Cycling through the Land of the Kings, France
The beautiful Loire Valley is renowned for the grandeur and majesty of the magnificent châteaux that line the banks of this regal river and just to the south of Orléans is the beautiful region of the Sologne, a cyclist's paradise.
From £840pp (£975pp including rail) based on 2 people sharing
The Sologne is a land of shimmering lakes and picturesque villages of timber-framed, red-brick houses that nestle amid the luxuriant woodland. This holiday is a delightful route of contrasting discoveries as you leave the bustling city of Orléans and head into the unspoiled region of lakes and forests of the Sologne. Quiet roads and lanes, perfect for leisurely cycling, lead you from one pretty village to the next, with the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most imposing châteaux. You stay in welcoming hotels which offer typical regional cuisine featuring locally grown asparagus and artichoke, freshly caught river fish and delicious home-bred game.
Accommodation:
Hotel d'Arc, Orléans This very pleasant three-star hotel is located on a pedestrian street (with trams) and is run with friendly professionalism by the proprietor Monsieur Guilgault and his staff. The 35 rooms are comfortably-furnished and well equipped. As you stay here on a bed & breakfast basis, you are free to choose from the city's many restaurants for dinner.
Le Cheval Blanc, Yvoy-le-Marron Recently taken over by Patricia and Joel Danthu, the Auberge has 15 stylishly furnished rooms in either the main building above the dining room or in the separate annexe at the rear of the hotel. You stay on a half board basis and head-chef Joel offers a set menu, in the pleasant, wooden-beamed restaurant ,which often features locally caught game.
Auberge du Centre, Chitenay Surrounded by delightful flower gardens, this charming auberge offers the perfect haven in which to relax. The interior has a welcoming lounge and cosy bedrooms, complemented by flavoursome cuisine and an excellent selection of the wines of the Loire.
Hotel de la Sologne, Beaugency. This charming hotel (with just sixteen comfortable rooms) stands in a small, shady square in a quiet location near the historic centre of the town. As your stay here is on a bed-and-breakfast basis, a short stroll will take you into the historic centre of the town, where you will find plenty of restaurants.
For reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Cycling through the Land of the Kings
What price includes
- luggage transported
- visit many châteaux, including Chambord
- wonderful bird watching
- 7 nights' B&B, 3 dinners
- route notes and maps
- quality bike hire
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Hotel d'Arc, Orleans
Orleans
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Taxis to the hotel can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get there:
Train from London to Orléans (via Paris)
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Hotel d'Arc, Orléans
Orleans
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
Taxis to the railway station can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get back:
Train from Orléans to London (via Paris)
