Self-Guided Cycling: Loire Gastronomic Cycling - France Holiday

Visit the finest chateaux in France
Stay in superb hotels, including the Chateau de Chissay
Sample outstanding local cuisine and local wine

This gentle and unhurried gastronomic cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. En route we visit the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceaux.

We'll come across many hidden delights as we pedal gently along picturesque riverbanks and through open countryside abundant with wildlife. On each cycling day we have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes us - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world. The places we stay in are pretty special too and all offer extensive gardens and fine dining.

Regional menus are refined and delicate, relying largely on freshwater fish from the rivers, and game - supplemented with rich wine and cream sauces - from the great hunting forests.

What makes this trip responsible?

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

As a self-guided trip you will be pedalling under your own steam and at your own pace. You will not be part of a group so the impact of your visit on the landscape and communities you pass will be absolutely minimal. Our local operator works with local suppliers and hoteliers to ensure that we support the communities we visit, maximising the benefit to them and also our enjoyment of the region. We will stay in characterful, locally run hotels and the route notes will often give you hints and tips of local restaurants you can try, giving you a taste of the local cuisine while helping to support these establishments. Moreover, we encourage you to journey by train to minimise your carbon footprint.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Start Chissay.

Day 2

Cycle along the banks of the Cher to the Chateau de Chenonceau. After lunch cycle on to Amboise, before arriving at our hotel in St Ouen-les-Vignes, famous for its fabulous cuisine.

Day 3

Free day to return to Amboise if you didn't have much time yesterday. Alternatively it's an easy 15km return cycle along the river Cisse to the wine capital, Vouvray.

Day 4

Two routes available. The shorter option takes us via Limeray or we can head north through open countryside to Autreche. Both routes converge and go on to Chaumont. Our destination is Chitenay where we spend the next two nights.

Day 5

Free day to visit the 17th Century chateau at Cheverny. Alternatively, take a 50km round trip to the magnificent Chateau de Chambord.

Day 6

Head south past sleepy hamlets via Fougeres-sur-Bievre and along the Cher river to Montrichard. A final flat ride along the river guides us back to Chateau du Chissay for a well-earned dip in the pool!

Day 7

End Chissay.

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Exodus images from LOIRE GASTRONOMIC CYCLING

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

Cyclists among poppies in the Loire Valley

Cyclists outside a Chateau close to the River Cher

Chateau Chenonceaux, Loire Valley