During this trip you will stay in the same place, so you only have to unpack your suitcase once! The described routes are only some examples of the tours you can do. When you receive your tripdetails, we will give you about different routes you can choose from every day.
You individually travel to Fontevraud. Check in at your hotel and have a stroll around the abbey (or buy tickets to visit) and through the town centre.
Cycle at an easy pace through the woods and sunflower fields (when flowering) to the magnificent historic town of Chinon. Visit the fortress or enjoy life on a terrace by the banks of the majestic Vienne river. On the way back to the hotel you could also visit the museum of the famous French author François Rabelais.
Challenge: 41.7km, 1412m ascent, 1411m descent
Today you'll cycle to Saumur, with it's chateau that overlooks confluence of the Loire.The Château de Saumur has been listed as a "monument historique" by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862. The town of Saumur is very pleasant, with its imposing 17th century church of Notre Dame des Ardilliers and at Saint-Pierre square, you can admire its half-timbered houses. You can also visit a distillery in the center or try some wines from the region! From Saumur you get to choose: cycle back or take a boatride on the Loire river to Montsoreau. As of there it's only 4 km. back to the hotel.
Challenge: 37.1km, 557m ascent, 556m descent
Today you'll cycle around in the countryside of the Anjou area (which is nowadays called the Mainee-et-Loire department), also known for the Chenin Blanc grapes. You will continue your way to Cadre Noir, which is thé center for equestrian fans ( the French military riding academy). The route continues through the idyllic valley of the Loire, back to your hotel.
Challenge: 47.8km, 480m ascent, 481m descent
If you haven't done so far, take some time in the morning to visit the world-famous abbey of Fontevraud. The vast Royal Abbey with its delightful architecture and the effigies of Richard the Lionheart, Eleonor of Aquitaine, Henri II and Isabelle d’Angoulême. Local artists will be delighted to welcome you into their work shops. If you decide to go cycling we suggest you a short loop of 38 km to Roiffé south of Fontevraud through the country side, vineyards, fields and small villages. Do not miss the visits to the unusual castles of Brézé (and its underground passages) and the castle of La Mothe-Chandeniers (abandoned for a long time and which has been transformed into a true masterpiece of nature).
Challenge: 37.8km, 519m ascent, 518m descent
After breakfast end of the trip...or you extend your trip and book some extra nights?
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We have chosen a comfortable 3* hotel where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included and 2 dinners during the trip : one ‘gastronomic’ and one ‘bistro’.
For this trip you can choose between Comfort and Comfort +. When choosing Comfort +, you will be staying in an "Ambiance room".
VELO DE VILLE Gear Hub 7 speed
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
VELO DE VILLE Bosch Battery
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
5 Nights included
3 Star Hotels
Tourist tax included
Breakfasts and 2 Dinners included during the trip : one ‘gastronomic’ and one ‘bistro’
Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest
24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline
No Luggage transport. You are based at the same hotel for 5 nights
For time tables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
We strongly advise you to download the sncf mobile app prior to departure. If you want to travel on a train with your bike, you can find more information via this link.
Parking possibilities at the hotel
GPS tracks are available on request
The international Paris airports Charles de Gaulle in the North and Orly in the South are served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines.They are connected with Paris by metro and bus services. From Paris you can take a train to Saumur, see below.
Also, possibility of arrival in Nantes Airport (NTE) or Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF)
From Paris, you can take the TGV (high speed train) to Tours (approx. 1h05). From Tours, you take the local train (TER) to Saumur (approx. 30 min). At the Saumur train station, you will need to take a taxi (approx. 20 min to Fontevraud), on request.
For timetables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
From Paris to Fontevraud (approx. 3h20 - 310 km/192 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.
If you are driving to the Loire Valley, you can leave your car at the first accommodation’s private car park for the duration of the trip.