Enjoy
your exploration of the Garden of France, staying in charming hotels from the Grandes
Étapes Français, renown for their comfort, warm welcome, and sumptuous surroundings.
Each day you will cycle along country roads to discover the region's wonderful treasures
of art and architecture, and in the evenings taste the refined flavors of the local
gastronomy and wines.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Individual arrival in Amboise. Take some time to stroll through the historic old quarter and explore the Royal Château, home to many of France's most important kings, before dinner and overnight.
Day 2:
Chenonceaux & Montrichard (40-45 km): Your first day of biking takes you to the Cher
Valley to visit Chenonceau, the famous Renaissance castle spanning the Cher River. Then on
to medieval Montrichard. Return to Amboise for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Amboise to Luynes (50-55 km): Bike through the countryside to and the Vouvray vineyards to the Château de Valmer, a stunning illustration of the Italian Garden style. Continue through the peaceful Tourangelle to your château hotel in Luynes.
Day 4: Fontevraud to Chenehuttes (35-40 km): Transfer by taxi to Fontevraud,
famous for its royal abbey, founded in 1099 and containing the tomb of Richard the
Lionhearted and other members of the Plantagenet family. Tracks through forests and
vineyards bring you to the Saumur region on the Loire.
Day 5: Rochemenier (40-45 km): Taste the fabled "Angevine Sweetness" as you explore on your bike -- woods, vineyards, and Rochemenier, the best preserved trologdite village in the Loire. Return to Chenehuttes for dinner and overnight.
Day 6:
Villandry to Montbazon (30-35 km): Transfer by taxi to Villandry where a stroll through
its gardens -- unparalleled in all of Europe -- is an excellent beginning to a day of
cycling that includes the famous castles of the Indre Valley, especially Azay-le-Rideau.
Dinner and overnight in Montbazon.
Day 7: Departure from Montbazon after breakfast
Trip includes:
- 4* château hotels of Grand Comfort category, all rooms with private facilities
- breakfast & dinner each day
- luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- two taxi transfers
- maps, route descriptions & tourist literature
- emergency support
- local VAT
- Optional 18-21-speed rental bike with saddlebag, water bottle, repair kit, anti-theft device
- Optional rental of bike helmet
Level: easy to moderate
Prices & Departures for 2005
| Available March-October | 7D/6N Daily |
| Per Person in Double | $2530 |
| Per Person in Single | $3705 |
| Bicycle Rental | $120 |
| Helmet Rental | $25 |
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|
PRICE REDUCTIONS FOR CHILDREN:
Up to age 4 sharing room with parents: 50%
Age 5-12 years sharing room with parents: 20%
Age 5-12 years sharing room with another child: 10%
(Subject to change)
