| The Loire Valley just two hours south of Paris has the | | | | A great way to experience this gorgeous valley is on |
| greatest concentration of chateaux in France. This | | | | two wheels - on a bike tour along the Loire a Velo trail |
| region was once a favourite hangout of French | | | | - a 300-mile bike trail made up of country paths and |
| Renaissance kings who built magnificent chateaus | | | | small roads that winds along the Loire River through |
| along the Loire River (the longest river in France and | | | | the enchanting villages and towns of the Loire Valley. |
| the last of the wild rivers in Europe) to entertain in | | | | The trail meanders exquisitely beside France's longest |
| lavish style while enjoying the incredible beauty of the | | | | and most evocative river. The trail will surely become |
| landscape. | | | | one of the most popular in Europe, partly for the |
| Often called the Garden of France, it is a traditional | | | | extraordinary views and tranquil atmosphere. |
| land of sleepy towns full of narrow streets, | | | | A special "Loire a Velo" handbook has been produced |
| old-fashioned cafes and markets, imposing cathedrals | | | | to mark the project, and is an excellent companion for |
| and opulent chateaux. The words 'ornate' and | | | | visiting families wishing to see the Loire Valley on two |
| 'charming' immediately spring to mind. Strategically | | | | wheels. It allows cyclists to select a route to suit, |
| important during the Hundred Years War, fashionable | | | | discovering lesser-known areas of the Loire, chateaux, |
| among the Parisian rich during the Renaissance, this is | | | | wildlife and culture. |
| France's legendary castle country. | | | | The Loire biking season runs from April to October. |
| Today, the Loire Valley continues to lure visitors to | | | | No, you don't have to be Lance Armstrong to bike the |
| explore the splendid French countryside with its historic | | | | Loire a Velo trail. That is just it. The whole point is to |
| castles and abbeys, and to taste some of the best | | | | slow down and enjoy the scenery. Biking clubs will |
| food and wines in the world. The vineyards around | | | | zoom past you on country roads, dressed to the nines |
| Tours thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its | | | | in their colourful racing outfits because the Loire Valley |
| tributaries, and many producers are well prepared to | | | | is also a favourite destination for serious bikers as well. |
| receive visitors and are more than happy for them to | | | | Remember you are in the land of the Tour de France. |
| try a glass or two. | | | | |