France - Royal Loire Cycle (5 days)

The Loire River was once the highway between the Atlantic and the heart of France. Its valley was known as the 'playground of kings' - a neighbourhood of impressive chateaux and vast fortune. Travelling by bicycle is a great way to experience this world famous valley.

Based in a delightful family run hotel in the small town of Chitenay you will be provided with a bike, maps and route notes to discover the surrounding forests, vineyards and medieval towns and the famous chateaux of Cheverny and Chambord. In the evenings, soak up the warm atmosphere of the hotel and garden, and sample the hotels excellent local cuisine and wine.

The trip is also available as an 8 day itinerary.

Itinerary:

·Day 1: Arrival in Chitenay - Arrive in the small town of Chitenay. The hotel is in the centre of the village where there are 3 or 4 simple shops. Check in is in the afternoon after 3pm and you will receive all the route instructions, sightseeing information and your bike at this time. Note that your bike may arrive on day 2 no later than 9am). Dinner is served in the main dining room.

·Day 2 to Day 4: Loire Valley cycle excursions of 16-48km - From your base in Chitenay there are 7 different cycle excursions you can choose from to explore the surrounding region and chateaux.

⇒Excursion 1 - To the Chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre: 24 km - This short cycle takes you to the Feudal style chateau in the heart of a small village. Take your time to soak in the countryside vistas and enjoy a picnic lunch enroute.

⇒Excursion 2 - Via the Chateau of Cheverny: 23km - this excursion allows you to travel cross country through fields, vineyards & some quaint villages. There is ample time to explore the sumptuously furnished Chateau which inspired Hergé's vision of Marlinspike in the adventures of Tintin.

⇒Excursion 3 - Russy Forest: 14km - this cycle takes you through the Forest of Russy and gives you the opportunity to visit the Château of Beauregard famous for its Portrait Gallery.

⇒Excursion 4 - Chambord: 50km - Cycle through the rich Domaine de Chambord forest, where a stop is essential to visit the most famous and majestic château in the Loire Valley. In its Renaissance splendour, the Château de Chambord boasts no less than 440 rooms.

⇒Excursion 5 - Blois town and chateau 35km: Through the forest to the Loire river banks and the stately town of Blois, worth visiting for its old quarter and also its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

⇒Excursion 6 - Chaumont sur Loire 37km: Passing through the countryside you cycle to the Loire banks at Chaumont sur Loire where you can visit the picturesque chateau overlooking the river.

⇒Excursion 7 - Sologne Area 40km: A cycle through the heart of the vineyards of Cheverny where you can stop at local caves to sample a glass of Cheverny blanc.

Note:If you have a car you may choose to drive to Chenonceaux or Amboise on the free days which are 30-40kms from the hotel. Fit cyclists could cycle to Chenonceaux but you should allow at least 2-3 hours in addition to the cycle to visit the chateaux and its impressive gardens including a maze.

·Day 5:Trip Concludes Chitenay -Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Operated by Utracks

Departures: daily from March to November