Explore the most beautiful parts of the Loire Valley by e-bike with knowledgeable local guides (in English). No need to worry about hills, speed, fitness or anything else. Just enjoy the gentler pace of two wheels and the sights, sounds and delights of one of the most charismatic corners of the Loire. This one-day e-bike excursion takes you at an easy pace through Medieval villages, along riverside paths, up winding cycle routes to a stunning troglodyte village with caves cut into the cliffs and to ancient vineyards on the plateaux above. Along the way, you’ll discover local history and legends, enjoy a lingering picnic and, of course, try some of the famous wine of the region. This is slow tourism at its best and a chance to experience and enjoy some of the more hidden gems of this beautiful region.
A Day in the Loire to Savour
Candes St Martin is wonderfully pretty and is classified as one of the ‘beau village de France’ (one of the most beautiful villages in France). Dating back to the 12th and 13th century and built at the confluence of the rivers Loire and Vienne, here you’ll find narrow, cobbled streets and buildings made of pale tuffeau stone gently climbing the hill towards the impressive Medieval church.
This is where your day starts with an introduction to your guides and your e-bike and some time spent exploring the village. Originally a river port, Candes St Martin is in the very heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine natural park and the Loire Valley, although the river’s sleepy waters make it hard to imagine what a bustling place it must have once been as local products were transported downstream.
You’ll learn about some of the fascinating local history including the story of Saint Martin after whom the town is named. The history behind this small village revolves around the story of St Martin and the miracle lead him into the Christian church and eventually become the Bishop of Tours.
And it’s hard to resist snapping photos of the traditional river boats that you may see moored here knowing that boats like these having been plying their trade for hundreds of years. By the time you’re ready to saddle up and cycle, you’ll already be a little bit addicted to the slower pace of life in the Loire.
Cycle past cliffs and castles
Leaving Candes St Martin behind you, cycle along the banks of the grand river Loire passing cafés, tabacs and creperies, all under the watchful eye of the 15th century, Renaissance style Château de Montsoreau – set on the cliffs above, and the only Chateau on the Loire which has foundations in the river. The chateau was built between 1443 and 1453 and was once the gateway to the Anjou region. These days it’s home to the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art which has one of the largest collections of Conceptual Art.
The village of Montsoreau is another ‘beau village de France’ with pale limestone buildings and narrow streets and which during the summer is decked with an abundance of pretty flowers. The village was made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ La Dame de Monsoreau and it is also home to Maison du Parc, the main information centre of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine natural park.
Troglodytes and Turquant
Cycling on west via pretty lanes and cycles paths, you’ll arrive at Turquant and one of the smallest wine appellations in the Loire Valley. Turquant is a traditional troglodyte village with a 12th century church and distinctive troglodytic shops, cafés and homes carved into the cliffs in the extraordinary local style. It’s also known for its skilled artists and craftsmen and women, and you’ll find jewellery, woodwork, glass and art in cave style workshops and studios.
By now, you’ve probably built up an appetite and Turquant makes a great place for a leisurely picnic lunch. Tuck into homemade quiche and salads and reflect on the day so far. This is the stuff that memories are made of as you’ll rarely have a picnic in a more charismatic and distinctive place!
Wine and wow factor
Then prepare for the wow factor as you head up to the plateau above with its spectacular views of the Loire Valley laid out before you. This rocky viewpoint is where you’ll find the vineyards of the Saumur Champigny appellation (wine region). Vines were first planted here in the 11th century by the monks of Saint-Florent and overlooking the valleys, it has a great sense of time, history and place.
These days, the Saumur Champigny appellation has about 130 winegrowers and wine estates and the region is known for its red wine produced predominantly from Cabernet Franc grapes and then bottled and aged in the cool of the caves below. With such a distinct terroir (the environment in which wine is grown), it’s the perfect place for some wine tasting at a small family run vineyard and a rare chance to learn about the distinct aromas and notes of these wines in the company of the producers.
You may not want to leave, but the good news is that your e-bike will gently carry you back to base as the day reaches its close. The Loire Valley is an incredible region and by exploring by bike, you’ll have experienced a little bit of its soul and had a chance to see some of its extraordinary beuty.
Book your brilliant one day e-bike tour at: loirebrakes.com
