A French bicycle tour for gay cyclists

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Bicycle in France's heartland with Alyson Adventures

It's easy to get to know the other travelers in our small, friendly, gay and lesbian groups.

An active, outdoors vacation with Alyson Adventures.

Cyclists can easily explore the small French towns that most tourists miss -- and also visit the grandest of the Loire castles, 440-room Chambord chateau.

Big Loire, Little Loir: Bicycle in France's heartland

An introductory bicycle tour in Europe

Here's the perfect introduction to biking in Europe. Many gay and lesbian cyclists couldn't think of anything better than a week on a bicycle. But those with less experience may prefer to start with a shorter trip. This 5-day tour, which combines nicely with a few nights in Paris, is the perfect solution.

We begin on le Loir, a quiet river that weaves amongst French villages untouched by time. Bike along pastoral roads to tiny Troo, where townsfolk live in hobbit-style caves. Visit the crumbling castle ruins high above picturesque Vendome. Explore the historic castle and colorful gardens of Chateaudun, all the more charming because it is off the usual tourist beat.

Then, we cross to the larger Loire river, ending at the region's most famous creation: Chateau Chambord, so enormous that the French king Francois I nearly bankrupted himself having it built. By the time you finish, this five-day trip will seem too short. That's okay: We have longer tours to select from for your next vacation..

Highlights:

Bike along the tranquil Loir river, its pastoral roads lined with hobbit-style homes built in caves.
Enjoy a festive lunch in the picturesque village of Troo, a fascinating but little-known village riddled by underground caves and tunnels.
Explore picturesque Chateaudun, site of a 1000-year-old castle perched high on a river bluff.
Stroll down a flower-lined canal in Vendome, known as "Little Venice".
Walk the medieval streets of such forgotten towns as fortified Lavardin, and Meung-sur-Loire where Joan of Arc won an important victory.
Picnic at the largest of the Loire chateaux: the 440-room Chambord designed by Leonardo da Vinci; then wander its nook-filled roof, where you'll feel like a pawn on a giant chessboard.

Is it the right vacation for you? Flat and gently rolling terrain make this an excellent introduction to biking in France, typically covering 25 to 35 miles a day. We'll offer additional suggestions for cyclists who want more biking.

Past travellers comment on this trip: "The BEST vacation I've ever taken!"— James Barrett, Chicago, Ill.

"It was a hundred times better than I had hoped it would be."— Merle Peek, Denver, Col.

Dates and Price:
Sept. 6 to 11, 2009: $1,750: A trip for gay men, lebians & friends.

Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy. Tours often fill up months before departure. We regularly update our travel schedule to show the status of this and other trips.

Travelling Alone?
So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you'd like a room by yourself.

Location: Starts in Vendome, France; ends in Blois.

Price includes: Comfortable hotels each night; Services of two tour guides; All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners, with wine included; Transportation to get luggage (and tired cyclists!) to destination; Use of bike; A wine-tasting; Map, guidebook, and routes.

Not included: Transportation to and from start/end points; 3 lunches; 1 dinner; Souvenirs, snacks, admissions; Gratuities for guides.

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