Cycling For Softies - Loire Valley Destination Guide

T H E L O I R E VA L L E Y | D E S T I N AT I O N G U I D E

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Welcome

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hank you for choosing Cycling for Softies for your holiday. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to showing you the beauty of the Loire Valley and its surroundings by bike. Our goal is for you to have a rewarding and remarkable holiday; one where you are able to cycle like a Softie and sleep like a King.

This destination guide is intended to show you what to expect on your holiday and covers a range of topics, from which local attractions to visit, to the type of bikes you will be riding. You will receive an additional welcome pack at your welcome meeting with our destination managers.

Before you travel you will be able to access all of your routes through our excellent Ride With GPS app. See page 6 for more details and be sure to download your routes before you travel.

In the meantime, kick back, relax and let our top tips for the region inspire and excite you ahead of your trip.

Contents Your bikes Touring bikes Electric bikes

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Ride with GPS

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Travelling responsibly

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The region

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Places to see

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Villages and towns Wine and delicacies Historical sights Events and festivals

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Frequently asked questions

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Competition time

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Your bikes

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n our cycling holidays you will be provided with a comfortable, well maintained hybrid touring bike.

Complete with panniers and other touring accessories, these bikes are perfect for carrying the essential items you will need throughout the day, whilst we transfer the rest of your luggage to your next stop. We also offer the option of upgrading to an e-bike on all of our tours. These brilliant bits of kit take the sting out of the tougher days and are available from just ÂŁ20 per day. See page 5 for more information on our e-bike fleet.

Touring bikes

Trek T200 & Dawes Sonoran The Trek T200 is the premium comfort touring bike from one of the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers. The bike is designed for comfortable cruising with features including mudguards, suspension, 24-speed gears and built in lights, all mounted on a lightweight aluminium frame.

Also in our fleet is a range of Dawes Sonoran bikes. These are lightweight aluminium hybrid bikes, with mudguards and pannier racks, that are great fun to ride, especially on itineraries with some inclines.

Both bike models are available in crossbar and step-through frames.

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E-bikes

Trek TM1+ 500Wh

(or equivalent) Electric bikes are an increasingly popular choice for those who would like a boost up the hills and a bit more zip on the flat. We use the Trek TM1+ e-bike, or a model of equivalent standard.

These bikes offer various levels of support, adding extra power as you pedal which makes a tremendous difference, especially on hills. But don’t expect a free ride - the motor only assists your pedalling, it won’t turn the wheels without your legs helping too!

We are often asked about the battery life and range of electric bicycles, which will depend on how the bike is used. For example, on flat roads with the minimum level of assistance, it is possible to achieve a range of 145km / 90 miles. On the other end of the scale, if you use the maximum boost constantly it may last 45km / 28 miles.

The batteries are easy to remove and charge using the mains plug provided.

We recommend that you do this at every hotel to ensure you have maximum range for the following day. On longer days, you might even like to add some extra charge at lunch stops too - most cafés and restaurants will be happy to accommodate this.

Accessories and children’s bikes All bikes come with a 20 litre waterproof pannier bag, puncture repair kit and lock.

Please note that it is required by French law for children under 12 to wear a helmet, so let us know before you travel if you would like us to provide this for you.

We have a range of children’s bikes, seats, tag-alongs and trailers to suit all ages. Please contact us before travelling to discuss the most suitable option for your child.

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Ride with GPS

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n addition to our traditional route notes and OS style maps, we encourage all of our guests to use our GPS navigation, which is similar in function to the sat-nav you find in most modern cars. We work with Ride with GPS, who offer a brilliant smartphone app to help take the stress out of navigation. Before you set off you’ll receive an email containing an invitation from us to your tour ‘event’ and detailed instructions on how to get started. After signing up for a free account, you will be able to view and download your routes to your phone, for use offline when overseas. The app allows you to follow your route highlighted on a map as well as offering spoken instructions.

How it works 1. 2-4 weeks before departure you will receive your event invitation link via email.

2. Follow the link, sign up for your free account and RSVP to our invitation.

3. You will now be able to see all of the routes for your tour and download them to your phone’s memory.

4. Upon arrival in resort, you simply select your route for the day, press ‘Ride’ and follow the spoken navigation cues.

Prefer paper? At your welcome meeting we can provide detailed route notes and appropriately scaled IGN maps for the region you are travelling in.

We can also provide GPX files for your own GPS device. Just ask us before you travel.

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Travelling Responsibly At Cycling for Softies, we recognise the importance of responsible travel and our obligation to the places and people we visit. We hope to make travel sustainable in the long-term by encouraging our staff and clients to support the environment as well as the local communities.

