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On Kings' steps in the Loire Valley
Loire
France
Often called the "Garden of France". the Loire Valley is an enchanted land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills dotted with more than a thousand chateaux. It is perhaps the charm of its gentle pace life that has, for centuries, made it a sought-after location for poets and writers. It is a step back through the history of some of France's finest works of art.
The Kings of France chose this area of France for their residence and they left their historical imprint. Your route will drive you not only along the longest river of France with its wild sides but also among famous vineyards of Anjou, picturesques villages and the Valleys of Indre and Cher - not to miss the historic castles of course.
Tours
At the junction of the Loire and Cher Rivers, Tours is a busy university town and the traditional point of departure for exploring the Loire Valley. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the great pilgrimage sites of Europe. Today, the city boasts wonderful Renaissance and neo-classical mansions, which are clustered around the famous Plumereau square, fine museums including a collection of craftsmen's masterpieces and the Cathedral of St-Gatien. Famous wine region, especially Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil... The most interesting sites in the Surrounding area are the châteaux of Azay-IeRideau, which reflects on the river, Villandry, surrounded by Renaissance gardens, Ussé, said to be the original Sleeping Beauty's castle, Langeais and Loches, as well as the splendid medieval city of Chinon.
Blois
Its famous castle has been linked throughout the centuries to the history of the Kings of France. Every Wednesday at the castel, there is night spectacle for english speaking visitors. Places of interest to visit in the surrounding area: the châteaux of Beauregard and Chaumont-sur Loire, which holds a famous International Festival of Parks and Gardens from mid-June through mid-October.
Chenonceaux
Huddled under the shadow of its impressive royal castle, Amboise is a pretty town with white stone houses dating from the 15th century. Also of interest is the Cbs Lucé, the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci. A few miles away, the Château of Chenonceau, also called the Ladies Castle, has a famous viewing gallery, built by one of France's great Queens, from which to admire an impressive view of the Cher River.
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Meeting:
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Tours (hotel)
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Airport:
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Paris
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Transfer:
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
7 nights accommodation in 2** and 3 *** hotels. Breakfast Buffet, 4-course-evening meals, baggage transfer between each hotel on
the tour’s circuit, road bood and map, assistance
| A | 2010 | 8 day trip, MAP | 8d / 7n | €845 | $1200 |
| Single supplement | €205 | $295 |
| Extra night in Tours pp (dbl) BB | €66 | $95 |
| Rental of bike 18 speed | €88 | $125 |
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Weekly departures in season on Friday, Saturday or Sunday
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Rates do not include:
Extra night in Tours, Lunches, Bike rental
Day 1
Arrival in Tours, Capital of Touraine. Before beginning your cycling tour, do not forget to visit this beautiful city with its gothic cathedral and its old quarters.
Day 2: Tours – Chinon ≈ 61 km
You leave the city from the riverside of the Loire. Few kilometers further, you arrive to the famous gardens of Villandry Castle. From the little roads parallel to the Loire, you have a nice view on the wild sides of the Loire river. Passing among fields you will arrive to the Sleeping Beauty’s castle, in Ussé.
Then you cycle up to Chinon dominated by the ruins of the castle of Charles the VIIth. During the 12th century, the King Henry II of England fell in love with this beautiful town, located on the side of the river Vienne.
Day 3: Chinon - Fontevraud - Chinon 55 km
Today, you will cycle from Chinon to Fontevraud, one of the biggest abbeys in France, which was under protection of Plantagenets’ family during the 12th century . (Henry the 2nd, Richard the Lionheart as well as Aliénor from Aquitaine are engraved here). On your way back to Chinon, you will cycle among the vineyards of Anjou.
Day 4: Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau ≈ 45 km
From Chinon to Azay le Rideau, you will cross nice forests.
Your arrival to Azay le Rideau is showing you the charms of the Indre Valley : romantic riversides, beautiful houses made of stones and the amazing castle described as a diamond by the french the writer Honoré de Balzac.
Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau – Chenonceaux ≈ 60 km
You leave the Indre Valley in order to follow the Cher Valley. Montbazon, Bléré, nice little town. Then the famous castle of Chenonceau called « Château des Dames ». Maybe behind a door or during a walk in the magnificent gardens you will meet the ghosts of Catherine de Medicis or Diane de Poitiers
Day 6: Chenonceaux - Blois ≈ 75 km
Today’s route will pass by Montrichard in the Cher valley; you will cross cute little villages and arrive to Cheverny. Then you will follow the Loire riverside up to Blois. Blois was the seat of the royalties during many years and this town is marked by different art currents from various periods. A castle with an interesting history.
Day 7: Blois - Tours ≈70 km
The last cycling day will leave you an unforgettable souvenir. You will follow the side of this fascinating river Loire up to the royal castle of Amboise. In Amboise, do not miss the visit of Clos Lucé, famous house where Leonard of Vinci spent the last years of his life. Back to Tours along the Loire side.
Day 8
Your cycling trip in Loire Valley is unfortunately finished but you will bring back home a complete range of great souvenirs.
Meeting:
Tours (hotel)
Airport:
Paris
Train station:
Tours
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. . more
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JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JULY |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
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°C |
4.4 |
4.5 |
7.6 |
9.9 |
13.5 |
16.7 |
19.5 |
18.7 |
16.6 |
12.9 |
7.6 |
5.5 |
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°F |
39.9 |
40.1 |
45.7 |
49.8 |
56.3 |
62.1 |
67.1 |
65.7 |
61.9 |
55.2 |
45.7 |
41.9 |
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*We would seriously recommend that you bring padded cycling shorts and / or a gel saddle cover that will definitely make your day’s cycling more comfortable. Cycling gloves are also a good investment.
*We do not provide rain gear so be sure to bring your own light weight waterproofs.
*Although it is not obligatory to wear a helmet we strongly recommend that you wear one. If you own a bicycle helmet please bring it.
*Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses , sun hat
Your bike will have two paniers at the back, plus one plastic to fix to the front for the roadbook. You will be provided with locks with a code or keys and also a bike pump. A repair kit also comes with the bikes (1 kit for 2 bikes) and includes 2 inner tubes + keys.
check list:
- sports wear
- comfortable shoes
- rain clothes
- drink bottle for the bike
- helmet (you can rent one for ~ 8,00 € )
- sun cream
- extra camera batteries or memory, it is expensive in France
- swim suit, the hotel in Chinon has a swimming pool
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations are in **/*** hotels.
Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast and 4-course evening meals.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
|
|
|
|
Level:
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|
(2
to
2
out of 5) Moderate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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On Kings' steps in the Loire Valley
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