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.
