By embarking on cycling holidays in france, you can really get under the skin of the destination. Famous for some of the country’s most impressive chateaux, fine cuisine and excellent scenery, cycling holiday in france is a delight to explore.
And one of the best things about france cycling holidays of this nature is that you can choose different routes depending on what you’d like to see – and how energetic you feel! Cycling independently, you will travel between hotels while your tour operator takes care of your bags, meaning you are free from worries of heavy luggage while you explore.
Your adventure will begin in Chissay, where you will stay in a gorgeous chateau hotel, complete with swimming pool. After spending the night here, you can get started with your cycling Loire Valley.
Heading out along the River Cher, you will soon come to one of the country’s best-known chateaux. The Chateau de Chenonceau is famous for its vast arches which span the river – something that almost lends it the appearance of floating on the water. This is often described as one of the prettiest – and most impressive – sights in the Loire Valley.
After this fantastic introduction to the region, you can set off to continue your journey, winding your way through the Amboise forest before arriving at your destination, St Ouen-les-Vignes.
From here, you can try out a variety of routes, dependent on what you want to see. For example, those eager to try some of the region’s famous wines can pedal down to Vouvray along the River Cisse, where you’ll undoubtedly be able to take part in some tastings.
Alternatively, you can head to Clos Luce – the 15th-century manor house in which Leonardo da Vinci spent many of his last years. Alongside the building itself, you can also explore the beautiful gardens, as well as the huge models of da Vinci’s creations housed inside.
Setting off once more, your next destination will be Chitenay. Several routes are available and which you take may depend on how much energy you have! The longer route could be a particular treat for nature lovers, who will find themselves riding through open countryside. Taking the shorter route, you will have the chance to visit the village of Limeray, which is home to a picturesque church.
Regardless of which route you opt for, you can see Chaumont – a chateau formerly the property of Catherine de Medici – before arriving in Chitenay.
From Chitenay, there are several places you can explore. For a bit of a challenge, you can cycle the 50-km circular route to the chateau de Chambord. This fairytale-like structure is also now a nature reserve, so you should be able to see plenty of wildlife as part of your visit.