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Picnic stop/Brian Bestford
Pons/Brian Bestford

Cycling Cognac - 2010/11 Itinerary

8 days - from $1060

• Cycle through Saintes, capital of the Roman province of Aquitaine
• Visit the oyster producing village of Mornac & the Atlantic coast
• Explore Cognac, at the heart of the famous brandy region

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History & Architecture
We start our explorations from Roman Saintes with a ride north east to the Abbey of Fontdouce. Founded in 1111, it has produced an unlikely patchwork of different religious and civil architecture over the centuries. We return via the village of St. Cesaire which allows you to visit the prehistoric site of Paleosite. Next we cycle north along the Charente river to visit the chateau of La Roche Courbon before arriving in the thermal spa town of Saujon.


Marshlands & Coast
Our time in Saujon gives several options. We can recommend cycling towards the marshlands where one of Les Plus Belles Villages (members of the 'most beautiful villages in France') can be found, or alternatively to Mornac which is an oyster producing community on the Suedre estuary. Alternatively, you may like to cycle the short distance to the coastal resort of Royan where you can relax on beautiful sandy beaches.


Eau de Vie & Pineau
We ride as ever along our favoured minor backroads to the pretty medieval town of Pons, complete with castle keep ('Donjon') and a Pilgrims Hospital. The town was an important stop for pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostella. Our journey continues through the vineyards to arrive in Cognac, home of the drink of the same name and a chance to sample this famous product.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Saintes. Day 2 Abbey of Fontdouce Founded in 1111, we cycle to the Abbey which has a variety of religious and civil architecture. We return via St. Cesaire with its pre-historic site of Paleosite. Day 3 Chateau of de la Roche Cycle along the Charente River to visit the Chateau of la Roche-Courbon before arriving in the thermal spa town of Saujon. Day 4 Saujon Optional cycling including Mornac, an oyster producing community on the Suedre estuary or to the coastal resort of Royan. Day 5 Pons Ride along minor backroads to the pretty medieval town of Pons, complete with castle keep and a Pilgrims hospital. Day 6 Cognac Cycle through the vineyards to arrive in Cognac, home of the famous drink. Day 7 Optional ride to Jarnac. Day 8 Tour ends in Cognac.

Accommodations: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water bottle holder, lock and map holder.
Comment: Graded as easy - approx. 177km/4 days (average of 45km/day), with a further 70km optional rides on free days. This tour is suited to those new to the concept of cycling holidays, but do occasional rides at home. The terrain is either flat or gently undulating. Entrance fees to sites are not included allowing you to decide what to visit and thus ride independently or with the group.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate.
Trip Reference: CCG2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Local Payment Availability
18 Sep 1025 Sep 10$10600
11 Jun 1118 Jun 11$11400
23 Jul 1130 Jul 11$11400
17 Sep 1124 Sep 11$11400

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 385, depending on availability.