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Trip Overview
Glorious chateaux and gardens, connected by quiet riverside roads |
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Bicycling in France's Loire Valley: Frequently-Asked Questions about Valley of the Kings For two centuries, French kings outdid one another as they built palaces amidst the meadows and forests of the Val de Loire. Our trip takes us along quiet riverside roads, connecting the grandest of these historic chateaux. This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page. Contents:
How do I get to Blois?
When does this bike trip start and end?
Each trip ends after breakfast. There are no group activities on that day, so if you have tight travel connections, you can get up and leave as early as you wish. When your schedule allows it, you'll probably want to spend some time sightseeing in town, with others from the trip, before departing. What's the train schedule from Paris?
Easier-to-read schedules have also appeared on Expedia.com. We don't put a link here because navigation on such sites seems to frequently change. At this writing you first click their international icon, then click on the French site. The British flag icon will take you to an English language version of the site and they will list connections from any little city all over France with the best itineraries at any time. Why can't I find any trains on the schedule from Chinon to Paris?
What books would be enjoyable reading before a trip to the Loire Valley?
How does the van support work for cyclists?
The specific van schedule varies day to day, based on a number of factors: the route, whether there's a picnic that day, and whether riders are all likely to be on the same road, or off on different options. Typically, the driver stays with or behind most of the group until about lunchtime (or earlier, if there's a picnic to set up), then drives ahead to deliver luggage into your rooms. If most of the group is likely to be on the same road, the driver may then circle back to see if anyone needs the van. However, we suggest various optional routes each day, and many people on our trips like to explore independently. That means cyclists may be spread out over many miles, and over several routes. In most cases, we find that a cyclist who needs help will get it fastest by calling the driver at the hotel, rather than waiting for the van to patrol all the spots where cyclists could be riding. We'll go over the details more at the briefing when the trip starts. On paper (or on a computer screen) the system can seem uncertain because so many variables are involved. In practice, it works out well. There are many weeks when no one ever needs the van. If you do need assistance, generally you're able to get to a cafe or other comfortable spot while you wait for help. I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
You don't need to pay the single supplement if you're traveling alone. We'll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself. What's the weather like in the Loire Valley?
June through August are the driest months, but it's unusual for us to have more than one or two days of rain at other times in the spring or fall. On a majority of our bike trips in the Loire Valley, we've had no more than one day of rain, often less. Of course, we can't promise anything about the weather. You can have a great time even if conditions turn out to be a little warmer, colder, or wetter than usual, as long as you bring suitable clothing. We'll send some suggestions well in advance of the trip. Is there time to bike to Chambord chateau on the first day of biking?
A good cyclist could, indeed, bike to Chambord on the first day, but it would make a very full day of biking, and you might not have enough time for other sights that day. If you'd like to visit Chambord, we'd suggest you get into Blois a day early, and take a leisurely day trip there with a local tour bus, or even in a cab. Do I need to speak French?
I like to bike but my partner isn't into it as much. Is this a good trip for us?
Another trip the two of you would enjoy is The Provencal, in the south of France. It has relatively short biking days for your partner, but magnificent longer options for avid cyclists like yourself. What kind of bikes do you use?
We also supply a lock, spare tube and patch kit, and a handlebar bag or back rack for carrying a few small items. This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
Our "7-day" trip thus consists of 6 full days and two partial days. Some companies promote a trip of this length as being 8 days since it includes pieces of 8 different days. We feel it's more accurate to refer to this as 7 days. I'm visiting Paris after the trip. Can you recommend a hotel there?
Is a stationary bike a good way to get in shape?
Can I talk to someone who's been on this trip?
Our website includes a full page of comments from past travelers. Most of them have volunteered to talk about their experiences with future potential travelers. Please call for the names and phone numbers of references in your area.
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