Loire - Single Centre Cycling Break

Head to the heart of the Loire Valley for this single-centre French cycling holiday. Settle in to a charming family-run ‘auberge’ in the village of Chitenay and enjoy daily rides into the surrounding, storybook countryside of the Loire. Choose from a menu of rides that will lead you along idyllic riverside paths, through ancient forests and famous vineyards to stunning chateaux and the medieval city of Blois.

Other highlights include visiting the vineyards of the Cheverny appellation and tasting some of the region’s finest white wines at source. The local food is as good as you’d expect from one of France’s gastronomic heartlands. As far as sights go, the Château de Chambord ranks highly on most people’s lists and you won’t be disappointed by one of the most magnificent castles in all of France.

Château de Cheverny

The gardens at Châteaux de Chaumont-sur-Loire, meanwhile, are an oasis of calm and relaxation. And after all this exploration, returning to your peaceful hotel at the end of your daily rides you can take a refreshing dip in its open-air swimming pool. Then enjoy the wonderful food accompanied by the fine wines they offer during the evening which is first class.

This Loire Valley cycling break is really suitable for almost anyone. The daily rides are relatively short – the longest is about 35 miles – and as you’re based in the same place, if you fancy taking a break one day there’s nothing to stop you. You’re also free to make the rides shorter or longer if you wish. Most of the riding is also on the flat and on quiet country lanes or forest paths.

Loire - Single Centre Cycling Break

Head to the heart of the Loire Valley for this single-centre French cycling holiday. Settle in to a charming family-run ‘auberge’ in the village of Chitenay and enjoy daily rides into the surrounding, storybook countryside of the Loire. Choose from a menu of rides that will lead you along idyllic riverside paths, through ancient forests and famous vineyards to stunning chateaux and the medieval city of Blois.

Other highlights include visiting the vineyards of the Cheverny appellation and tasting some of the region’s finest white wines at source. The local food is as good as you’d expect from one of France’s gastronomic heartlands. As far as sights go, the Château de Chambord ranks highly on most people’s lists and you won’t be disappointed by one of the most magnificent castles in all of France.

Château de Cheverny

The gardens at Châteaux de Chaumont-sur-Loire, meanwhile, are an oasis of calm and relaxation. And after all this exploration, returning to your peaceful hotel at the end of your daily rides you can take a refreshing dip in its open-air swimming pool. Then enjoy the wonderful food accompanied by the fine wines they offer during the evening which is first class.

This Loire Valley cycling break is really suitable for almost anyone. The daily rides are relatively short – the longest is about 35 miles – and as you’re based in the same place, if you fancy taking a break one day there’s nothing to stop you. You’re also free to make the rides shorter or longer if you wish. Most of the riding is also on the flat and on quiet country lanes or forest paths.

Itinerary

This Loire Valley cycling break is really suitable for almost anyone. The daily selection of rides are relatively short – the longest is about 32 miles – and as you’re based in the same place, if you fancy taking a break one day there’s nothing to stop you. You’re also free to make the rides shorter or longer if you wish.

During your stay you can select from any of the following routes:

Day 1 : Arrive Chitenay

On arrival in the Loire Valley make your way to your lovely hotel in Chitenay. After check-in you’re free to relax by the pool or chill out and read a good book in the pretty gardens. As you’ll be staying at the same hotel for the 3 nights it is up to you which of the following rides you select to do and in which order. Your bikes will be at the hotel from 10:00 am on your arrival day.

Day 2 : Option 1: Chitenay – Cheverny – Chitenay
14 miles/23 kms

Today’s ride takes you eastwards from Chitenay into the Cheverny appellation, well known for its superb wines. On this ride you will visit the small but perfectly formed Château de Troussay which is worth a visit. Perhaps take the guided tour which only lasts about 30 minutes and gives you an insight into daily life in times gone by. Then onwards to the more imposing Château de Cheverny, which is well worth going inside to marvel at the sumptuously furnished apartments.

Our Châteaux Visit package supplement includes entry to Château de Cheverny and "The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall" exhibition. It also includes a wine tasting of Cheverney AOC wines in Cheverny

Day 3 : Option 2: Chitenay – Chambord – Chitenay
35 miles/56 kms

Head north today through the thick Domain of Chambord forest to its eponymous castle. The Château de Chambord is probably the most magnificent – and certainly the most famous – of all the many châteaux of the Loire Valley. It boasts no fewer than 440 rooms and while you can’t see all of them, a visit is well recommended. You can easily spend a couple of hours here enjoying exploring inside and then taking a walk around the gardens for some excellent photo shots.

Our Châteaux Visit package supplement includes entry to Château Chambord and gardens.

Day 4 : Option 3: Chitenay – Blois – Chitenay
21 miles/33 kms

Cycle through the forest again to reach the banks of the Loire at Blois, one of the most attractive towns on the whole river. As well as the compulsory Château, Blois has a fascinating old town with pretty winding streets, good shopping and even better restaurants.

Day 5 : Option 4: Chitenay – Chaumont – Chitenay
25 miles/39 kms

Today you’ll enjoy a lovely ride through the countryside to the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire on the Loire River. The beautiful Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire stands guard over the village and each summer the extensive castle grounds host the International Garden Festival where you can admire many artistic garden compositions.

Our Châteaux Visit package supplement includes entry to Château Chaumont-sur-Loire and garden festival.

Bikes

On this trip you can opt for regular hybrid bikes, trekking bikes or electric bikes.

The regular bikes provided on this route are modern alloy framed models with 27 speeds. They offer a very comfortable, upright riding position, perfect for sightseeing a long the way.

The trekking bikes offer a more dynamic riding position and front suspension - they also feature 27 speeds. These bikes will best suit experienced cyclists who appreciate a more sporty riding position.

The electric bikes come with 9 or 10 speed transmission and feature step-thru frames for ease of use.

All bikes come with a 20 litre pannier, a handlebar bag, front/rear lights and bike lock. Additionally, one repair kit is provided per booking.

Helmets are not provided, so you will need to bring your own.

Accommodation

Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.

Comfort: A comfortable, well appointed hotel in Chitenay with charming character and open air swimming pool.

Chitenay: Auberge du Centre

Getting there

Fly directly to Tours or Paris or take the Eurostar to Paris. Then take the train to Blois and from there a taxi to your hotel.

Research flights from the UK here.

Research trains in France

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