Private: Cycling in the Loire Valley

Cycling is an activity that most people choose to engage in for leisure or exercise. Regardless of the category you belong to, you should visit several selected world destinations to enjoy the best cycling experience. One such destination is the Loire Valley. It offers a world-class cycle route with the most spectacular flat broad valleys and limestone hills. The French destination takes you through idyllic rustic scenery, offering you long days of bike riding through miles of vineyards and mind-boggling chateaux. The Loire Valley is popular partly due to the castles, towns, countryside and villages and also since it does not have troublesome hills. Another factor
that makes cycling in Loire valley popular is the idea that even if it is very extensive, you can enjoy many of the essential highlights without cycling too far.

Cycling Paths in the Loire Valley

There are various cycle routes in Loire valley from which you can choose but the main route is the one that follows the flow of river Loire. The Loire bike route starts at the Atlantic and is one of the itineraries that constitute the EuroVélo 6 cycleway. The EuroVélo passes through 9 other countries besides France. These include Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. The trail is one of the most interesting and sundry cycle routes in France.

There are bicycles for you to hire in almost each town and also many maps. These items allow you to plan and select your own trip. Whether you are in search of a short ride, a long tour or a holiday in a particular area, the trail along the royal river has something for everybody. It is sure to make you want to explore Europe on a bike and maximize on a green, eco-friendly, cultural type of tourism.

The trail alternates between designated cycle tracks and small roads with little traffic. Occasionally, the routes disappear and during such occasions, the cyclists use tertiary roads that they share with cars to continue with their cycling trips. These roads are relatively safe unlike bigger roads as they are not entirely busy, and the vehicles travel at reasonable speeds.
As a result, you get to take in the beauty of the Loire valley first-hand.

There are also other secure cycling routes that are marked. One such route is the Camino de Santiago and the other is the Indre à Vélo path. The latter begins in Azay-le-Rideau and is linked to the main cycling route, at both ends. The Indre à Vélo path is 100 km long and runs along river Indre on quite, marked and safe roads. The different legs of this captivating route
takes you past several charming villages, rural landscapes and many important tourist attraction areas.

Main Tourist Attractions

There are various landscapes and sites of interest along the Loire River. the entire valley has exciting features that make the journey worth, ranging from castles to miles of great vineyards. On your bicycle, you can enjoy seeing architectural wonders like the world-famous Chenonceau Châteaux and Chambord. You can also see the strong fortress of Angers and the even the little-known but so sophisticated Château of Serrant. Another place to see along the cycling route is the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Reserve. You can also bask in the breath-taking views from Château of Saumur towers.

Ensure you also stop and savor the pleasures of the big cities and small villages. These places have many surprises for the guests. Lavardin, is one of these villages and perhaps one of the most striking villages in France, settles in a tranquil natural atmosphere. It is bordered by the Loire Valley cliffs. The ruins of its old château endow the village with a romantic charm.

Ease of Touring the Loire Valley

Most of the paths and bicycle paths are friendly for people of all ages and sexes. The trail by the Loire River offers you an opportunity to go on a ride with your family on cycling routes that have been made with safety in mind. You and your kids can take a ride at your own pace thus offering a splendid family experience.

The terrain on most trails allows for children to cycle on their own. Parents can also attach a roulette to their bicycles, to carry kids who cannot cycle on their own. There are also some short distance biking routes to ease things for your little ones. Cycling on the Loire Valley gives you time to get some fresh air and admire the lovely scenery in its natural protected location.

Accommodation

Accommodation should not be an issue for cyclists in the Loire Valley during summer. In case you decide to cycle the entire length of the river Loire, you need to take the expenses of overnight accommodation seriously. There are over 200 accommodation sites on the cycling trail along the river Loire. The campsites, gites, hotels and guesthouses offer lodging adapted to
cyclists. Some of these facilities include a locked bike park, minor equipment for repair and a chance to transport baggage to the next place the cyclists want to stay. Accommodation can range from massive French inns that serve five-course meals to tiny romantic hotels that have bike parks and staff who speak in English.

If you opt to cycle camp, ensure you have an updated guide and you can always call ahead. There are camping sites that are a great choice for a group of cyclists or even families. They have standard tent pitches available, chalets, tree houses and gîtes.

Depending on the route you pick a cycling trip to the Loire Valley can take anything between 3 days to a month. If you are on a long vacation, you can take around four weeks and take the whole trip by bike. For a family or group on a short holiday, you can merge cycling with tour vans. Such a bike tour can take around 3-4 days and you can rent a bicycle when you get to the destination merely to cycle around the surroundings or town.

Enjoy a Picnic!

There are many picnic sites along the river Loire that offer great relaxation and picnic sites. You can take a break from cycling and settle down on a picnic blanket and enjoy some food with your family in a distinctive and protected natural scenery. The scenic countryside has the ideal
setting for idyllic picnics adding to the freedom of your cycling trips. Additionally, you have the option of bringing your equipment or renting out equipment from the numerous tour companies available.

How Fit Should You Be to Go on the Cycling Tour?

The level of fitness necessary to go cycling in the Loire Valley is not that demanding since there are no mountains. However, it is advisable to be physically fit since the travel cycling panniers are heavy and after one day of cycling from 40-70 km, you are bound to become tired. You can carry plenty of water and some snack bars to maintain the energy levels high at all times.

Touring Options in the Loire Valley

There are two options to choose from when you decide to go cycling in the Loire Valley. You can decide to go with a touring company or on your own. There are numerous companies that provide organized rides in the region. These rides often include comprehensive route notes, accommodation, maps and on-ground advice and support.

Organized rides are mostly self-guided thus allowing you to enjoy a mix of local support and independence. Many tour companies can also arrange for bike hire. Organizing for your ride through a tour company also allows you to cycle light since the company transfers the luggage to your hotel. As a result, you are free to purchase as many souvenirs as you want. The route is
also rigid so you cannot change plans whenever you want. With a tour company, you are likely to spend so much time with strangers although some people can view this as a chance to meet new people and make new friends. The downside of using a tour company is that it can be expensive and limit your level of exploration. However, if you are taking a short trip, the tour guides can easily direct you to the areas of interest with ease allowing you to maximize on the time you have.

To Go Independently or Choose a Tour Company?

Going on the bike tour independently allows you to explore freely. You can alter your route whenever you need to although it may entail finding or rearranging accommodation. However it can take a lot of time and money as you do not always know what to look for, and where to find it. When you go on a DIY cycling tour you have to think constantly about accommodation and breakfast. You also have to carry your own luggage.

If you are making plans to take a vacation, especially one where you want to engage in cycling, then the Loire Valley is the place to visit. With all the various sights to behold and the stress-free terrains you are bound to love the experience.