Tour Details
Leisurely Bicycling with Support
8 Days & 7 Nights
Leisurely Cycling
100% Good Paved Roads
Gastronomy
Luxury Châteaux Accommodation

Tour Dates
September 18 to 25, 2013

Pre-Tour

P A R I S
Free time in Paris.

Hôtel Recamier
In the 6th arrondissement on the left bank of the Seine, this boutique hotel lies on a large, beautiful square across from the church of Saint-Sulpice. Luxembourg Gardens are a block away and the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in only three blocks. All around are small, winding alleys and streets of medieval Paris.

The hotel was recently renovated and the 24 rooms have been revamped in modern chic.

We love this discreet, pleasant location away from but close to the touristy areas and other hotels, with the pleasant Luxembourg Gardens very close by.

Hôtel Recamier : 3 bis, Place Saint Sulpice.

[Hôtel Recamier Web site]

Sept 17

P A R I S  to  B L O I S
After pickup at Hôtel Recamier, or your Paris hotel, transfer into the heart of Val de Loire and to Blois (185 kilometers, about 1 hr 50 m), the pleasant ancient capital of Loir-et-Cher department, situated on the banks of the Loire between Orléans and Tours.

After arrival, lunch and orientation on the riverfront, and after, spending the rest of the afternoon discovering the charming medieval town, strolling the old pavé (cobbled streets) and exploring the Château de Blois, a Renaissance château once occupied by King Louis XII.

After our first sunset in the Loire, we'll enjoy the château de Blois light and sound show before dinner and accommodation at the castle.

Château du Breuil
After seeing the grand châteaux of the Loire, it is even more special to stay in a château, one whose history began in the fifteenth century, complete with moat and tower that still remain to guard its courtyard entrance. Set on 45 hectares (over 112 acres) of wooded Loire Valley parkland, the castle was built in the eighteenth century incorporating the tower, and subsequent additions were made in the nineteenth century, all beautifully blending to create a harmonious and architecturally pleasing building.

On the grounds is also a fine 19th century chapel with a superb stained-glass window. As that century drew to a close, Château du Breuil was owned by the Marquise de Méloise Frenoy, and as recently as 1968 it belonged to the Earl de La Salle. But, it was in 1987 that it was lovingly transformed into a comfortable and peaceful château-hôtel welcoming guests from around the world. In the elegant dining room, delicious regional cuisine and fine wines are offered, and meals can be enjoyed in the park behind the dining room in good weather. Completely renovated in 2008.

Le Verger (the Orchard), is a superb old masonry building located at the edge of the park near the pond, very close to the castle, and was renovated in 2008 with eight new rooms. Le Pavillon des Fleurs (House of Flowers), a fine building from the middle ages. To maintain authenticity, the restoration scrupulously preserved and emphasized the patina of the walls and used Italian stone. Flowers gave the inspiration; and beds are canopied; as with the castle itself, the rooms are air-conditioned. [du Breuil Web Site]

Sept 18

B L O I S  to  C H E V E R N Y
Following breakfast, visiting the open-air market where we will browse for fresh local delights for our picnic later in the day. Afterwards, begin biking through the magnificent forest and along the bucolic canals of the royal Château de Chambord, one of the most famous châteaux in the world. The Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley, built to serve as a hunting lodge for François I, though never completed. The architecture is very unique, and we will spot aspects of this pedaling by such as the sculpted salamanders engraved on the walls of Loire’s most extravagant castle.

During our visit, we will relax in the shade of the hundred year-old trees and picnic in front of the château. Afterwards, we will stop for a biscuit tasting at the Biscuiterie de Chambord where heirs of an ancient tradition are true artisans of taste and will invite us into a world of tastes. Adequately fueled, we will then ride along the Cosson creek to the Cheverny and the Château de Cheverny (this should bring back memories if you read Tintin as it was the inspiration for Moulinsart castle). On our way, you will stop for a wine tasting at the property. In the afternoon, we loop back to Cheverny to relax before dinner, by bike or van, per your preference.

A 40 km (25 mi.) ride along the Loire River to château de Chambord for lunch, then passing through small villages and farmland on mostly flat terrain.

Sept 19

C H E V E R N Y  to  A M B O I S E
On this crisp, clear morning, riding a stretch through vivid vineyards for some time before arriving in front of the drawbridge of the Fougères-sur-Bièvre stronghold, where we'll follow the toues (traditional boats) along the Loire to the village of Chaumont-sur-Loire, a natural oasis and promontory perched above the Loire river and host to the International Garden Festival, events and projects of of philosophical, ecological and artistic themes.

Before wandering in the International Garden Festival, we'll taste the cuisine of the Chef of the Grand Velum, a restaurant created to enchant the theme of every year’s Garden Festival. Here, we will wander in the Gardens and stroll inside the beautiful fairytale like castle until late afternoon.

In the afternoon, we will transfer from Chaumont-sur-Loire to Amboise, a small market town that was once home of the French royal court is famous for the Clos Lucé, manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived (and ultimately died), at the invitation of King Francis I of France, whose Château d'Amboise dominates the town. Tonight, dining at our Michelin-star hotel restaurant.

