Pedal your way through Petites Cités de Caractère
Let yourself be seduced by the authentic charm of the Loir Valley, where architectural treasures and bucolic landscapes nestle. This two-day stay invites you to explore the wonders of this region in the colors of spring or autumn.
You'll love
Pedal along the banks of the Loir River
Marvel at the Château du Lude
Stroll through the cobbled streets of Petites Cités de Caractère
Day 1 : A bike ride between heritage and nature
Morning: Entre Loir et Châteaux, an enchanted loop
Get on your bike and set off on the N°2 "Entre Loir et Châteaux" loop. On 30 km of paths and tracks, let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the landscapes that pass before your eyes. Castles and manor houses follow one another, bearing witness to a rich historical past. Pedal through woods, vineyards and fields, and breathe in the fresh country air. The scents of nature intoxicate you, and birdsong accompanies your journey.
Afternoon: Château du Lude, a jewel of the Loir Valley
Stop off at Château du Lude, an architectural jewel standing majestically on the banks of the Loir. Take a free tour of the château and its gardens, and let yourself be transported by the magic of the place. Admire the castle's tufa facades, slate roofs and elegant turrets. Stroll through the formal gardens, where pruned boxwoods and flowerbeds form magnificent tableaux. Be amazed by the kitchen garden, where heirloom vegetables and red fruits grow in abundance.
Evening: Luché-Pringé, a charming "Petite Cité de Caractère
On the way back, make a detour to Luché Pringé, a Petite Cité de Caractère nestled along the hillside. Stroll around the tufa quarries, the Mervé mill and the church, and let yourself be seduced by the timeless charm of this town. Admire the stone houses, cobbled streets and flower-filled gardens that bear witness to the town's prestigious past. Sit on a café terrace and enjoy a moment of relaxation, lulled by the lapping of the water and the soft evening lights.
Accommodation idea : Spend a night in a bed & breakfast at Domaine de la Templerie, a remarkable heritage site in the heart of the city, where you'll find a warm and comfortable welcome.
Day 2 : La Flèche, a city of art and history to savor
Morning: La Flèche, a city of a thousand treasures
Take a walk through the streets of La Flèche, equipped with a descriptive booklet to guide you through the hidden treasures of this remarkable heritage city. Be amazed by the cobbled streets, mansions and churches that bear witness to the city's prestigious past. Try your hand at the Prytanée National Militaire, a military school founded by Henri IV, and discover the treasures it houses, such as the library and natural history museum.
Afternoon: A gourmet break at Pâtisserie Guillemard
Treat yourself to a gourmet break at Pâtisserie Guillemard, where you can sample local specialities in a cosy tearoom. Indulge your taste buds with sweet creations and chocolates. Savor a macaron, éclair or tartelette, accompanied by tea or coffee, and let yourself be enchanted by the flavors and fragrances of the delicacies.
Restaurant ideas : For lunch, head to the La Renaissance restaurant in Le Lude, a traditional eatery offering excellent value for money. In the evening, opt for La Table de Laurène, in La Flèche, or Moulin des 4 Saisons, a gourmet restaurant on the Loir.
