Cycling In The Loire Valley - France Family Holiday

8 Days - from $1107

Gentle cycling in the countrysideFairytale chateaux Great food, cakes and wine

The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Centrale 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 amid the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages; ideal for gentle family cycling. The vast majority of the riding is on quiet, easy tarmac roads, with few hills. 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 and most famous chateaux along the way.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Amboise. 2 Ride along peaceful country roads to the village of Fougeres, where we stay opposite a mediaeval chateau. 3 Cycle through quiet villages of the Sologne to Bracieux, with optional stop at the grand Chateau de Cheverny. 4 Rest day in Bracieux or circular ride through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord, an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires. 5 Riverbank ride following the lazy Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. 6 Rest day to explore the chateau at Chaumont or circular ride to the mediaeval city of Blois. 7 Cycle through rolling countryside to Amboise with optional stop at the chateau of Chenonceaux; time to visit the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle of Amboise. 8 End Amboise.

Mode of travel: Travel suggested route by train from St Pancras International to Amboise, via Paris - not included Transport 21 speed bikes. Child (7 yrs plus) and trailer-bikes (3-6 yrs) available.
Group size: Min 2, self-guided. Luggage is transferred; route notes, map and contact numbers are supplied.
Accommodation: Along the route we use comfortable family run two or three-star hotels, all offering traditional local cuisine. A swimming pool is usually available in Bracieux and Chaumont, providing a relaxing end to the day\'s cycling.
Food: All breakfasts and 3 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $272.16
Trip Reference: FVD
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.