7 days bike tour
The climate in the Loire Valley is temperate and ideal for cycling, with few extremes during summer months. Daytime temperatures generally between 25-32 C. Although this region of France typically records the lowest amount of annual rainfall, some showers are a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.
The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. Collectively they are known as vins de Touraine. Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way. With the vast majority of the riding on easy tarmac roads with few hills this is not Le Tour de France but a pleasant pedal through one of the most beautiful corners of France.
This trip is rated as Easy to Moderate and novice cyclists will have no problems. All participants should be comfortable riding a bike for approximately 4 hours per day and have a basic familiarity with shifting gears. The terrain in the Loire Valley is relatively flat, however we will sporadically encounter some gradually rolling hills.
Day 1: Start Amboise.
Day 2: Cycle to Montrichard.
The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceaux on the river Cher – or rather, in the river Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank.
Day 3: Cycle to Cour Cheverny.
Having passed a 16th century castle, follow the Cher valley east through a landscape of farmland and villages to moated castle of Chemery before completing the day's ride.
Day 4: Free day.
Today is free to relax in the village, visit the beautiful chateau in Cour Cheverny or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase.
Day 5: Cycle to Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Return to the Loire valley and there is a number of options today. For the more energetic an excursion to the mediaeval town of Blois provides a historical diversion or alternatively take the more direct route to the hotel.
Day 6: Free day.
Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides.
Day 7: Cycle to Amboise.
The final day in the saddle and cycle across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There should be plenty of time to visit the Clos Luce, last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town.
The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. Collectively they are known as vins de Touraine. Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way. With the vast majority of the riding on easy tarmac roads with few hills this is not Le Tour de France but a pleasant pedal through one of the most beautiful corners of France.
This trip is rated as Easy to Moderate and novice cyclists will have no problems. All participants should be comfortable riding a bike for approximately 4 hours per day and have a basic familiarity with shifting gears. The terrain in the Loire Valley is relatively flat, however we will sporadically encounter some gradually rolling hills.
Day 1: Start Amboise.
Day 2: Cycle to Montrichard.
The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceaux on the river Cher – or rather, in the river Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank.
Day 3: Cycle to Cour Cheverny.
Having passed a 16th century castle, follow the Cher valley east through a landscape of farmland and villages to moated castle of Chemery before completing the day's ride.
Day 4: Free day.
Today is free to relax in the village, visit the beautiful chateau in Cour Cheverny or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase.
Day 5: Cycle to Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Return to the Loire valley and there is a number of options today. For the more energetic an excursion to the mediaeval town of Blois provides a historical diversion or alternatively take the more direct route to the hotel.
Day 6: Free day.
Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides.
Day 7: Cycle to Amboise.
The final day in the saddle and cycle across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There should be plenty of time to visit the Clos Luce, last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town.
posted by titzu at 2:17 AM
1 Comments:
great bike tour even if is too easy to need seven days.
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