For cycling holidays in France the Loire Valley is a truly beautiful destination. It has everything on offer to create your dream holiday, from tranquil waters, stunning châteaux, peaceful countryside and some wonderful attractions including museums, caves and vineyards.
Cycle Breaks has put together a fantastic collection of Loire Valley cycling holidays to suit a range of budgets, tastes and capabilities, so if you’re considering a holiday in the Loire Valley this year, or next, here’s what this picturesque region of France has to offer.
Cycling Holidays France – click here to find out more about cycling tours in France.
Countryside
Following the longest river in France, the Loire Valley twists its way from Nantes near the west coast, through to Chambord - around 300km further inland. Known as the garden of France, the gentle countryside features undulating hills and scattered forests, together with the stunning châteaux for which it is world renowned. This rich farming area, with its open expanses, is great for cycling and you’re sure to be thrilled by the charm of this amazing destination.
Weather
Famous for its mild climate, the Loire Valley has something to offer all year round but, when looking for relatively warm, dry conditions, the season for this area of France really starts in April or May, when the days start to draw out and the temperatures rise to about 20 degrees. With fewer tourists to compete with, this can be a wonderful time to go, while the late Spring and Summertime weather, offering long periods without rain and temperatures peaking at around 28 degrees in July can be perfect for cycling holidays in France; it is not as hot as the South but comfortable for exercising in.
Food
France is known for its ‘gastronomie’ and the Loire Valley is certainly no exception there’s no better place to try experience this than the Loire Valley. Rich in orchards, fresh water lakes and vegetable gardens, the area offers menus that are fit for the royalty that once feasted here with the Kings of France. They include fresh fish from the river itself, game meats from the surrounding forests and fabulous pâtés, together with local artichokes, beans, mushrooms and leeks, finished with fabulously rich goat’s cheese and a Tarte Tatin that is truly to die for.
Châteaux and Historic Buildings
Sightseeing in the Loire Valley offers a seemingly never ending supply of astounding architecture trailed along the banks of the river. Most famous for its châteaux, including the many turrets of the fairy tale Chambord, Villandry with its beautiful formal gardens, or the masterpiece that is Azay-Le-Rideau surrounded by water, the Loire Valley is also host to much character and history in its cities including Angers, Dijon, Nantes, Orléans, Tours and of course Paris. And, in stark contrast but just as awe inspiring, you’ll also find many Troglodytes - dwellings carved out of the very face of the rocks around you.
Attractions
As well as the stunning architecture and history of the region’s châteaux, the Loire Valley is home to a vast array of museums – including the Museum of Magic at Château de Blois – parks and gardens and wonderfully animated markets, all giving you a flavour of life in the area both past and present. There are many activities centred around the river itself, although swimming in its cool waters is not recommended due to the fast current. If you’d like to see a little more of the region while taking a break from the road, hot air balloons offer a breath taking view of this Valley of Kings.
Wine
An area dotted with numerous vineyards, and boasting the Burgundy region within its footprint, the Loire Valley produces quality white wines such as Sancerre, Pouilly Pouilly Fumée and Vouvray, rosés from Anjou and tasty reds such as Gamay de Touraine and Bourgeuil. There are many wine tasting opportunities and you can go from the vineyard to the cellars to truly appreciate the wine making process. Why not spend some time picking your favourite to take home with you?
About Cycle Breaks
Specialists in providing self guided holidays in the UK and mainland Europe, we pride ourselves on choosing excellent packages that offer the best in choices for everyone, taking the hassle out of the planning so that you can relax and enjoy your break with all the support that you need.
When it comes to cycling holidays, France offers you culture and adventure while not being too far away from home.
Cycling Holidays France – click here to find out more about cycling tours in France.
Friday 28 June 2013
Wednesday 26 June 2013
Cycling Holidays France – Food and Wine Specialities of the Loire Valley
Also known as ‘the garden of France’, the Loire Valley is famous for its peaceful rivers, undulating countryside, pretty villages and picturesque châteaux and is a wonderful destination for cycling holidays in France.
The scenery of the Loire Valley is simply spectacular and is best enjoyed on two wheels or on foot and, if you have worked up a hearty appetite after enjoying a peaceful cycle in the countryside, you won’t be disappointed as the country is known worldwide for its culinary delights.
One of the biggest joys of cycling holidays in France is the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-track locations where you can sample some of the amazing dishes this region has to offer.
Cycle Breaks offers inspiring short breaks and longer holidays in cycle friendly picturesque locations both in the UK and abroad. Our cycling holidays in France, Austria, Germany, Italy and Spain are suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends and included in the price are en-suite hotel accommodation (with breakfast included), a detailed itinerary with maps and clearly described routes, luggage transfer and bike hire (often with the option of electric bikes).
Cycling Holidays France – click here to find out more about cycling tours in France.
What to Expect on the Menu in the Loire Valley
If you are cycling for long periods in the day, you will quickly build up an appetite and, of course, France is well known for its food. In France, just as in England, different regions are famous for different dishes, and here we shall put the spotlight on some of the specialities you may well find at one of the restaurants en-route.
Pork Rillettes – This is prepared in such a way that it resembles a rough pâté, making it a great appetiser. The pork is chopped, salted, then slowly poached in its own juices. The dish is usually served with bread and, although pork is used for this particular dish, other meat can be used to make rillettes.
Andouillette – If you want to go for something unusual, this is well worth a try and is basically a coarse smoked sausage made of pork intestines. You can eat it either hot or cold and it is generally served with onions, or in a red wine sauce.