Our top responsible traveller tips •

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Use our refillable water bottles from our local bases to reduce the use of disposable plastic.

We encourage you to shop at local markets and avoid tourist traps and chain restaurants to help support the local economy.

Many of the hotels we work with encourage guests to consider their policy on reusing sheets and towels, all of which helps contribute towards a reduced environmental impact.

THE REGION

The Region

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n the very heart of France and known as the Garden of France: Strawberries, melons and wines provide the savours and flavours of the region. The quality of life is justly famed, among this rich and beautiful tapestry of fields, vineyards and forests, criss-crossed by gentle rivers.

There is a real sense of history here, with an amazing number of churches, museums and historic buildings to see, and above all the famous châteaux where the French Kings and Queens of the Renaissance held court amidst dazzling splendour. The regional wines and cuisine are delicious, refined and yet gutsy.

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THE REGION

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Loire Valley has been added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Of the 39 principal locations in this World Heritage Site, 16 are found between Saumur and Amboise.

Cyclists will find well-marked cycle routes along the banks of the Loire, Indre, Cher and Vienne rivers, low traffic levels and a distinct lack of big hills, making it a veritable paradise for the leisurely rider, and families too. These routes take you through some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the region and past some of its most notable attractions. Expect to see medieval fortresses and abundant vineyards lining the landscapes as you go, with plenty of opportunities to stop and sample delicious local cusine and wines.

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PLACES TO SEE

Villages and towns In addition to the overnight stops on your tour, you’ll pass through some lovely towns and villages on your way. Here are some that you may like to stop off in:

Saumur This elegant town is recognisable for its châteaux that are built from the region’s signature tuffeau limestone. Home to a vast array of wine cellars, fine dining restaurants and even France’s national equestrian school, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to cultural activities.

Turquant One of many villages which originally consisted of cave houses carved into the limestone hills. The caves are still populated, albeit with some rather striking modern renovations, and some have been converted into restaurants and museums.

Bréhémont A riverside port on the banks of the Loire, the perfect place to stop for lunch when riding along the Loire à Vélo cycle route. We recommend the Hotel de la Clef d’Or.

Langeais On the banks of the river Loire, Langeais is a historic town with roots dating all the way back to Gallo Roman times.

Stroll the medieval streets and pay a visit to the famous Château de Langeais, which houses 15 richly furnished rooms that overlook the river.

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PLACES TO SEE

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PLACES TO SEE

Wine and delicacies Everywhere you go here you will see winemaker’s signs and caves offering tastings. Here is a list of some of our favourites:

Domaine de la Noblaie Situated midway between Chinon and Château Rivau, this family run and certified organic vineyard produce some of the best wines in the Chinon AOC.

Couly-Dutheil Another renowned producer in the Chinon AOC, Couly-Dutheil is one of the larger producers in the region, famed for their Blanc de Franc, a white wine made from the red Cabernet Franc grape. It offers tastings of its range at several store fronts in both Chinon and Azay-le-Rideau. The wines are renowned for being served at some of the most prestigious tables in France, so you can expect a rich mix of fine and fruity flavours.

Rivarennes Home to the Maison de la Poire Tapée, where you can sample the ancestral culinary specialty of dried pears (and sometimes apples), served soaked in a local wine, with both savoury and sweet dishes.

La Champignonnière Du Saut Aux Loups Carved into the hillside between Turquant and Montsoreau, this network of caves has been the home of a mushroom farm for hundreds of years. These days you can visit and witness the weird and wonderful funghi growing before tasting them in an excellent restaurant on site. We recommend trying ‘Les Galipettes’.

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PLACES TO SEE

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PLACES TO SEE

Historical sights Another reason for the Loire Valley’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the staggering number of medieval châteaux and historic settlements. Some of the best on your route are:

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau Built on an island in the Indre river, this magnificent castle is often regarded as one of the finest château of the Loire for its romantic gardens which have the Indre river running through them. Visitors can enjoy the classic French architecture, featuring restored façades and roofs.

Château de Chenonceau Spanning the two banks of the river Cher, Château de Chenonceau has been standing in one form or another since the 16th century. Its arches are the most striking feature of this late-Gothic château.

Château du Rivau This medieval castle is situated at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring its own botanical gardens, contemporary sculptures and a restaurant serving up delicious local specialities to try after a day spent wandering the grounds.

Chinon Fortress Famed as the meeting place for a teenage Joan of Arc and the Dauphin Charles VII prior to her battle to free the besieged city of Orléans from the British. The fortress has interesting exhibits on its history, a nice lawn area complete with deck chairs to kick back in the sun and offers great views of the town.

