One of the best ways to visit the majestic castles, verdant vineyards, pretty little villages, historic towns and gorgeous gardens of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is by bike. Loire Brakes guided tours offer a brilliant, relaxing slow travel experience (e-bikes provided) for those who want to discover real France. Immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of France. Enjoy superb wines and fabulous gastronomy. Stay in a fabulously renovated charming farmhouse, and discover the very best of the Loire Valley with local guides Denise and Kevin.
Explore the Loire Valley by e-bike
This is not one of those cycling holidays where you’ll slog it out. This is a holiday where you can relax and really enjoy the ride at your own pace. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been on a bike in years. You don’t need to worry about being out of practice. E-bikes give you all the benefits and pleasure of cycling but take the hard work out, and put the fun into a cycling tour.
Explore the French Valley of the Kings, a land of majestic Chateaux. A landscape that’s verdant with luscious vineyards, peppered with historic towns and villages and countless historic treasures. You’ll discover the history and culture of the region as you go. And you’ll visit off the beaten track parts of the Loire Valley that most visitors miss.
Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll visit the royal fortress of Chinon and the stunningly pretty historic town that lies at its feet. Wander the gorgeous gardens of Villandry. Visit the town and castle of Langeais, the fairy tale castle of Ussé and the exquisite chateau Azay le Rideau. Discover the romantic allure of the Loire Valley and visit the homes of the great sculptor Rodin and his Camille, and of Edward and Mrs Simpson. Explore lovely Saumur, home to a majestic castle and cobbled streets lined with ancient buildings. And the royal Abbey of Fontevraud, an incredibly atmospheric place with an equally incredible history.
And you’ll stay in a beautifully renovated Loire country house, where you can take a dip in the pool and relax with a glass of local wine in the gorgeous gardens.
A taste of the Loire Valley
You’ll also do wine tastings of the finest wines the Loire Valley can offer with tours at superb vineyards. And there are visits to cheesemakers where you can taste the local favourites like Sainte Maure de Touraine. Plus you’ll get to visit some of the Loire Valley’s most vibrant markets. Enjoy delicious picnics that present the finest specialities – traditional rillettes and paté washed down with one of the region’s famous wines like Chinon. And maybe top it off with some poires tapées (pressed pears). Or an apple tart made with red wine jam – a speciality of Chinon. You’ll be stopping off at the most incredible locations for your picnic break, and you’ll dine at authentic, hand-picked restaurants that offer a true taste of the Loire Valley.
Slow travel in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is criss crossed by cycling trails, velo routes on quiet country roads and green routes which makes for tranquil riding. And many routes lead you straight to the doorsteps of the beautiful castles. But you won’t be cycling all day, every day. 4-wheeled transport is also included as some sites in the Loire Valley are easier to get to that way. You’ll be chauffeured so that you can relax and enjoy the visit – and the wine tastings – without worrying.
Off the beaten track in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley holds over 1,000 chateaux, is known as the ‘Cradle of the French Language’, has some of the country’s best wines and has a wealth of historic towns that could send anyone into their own fairy tale. And it has plenty of secrets too. You’ll get to explore some of them including a fascinating troglodyte village. You’ll get to play Boules de Fort, a boules game unique to the Loire Valley (and huge fun). And you’ll enjoy a traditional wooden, flat-bottomed boat ride along the river Vienne.
Loire Brakes go the extra mile to make your tour special, memorable and unique.
Book your unforgettable slow travel cycling discovery in the Loire Valley at: loirebrakes.com
