France — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

Tours AMBOISE Ch�teau de Chenonceau Lo Uss� Fontevraud Abbey ire Lacave km rd Do CREYSSE og SOUILLAC Gluges ne EUROPE Tranquil waters of the Dorgogne/Matt Watkins FRANCE Starting out from Chateau de Gue Pean/Brian Bestford FRANCE Loire Valley Cycling CYCLE GRADE A Ref LV Dordogne Discovery 8 DAYS CAMPING BOATING, CYCLING & WALKING IN RURAL FRANCE Ref DR JFMAMJJASOND JFMA JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 8 DAYS HOTELS CYCLING THROUGH THE GARDEN OF FRANCE 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, ch�teaux and vineyards along the way. There are options for longer routes, so you can cycle as much as you want. Ch�teau 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 Ch�teau de Gue Pean or to the vineyards of the Cher region. We then cycle to Amboise via the beautiful Ch�teau de Chenonceau built on a rocky 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 ch�teau, 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 Ch�teau dUss� with its fearsome turrets and towering chimneys. Our time is free in Chinon: you can wander through the old town (known for its medieval Loire Valley Cycling Ref LV From/To Lille Villandry Gardens An active discovery of the tranquil Dordogne, as it twists its course through one of the most scenic regions of France. By boat, cycle and on foot, we discover its tiny villages, ancient farms and romantic ch�teaux. We also explore caves, gorges and plenty of the local cuisine too. Put simply: the Great Outdoors, � la fran�aise! Unspoilt Villages & Fine Cuisine Setting off downstream from the old walled village of Beaulieu, we wind our way through a corner of France renowned for its serene backwaters, picturesque hamlets and the friendliest of people. The Dordogne is also home to many a fine wine and recipe with Cahors and Bergerac labels and confit de canard ruling the roost. Canoeing, Cycling & Rambling Paddling at a leisurely pace in our inflatable canoes, and following quiet country roads on our bicycles, we gradually discover the historical and geological richness of the region. With occasional sorties on foot, we explore amongst others the well preserved fortifications of Castelnau-Bretenoux before overnighting at the medieval town of Rocamadour which is precariously perched on a sheer cliff. From Creysse we visit the nearby market town of Martel. Finally we paddle via Lacave to Souillac, where our journey ends. A medieval landscape Ch e r AZAY-LE-RIDEAU MONTRICHARD CHINON FRANCE Ind re Vienne km 0 50 Pedalling through the Dordogne/J Sweeney 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. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Eurostar and train from London via Paris to Brive; bus to Beaulieu. 2 In Beaulieu; AM briefing on handling boats. PM paddle to Puybrun (2-3hrs). 3 Visit Castelnau-Bretenoux fortified town by bicycle (2hrs), paddle (2-3hrs) via Carennac to Vayrac. 4 Cycle to Rocamadour via Carennac and Padirac Caves (optional visit). 5 Cycle down Vall�e de lOuisse to Creysse. 6 Walk to Martel and Gluges; Canoe back to Creysse. 7 Paddle via Lacave to Souillac (6hrs). 8 Train and Eurostar via Paris to London. Please note: Transfers across Paris are not included. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts camping at well appointed campsites, 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Inflatable Canoes/On foot/ Bicycle/Bus. Comment: An activity based camping trip in an idyllic corner of rural France using inflatable canoes, mountain bikes and on foot. No previous experience is necessary for the canoes or bikes, but you must be quite fit to enjoy the paddling, cycling and rambling. Equipment is provided, but bring your own sleeping bag. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus support driver(s); canoe guide. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. FACTFILE 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-leRideau; optional rides; optional visit Villandry Gardens. 6 Ride to Chinon via Ch�teau dUss�. 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 insert p2.. Bicycles: 18 or 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. 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 ch�teaux 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. Dordogne Discovery Ref DR From/To Paris Brive FRANCE BEAULIEU Market town Martel Old city walls Carennac VAYRAC C� re PUYBRUN CastelnauBretenoux Padirac Caves Chateau de Chinon 0 16 ROCAMADOUR Pilgrimage town 20 Essential information, departure dates & prices see Pricing & Information Supplement

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