Chateaux of the Loire Cycling

Highlights

An interest-packed, gentle cycling holiday crammed with historic and cultural highlights: pretty wine villages, charming mediaeval towns and world-famous wines in abundance! Superb cuisine throughout too

Chateau de Chissay , Chissay

The Chateau de Chissay is a 4 star chateau hotel steeped in history, set in 25 ha of parkland overlooking the Cher. Lovingly restored back in 1986, it's said that both Charles VII and Louis XI stayed here.

In the stately dining room, once the guard room, you'll be treated to delicious cuisine inspired by local produce and also a comprehensive wine list.

The rooms have been tastefully decorated and their bathrooms each feature mosaic designs representing famous people from French history who marked the different periods in time.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Hostellerie du Chateau, Chaumont-sur-Loire.

This hotel is situated between the Loire river and the famous chateau itself, the Hostellerie du Chateau is a lovely, quirky hotel, that just oozes charm.

The bedrooms also reflect the theme of times gone by, but they are well equipped for the demands of the 21C guest, as they all have telephone, satellite tv and hairdryer.

The dining room, with its wooden beams and grand fireplace, adds to the overall antequated atmosphere.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Manoir Bel Air, Saint-Dye-Sur-Loire

The Manoir de Bel Air is run by the Abel family. This imposing house on the banks of the Loire was built in the 17C for a wine broker. In 1749 it was used as a military hospital for the Marechal de Saxe who was then based at Chambord.

The bright and sunny dining room overlooks the river Loire and Headwater guests can choose from the gastronomic menu.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Auberge du Centre , Chitenay

Tucked away in the elegant little village of Chitenay is the lovely ivy-clad Auberge du Centre, run by Gilles Martinet and his team - the food here is superb! Dinner is served either in the pretty dining room, or on the terrace - Gilles is a keen wine buff, and will happily advise on the best local tipples! All of the 27 bedrooms have been recently modernised and Headwater guests are always accommodated in superior rooms with bath and feature satellite tv (including CNN) and telephone.

The hotel has a pleasant terrace overlooking its gardens, which are a real treat on a summers day, as well as an attractive sitting area inside, complete with wooden beams and comfy chairs.

There is a car park behind the hotel, or on road parking available at the front of the building. There is also a public car park opposite the hotel. All non-secure.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Hotel Le Senat , Paris

Le Senat is a 3 star hotel but with a 4 star feel! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, 5 minutes walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor

Les Trois Mousquetaires, Aire-sur-la-Lys

The Hostellerie Les Trois Mousquetaires is just over a 30 minute from the Eurotunnel terminal and port at Calais as well as the port of Dunkerque. Named after the three musketeers, its appearance and setting are just as romantic as its name. The hotel is a 19C chateau, which was built on the foundations of a Vauban fortress.

Lovingly converted into a hotel, its 31 rooms and 2 suites are decorated in period furniture throughout with chandeliers and even four-poster beds in some. The chateau is full of cosy corners; intimate lounges with open fires, and a comfortable bar where you can linger over an aperitif before dinner.

The chateau's restaurant is a gastronome's delight and a stay here can be no better introduction to the culinary pleasures, which will no doubt await you as you travel through France. The chateau is surrounded by over 3 hectares of parkland in which you can walk off that dinner, and also has its own golf course, gymnasium and boules pitch.

Nearby is the historical town Aire-sur-La-Lys. Not be missed is its Renaissance Baillage or barracks which was once under the command of d'Artagnan himself. Good for children is the Nausicaa sea centre at Boulogne - an exciting futuristic aquarium.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor

Hotel St Louis, St Omer

A traditional hotel recently modernised in the town centre-Very convenient for the channel ports and also for exploring St Omer itself- an aristocratic town that boasts the finest Cathedral in Northern France.

The hotel has two restaurants. One of these has an airy modern feel, the other is more intimate with low lighting and a brick 'cellar' feel. There is also a residents' bar- le Flo.

The rooms are furnished in a simple but appealing style and all have an en suite bathrooms.

The hotel also has private parking for its guests.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor