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France Cycling in the Loire Valley
France
Cycling in the Loire Valley
Independent Trip 8 Days
· Gentle self-guided cycling amid the beautiful
French countryside · Fairytale chateaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley · Great food, cakes and wine · Flexible itinerary with a variety of routes available
T
he Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1,000km 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 amid the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages; ideal for gentle family cycling. The vast majority of the riding is on quiet, easy tarmac roads, with few hills. 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 and most famous chateaux along the way.
Trip Profile
Travel suggested route by train from St Pancras International to Amboise, via Paris - not included. Accommodation 7 nights in two or three star hotels. Swimming 4 nights with pool. Transport 21 speed bikes. Child (7 yrs plus) and trailer-bikes (4-6 yrs) available. Group min 2, Independent; luggage is transferred and contact numbers supplied. Food all breakfasts and 5 dinners included. Reality Check an active trip and children should be comfortable riding fairly long distances. Route is mainly flat and undemanding. 6 days riding (2 optional), min 20km, max 46km (transport can be arranged on this day), average 27km/day. Min. Age 4 years.
Climate: Amboise
Temp ºC Rainy Days
The Itinerary
Day 1 Start Amboise. 2 Ride to the river-side town of Montrichard via the spectacular chateau of Chenonceaux on the River Cher. 3 Cycle through quiet villages of the Sologne to Bracieux, with optional stops at the Chateau of Fougeres, and the grander Cheverny. 4 Rest day in Bracieux or circular ride through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord, an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires. 5 Riverbank ride following the lazy Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. 6 Rest day to explore the chateau at Chaumont or circular ride to the medieval city of Blois. 7 Cycle through rolling countryside to Amboise; time to visit the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle of Amboise. 8 End Amboise.
Group Dates & Prices
Trip Code · FVD Sat to Sat & Wed to Wed Start any Saturday from 15 March to 18 October; Wednesday 19 March and 26 March; plus any Wednesday 23 July to 03 September. All dates Adult £599, Child# £489 Prices are `Land Only' and do not include travel from London Return rail from London to Amboise, prices from £100 Compulsory single supplement £85 Prices based on 2 or 3 persons sharing, reductions available (on request) for 4 persons per room #Child must be aged 4 to 11 at time of dep. Bike Hire Adult 80 (approx. £60), child and trailer-bikes 60 (approx. £40), paid locally Insurance: please see page 68
TRIP TRIVIA
Tintin fans will love the Chateau of Cheverny as there is an excellent exhibition about the young adventurer. The Chateau was the model for Captain Haddock's ancestral home, Marlin Spike, or Moulinsart in French.
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For Trip Notes & availability, use the Trip Code in the search box on the Exodus home page.
To book call 0845 863 9636 or visit www.exodus.co.uk
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