ITINERARY
Below is our classic Loire Valley cycling holiday itinerary, including our guests' favourites over the last 16 years. We have included the tour details for 7 nights, but you are welcome to stay for 5, 6 or 7, as best suits your travel plans.
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Arrival Day
If you are arriving by train, we include free collection from Port Boulet - our local station - from 4.00pm. After settling you in to your accommodation, we will share a welcome drink, chat about the next few days and arrange your bike sizing. You can take the bikes for a short cycle if you wish, before enjoying your first Loire Valley dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.
Day 2
After breakfast, your cycling adventure begins - head into Bourgueil to experience the great local market. Sit at a pavement café and watch the world go by, then pick up provisions for a delicious picnic lunch. Today's cycling route meanders through local villages and vineyards, with plenty of opportunities for winery visits. Visit the wine museum and then enjoy a glass of Loire Valley wine on the terrace, before heading back to base.
Day 3
This morning you'll start your cycle ride in Rigny Ussé - the chateau here inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty, so have your cameras ready. Then enjoy the quiet of the Indre and Loire riversides to Langeais with its medieval chateau and town. In the afternoon, pedal again along the river to Villandry - famous for its magnficent gardens.
Day 4
Today after breakfast we'll transport you to the medieval town of Chinon. The fortress was visited by Joan of Arc in 1429, and the town is full of narrow cobbled streets and plenty of pavement cafés. Once you have finished your exploration, you'll cycle on a quiet route along the Vienne river with the option to visit Candes St Martin - one of the prettiest villages in France - before heading through the vineyards back to base.
Day 5
This morning you will start your day in Saumur, where you'll have time to explore the wonderful architecture and hilltop chateau. Then today’s cycle route has several interesting and unusual stops on the way – you'll cycle through vineyards and troglodyte caves as well as along the river back to base.
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Day 6
Today you have a choice of cycling routes. You can head out to the forest of Bourgueil; this gently rolling route takes you along quiet lanes where the only sounds are birdsong and the swoosh of tyres on tarmac, and in Gizeux visit the family-owned chateau. Or you can cycle through quiet country lanes to a village and picnic spot right on the Loire. Enjoy a heritage walk round the village before heading home via the swimming lake for a cooling dip.
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Day 7
For guests staying a full week we offer a non-cycling day - usually in the middle of your tour. You may choose to explore the local town, enjoy some wine tasting at a local vineyard, have a long lunch al fresco, or just relax at your accommodation. Maybe you’ll take your car or a train to visit further afield. And if you prefer to cycle every day, that’s fine, we’ll provide a route for you.
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Departure day
Today you'll enjoy a final breakfast before heading off on your travels. If you are travelling by train, we include transport to our local station - Port Boulet.
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If you like the look of this holiday, but don't have 5 nights to spend in the Loire Valley, check out our short tours option.