Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley
Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley
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Cycling The UNESCO Loire Valley
6 Days Starting in Tours and ending in Angers
Visiting: Place Plumereau, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Saumur, Angers
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C05LV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Physical rating:
Leisurely / Moderate
Age range:
12 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Follow the famous 'Loire a Velo' cycling path and admire in all its glory the last wild European river: 'La Loire'. This path, made up of 800km of marked and secured tracks, is a unique route perfect for bike lovers to enjoy while exploring the scenic Loire Valley.From Tours to Angers you will discover the delightful chateaux and Renaissance gardens. Named 'Garden of France' this region amaze visitors with fragrant rose bushes, vegetables or aromatic plants. Embark for a poetic and botanical stroll in extraordinary Renaissance gardens in Azay le Rideau and Villandry.Between Loire and Vienne rivers where traditional boats are sailing, you will cycle through Chinon and Saumur vineyards and cross medieval-looking villages. Red, white, rose... The wines of the Loire Valley have a palette of colours which each of the variety have their own characteristics. On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.A relax journey to enjoy the 'French art de vivre' along the peaceful and wild landscapes through historical places and famous cellars for tasting.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Tours
Location:
Place Plumereau
Accommodation:
Hotel
Meals Included:
No Meals
Enjoy the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the 'Place
Plumereau', a beautiful square with half-timbered houses.
You stay at Artist Hotel
Day 2 : Tours To Azay Le Rideau
Location:
Azay-le-Rideau
Accommodation:
Hotel
Accommodation Name:
Hotel Biencourt
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Cycle to Villandry with its famous Gardens, matchless in Europe and composed
of 3 superposed terraces.
Perhaps the Loire Valley's most famous gardens, those at Villandry are
enchanting. The symmetry of the beds, trimmed with absolute precision, and
the harmony of the floral arrangements... from one terrace to the next, these
green expanses are a symbol of perfect beauty. In one spot a labyrinth to get
lost in, in another a kitchen garden checkered like an embroidery. The water
gardens catch the sunlight and prompt dreams of long summer evenings, while
the 'Jardin des Simples' captures the important properties of aromatic and
medicinal plants.
Then continue to Sache, where you can visit the house of the famous novelist
Honore de Balzac. Arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its
Renaissance chateau. Standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River,
the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, is one of the finest.
Day 3 : Azay Le Rideau To Chinon
Location:
Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon
Accommodation:
Hotel
Accommodation Name:
Hotel Diderot
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Discover other marvels, such as the 'Sleeping Beauty' chateau in Usse which
has inspired Perrault for its famous fairy tale story. Once upon a time, a
chateau surrounded by pretty woodland, and Prince Charming (who else)
arriving on his white steed.
Continue to the mediaeval town of Chinon dominated by its castle and famous
for its red wine. To combine pleasure for the eyes and the palate, take a
break in the vineyards or in a cellar for a tasting.
Day 4 : Chinon To Saumur
Location:
Chinon, Saumur
Accommodation:
Hotel
Accommodation Name:
Hotel Le Londres
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Follow the 'Loire a Velo' routes which will lead you to the village of
Candes-Saint-Martin. You have a superb view of the confluence of the Loire
and the Vienne rivers. Several viewpoints are worth the detour.
Continue to the beautiful village of Montsoreau along troglodyte sites and
vineyards before reaching lovely town of Saumur. You have the opportunity to
reach Fontevraud abbey, Europe's largest remaining monastic complex which is
also the Necropolis of the Plantagenet kings!
Day 5 : Saumur To Angers
Location:
Saumur, Angers
Accommodation:
Hotel
Accommodation Name:
Hotel de France
Meals Included:
Breakfast
First follow the Loire River before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You
will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau which shelters the
famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
Day 6 : Leave Angers
Location:
Angers
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Depart Angers after breakfast.
What's Included
-
Local bike hire
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All breakfasts
-
Transfers for Flight inclusiveÂ
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Route directions and maps
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5 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
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Luggage transfers between hotelsÂ
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners.
What's Not Included
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Transfers for Land only (available on request at additional cost)
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request, compulsory supplement)
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Visas and vaccinationsÂ
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Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Food
All breakfasts are included The Loire prides itself on it's cuisine. It is refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound. Asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France, which demonstrates the quality of the produce. These all provide delicious accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Fish also features in abundance. With three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through the region, freshwater fish appear on most menus. 'Sandre' (pikeperch) and breme (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a beurre blanc sauce - made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar. The majority of the cheese found in the region is goat's cheese. We suggest trying Selles-sur-Cher from the neighbouring Blesois region. Desserts are often based on the fruit from the local orchards. They include 'tarte tatin', a yummy caramelised upside-down apple pie - the invention of two absent-minded sisters in their attempt to salvage a dessert they had dropped on the floor. The Loire is undoubtedly one of Europe's finest wine producing regions with many of the separate wine areas producing red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Distinctive whites include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray and Muscadet; for reds, try Chinin, Bourgueil and Saumur. Anjou is by far the most popular rose.
Accommodation
ARTIST HOTEL, TOURSThe contemporary design of the hotel, with many references to the 7th Art, exudes a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. An artistic way of life, but with all the comfort, perfect to enjoy a relaxing city break: queen size beds, air conditioning, fitness room and a lounge bar. Each morning, a delicious breakfast buffet is served from 6.30 am to better meet the expectations of our business clientele or early bird.Extra nights: Please contact us for details. HOTEL BIENCOURT, AZAY LE RIDEAUThis hotel is divided into 2 buildings from the 18th-century, a former school, from Napoleon III period. Each room has modern décor and views of the city or of the flowered patio. They are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The property offers organic bed linen which comes from the fair-trade market. A buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining room or on the terrace and it is made with the products coming from the local producers. Many restaurants are situated nearby. HOTEL DIDEROT, CHINONThis hotel from the 17th Century offers a calm elegance in the charming city of Chinon. The Hôtel Diderot, with its courtyard garden and white limestone walls, is a 12-minute walk from Chinon Royal Fortress. Guest rooms are all individually decorated and have private en suite bathrooms with a bath or shower and a toilet. A French breakfast is served next to the 15th-century fireplace in the breakfast room, or it is served on the terrace during the summer. HOTEL LE LONDRES, SAUMURThe Hôtel Le Londres, Saumur is located in the heart of the historic town of Saumur. This 19th-century building offers stylish individually decorated and furnished rooms with floor to ceiling windows. Each soundproofed room has facilities such as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is offer daily in the breakfast lounge. Home-made cakes are cooked for guests on weekends and tea is available all day, every day. HOTEL DE FRFANCE, ANGERSHôtel De France is located opposite Angers-St Laud TGV Train Station, close to the city centre and the medieval Château d'Angers. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with modern facilities. You can enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the Hôtel De France in the dining area or have breakfast served in your room from 07:00 to 11:00. The friendly and attentive staff at the Hôtel De France will be happy to help you plan your stay in Angers 24-hours a day.Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Check out our Q&As
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Transfers for Flight inclusive
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
12+ ag people can go on this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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