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LV
Loire Valley Cycling
8 days Hotels Cycling through the Garden of France
CYCLE GRADE A
This easy-going trip utilises the comfort and warmth of small, local hotels in the pleasant towns and villages of the Loire. Carrying only what we need for each day, we ride from Montrichard via medieval Amboise and elegant Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon. Our normal ride between nightstops is about 40km, so theres ample time to visit the delightful villages, châteaux and vineyards along the way. There are options for longer routes, so you can cycle as much as you want.
Château Country We begin in Montrichard on the River Cher. As the trip is designed with flexibility in mind you can choose to do some optional cycle rides to the 17th century Château de Gue Pean or to the vineyards of the Cher region. We then cycle to Amboise via the beautiful Château de Chenonceau built on a rocky
Itinerary Day 1 Eurostar/train from London via Lille and Tours to Montrichard. 2 In Montrichard; choice of rides. 3 Ride to Amboise via Chenonceau. 4 Ride to Azay-le-Rideau via Cormery. 5 In Azay-le-Rideau; optional rides; optional visit Villandry Gardens. 6 Ride to Chinon via Château dUssé. 7 In Chinon; various optional routes. 8 Taxi, train and Eurostar via Tours and Lille to London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts small hotel; 7 breakfasts included. See p45. Bicycles: 18 or 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. Daily distances day 01 day 02 day 03 day 04 day 05 day 06 day 07 day 08 Rest days or optional rides Grade & Terrain: Grade A 153km over 4 days (average of 39km/cycling day); plus additional optional day rides. Undulating terrain and quiet country roads link the historic châteaux and towns. We spend two nights in most hotels, giving you the choice of cycling as much or as little as you want on static days. You can ride independently or with group members. Cycling is 95% asphalt; 5% gravel tracks. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate. Group Size: Approx. 10 to 14.
35km 30/40km 54km 38km 35km 43km
Chateau de Chinon
plateau between the Loire and the Masse rivers. Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days here, as a guest of the French king. Gardens of the Loire From the course of the Cher, we head south to the River Indre, cycling via Cormery famous for its macaroons! and reach the elegant town of Azay-le-Rideau. From here you may like to explore the pristine gardens of Villandry: a real gardeners dream, the flower beds burst with colours that cascade down terraces and ornamental plazas. In Azay itself, the medieval château, rising out of a wooded island, is also well worth a visit. Medieval Chinon Now following the Loire, we pedal to Chinon and the Vienne River, admiring as we go the Sleeping Beauty Château dUssé with its fearsome turrets and towering chimneys. Our time is free in Chinon: you can wander
through the old town (known for its medieval timber-framed houses and winding alleys), cycle to Fontevraud Abbey or perhaps follow a wine trail to try some of the light whites of the region.
Loire Valley Cycling Ref LV
From/To Lille Villandry Gardens Ussé Fontevraud Abbey
Tours
AMBOISE
Château de Chenonceau
Lo
ire
Ch
e
r
AZAY-LE-RIDEAU MONTRICHARD CHINON
FRANCE
Ind re
Vienne
km 0
50
Stopping for a break at Brehemont/Brian Bestford
DATES & PRICES in £s per adult 8 days from London (Sat-Sat) 2008 deps 12 Jul-19 Jul 19 Jul-26 Jul 16 Aug-23 Aug 23 Aug-30 Aug 06 Sep-13 Sep 2009 deps 18 Jul-25 Jul 25 Jul-01 Aug Train Incl 499 499 499 499 499 Train Incl 519 519 Land Only 429 429 429 429 429 Land Only 449 449
Land Only tour: 8 days - start Montrichard day 1 (Sat), end Chinon day 8 (Sat) Plus Local Payment: ¬140 (approx £95) payable Montrichard These are guide prices, see p46 for full details
Starting out from Chateau de Gue Pean/Brian Bestford
Essential information about our tours see pages 45-51
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