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PLACES TO SEE

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PLACES TO SEE

Historical sights continued Fontevraud Abbey Founded in the 12th century and originally home to a large monastic order, Fontevraud Abbey is famed as the resting place of Henri Plantagenet (King Henry II of England) and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. The abbey also has a variety of art exhibitions on show and some beautiful outside spaces.

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau A beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, perched on the vivid green Indre river and a 50m walk away from Hotel Biencourt in Azay-le-Rideau. Its position on the water makes taking great photos of its reflection an easy task and the Renaissance interiors and peaceful parkland are worth seeing too.

Château Villandry One of the most famous châteaux in the world, famed for its exquisitely designed and maintained terraced gardens. The château also has a selection of furnished rooms inside to see, full of antique furnishing and Renaissance decoration.

Balzac Museum Situated at Château du Saché in the Indre Valley, the place from which Honoré de Balzac drew inspiration for his famed novels and plays. The castle has been restored to bring to life the refuge of Balzac, and visitors can enjoy exploring the very rooms in which he wrote by candlelight.

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PLACES TO SEE

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PLACES TO SEE

Events and festivals Market days

Major events

Chinon Thursdays from 9am-1pm in the Place Jeanne d’Arc. Smaller market on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Place Charles de Gaulle. Second hand and antiques market every third Sunday of each month by the river alongside the Place Jeanne d’Arc.

Son et Lumière Show - Château de Blois Every night, from AprilSeptember, the courtyard of the royal château in Blois is transformed into a spectacular show, combining vibrant projections and classical music.

Montsoreau Sunday morning in main square.

Antique market every second Sunday of each month.

Azay-le-Rideau Wednesday and Saturday mornings, at Place de la République.

Blois Weekly markets on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at Place Louis XII Amboise Weekly markets on Friday and Sunday mornings. Sunday’s market is one of the largest in The Loire Valley.

Saumur Large weekly market on Saturday mornings.

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Grand Prix de Tours Classic car and motorbike festival in Chinon taking place in late June.

Marché à l’Ancienne A medieval market takes over almost all of Chinon town centre for one weekend in early August.

Night of a Thousand Lights Explore the gardens of Château Villandry, illuminated by candles and moonlight, in July and August each year.

Anjou Vélo Vintage A retro cycling festival celebrating vintage bicycles, complete with organised rides, vintage stalls and music.

Takes place early July.

PLACES TO SEE

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FAQs What happens when I arrive?

Before you arrive our Destination Managers will get in touch by SMS or email to introduce themselves and to arrange your welcome meeting. If you’ve booked travel through us, your private transfer will meet you at your arrival point and take you to your first hotel. Once there, your DM will get you set up on your bicycles and talk you through your holiday, paying particular attention to your routes and navigation. If you are travelling independently, please advise us of your estimated time of arrival and our representative will meet you at a convenient time at your first hotel.

What is the role of your Destination Manager?

Your Destination Manager is your point of contact during your tour. They are responsible for making sure your holiday runs smoothly, solving any issues that arise, and sharing their local knowledge with you. They are your bike mechanic, luggage transfer driver and tourist information office all rolled into one and are on hand for the duration of your trip.

How does the luggage transfer service operate?

In the morning please bring your luggage to reception by 10am for the DM to collect.

It will then be taken by minibus to your next hotel, and, traffic and unforeseen hold-ups permitting, will be waiting for you in your room by 3pm. Please ensure that your luggage is clearly labelled with your name so we know where to take it.

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When and how should I check in at hotels?

You are most welcome to arrive at our hotels at any time. However, you may find they are busy serving lunch between 12pm and 2pm, and your room may not be clean and ready for you with your luggage before 3pm. Checking in is easy - simply tell reception you are with Cycling for Softies and give your name. You will then be presented with your room key.

What should I do if I have an accident?

If you or a member of your party is seriously injured, contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112. For less serious incidents you can contact your DM on the number provided and they will endeavour to help in any way that they can. Your first action after an accident should be to ensure the safety of all group members.

Move out of the road or cycle path to a safe spot and check for injuries. Be particularly vigilant if somebody has hit their head and continue to monitor their condition even if no immediate symptoms of concussion are evident. It is also important to check your bicycle before you set off again, as the accident may have left it needing repairs or replacement. In particular, make sure your brakes still function, that your frame has no visible dents/cracks, and that your handlebars and wheels are still straight. If you suspect any damage, it is important that you contact your DM so they can organise necessary repairs or a replacement. Please take a moment to fill out an accident form with your DM and always err on the side of caution. We advise that even minor injuries be checked by a medical professional.

What should I do if I have a mechanical problem with my bike or I get a puncture?

The bicycles we provide are well maintained and of a very high quality.

