New Loire Valley Tours

The Loire Valley is one of the most popular regions for cycling in France, for good reason! Mostly flat to rolling countryside, the Loire is filled with castles (chateaux), extravagent gardens, vineyards, and numerous villages dating to the middle ages and prior. One of the challenges we have faced over the years is covering the region, its hard to do it all. We haven't managed to over come that exactly, but we have paired down our tour offerings somewhat and have modified a few to encompass more in a week's time frame. 2 New tours this year are our Classic Loire tours - either 4 nights or 7 nights. The are focused on the key points of interest in the Loire region and effectively offer a Highlights of the Loire trip. Obviously, the 7 night version offers much more than only 4, but hey if you don't have that much time we understand!

The new versions both start in Amboise, one of the top stops for visitors. The charming little town offers great lodging, a magnificent chateau, and easy access from Paris. From here cyclists take off into the vineyards and pass by the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau. The longer trip adds on Chinon, Villandry, Azay le Rideau, and Usse. Wine appellations include Vouvray, Montlouis, Amboise, Chinon, Bourgeuil.

One hour on the TGV from Paris Montparnasse puts you in the middle of it all. And, with the relatively flat countryside, the region is accessible to just about everyone who knows how to ride a bike and gets out there at least occassionally. Cyclists are a common site along the back country roads, so its likely that meeting another friendly cyclotourist along the way will happen throughout a short trip.

The link above to the tour pages offers virtual photo tours of both the region and the hotels offered.

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2008 Tours Updated

2008 tours are now all updated with new and complete virtual photo tours of each tour program region and the hotels we use on each itinerary. The prices haven't changed much in Euro terms except in the single supplement category, which did increase somewhat.

The tours shown on both Pure Adventures and Discover France are high quality/top value programs but we still don't consider them luxury tours. The quality is very high but we keep the price in a range well below that luxury mark. Many luxury travelers will be very surprised that they can spend a lot less for a great quality trip. Of course, for anyone who wants to upgrade, we always manage that if its possible to find a better place!

Next up, Cycling Classics which will undergo a complete site makeover in the coming months. Tour prices should be done by 12/15.