France Attracts Cyclists To The Incredible Loire Valley

France Attracts Cyclists To The Incredible Loire Valley

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In 2000, the central part of the Loire Valley was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscape and historic towns and villages. France in 2005 suffering from a little slump in American tourism, introduced the "Loire Vlo" biking program, designed to allow travellers to explore the 880 kilometers of breathtaking roads and cycling trails that wind along Europe's last wild river past picturesque french villages, mysterious troglodyte homes (limestone caves), ancient churches, vineyards and monasteries. When the entire trail is eventually completed it will stretch approximately 500 miles from St.-Brevin-les-Pins in the Atlantic region to Cuffy in the Cher region, near Sancerre.

The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches lodges of the kings and noblemen of the 15th to 18th centuries grew into extraordinarily ornate chateaux and hunting domains, a short journey for them from Paris and a world away from the lives of their subjects.

The countryside is a mix of sunflower fields, vineyards, leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages, and is ideal for undemanding cycling. The attractive market town of Amboise, under the reign of Francois 1st historically important during the 15th and 16th century and nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point. The routes move between the Loire and Cher rivers, and visit some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.

You can ride across the Cher river southeast from Amboise to the castle of Chenonceau, one of the loveliest sites in the Loire Valley. Straddling the River Cher and backing off into an expanse of forest, the chateau is hemmed in by two outstanding gardens. It is the most visited chateau of the Loire with over one million visitors ayear.

After you've had your fill of ogling architecture, cycle around beautiful Amboise on the Loire River with its charming village and medieval chateau. Leonardo Da Vinci's home, the Chateau du Clos-Luce where he spent the last three years of his life, is located just outside Amboise. In fact King Francois 1st had an underground tunnel built so that he could go and visit his good friend without having to mix with his subjects. At Clos Luce you can tour his sitting rooms, chambers, and kitchen. There is a working museum with over 40 models of some of his incredible inventions.

Fairs, festivals, pageants and concerts fill the Loire calendar from spring to autumn. Sound and light productions at Amboise, Chenonceau, Blois, Valenay and Azay-le-Rideau bring royal chateau tradition and history to life.

The patchwork fields, cool forests and lazy rivers of the Loire Valley invite the active vacationers to sail, windsurf, cycle, walk and canoe in the gentle countryside. Tennis players and golfers will find first rate facilities throughout the region. Visitors can also drift leisurely over the chateaux and countryside in a hot air balloon.

Luxury chateaux sprinkle the region, ready to soothe away any saddle sores with their great cuisine and crisp, cool acclaimed local wine. Some of the best wine in France is produced in the Loire Valley. Someliers, wine merchants, wine-bar owners know it and spend their holidays here in the Loire Valley. You can chose to hire a room or a whole chateau together with your friends or family members.

You couldn't pick a more comfortable and leisurely, palate-friendly, more picturesque holiday destination anywhere in the world.

About the Author:
Corina Clemence operates Chateau du Guerinet a luxury french castle in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to 15 people perfect for a fantastic french holiday with family and friends and for touring vineyards, historic castles and unwinding. The castle is also perfect for a fairytale french wedding, party or any event. You can rent the whole chateau exclusively or hire one of the luxury six suites individually. What are you waiting for - rent a French chateau Hire french chateau http://www.loirechateau.com Rent castle France.



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