Has anyone planned a cycling trip in the loire valley on their own. Think of this as the perfect combination of slow food, fine wines, and remote country tracks ideal for seeing the. An idyllic landscape made lush by the majestic water of the loire river. But along this 5 day trip you will not only ride your bike you will discover the loire valley from the inside, visit some mustsee sites and even taste the local wine and gastronomy. In fact, i was so right, the book will likely be the basis for a tour in the loire valley next year. Mike wells cycles the loire valley in central france researching his. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Follow the loire cycling route to discover loire valley castles. Its a route covering more 1052 kilometres 654 mile, including a section of eurovelo 6 and the popular, waymarked loire a velo. Jan 09, 2020 the best cycling routes along the loire river. The best overall trip planning map is available on request and it is free. Cycling tour in the loire valley, france utracks active.
Known as the garden of france and the land of castles, the loire valley boasts a wealth of fine historical buildings and a treasure trove of fabulous landscaping. As you cross the loire angers touraine regional nature park between tours and angers, you will be fascinated by the troglodyte villages with their underground caves which are typical of the loire valley, and if you want to discover the landscape in a different way, take to the air in a hot air balloon or climb aboard a canoe. Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore. Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. The inspiration for moulinsart castle came from the tintin books, which you may. Following the river loire is one of frances most interesting and diverse cycle routes.
From the fantastic gardens of chateau villandry to the chateau dusse that inspired the story of sleeping beauty, this tour will guide you through the loire valley on to the saumur chateau with vineyards overlooking the loire river. It wont surprise you to discover, too, that the loire has long been the soughtafter location of poets and writers, including such famous names as leonardo da vinci. Hop on a bike and experience ornate chateaux, rustic markets, vineyards, and rural gallic charm. Holidays to loire valley cycling available now from explore worldwide. Some brits, when thinking of our closest continental neighbours, may conjure up images of impolite, baguettewielding fashion obsessed parisians who seem to spend more time in their local cafes than dealing with the rigours of life. The acclaimed loire a velo cycle route provides the perfect trail over which to explore the charms of the region.
Thank you thierry for the wonderful tour and the cycling experience, a first time for all the family and a memorable one. Check out chambord, the flamboyant palace of a hunting lodge or chenonceau, the chateau bridge too far. Loire valley cycling holidays, france 202021 headwater. Aug 10, 2018 cycling the loire cycle route written by mike wells. Pages in category novels set in the loire valley the following 4 pages are in this category, out of 4 total. The bikes were well maintained with a comfy gel saddle which ensured no aches and pains were felt in unwanted places. Centuries ago, french kings and nobility poured into the loire valley with the greatest architects of the age, constructing the majestic chateaux, gardens and vineyards. From the mountains of the central massif of france it slowly descends first north, and then. The loire a velo is a 900kilometer cycle route that connects cuffy near nevers to saintbrevinlespins loireatlantique.
Loire valley cycling guide books rick steves travel forum. I found the tips on what to see in the towns excellent. On this cycling tour of the loire valley, knowing the difference between a front derailleur and a rear dropout isnt necessary. We offer a wide range of self guided bike tours in loire valley on the stretch between orleans and angers. Autumn near coueron, on the banks of the loire, west of nantes perfect for cycling in france. Jen, my wife and i cycled in the loire two years ago on our own. Dont hesitate and book online for a good crack with the frenchies. The loire valley cycle route in france cycling routes in france. For detailed cycle route information and maps, see cycling the river loire. We strongly advise to book your accomodations in advance including campings, especially in touristic areas.
The river loire is the longest in france and winds its way from the volcanic massif central all the way to the sandy beaches of the atlantic coast. Cycling holidays in the loire valley are a perfect choice for families and friends. Ill be in paris for a week and only have one full day to get away. The loire valley is known for its vineyards, gardens and small historic towns. The loire valley classic 7n bike tour with active4adventures. Mountain bike road bike backroad cycling cnil french national commission for data protection and liberties according to french law, your email will not be communicated to any third party or company outside france bike trips velorizons. But i love a challenge, especially one having to do with bicycling, so join me as i explore two of my favorite 7 day itineraries in the loire valley. The kindle version was very useful downloaded on the. Self guided loire valley cycling tours loire life cycling cycling. Cycling along the loire river travel france online. Books about loire valley the slow road travel blog. Time travel through france by way of its finest castles, chateaux, cathedrals and monasteries. Thank you once again, will be in touch to organise one more. If you would like to join the complimentary airport transfer today, the.
Standing proudly before you is a chateau of renaissance majesty, its gardens sculpted to perfection. We had such a great time that i have taken the liberty of giving your loire valley cycling tour to a few of my keen cyclist friends. Loire valley bike travel organisation advice loire by bike. The loire a velo bike path takes you through vineyards, along the cave houses to the most beautiful castles of the loire valley. Loire valley cycling chinon, france activities lonely planet. The amazing french castles really are everywhere, so you can experience loads without cycling for england. Cycling holidays in the loire valley, self guided bike.
