Loire Valley Cycle Tour

Package Overview

Trip Highlights
Cycling through the heart of the Loire Valley
Exploring the many grand Chateaux
Experiencing the market places and rural delights of the region
Enjoying the culinary specialties
Sampling some of the many excellent wines in local ‘caves’
Trip Summary
The Loire River was once the highway between the Atlantic and the heart of France. Its valley was known as the 'playground of kings' - a neighbourhood of impressive châteaux and vast fortune. Travelling by bicycle is a great way to experience this world famous Valley. While pedalling at a relaxed pace, you'll discover the best this region has to offer, keeping away from the main tourist route to explore the lesser-known gems of the Loire. We take time to soak up the medieval charm of Blois and discover picturesque Amboise overlooked by its impressive fortified chateau. We cycle through countryside crisscrossed with vineyards, duck farms and orchards and the remnants of feudal hunting forests. Our route proves the Loire Valley lives up to its reputation as the 'garden of France'

Trip Grading
INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2

Daily cycles are between 14 and 55km / 8.5 or 34mi on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request).Travel to and from Blois
Lunch, dinner (except 1) and drinks
Items of a personal nature
Entrance fees - a chateaux package is available for a supplement which includes entrance fees. See below for details.
Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
Transfers
Travel insurance - mandatory

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive Blois

  On your arrival in Blois, make your way to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive, we recommend you take a walk around the town which is known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavour of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere. Also worth a visit is the Royal Chateau de Blois, the residence of several French kings, and a perfect example of the evolution of French architecture between the Middle Ages and 17th century.

• Day 2 : Cycle to Amboise (42km / 26mi)

  The cycle route follows a quiet road through the forest and vineyards of the Mesland appellation until you reach the Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire that proudly overlooks the Loire River. It is worthwhile stopping here, and the grounds are usually open to the public. The Chateau itself is famous for its luxurious stables, and there is often free wine tasting at the base of the driveway. The cycle continues through the countryside, admiring some beautiful vineyards and past a duck farm, before arriving at the picturesque town of Amboise on the south bank of the Loire River, where you will stay overnight in a small hotel in the centre.

• Day 3 : Round Cycle Through the Vineyards of Montlouis and Return to Ambois (31km / 19mi)

  As this evening will also be spent in Amboise, you have the option of cycling to the vineyards of Montlouis – a full route description is provided and this is highly recommended if you would like to try some wines and experience the countryside further. During the cycle there is also an opportunity to visit the Aquarium de Touraine before returning via the forest to Amboise for further sightseeing. Alternatively (or in addition) you may stay in town and explore its many attractions, including a visit to Le Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home where there are models of his many inventions in the garden and house. Also the fortified Chateau d’Amboise is worth a look or taking a walk through the old town, and tasting the region's wines and delicacies (including foie gras) at the town collective. Friday and Sunday mornings are market day and this is the largest market in the region selling everything from culinary specialties to clothes, homewares and tourist gifts. Overnight Amboise.

• Day 4 : Cycle Through the Cher Valley to Chenonceaux (14 or 55km / 8.5 or 34mi)

  The cycle route takes you to the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, but following his death the Queen, Catherine de Médici made her swap it for Chateau Chaumont. Overnight in the charming town of Chenonceaux, settled on the banks of the Cher river. There are two cycle routes to choose from: one is direct while the other takes you on a scenic route along the Cher River valley.

• Day 5 : Pass Through Vineyards to Chitenay (40km / 25mi)

  You leave behind the Cher Valley and enter the Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th Century architecture. Your night's accommodation is at a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden.

• Day 6 : To Russy Forest & Beauregard (16km / 10mi) or Beauregard & Sologne (47km / 29mi)

  There are two options for your cycle today, both of which include an option to visit the chateau of Beauregard, famous for its portrait gallery. The route is through the Forest of Russy on dedicated cycle paths. If you feel like extending your cycle you can continue to the mysterious ‘Sologne’ a rural area known for its wildlife (wild boar and deer), and in summer, the heather is in bloom and the ponds are full of water lilies, making it a peaceful area to cycle through. There are dedicated bike tracks and opportunities to stop for a picnic lunch. Behind vineyards and groves you will catch glimpses of private chateaux. Return to the hotel in Chitenay in the evening.

• Day 7 : Cycle to Blois Via the Famous Château of Cheverny (50km / 31mi)

  During this last stage of the cycle, you have the opportunity to discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis the 1st. We return to our original hotel in Blois.

• Day 8 : Trip Concludes Blois

  Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner (does not include drinks) – breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices.
• Dinner will consist of 3 to 4 courses which include some regional specialties
• 7 nights accommodation in 2 and 3 star hotels on a twinshare basis. All rooms have private facilities. Option to upgrade to 3-4 star hotels – supplement applies.
• 21 speed mens or ladies bike equipped with two panniers, helmet, bike computer, map holder, anti-theft device and repair kit (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
• Luggage transfer
• Information pack including route notes, maps and tourist information per room (GPS data files available on request)
• Emergency hotline

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Exclusions

• Travel to and from Blois
• Lunch, dinner (except 1) and drinks
• Items of a personal nature
• Entrance fees - a chateaux package is available for a supplement which includes entrance fees. See below for details.
• Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
• Transfers
• Travel insurance - mandatory

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Adventure South Ltd View Profile

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• Phillipstown, Christchurch, New Zealand - 8145
• XXXXXX1222 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@adventuresouth.co.nz View Mail ID

About Adventure South Ltd

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