Punctures and mechanical breakdowns are unlikely, however we equip you for unlikely mishaps with a good puncture repair kit and a pump, plus instructions on how to use them. For major repairs, please contact the DM and they will come to meet you and either replace your bike or fix the problem as soon as possible.

Do I have to follow the recommended routes?

You do not have to follow our recommended routes, but as the name suggests, we strongly recommend that you do! We plan our routes to take you on our favourite roads in each region and to take you to your destination via our favourite towns, villages and attractions. That said, you are certainly welcome to go your own way, and your DM will be happy to help you plan a ride to suit your needs.

What happens if I get lost?

With the resources provided, getting lost is a rare occurrence. However, if you are unable to make it to your destination, please contact your DM who will help you get back on route and to your next hotel or stop-off point.

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What should I take with me when cycling?

Some essential items to take with you when out riding are: • • • • • • • •

Water Wallet/purse Sun cream Snacks Raincoat Mobile phone Maps Toolkit/bike lock

What should I wear when cycling?

A good place to start is a pair of padded cycling shorts. These really will make a world of difference and they’re a great investment that help you get as much enjoyment as possible out of your cycling holiday. Otherwise, avoid clothing that restricts movement and clothing with poorly placed seams that might cause uncomfortable chafing. Shorts and a light, airy top are a winning combination when the weather is good, but it’s always wise to bring a waterproof jacket too in case the weather turns. Any pair of comfortable, flat soled shoes will do the job and a pair of sunglasses and a hat are useful to protect you from the sun’s rays.

Do I have to cycle every day?

This will vary depending upon the itinerary you have booked. Some routes require cycling every day to reach each new destination, whilst on others you are free to cycle as and when you choose. After a long day in the saddle, a lot of people then prefer an easy relaxing day at the hotel or taking a leisurely stroll around the local area.

FAQs Do I have to wear a helmet?

Can I bring my own bike?

We strongly encourage all of our guests to wear a cycle helmet. A good quality helmet will reduce the risk of head injury in the event of an accident. For comfort, we suggest that guests bring their own helmets if possible, but we do have some available in resort too.

Please let us know before you travel whether you would like to borrow one, so that we can ensure they are delivered with your bikes.

Please note that helmets are required by French law for children under 12 years old.

Absolutely. Please inform us of your intention to do so before departure so that we can better manage our stock of bicycles in the region you are travelling to. There is no reduction in holiday price for using your own bicycle.

What should I do with my bike at lunch/overnight stops?

Whenever you are not riding your bike, please use the locks provided to securely fasten them to something solid. It is also a good idea to remove any valuables from your pannier bags. Each hotel offers secure bike storage on site - simply ask at reception when you arrive and you will be shown where this is. We still recommend locking your bikes and emptying your panniers for extra security.

What bikes or bike seats do you provide for children?

We can offer 4 bike options for children (please speak to the UK team before departure to confirm your preferred option): 1. Child bike: Small sized bicycles with child specific design.

2. Child seats: A safe seat that attaches to an adult bicycle, for younger kids.

3. Tag-a-long bikes: A small bicycle that mounts to the rear of an adult bicycle, giving the adult control but allowing the child to pedal and help on hills!

4. Trailers: An easy way of transporting children who are too young to pedal.

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Can I change to an electric bike or touring bike during my holiday?

We are happy to organise for you to change between bike types whilst on your holiday.

This is subject to availability and changing to an electric bike will incur an additional cost. Please note that it may take up to a day to facilitate this change.

How fit do I have to be?

Not very! Whilst a good level of fitness is obviously helpful, it is by no means a necessity. All our routes are designed to be leisurely, within the limitations of the region’s geography, and on average 20/25 miles long. You will have all day, so you can take your time, soak up the surroundings, and stop for long, lazy lunches.

Who can I call for assistance?

You can always reach us via our 24-hour UK helpline on +44 (0)20 7471 7798. If you need any other assistance in France, your first call should be to our local Destination Manager - make sure to save their phone number during your welcome meeting.

This is the emergency number you can call for free in all European countries if you need urgent help from the emergency services.

EMERGENCY NUMBER

112

Competition Time We always love seeing our clients’ holiday photos, so make sure you send yours in to holidayphotos@cyclingforsofties.com to be in with the chance of winning a six bottle case of wine.

Here are some of the holiday photos already shared by our clients, across Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and the Loire Valley.

Send your photos in to holidayphotos@cyclingforsofties.com

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020 7471 7760 INFO@CYCLINGFORSOFTIES.COM WWW.CYCLINGFORSOFTIES.COM THE GLASSMILL

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1 B AT T E R S E A B R I D G E R O A D

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LONDON

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Cycling for Softies is a trading division of Ski Solutions Ltd. and part of the Active Travel Group.