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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
June 2-8
June 21-27
June 29-July 5

July 2-8
August 25-31

September 8-14

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

2009
June 1-7
June 20-26
June 28-July 4
August 24-30

September 7-13

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Tours / Azay-le-Rideau

Accommodations:

Le Clos D'Amboise, Amboise

Le Moulin Fleuri, Veigne

Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-Rideau

Activity Level:

Moderate
30-55 km daily

(20-40 miles)

van supported

Terrain:

3 days flat, 3 days are gently rolling

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2250
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
US $140

Loire Valley, Biking

Cheateaux of the Loire

Only 1 hour south of Paris lies a region that since the Renaissance has been a favorite of kings and the aristocracy; the Loire River valley is dotted with fine chateaux, vineyards, and some of the most beautiful (and gentle) cycling routes in France. Our tour visits the most magnificent chateaux, the extraordinary gardens of Villandry, but also leaves time to explore the subtler aspects of a region that has much to offer

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• A ride you will never forget: our bike path along the Loire River.
• A surprise picnic on the grounds of one of the grand chateau.
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
• Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

 

Itinerary

Getting there :
Tours: Most participants will arrive from Paris by train the evening before our departure. We have recommendations for excellent hotels in the historical district of Tours.

DAYS 1+2:
Amboise - Starting from Tours, we'll ride east along a little-used road winding through vineyards to Amboise, with its impressive castle and charming village. Leonardo da Vinci lived here and we'll visit the museum in his former home. On our second day we'll cycle to Chenanceaux where we'll enjoy a guided visit of one of the most magnificent chateau in France.

DAYS 3+4:
Montbazon - Riding west we'll stop for lunch at a curious castle whose owner has a passion for growing tomatoes (his garden has 500 varieties); we'll enjoy lunch here before continuing on through forests and sun-flower fields, making our way to Montbazon. Here we'll stay at a former mill that has been turned into a beautiful hotel, with a restaurant that is outstanding. On our second day here, we'll ride to the gardens of Villandry.

DAYS 5+6:
Azay-le-Rideau - Following one of the tributaries of the Loire, we'll enjoy some of the best riding in the region, stopping to visit Chateau de Sache, where the writer Blauzac resided. In Azay-le-Rideau we'll visit the impressive chateaux that is the 'jewel of the Loire Valley'. On our last day of cycling we'll explore the Chinon region before making our way to Langeais, and its magnificent castle. Back in Azay-le-Rideau we'll finish the week with a celebratory dinner at a favourite restaurant.

DAY 7: Depart at your leisure from Azay-le-Rideau train station.