time to explore on foot, but each has a grand chateau which you will be able to spend more time in if not cycling.
This trip departs on any day from 15 March to 25 October on Eurostar. Please call or email us for availability and bookings.
Travelling by car/ferry: if you wish to drive to Amboise from the UK we can provide ferry crossings or Eurotunnel to cross the English Channel. Fares depend on season and timings please call or email us for a quotation.
Flights: if you prefer to fly to Paris from any UK airport please call or email us for prices.
Trip Profile:
Is this trip for you? The vast majority of the riding is on easy tarmac roads, with few hills. There is a flat non-tarmac section on Day 2 on both the short and long route. Some roads approaching the chateaux can be busy as they are popular tourist attractions, but French drivers are used to cyclists. Most of the roads are reasonably quiet. Most days have a choice of a long or a short route, and there are two possible rest days. Cycling distances range from 23 to 68kms.
Group & Staff:
Self-guided; luggage is transferred and telephone contact numbers are supplied.
Accommodation:
7 nights in two- and three-star hotels, in twin or single rooms, all en suite. Most of the towns we stay in are small so the hotels are within walking distance of places of interest. The hotels are typical French provincial hotels, often with a certain quirkiness that adds to the character. In Amboise it is a 10 minute walk to the centre of town over the river.
Food:
The local cuisine throughout the trip is of a high quality. The meals included are taken in the hotels and tend to be the daily menu with a limited choice. There is bias towards meat dishes so choices for vegetarians can be limited. If you inform the hotel staff the night before, they should be happy to prepare a packed lunch, but there are plenty of patisseries, charcuteries and boulangeries along the way from which you can buy items to make up your own lunches and snacks to keep you going throughout the day. Local wines can be sampled along the way in the various cellars, but remember not to drink too much if you still have riding to do! |
Day 1 | Travel by Eurostar from London Waterloo to Paris Gard du Nord, transfer across Paris on the Metro to Gare d’Austerlitz (ticket not included) and then catch the train to Amboise. It is a short walk from the station in Amboise to the hotel. Those booking land-only arrangements start the trip in Amboise. | Day 2 | After collecting your bike from the cycle shop you are ready to head into the countryside (if your holiday begins on a day when the shop is closed the bike will be delivered to the hotel). The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceaux on the river Cher – or rather, in the river Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank. Ride either the short route of 23km or the longer 38km option onto the town of Montrichard.
| Day 3 | Having passed a 16th century castle, there is a choice of carrying on through the Solonge, on a route totalling 68km to the moated castle of Chemery, or, if taking the shorter route, to the hotel in Cour Cheverny, a ride of 38km.
| Day 4 | Your choice of relaxing in the village or cycling through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord, an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase. In Cour Cheverny itself the beautiful chateau is still privately owned but can be visited. The choice of cycling route is either 36 or 52km.
| Day 5 | The route heads north to return to the Loire. On the longer ride of 51km the mediaeval town of Blois provides a historical diversion as the scene of some bloody incidents in the 15th and 16th centuries. The route into Chaumont-sur-Loire is along the riverbank. The shorter option for the day is 27km.
| Day 6 | Another optional day for cycling as two nights are spent in Chaumont. The chateau here stands high above the river and was forced upon Diane de Poitiers by Catherine de Medici in exchange for the more attractive Chenonceaux. Blois is on the short route today, otherwise there are villages to be explored to the south. Ride either 36 or 53km.
| Day 7 | There is only one route today, leading across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There should be plenty of time to visit the Clos Luce, last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town. Ride 24km.
| Day 8 | Catch the train to Paris, cross town on the Metro (ticket not included) and then take the Eurostar to London. Those with land-only arrangements end the trip in Amboise. |
Departures Between | Price from | 20 Mar 04 - 24 Oct 04 | *£669 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Prices are based on two people sharing a twin room.
Bike hire €70 (approx. £50) paid locally.
Single room supplement £125 (compulsory if traveling alone).
Insurance £25
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
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Cycling in the Loire Valley
A Self-Guided cycling tour of the beautiful scenery, chateaux and vineyards of the Loire valley
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