The Loire Valley area of France is house to greater than 3,000 miles of biking routes. Scenic trails run alongside the river and thru the countryside to the doorways of majestic Renaissance châteaux, via historic and cities and villages and vineyards. Denise and Kevin Belchambers of Loire Brakes, who run guided e-bike excursions of the Loire Valley share a few of their favorite locations.
What to see within the Loire Valley
After we first moved to the Loire Valley from the UK, it was laborious to decide on what to see first – there may be simply a lot magnificence, tradition and historical past right here, to not point out the wines and the fabulous gastronomy.
First – the perfect occasions to cycle listed here are in late spring via to early summer time, and autumn – it may be too heat in excessive summer time. In late spring the countryside bursts into life – roses of each color bloom all over the place, adopted by fields of sunflowers, and vineyards turning emerald inexperienced. Within the autumn, the Loire shimmers in hues of yellow, gold, and deep orange. Among the finest methods to expertise the beautiful surroundings and websites of the Loire is by bike – e-bike in fact, the posh approach to go to on two wheels! That manner you may take it simple, loosen up, get near nature and take in the recent air.
Chateaux and historic cities
Chateaux are a giant a part of your Loire Valley journey and there are a number of which can be absolute must-sees. We like to start out a manner again in historical past on the Royal Fortress of Chinon which you’ll be able to attain by way of the ‘voie vert’ cycle route on a repurposed steam engine monitor. The stunning medieval city is dominated by its ridge prime fort and was a favorite fort of King Henry II who died right here. It’s additionally the place Joan of Arc turned as much as inform Charles VII to drag himself collectively, put together to be king and provides her a military to assist him. And naturally it’s an ideal place to have a sip of the native Chinon wines. And you may take a ship journey right here on the Vienne River, a good way to see the countryside and the profile of the hilltop fort.
Much less far again in time are a trio of Renaissance beauties that take your breath away. The chateaux of Azay Le Rideau, Ussé, AKA the true sleeping magnificence because it impressed Charles Perrault to jot down Sleeping Magnificence, and Villandry all have their very own particular charms. Villandry’s gardens are completely fantastic. Azay le Rideau is without doubt one of the prettiest and most romantic castles in France while you journey as much as it alongside a cobbled avenue it actually does make you gasp. And Ussé is solely bewitching, perched on a ridge overlooking formal gardens.
The little chateau l’Islette close to Azay is the place sculptor Auguste Rodin as soon as lived along with his mistress and muse Camille Claudel. It’s nonetheless lived in, and the attractive grounds are an ideal place to have a picnic. And fewer well-known however with a captivating historical past, the Chateau de Candé is the place the previous King Edwards VIII married Mrs Simson.
Wine and cheese
However there’s extra to the Loire Valley – the well-known vineyards produce beautiful whites, reds, rosés and glowing wines, made to the identical strategies as Champagne. There are an enormous variety of locations to cease for a wine tasting or winery tour, however for a very particular wine tasting we advocate Saumur, the place there may be additionally a surprising chateau. Saumur has a stunning outdated city and is surrounded by wine producers and wine tasting alternatives together with considered one of our favourites in a surprising artwork nouveau buildings with jaw-dropping views.
There’s a wine to go along with each kind of meals and on the subject of cheese and wine pairing – you’re spoiled for alternative within the Loire Valley, so we all the time advise a cheese tasting while you’re right here. The Loire is known for its excellent goats’ cheeses – don’t miss Ste-Maure de Touraine, nibble on tasty little Crottin de Chavignol cheese, and pyramid formed Valencay, which is alleged to have a flat prime as a result of Napoleon Bonaparte lopping the highest off in mood when introduced with it at a dinner shortly after he misplaced a battle in Egypt.
The Loire has so many charms, so many place to fall in love with, so many scrumptious eating places, cheeses, markets and vineyards, you’ll definitely by no means run out of issues to do.
Kevin and Denise run Loire Brakes – small group e-bike (which they supply) excursions of the Loire Valley. Discover out extra and be part of a tour at: loirebrakes.com