A 39 km (24 mi.) ride along the river and rolling roads. Extended loop ride this afternoon, by preference.

Sept 20

A M B O I S E
Today, in between enjoying our beautiful little castle, garden and the swimming pool, exploring medieval Amboise. Francis I, had Leonardo da Vinci come and work in Amboise. You can still discover his mansion where he worked on his last masterpieces and where he died.

Midday, we'll enjoy a Renaissance gourmet lunch to fully immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the region. In the afternoon after the visit of the Clos Lucé, we will visit the differing crafts shops, which made Amboise such a rich city.

Optional one to one and half-hour morning spin through the countryside before we head into town (30 km – 18 mi.)

Sept 21

A M B O I S E  to  C H I S S A Y
Another morning pedaling through the spectacular landscapes and forest to Château de Chenonceau, gracefully bridging over the Cher river. This castle is a history book in itself and saw a lot of French history has become the second most-visited castle of France. After admiring the majesty of the château, we'll canoe the river, passing under the castle of Chenonceau, and appreciating a different perspective of the Loire Valley.

After this full day, we will reach the Château de Chissay in time for a sumptuous gourmet dinner.

Sept 22

C H I S S A Y to  C H A G N Y
After a leisurely breakfasy savoring the majestic setting of the Château, we will cycle out to visit a fascinating underground mushroom farm that produces for the most renowned restaurants in the world.

After our last, delicious lunch in Val de Loire, we will transfer by van to Chagny in "Bourgogne," driving for about three hours.

The end of our day will be spent relaxing in the garden of our castle-hotel or by the pool.

Besides great mustard, the local dishes of Burgundy include coq a vin and boeuf bourguignon; both of which are made with local red wine. The beef is provided by Charolais cattle (see picture) which are the local breed. Another resident is the humble vineyard snail, which is used to make their famous escargot.

And what about the wine? Well, in Burgundy it is easy to know what varietals you are enjoying, as almost all reds are made from Pinot Noir, with the whites being Chardonnay. But just because the vines are all the same doesn’t mean that the end products will be. With some of the best wine-growing terroir in all of France, Burgundy can produce some truly amazing wines. I cannot wait to try as many of them as I can find/afford.

The Côte d’Or is part of the Burgundy region and starts just below Dijon. Apart from the type of grapes grown, Burgundy differs from Bordeaux in another way. In Bordeaux, it’s all about the name on the label. Lynch-Bages, Petrus, Mouton-Rothchild etc. So, where Bordeaux is all about the Château, Burgundy is all about the where. The Côte d’Or has two main regions, the Côte de Nuits to the north and the Côte de Beaune to the south. In terms of hierarchy, Burgundy wine is classified according to region i.e. Burgundy (Bourgogne), then by district, Côte d’Or then onto village, e.g Gevry-Chambertin and further up to a particular vineyard.

Grand Cru is often thought of as a sign of quality, but it’s really a measure of the potential of the land the grapes are grown on. Many vineyards in Burgundy are split into subplots or allotments and have multiple owners, some only owning a small row so it’s very hard to pick a wine based purely on village or even vineyard, you sometimes need to know the exact producer. By reputation the top three villages in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or are: •Gevrey-Chambertin •Chambolle-Musigny •Vosne-Romanee

Château de Bellecroix
In the heart of the Beune, heart of Burgundy, this former castle (12th and 18th-centuries) is located in a large park.

The Relais du Silence property, maintains the French idea of luxury and “rafinement” in a bucolic setting clsoe to the Buene's most significant sites. [website]

Sept 23

We'll pause amidst the vins at the castle Chateau de Citeaux, where we will enjoy a visit to the vineyards and a wine-tasting with picnic on the terrasse, enjoying the view on the vineyards and in between toasts at our scenic setting, sample specialties of the region. Afterwards, continue through the French countryside that has inspired artist masterpieces for centuries, passing more artisans of vin, including Meursault, Pommard, Chassagne-Montrachet and others until we reach the charming city of Beaune, the unofficial wine capital of Burgundy. After freshining up, enjoying a gourmet-dinner in one of the best restaurants of the region.

Tonight, an optional " Art de vivre class," meeting in one of the living room of the Hotel Le Cep for introduction to the History of the table with a Kir Royal. At 8pm we go over to the restaurant to enjoy a gourmet-dinner. The class will be articulated in 3 workshops : French rules of table manners, the art of hospitality and the art of wine pairings.

A 25 km (15 mi.) ride along smooth, rolling roads. Extended loop ride this afternoon, by preference.

Hötel Le Cep, Beune
Hôtel le Cep is located in the heart of medieval Beaune, the union of many ancient homes built between the 14th and the 18th centuries. Its 64 rooms and suites are air- conditioned and each one is unique, furnished with antiques and are named for famous Burgundy wines. The culinary restaurant Loiseau des Vignes is located in the hotel and managed separately by the famous Groupe Bernard Loiseau. Enjoy wonderful cuisine and sample a wide range of wines, which are among the best in France.. [website]

Sept 24

Depart
After a leisurely breakfast we bid farewell to the Château and travel to Dijon (for the TGV) or Paris for your onward journey and reflect on the past week.....

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