July 11, 2017

A test that will reinvent your holidays in France

An adventurous explorer such as you prefers a more meandering route on holiday, and this one will be right up your street, with a bike for transport, a water bottle filled with wine and the Loire river as your backdrop. Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike) is one of a kind, an extensive and safe cycling route that stretches for 900 km along France’s longest river. The scenery is stunning and amazingly varied. The trip will include the famous châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceau and Azay-Le-Rideau, pass through some of the Loire Valley’s most famous towns such as Tours, Saumur, Angers and Nantes, and see you soaking up the unique landscape, some of it included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But no need to rush. You’re well aware that vines have taken a firm hold in the region and you’ll be able to sample some fine Sancerre, Chinon, Muscadet, Layon or Touraine wines along the way. It’s the wine holiday par excellence.

Info and reservations

This guinguette for foodies — an old-fashioned type of open-air café — is situated on the Loire in Saint-Satur, five minutes from Sancerre. The food is simple and hearty, with Sancerre andouillette and warm crottin salad two of the staples. There’s also mini golf and a swimming pool, as well as very pleasant views — an ideal place, in short, to “hang out” and eat in summer.

On the Loire in La Chapelle-Basse-Mer, 30 minutes from Nantes. Come and stay in some highly out-of-the-ordinary accommodation: a toue cabanée, a traditional fishing boat found on the Loire, with cosy cabins and private toilets and bathrooms. Breakfast and other meals are served on deck, weather permitting. Cyclists are welcome.

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