Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive at Nantes.

Day 2 - Nantes to St Florent le Vieil - 35 miles
The first day is a pleasnt ride that takes you along the bank of the Loire river, passing through some pretty villages and the attractive little town of Champtoceaux.

Day 3 - St Florent le Vieil to St Remy - 42 miles
A longer day that continues following little lanes alongside the Loire River, before leaving it to take you through the Beaulieu Forest and past the chateau at Brissac-Quince.

Day 4 - St Remy to Chinon - 34 miles
This is a lovely ride that takes you alongside the river and past Troglodytes caves on the way to the busy town of Samaur (where an impressive chateau overlooks the town). From here you continue through some impressive vineyards to the Abbey at Fontevraud, then along the Vienne Valley to the impressive chateau at Chinon.

Day 5 - Chinon to Monts - 36 miles
This is a superb days ride that takes you past the chateau at Usse to rejoin the Loire, then continues along the river to the fabulous chateau and gardens at Villandry, before heading inland to the pretty little town of Azay-le-Rideau, where there is another magnificent chateau, and then continues along the Indre Valley through some attractive little towns.

Day 6 - Monts to Amboise - 38 miles
A great days ride that winds along the Indre Valley to the impressive chateau to Chenonceaux, then heads north to rejoin the Loire River again at the huge chateau at Amboise.

Day 7 - Amboise to Chambord - 36 miles
This is a fabulous day that takes you along the river through some pretty villages, then past one of the Loire Valley's best known chateaux, Cheverny, before continuing through the park to the most impressive chateau of them all, Chambord.

Day 8 - Chambord to Orleans - 34 miles
The final day is a wonderful days ride that takes you north to the little village of St Dye s/ Loire then continues along the river through some pretty little villages and then little town of Beagency (and the final chateau) before reaching Orleans.

Day 9 - Return to the UK.

HOLIDAY DETAILS

The Loire Valley: Often known as the 'Garden of France' or 'The Playground of Kings', the Loire Valley is one of the best known, and most popular areas of France. Flowing over 600 miles from the Massif Central to the Atlantic Ocean the Loire is the longest river in France, and for centuries before the Industrial Revolution this huge waterway was one of France's great commercial highways. Lying close to the French capital and forming a natural barrier between northern and southern France the Loire Valley has always been an important stategic area. The earliest chateaux were military fortresses constructed in the 9th century, but by the 15th century these were being replaced by ornate country houses. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux in the lush, fertile valley, noblemen of the court, not wanting to be far from the seat of power, followed suit and over the centuries constructed increasingly extravigant buildings set amid large formal gardens. In 2000 Unesco added the area of the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire to it's World Heritage list in recognitional of its incredible architechtural heritage, and the unspoiled nature of the river.

The Tour: This is a Fully Supported Cycling Holiday with a leader riding with the group, and a support vehicle to carry all the luggage and provide any necessary assistance. The trip is designed to be a moderately relaxing trip through the scenery of the Loire Valley with plenty of chances to stop and explore many of the areas outstanding cheaux and other attractions. The route has been designed to avoid traffic as much as possible, and follows minor roads, cycle routes and cycle paths where feasible. In the last few years an extensive network of cycle paths and signposted routes has been created throughout the Loire Valley (known as the 'Loire a Velo") and our route makes use of this as much as possible, although we do not follow established paths or routes all the way (sometimes the paths do not go the way we want, or miss attractions we want to visit). Traffic is generally light but you should be aware that you do pass through some large towns and some of these are quite busy (even though there may be marked cycle lanes), with heavier traffic. As you would expect most of the route along the river is fairly level (although there is the occasional short steep climb onto the top of an adjoining dyke), but the route frequently takes you away from the river to explore the surrounding area, and occasionally the terrain is more undulating.

Accommodation & Food: This is a hotel based holiday and you will be staying in small family run hotels, generally graded 2* or similar, offering clean and comfortable rooms. We generally book en-suite rooms where available but this cannot be guaranteed. Single people travelling alone will be booked into a twin bedded room with another single person of the same sex – unless the single room price has been paid. Breakfast will be provided at the accommodation each morning. Most of the accommodation has an attached restaurant (or there will be another suitable restaurant nearby) for a meal in the evening.

Start: The holiday starts at Nantes. There are regular TGV trains to Nantes from Paris (with Eurostar connections from London). Direct flights are currently only available to Nantes from East Midlands with Ryanair, however flights are also available to nearby Rennes airport from Edinburgh, Manchester and Southampton with Flybe and transport will be provided from both airports. Note: The cost of travel to Nantes (and the return fromOrleans) is not included in the cost of the holiday. You may book flights or rail travel yourself or if you wish us to make the booking for you we can do so (an additional fee is payable). A separate form will be sent to you.

Finish: The holiday ends at Orleans. Flights are available from nearby Tours airport to Stanstead with Ryanair, but currently it has not been confirmed whether this service will operate in the summer 2010. However there are direct TGV trains from Orleans to central Paris (with regular onward Eurostar connections to London), and to Charles de Gaul airport from where there are regular flights to most regional airports in the UK.

Cycle Transport: If required we offer a cycle transport service to take your bicycle from your home in the UK to the start of the holiday, and return it to your home at the end of the trip (additional fee payable).

Documents: You require a passport to visit France. Nationals of some other countries also require a visa. Non EU passport holders should check with the nearest French Embassy. You are also required to have travel insurance for the duration of the holiday. If you do not purchase insurance from us you will be required to provide evidence of a suitable alternative policy.

Bikes: All types of cycle are suitable for the trip, although most people will probably be most comfortable on a mountain, hybrid or touring bike. The most important thing is that the bike functions properly and that you are comfortable riding it. You should make sure that your bike has suitable gears as there are a few short but moderately steep hills along the way. If you are riding a mountain bike then you should fit it with narrow 'slick' tyres. You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and clothing with you on the bike.

Weather: The weather at the end of June should be warm and sunny, with temperatures in the high 20's, but , as always, you should be prepared for an occasional shower.