Beurre Blanc – Although by no means a dish in itself, Beurre Blanc (or white butter) is a popular, classic, hot butter sauce that is often served with fish in the Loire Valley region. It is made with white wine, shallots and butter and can be served with river fish, which is plentiful in the Loire region, such as salmon or trout.
Coq au Vin – This is a popular traditional rustic dish which is served all over France, with regional variants. It is basically a delicious aromatic stew made of a strong-boned chicken slow cooked in wine. It’s usually served with boiled potatoes and the juices can be mopped up with delicious fresh bread.
Goats Cheese – Goats cheese is popular in the Loire Valley, such as Sainte Maure, a long cylindrical shaped soft cheese which is delightfully crumbly. One of the most popular cheeses, however, is Crottin de Chavignol, which is spreadable and can be identified by its small cylinder shape.
Tarte Tatin: This is a dessert speciality of the region and is basically an upside down tart made with caramelised apples. It was invented by two sisters who ran a hotel in the late 19th century and has become popular ever since. It can be served with ice-cream, crème fraîche or double cream.
Some of the Popular Wines in the Loire Valley
As in many regions of France, the Loire Valley is popular for its wines. If you are out for an evening meal, or want to take a bottle of wine home with you, the following wines are a speciality of this region: Bourgeuil, a red wine from the grape variety Cabernet Franc, Red Chinon, a mainly red wine also from the grape variety Cabernet Franc, Pouilly-Fumé, a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc and Vouvray (sparkling and still), made from the grape variety Chenin Blanc.
Why Choose a Cycle Breaks Holiday?
At Cycle Breaks, cycling is our passion. If you are thinking of taking a cycling holiday in France, we are happy to talk through the options with you We can also tailor itineraries to individual requirements. We will arrange accommodation, luggage transfers and provide detailed tour notes to ensure you can relax and enjoy your holiday in France.
Cycling Holidays France – click here to find out more about cycling tours in France.
The scenery of the Loire Valley is simply spectacular and is best enjoyed on two wheels or on foot and, if you have worked up a hearty appetite after enjoying a peaceful cycle in the countryside, you won’t be disappointed as the country is known worldwide for its culinary delights.
One of the biggest joys of cycling holidays in France is the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-track locations where you can sample some of the amazing dishes this region has to offer.
Cycle Breaks offers inspiring short breaks and longer holidays in cycle friendly picturesque locations both in the UK and abroad. Our cycling holidays in France, Austria, Germany, Italy and Spain are suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends and included in the price are en-suite hotel accommodation (with breakfast included), a detailed itinerary with maps and clearly described routes, luggage transfer and bike hire (often with the option of electric bikes).
Cycling Holidays France – click here to find out more about cycling tours in France.
What to Expect on the Menu in the Loire Valley
If you are cycling for long periods in the day, you will quickly build up an appetite and, of course, France is well known for its food. In France, just as in England, different regions are famous for different dishes, and here we shall put the spotlight on some of the specialities you may well find at one of the restaurants en-route.
Pork Rillettes – This is prepared in such a way that it resembles a rough pâté, making it a great appetiser. The pork is chopped, salted, then slowly poached in its own juices. The dish is usually served with bread and, although pork is used for this particular dish, other meat can be used to make rillettes.
Andouillette – If you want to go for something unusual, this is well worth a try and is basically a coarse smoked sausage made of pork intestines. You can eat it either hot or cold and it is generally served with onions, or in a red wine sauce.
Beurre Blanc – Although by no means a dish in itself, Beurre Blanc (or white butter) is a popular, classic, hot butter sauce that is often served with fish in the Loire Valley region. It is made with white wine, shallots and butter and can be served with river fish, which is plentiful in the Loire region, such as salmon or trout.
Coq au Vin – This is a popular traditional rustic dish which is served all over France, with regional variants. It is basically a delicious aromatic stew made of a strong-boned chicken slow cooked in wine. It’s usually served with boiled potatoes and the juices can be mopped up with delicious fresh bread.
Goats Cheese – Goats cheese is popular in the Loire Valley, such as Sainte Maure, a long cylindrical shaped soft cheese which is delightfully crumbly. One of the most popular cheeses, however, is Crottin de Chavignol, which is spreadable and can be identified by its small cylinder shape.
Tarte Tatin: This is a dessert speciality of the region and is basically an upside down tart made with caramelised apples. It was invented by two sisters who ran a hotel in the late 19th century and has become popular ever since. It can be served with ice-cream, crème fraîche or double cream.
Some of the Popular Wines in the Loire Valley
As in many regions of France, the Loire Valley is popular for its wines. If you are out for an evening meal, or want to take a bottle of wine home with you, the following wines are a speciality of this region: Bourgeuil, a red wine from the grape variety Cabernet Franc, Red Chinon, a mainly red wine also from the grape variety Cabernet Franc, Pouilly-Fumé, a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc and Vouvray (sparkling and still), made from the grape variety Chenin Blanc.
Why Choose a Cycle Breaks Holiday?
At Cycle Breaks, cycling is our passion. If you are thinking of taking a cycling holiday in France, we are happy to talk through the options with you We can also tailor itineraries to individual requirements. We will arrange accommodation, luggage transfers and provide detailed tour notes to ensure you can relax and enjoy your holiday in France.
Cycling Holidays France – click here to find out more about cycling tours in France.
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