The bustling city streets, quiet back roads, and protected cycling paths of the loire valley are ideal for any adventurer seeking to explore the stunning garden of france. Time travel through france by way of its finest chateaux, cathedrals and monasteries. Book your next adventure or activity holiday online today. Frances loire valley is the perfect location for a weeklong bicycle tour. From the source in the massif central to the atlantic coast cicerone guides wells, mike on. Im looking for a guidebook that would enable me to do that. The road from the past, traveling through history in france.
The gastronomic cycling holiday was a great way to see the loire valley up close. Along the loire river by bike bike touring collection by komoot. A guide to cycling the loire river along eurovelo 6 loire a velo, including maps and. From 2 day short cycle tours to 2 week adventures, our self guided bike tours in loire are easy to personalize thanks to a wide range of accommodations and services provided. Imagine a cycle route in france which takes in some of the most spectacular. Artists and writers escape to the loireeven da vinci spent his last years here.
The notes for cycling were easy to follow and enabled us to enjoy the holiday at our own pace. In the valley of the loire, castles are strung together like a string of pearls, with the. Loire family discovery gentle cycling and activities to suit all the family. Loire valley cycling in france, europe g adventures. From the source in the massif central to the atlantic coast cicerone guides. Found this very helpful planning a cycling trip along the loire. Each of our trips began and ended in amboise, so we didnt go quite as far as we would have liked to, but each one was extremely enjoyable. For the loire chateaux area, there are plenty of beautifully illustrated books.
Bike peaceful scenic routes along the loires rivers and through its lush valley, green woodlands and charming villages. This 800 square kilometer valley along the shores of the loire river in northwestern france is the home to dozens of magnificent chateaus, hundreds of kilometers of wellbuilt bicycle paths, and thousands of kind and welcoming people. France is one of europes finest cycling destinations and the recent explosion of quality, specially built and signed routes has only enhanced this reputation. All the major trafficfree routes and signed touring routes are included with a factifile, text description of what to see along the way and, crucially, quality mapping at 1.
The loire, frances longest river, flows in an arc of some 600 miles 1010 kilometers. Get on an adventure around the heart of the unesco loire valley territory and surprise. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Cycling holidays in the loire valley, self guided bike tours. It is a little out of date with road and cycle path conditions, but that cant be helped as things change so often. This cycling tour offers a variety of loire valley castles to visit. Ideally, id like to take the train from paris in the morning into the loire valley tours, amboise. There is also richard peaces cycling southern france. Base yourself in two spectacular locations in the valley of the kings. If you are planning a bike trip to the loire, or are thinking about planning a bike trip to the loire, cher or indre rivers, there are several maps that can help with your trip planning. Weve allowed plenty of time to visit the suggested family attractions and still make it. A rolling symphony of vineyards, orchards, fields and rivers. Savor exquisite local cuisine and critically acclaimed wines, including the fullbodied reds of saumur and bourgueil.
Hopefully, then, my opinions below be useful in deciding upon, and planning, a loire bicycle trip. Enjoy a leisurely 14kms bike ride along the loire river on one of our loire valley cycling tours. This is a comprehensive guide to major leisure cycle routes south of and including the loire valley in france. The loire is the perfect region for a family activity holiday.
Coronavirus status you can buy books and ebooks to plan, enjoy and dream. People who discover the area on a bicycle are always amazed by the. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price. Loire valley bike tours bike tours loire valley france. Cycling in the loire valley from blois to saumur you discover in detail between blois and saumur the beauties of the loire valley. As you cross the loire angers touraine regional nature park between tours and angers, you will be fascinated by the troglodyte villages with their underground caves which are typical of the loire valley, and if you want to discover the landscape in a different way, take to.
The kindle version was very useful downloaded on the smart phone when we lost our way. Loire valley cycling chinon, france activities lonely. The best of the loire each itinerary features some of the best scenery and attractions of the loire. Cycling holidays in the loire valley macs adventure. Chateau of chenonceau its arches gracefully straddle the cher. May 01, 2014 utracks have over 450 trips across the active travel spectrum. Mountain bike tours in angers sensation vtt anjou loire valley. Its a route covering more 1052 kilometres 654 mile, including a section of eurovelo 6 and the popular, waymarked loire.
Turnkey stays for your cycling itine rancy in loire. Unwind at gracious castlehotels in a world heritage region beloved for its elegance and natural beauty. A cycling holiday in the loire valley presents a unique opportunity to travel through gentle terrain, along winding routes beside the meandering river, and down country lanes that lead to majestic chateaux. The loire valley french villages of azayle rideau, amboise, tours, and cheverny, spectacular castles and gardens including chambord and chenonceau, guided tour of leonardo da vincis clos luce, guided tour of chenonceau, sleep in a castle, built between the 15th and 19th centuries, pools in two of three hotels, a special behindthescenes tour of chambord. Located nearby paris, the loire valley provides visitors a unique opportunity to discover the garden of france.