There is a sense of freedom that comes when touring unexplored territories on a bike. Cycling in the Loire Valley endows visitors with total control over what they would like to see, when to stop all the while breathing in the fresh, crisp air and taking in the unmatched beauty of the region’s preserved nature. From one season to another, the Loire Valley’s sceneries display different color nuances, from vivid green in springtime to a velvety, caramel hue in autumn. Cyclists might even be greeted by the waving hands of grape pickers, sprinkled amongst the vineyards during harvest season.
Les Sources de Cheverny has an exhaustive offer for its esteemed guests, from cycling athletes to occasional bicyclers alike. Depending on how far guests wish to go, bikes for both children and adults can be simply borrowed, while electric bikes can be hired for the day to explore as much of the Loire Valley as possible. The concierge service and its team are eager to share their passion for the Loire Valley’s cultural and natural wealth and will be happy to help guests choose the right bikes, provide detailed maps of the best cycle routes nearby and organize guided cycling tours of the Loire Valley.
Indeed, cycling the Loire Valley is to embark on a trip through history. The castles, of course, are here to remind visitors of the architectural splendor of our magnificent region and can be seen from far away, which makes castles the perfect destinations for a historical cycle tour, hopping from one Château to another following cycle paths. But why are there so many magnificent castles in the Loire Valley? During the Hundred’s Years War, the French royal court was expelled from Paris and had to relocate somewhere with fertile breeding grounds where the court could settle down, albeit temporarily. Over the course of hundreds of years, these “homes away from homes” blossomed into the Renaissance architectural splendor one can admire today. The vineyards which produce Loire Valley wines date back to the 1st century and by the 14th century. They offer an ever-changing scenery following each season’s colour palette and are particularly pleasurable to cycle through or admire from afar to get a broader view. Together with castles, vineyards create the Loire Valley’s stupendous historical and cultural landscape.
Cycling the Loire Valley by bike : from short to long routes
Les Sources de Cheverny is only a ten-minute bike ride away from the Cheverny Château, an ideal trip especially for children who can then play in the Château’s gardens and playground. For those who wish to stay close to the lodgings yet are looking for a longer ride, a cycle path surrounds the Cheverny which is about one hour and a half long. This Loire Valley cycle route has the benefits of exploring different landscapes and exploring the regional fauna and flora, whilst making sure that the 5-star domain is always at cyclable distance.
For half a day or day cycle trip, Les Sources de Cheverny is the ideal starting point to discover the Loire Valley by bike as it is situated between Blois and Chambord.
The concierge at Les Source de Cheverny is there to guide guests through regional cycle paths and tailor a Loire Valley cycle route to each rider’s plans.
Cycling in the Loire Valley is synonymous with sightseeing and castles. The Chambord Château and the Blois Château are both about a one-hour bike ride from Les Sources de Cheverny, which gives the perfect amount of time to visit these architectural jewels of the French renaissance between the ride there, and back.
The Loire Valley by bike : picks for picnic spots
This is where the freedom resides when cycling in the Loire Valley: in any of the Loire Valley cycle routes, there will be a spot to sit down and delight in that well-deserved lunch break or snack. Very close from Les Sources de Cheverny, the town of Chemery also offers picnic tables and benches and has public restrooms for the Loire Valley’s cyclists comfort
Cyclists with sore legs and a preference for comfort will also appreciate the town of Montresor with its sturdy wooden tables and benches alongside the river for riders to have a proper sit down, unwind and enjoy the view.
For more information : reservations@sources-cheverny.com +33 (0)2 54 44 20 20
