Cycling In The Loire Valley (EDLSR)
Duration:
8 days (may vary)
Areas: France
Tour types: Cycling, History & Culture
Description
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 kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire Valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. 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. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way. Please note there is also a weekend version of this trip also available - see Loire Cycling Weekend (LSW)
Itinerary options
Tour only
Flight inclusive
Tour itinerary
Day 1:
Start Amboise.
Day 2:
Ride to riverside town of Montrichard. The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceau 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.
Day 3:
Cycle through quiet villages of the Sologne to Bracieux, with optional stops at the Chateau of Fougeres, and the grander Cheverny.
Day 4:
Today is free to relax in the village or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase.
Day 5:
Riverbank ride following the lazy Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire, passing a 16th century castle and the pretty village of Les Montils.
Day 6:
Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to the mediaeval city of Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides.
Day 7:
Cycle to Amboise. The final day in the saddle cycling across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There is time to visit the Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town.
Day 8:
End Amboise.
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Accommodation
7 nights 2 and 3 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and some have pools.
Activities
Wine Tasting
History
Self Guided
Road Tours
Food
All breakfasts and 3 dinners included.
Group Size
Self guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided.
Notes
Start any Saturday or Wednesday from 13 March to 27 October 2010Prices are Land only and do not include travel from LondonAll prices are based on 2 persons sharing, therefore if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party, a compulsory single supplement of GBP160 will be chargedFor single travellers there will be an enforced single supplement and baggage transportation fee of GBP270 (includes single room supplement)Return rail travel from London to Amboise, prices from GBP100Low cost flights to Tours available with Ryanair. Allow EUR50 for taxis to Amboise and backBike Hire: France: 21 speed Gitanes bikes GBP80, paid on booking
General Information
Average daily distance: 30-40 km (19-25 miles) depending on routes chosen.No of days cycling: 6 (including 2 optional rides).Vehicle support: none whilst riding, luggage is transferred between hotels for you.Terrain and route: the suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads past villages, farms, vineyards, woodland and alongside rivers. There are no significant ascents or descents. Alternative routes are available on most days.
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