Route Details

120 kms (approx)
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We set off from the hotel and cycle up the Champs Elysees and pass the Arc de Triomphe. Continuing on out of Paris through the suburbs we eventually start seeing countryside after about 33 kms. We pass through small villages and towns stopping for lunch in Poigny. We arrive in the cathedral city of Chartres and stay centrally in Hotel Chatelet. The Son et Lumiere of Chartres is happening while we are there and 39 monuments including the cathedral will be lit. Overnight Chartres.

116 kms (approx)
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Today we head for the Loire Valley and Chambord - home to the largest chateau in the Loire Valley its very distinct French Renaissance architecture. We cycle south from Chartres and cross the Loire at Meung where we also stop for lunch at 77 kms. From there we follow the river and then head into Chambord which is situated in le Foret de Boulogne. Overnight Chambord.

150 kms (approx)
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A long day's cycling but with the highlight of seeing Chenonceau and yet another superb chateau on the river Cher. We stop for lunch at Ecueille at 100 kms. From there we travel along quiet roads before entering Chateauroux - a town sited on the river Indre located in the heart of three natural regions: Berry Champagne, dominated by large grain farms, Brenne, Land of a Thousand Ponds, and Boischaut grove dedicated to livestock. Overnight Chateauroux.

143 kms (approx)
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Our destination today is the city of Limoges, the capital of the Haute-Vienne department and the administrative capital of the Limousin region. Limoges is known for its medieval enamels, for its 19th century porcelain and for its oak barrels which are used for Cognac production. Cycling along small roads we stop for lunch (approx 89 kms at La Souterraine). Terrain is a bit hillier here. Onward to Limoges where we overnight at Hotel Novotel located on the shores of Lake Uzurat in green and natural surroundings.

100 kms, 100 miles or 200 kms (approx)
Stunning day!
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Today we have several options depending on peoples' fitness levels. Which ever distance is chosen you will be cycling through 3 of France's most beautiful villages - Beynac, Domme and La Roque Gageac. Everyone will have lunch at Sarlat - another beautiful town. The decisions can be made on the day.

98 kms (approx)
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Today is mostly downhill taking us to St Emilion best known (indeed renowned the world over) for the vineyards which surround the town, Saint Emilion being one of the four Bordeaux red wine regions. We have lunch at 64 kms at Le Pizou en route. Our overnight destination is Le Grand Barrail where we stay for two nights.

94 kms (approx)
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Our last day of cycling takes us to Pauillac situated midway between Bordeaux and the Pointe de Grave and situated on the largest estuary in Europe - the Gironde. It is the undisputed capital of the Medoc wine. We have two bridge crossings and finish in Pauillac where the Marathon de Medoc will be taking place. We have lunch here and then transfer by bus back to Le Grand Barrail for our final and celebratory dinner.