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