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france
cycling the loire
ACtIVe
8 days, Paris to Angers
itiNerary... Day 1 Paris Arrive early and warm up with a walk around Paris, taking in some of the many famous sights. Day 2 tours Bask in the afternoon sun with a stroll to the 15th century St *plus Local Payment EU¬150
Physical culture shock
Gatien Cathedral, Tours main attraction, or escape to a medieval past in Le Vieux Tours. Later, loosen up your limbs on the dancefloor - this university town boasts the best nightlife in the region. Day 3 tours to chinon Enchanting pastoral scenery and fresh country air provide a relaxing backdrop to this five-day cycling trip. Keep an eye out for exceptional examples of Renaissance architecture - notably the Chateau de Villandry - along the way; the Ornamental Gardens at Villandry are a remarkable sight. Of course there will also be plenty of opportunities to stop and buy some fine local wines. Day 4 chinon to saumur Meander through the beautiful villages of the Loire countryside. See the Abbaye Royale in Fontevraud, burial place of King Henry II and his son, Richard the Lionheart. Day 5 saumur to Gennes Consider taking the challenging hike up to the chateau and its panoramic lookout in Saumur before getting back in the saddle. The white stone buildings of Saumur, Romanesque churches and panoramas make this a very scenic day. Days 6-8 Gennes to angers Ride through the fertile valley of Authion to the fortress city of Angers. There is much to see and do in Angers, and plenty of time to explore the city on the banks of the Maine River. Be sure to visit the huge 17 round towers of the formidable 13th century Angers castle. Inside is the 14th century, 140m-long Apocalypse tapestry inspired by the Book of Revelations.
accoMMoDatioN Hotels (7 nts) traNsPort Train, metro, bicycle, walking GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow EU¬280 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sun GuaraNtee Subject to min 4 traVeller ratiNG 4.80 out of 5 start 2008 18 May 01 Jun 15 Jun 29 Jun 13 Jul Finish 25 May 08 Jun 22 Jun 06 Jul 20 Jul 27 Jul 10 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31 Aug 07 Sep 03 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31 Aug 07 Sep 14 Sep 2009 07 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28 Jun 05 Jul Above: Lovely Loire lanes - Jackie Watkins
" experience French country lifestyles " Wander the medieval quarter of tours " indulge in fine wines " cycle through the beautiful loire Valley
triP coDe
Axl
provence
ORIgINAl
8 days, Avignon to Arles
itiNerary... Days 1-2 avignon and orange The walled city of Avignon has it all: a thriving art scene, Europes largest Gothic palace, an ancient bridge and even its own nursery rhyme. A scenic *plus Local Payment EU¬150
Physical culture shock
city walk takes in the crumbling but beautiful Pont Saint-Benezet and the 14th century Palais des Papes, a papal residence. For a taste of modern Avignon stroll along the shopping streets and try delectable Provencal cuisine. To see ruins from the regions illustrious Roman past, take the opportunity to see the amphitheatre on a visit to nearby Orange. Day 3 Pont du Gard Visit another testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire - the highest aqueduct built in ancient times. Take a dip here when the weather is warm. Day 4 st-remy de Provence Journey south to view the dramatic limestone cliffs and olive oil mills of the Chaine des Alpilles region. St-Remy is famous for its cuisine as well as Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most famous masterpieces here. Stroll past some of the vantage points for his paintings. Days 5-6 arles The charming town of Arles is as famous for its artistic history as for its Roman ruins. It was also here that Venus of Arles, now in the Louvre in Paris, was discovered in 1651. Enjoy free time with a walk down LAllee des Sarcophages, lined with 80 sarcophagi and tall poplar trees. Day 7 camargue Explore the Camargue marshes by bicycle. Dont miss the gorgeous pink flamingos on this cycle along the sea dike to the elegant Gacholle lighthouse. Day 8 arles Enjoy a relaxing last day in the heart of Provence - why not stay a little longer to explore the beautiful countryside?
accoMMoDatioN Hotels (7 nts) traNsPort Train, local bus, walking GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow EU¬280 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sun GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed traVeller ratiNG Not applicable as this is a new itinerary start 2008 11 May 18 May 25 May 01 Jun 08 Jun 22 Jun 06 Jul Finish 18 May 25 May 01 Jun 08 Jun 15 Jun 29 Jun 13 Jul 20 Jul 03 Aug 17 Aug 31 Aug 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Sep 12 Oct 27 Jul 10 Aug 24 Aug 07 Sep 21 Sep 28 Sep 05 Oct 19 Oct 2009 03 May 17 May 31 May 07 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28 Jun 10 May 24 May 07 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28 Jun 05 Jul Above: Provencal olives, St Remy, Provence - Julien Azam
" experience Gothic grandeur at the Palais des Papes " Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in arles " spot resident pink flamingos in the wilds of the camargue
ASR
23
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