Start: Fontevraud Finish: Fontevraud
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: 53 km / 33 mi, 216m ascent, 220m 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 / 2,5 mi. back to the hotel.
Challenge: 37km / 23mi, 191m ascent, 205m 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: 48km / 30 mi, 246m ascent, 244m descent
If you haven't done so far, take some time in the morning to visit the world famous abbey of Fontevraud. In the afternoon you can cycle a relaxed tour in the area, through woods and picturesque villages and then come back to Fontevraud.
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 choose a comfortable 3* hotels where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included and 2 diners during the trip : one ‘gastronomic’ and one ‘bistro’.
You can book this trip with upgraded room ('SELECT' option)
In the heart of the Western Loire, close to Saumur and right opposite Fontevraud Royal Abbey and its new modern art museum, you’ll find hotel La Croix Blanche Fontevraud.
In the heart of the Western Loire, close to Saumur and right opposite Fontevraud Royal Abbey and its new modern art museum, you’ll find hotel La Croix Blanche Fontevraud.
Departure any day of the week from 1st April to 31st October.
The best airport of arrival is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which is also served by several low cost carriers.
Also, possibility of arrival in Nantes Airport.
Arrival/Departure in/from Fontevraud
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). For time tables and further information look at the website SNCF or TER-SNCF.
At the Saumur train station, you will need to take a taxi (approx. 20 min to Fontevraud), on request.
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.
Parking possibilities at the hotel
HYBRID RENTAL BIKE
VELO DE VILLE Gear Hub
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
ELECTRIC BIKE RENTAL
VELO DE VILLE
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
GPS tracks are available on request
Included
Not included
Extras
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)