A 'Softies' Cycling Adventure Through France's Loire Valley
Embarking on a cycling tour dressed in my finest gear – complete with padded pants from Lidl's middle aisle and a long-forgotten athletic shirt – I felt ready for the Loire Valley. While my attire might suggest Tour de France aspirations, the reality is far more relaxed. This is a holiday designed for 'softies', where effort is minimal and indulgence is maximal.
The Ultimate Leisurely Cycling Experience
Cycling For Softies offers a perfectly curated experience that removes all the usual travel stresses. Upon arrival, you simply rent your bike and let the hand-holding begin. The itinerary includes stays in charming boutique hotels, with breakfasts and dinners pre-arranged. Your luggage magically appears at each new destination, and a local representative is on call should any issues arise. It's cycling without the sweat – literally and figuratively.
Navigation becomes effortless thanks to a GPS app downloaded before departure. Each day's route is pre-loaded, with a voice guiding every turn and alerting you if you stray off course. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery without worrying about maps or directions.
Gourmet Delights and Cultural Discoveries
This tour could easily be renamed Cycling For Gourmands given its culinary emphasis. Our first night featured a €58 meal at Restaurant Nemrod, a Michelin Guide-listed establishment. Dishes like smoked salmon with buckwheat blinis and red mullet with langoustine sauce set the tone for a week of exceptional dining.
The cycling itself is leisurely and scenic. Our first day covered just 22km from Chinon to Montsoreau, officially one of France's prettiest villages. The route follows sparkling rivers through vineyards and past grazing deer, creating an almost meditative experience. E-bikes with multiple assist modes make even steep hills manageable, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride regardless of fitness level.
Historic Castles and Charming Accommodations
The Loire Valley is castle country, and this tour delivers ample opportunities to explore these historic treasures. We visited Château d'Ussé, the alleged inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, complete with themed displays and merchandise. In Azay-le-Rideau, we discovered a chateau with feminist origins – built primarily under the direction of Philippa Lesbahy while her husband was away on business.
Accommodations ranged from the three-star Hotel Diderot in Chinon to the four-star Hotel Marine de Loire, complete with spa facilities and an outdoor pool. Each property offered its own unique charm and excellent dining options, including another Michelin Guide restaurant, Ververt.
The Practicalities of 'Softies' Cycling
Our guide Chris provided a thorough briefing on bike operation, GPS usage, and security before essentially disappearing – exactly as promised. The beauty of this tour is the independence it offers while maintaining robust support systems. Even minor concerns like where to find provisions are addressed, with warnings about potential gaps between shops along certain routes.
The journey begins and ends with train travel from London to the Loire Valley, adding to the eco-friendly credentials. While our outbound trip featured an amusing encounter with a fellow passenger complaining about our volume, the return journey was blissfully uneventful – just time for a final Croque Monsieur in Paris before heading home.
Why This Tour Appeals to Leisure Cyclists
What makes this experience special is its perfect balance of activity and relaxation. You cover enough ground to feel accomplished (our longest day was 46km) but never exhausted. The focus remains on enjoyment – of food, wine, scenery, and culture. It's cycling stripped of competition and pressure, leaving only pleasure.
As I plan for a milestone birthday in coming years, another 'softies' tour is already on my radar. The combination of effortless cycling, exceptional cuisine, and beautiful accommodations creates an irresistible formula for those who want to explore France on two wheels without sacrificing comfort.
