Loire Valley Cycling
8 days - from $880
This easy-going trip utilises the comfort and warmth of small, local hotels in the pleasant towns and villages of the Loire. Carrying only what we need for each day, we ride from Montrichard via medieval Amboise and elegant Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon. Our normal ride between nightstops is about 40km, so there's ample time to visit the delightful villages, châteaux and vineyards along the way. There are options for longer routes, so you can cycle as much as you want.
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Château Country
We begin in Montrichard on the River Cher. As the trip is designed with flexibility in mind you can choose to do some optional cycle rides to the 17th century Château de Gue Pean or to the vineyards of the Cher region. We then cycle to Amboise via the beautiful Château de Chenonceau - built on a rocky plateau between the Loire and the Masse rivers. Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days here, as a guest of the French king.
Gardens of the Loire
From the course of the Cher, we head south to the River Indre, cycling via Cormery - famous for its macaroons! - and reach the elegant town of Azay-le-Rideau. From here you may like to explore the pristine gardens of Villandry: a real gardener's dream, the flower beds burst with colours that cascade down terraces and ornamental plazas. In Azay itself, the medieval château, rising out of a wooded island, is also well worth a visit.
Medieval Chinon
Now following the Loire, we pedal to Chinon and the Vienne River, admiring as we go the 'Sleeping Beauty' Château d'Ussé with its fearsome turrets and towering chimneys. Our time is free in Chinon: you can wander through the old town (known for its medieval timber-framed houses and winding alleys), cycle to Fontevraud Abbey or perhaps follow a wine trail to try some of the light whites of the region.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Montrichard. 2 In Montrichard; choice of rides. 3 Ride to Amboise via Chenonceau. 4 Ride to Azay-le-Rideau via Cormery. 5 In Azay-le-Rideau; optional rides; optional visit Villandry Gardens. 6 Ride to Chinon via Château d'Ussé. 7 In Chinon; various optional routes. 8 End Chinon.
Accommodation: 7nts small hotel; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: 18 or 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder.
Comment: Grade A - 153km over 4 days (average of 39km/cycling day); plus additional optional day rides. Undulating terrain and quiet country roads link the historic châteaux and towns. We spend two nights in most hotels, giving you the choice of cycling as much or as little as you want on static days. You can ride independently or with group members. Cycling is 95% asphalt; 5% gravel tracks.
Group: Approx. 10 to 14.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate.
Trip Reference: LV
