ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO THE LOIRE VALLEY 2010
If there is one region in France positively made for enjoyment bybicycle, it is the Loire, with its gentle landscape, its wide, majestic river and, above all, its magnificent chateaux. With a bike, you can take your time and explore everything easily and quickly. This itinerary is suitable for all and includes many of the area's finest towns and chateaux.
PRICE
£650 per person (based on two people sharing) £145 single supplement. An extra night in Blois: £45 pp with a single supplement of £18.
Bike hire: £60 for a 21 speed men’s and ladies' bike, equipped with two saddlebags, a water bottle, an anti-theft device, a map holder, a helmet and a repair kit. Adjustment by a cycling specialist.
INCLUDED
Accommodation: 7 nights on half board basis in 2* star hotels - double room with shower and toilets.
Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel.
Maps and itineraries. Local back-up.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel to/from holiday, bike hire, drinks, local tax (the 'taxe de séjour' a small charge that has to be paid on the spot), personal expenses.
WHEN TO GO
March to October on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
To book email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44)
(0)1242 254353
Day 1: Arrival in Blois. Discover the town with its handsome streets and its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
Day 2: Blois - Amboise - Travel through the forest and vineyards of Mesland appellation to the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire overlooking the Loire river before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau, a residence of some of France's most illustrious monarchs. Accommodation in 2* hotel and dinner in a local restaurant.
42 km/26 miles
Day 3: A circular ride through the heart of the Montlouis vineyards, during which you have the opportunity to visit the Touraine Aquarium before returning via the forest to Amboise. Worth visiting is Clos Lucé Manor, last home of Leonardo Da Vinci. Accommodation in 2* hotel and dinner in a local restaurant
28 km/17.5 miles
Day 4: Amboise - Montrichard Bike through vineyards and orchards to the famous chateau of Chenonceau straddling the Cher river, and the scene of one of the great rivalries of French history, between Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Reach the charming town of Montrichard on the banks of the Cher.
Accommodation in 2* hotel and dinner in a local restaurant.
44 or 23 km/27.5 or 14 miles
Day 5: Montrichard - Chitenay Leave the Cher Valley to reach the vineyards of Touraine, via the chateau of Gué Péanand the medieval chateau of Fougère-sur-Bièvre, a perfect illustration of traditional 15th century architecture, and finally spend the night in a charming rural hotel.
Dinner & accommodation in 2* hotel. 43 km/27 miles
Day 6: Circular ride through the Forest of Russy with the chance to visit the Château of Beauregard renowned for its Portrait Gallery. Possibility to extend thejourney through the magnificent ‘Sologne’, a game-filled forest with ponds at every crossroads and small private châteaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves. Dinner & accommodation in 2* hotel
26 km/16 miles or 46 km/29 miles
Day 7: Chitenay - Blois During this final journey you will discover the sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the extraordinary Château of Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis the 1st.
Dinner & accommodation in 2* hotel. 49 km/30.5 miles
Day 8: Departure.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
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GETTING THERE
Blois railway station (from Paris Austerlitz)
ACCOMMODATION
Comfortable 2** hotels with private bathrooms
WHAT TO TAKE
Rucksack/day pack, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun hat,
sun block/cream, compass, torch, mobile phone, container for sandwiches and a first-aid kit.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44)
(0)1242 254353