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The Land of Kings

Loire & Sologne - lakes, rivers & châteaux

Holiday information
Nights: 6
Grade 1: mainly flat with occasional gentle hills
Terrain: riverside lanes, forest tracks, cycle paths
Hotels: three 3-star hotels, one 2-star hotel
Meals: breakfast every day, dinner on 3 nights
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If you are travelling via Paris, one of Europe's greatest capitals, add on a city break for a real contrast to your cycling holiday.

Why not take the train?

You can leave London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet in the morning and be at your destination by the evening, making it an excellent (not to mention environmentally friendly) way to reach this holiday. You can relax right from the start of your journey as Eurostar services whisk you through the Channel Tunnel to connect with the world-famous French high-speed TGV trains in either Paris or Lille. We reserve seats for you, there is plenty of luggage space, and refreshments are available on board.

You may even break your journey in Paris if you are travelling via the capital. Sit back and enjoy a truly great rail journey! Look for the ‘by rail’ prices in the Prices & Travel section, where you will also find journey details.take the train
  About the Loire >The proliferation of châteaux is due in part to the region’s important role in the struggle for control of France, but also to the fact that from the mid-15th century it was favoured by many kings and thus by noblemen who built their own small châteaux across the region. As these second-generation châteaux served no defensive purpose, the designs were much more elaborate, influenced by the kings’ travels through Italy. Wines also proliferate here. Though there is great variety due to the different grapes used, most are refreshingly light. Some of the best known are Pouilly-Fumé, Muscadet, and the acclaimed sparkling Saumur whites, made using the méthode champenoise. The five major Touraine appellations – Vouvray, Montlouis, Bourgeuil, St-Nicholas-de-Bourgeuil and Chinon – are also very good, meaning there is a wide choice to accompany the regional cuisine, which incorporates pike-perch and bream from the river; locally grown asparagus, courgettes and mushrooms; lamb; and Amboise ham.
  • self-guided hotel-to-hotel cycling, luggage transported
  • leisurely route through pretty villages
  • visit many châteaux, including Chambord
  • wonderful bird watching

The beautiful Loire Valley is renowned for the grandeur and majesty of the magnificent châteaux that line the banks of this regal river. Slightly less well-known is the region just to the south of Orléans - the Sologne - where shimmering lakes and picturesque villages of timber-framed, red-brick houses nestle amid the luxuriant woodland.
The picturesque, traditional red-brick villages and rural landscapes of the Sologne are in marked contrast to the imposing white tufo-stone châteaux which dominate the scenery to the west.
     
This holiday is a delightful route of contrasting discoveries as you leave the bustling city of Orléans and head into the unspoiled region of lakes and forests of the Sologne. Quiet roads and lanes, perfect for leisurely cycling, lead you from one pretty village to the next, with the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most imposing châteaux. You stay in welcoming hotels which offer typical regional cuisine featuring locally grown asparagus and artichoke, freshly caught river fish and delicious home-bred game.
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France
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