7 DAY TOUR OF CULTURAL AND GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS
For those who enjoy a leisurely tour while maintaining their fitness. One of our most popular bike tours in France!
Day 1 - Aubusson
Our tour starts at Aubusson a Medieval market town where the weaving and tapestry making that serviced the court of Louis the XIV is still practised. You will arrive on market day and be greeted by staff at your hotel. According to locals, this hotel offers some of the best food in the region. We shall spend the evening and afternoon fitting your bikes and providing you with your packs of tour information. The evening will allow you to meet your tour companions over dinner and enjoy the hospitality of your French hosts. Those who can't wait to try their bikes can sample the countryside and visit nearby Felletin with its 12th Century Church, in the evening.
Day 2 - To St Sylvan and Bellegarde-en-Marche
Via Felletin, St Quentin and Crocq, this is a beautiful undulating ride through rich woodland lakes and streams where the ancient fortified towns and villages of Eleanor of Aquitain and Richard the Lion Heart straddle the hillsides of beautiful wooded valleys. You will arrive at an 18th Century water mill where you can relax by the side of the river and enjoy an aperitif before your hosts present your evening meal in the old Mill House.
Day 3 - St Sylvan and Surrounds
You will remain at the water mill and take a local tour to some quiet medieval stone villages including Sermur, Le Compas, Lupersat, and Bellegarde on Marche, this ride will allow you to sample the area and investigate Celtic monoliths, Roman bridges, while cycling through quiet country lanes and farm hamlets. Take time to observe the wildlife for there are plenty of wild boar, ermine, otters and hawks, as well as buzzards in the fields and woodland you shall pass through. Lunch will be provided for you and the delights of local farm produce will satisfy those healthy appetites. On your return to St Sylvan be greeted by your hosts Gerard and Irene and spend another evening in this delightful environment.
Day 4 - St Sylvan to Chenerailles
Through more of those amazing country lanes past the huge Limousin cattle who inspect you as you glide by to St Domet, past numerous water mills and chateaux, through Puy de Malsignat, Peyrat de Nonieres, then to Villemonteix Chateau. After reaching your resting place near the grounds of a chateau you will take a leisurely cycle to the local hotel in Chenerailes for a beautifully presented 4 course meal with wine and a great dessert menu (this is a super restaurant) don't worry about the calories you'll lose them all tomorrow cycling!!
Day 5 - To Lussat via St Julien and Peyrat-la Nonire
See more of the chateaux and delightful villages of the Creuse, while making your way through the silent woodland, pastures and lakes and arrive at the chateau we have selected. Have a relaxing swim on arrival at the marvellously authentic chateau in the style of the 18th century comfort and style along with stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy an unforgettable provincial dinner in the great dining room and rest in the beautifully appointed apartments.
Day 6 - Chambon-sur-Vaueize
Local tour to historic Chambon-sur-Voueize with the marvellous Romanesque church by wide River Vaueize. Return through forest and meadows to Lussat. A further excursion for keen riders will take in an area where until recently gold was mined and where there still remain evidence of Roman and Celtic activity. All of the rides pass by Neolithic and Roman sites; Medieval castles and Abbeys, local churches and water mills too numerous to mention. However in your tour information we will provide details of these.
Day 7 - Returning to Aubusson
Last day to the fascinating early 12th Century church at Ahun then to Moutier d'Ahun and the Museum of Rural Tools, continuing through Etangsannes to Aubusson with its museum of Tapestry and house of tapestry showing a tapissier at work. Last night of a wonderful tour and farewell dinner at a superb hotel, with the prospect of souvenir hunting at the market the following day.
For those who enjoy a leisurely tour while maintaining their fitness. One of our most popular bike tours in France!
Enjoy the delights of cycling in this beautiful region of France, through oak forests and ancient villages. Visit water mills, chateaus and country markets, enjoy the tranquility and hospitality, the gastronomic delights of the region. Your tour will take you through the tapestry towns of the Creuse [where the weavers still work], along the banks of rivers and lakes past ancient castles built during the crusades, Romanesque Abbeys and Churches. This is a region where the evidence of Roman and Celtic habitation is everywhere. Your accomodation has been carefully selected and is amongst the very best the region has to offer. This area is very quiet, enjoy the delights of a cycling holiday without the worry of traffic and crowds, this is cycling touring at it's very best. All you need to do is to ride your bikes we do all the rest.
Our tour starts at Aubusson a Medieval market town where the weaving and tapestry making that serviced the court of Louis the XIV is still practised. You will arrive on market day and be greeted by staff at your hotel. According to locals, this hotel offers some of the best food in the region. We shall spend the evening and afternoon fitting your bikes and providing you with your packs of tour information. The evening will allow you to meet your tour companions over dinner and enjoy the hospitality of your French hosts. Those who can't wait to try their bikes can sample the countryside and visit nearby Felletin with its 12th Century Church, in the evening.
Via Felletin, St Quentin and Crocq, this is a beautiful undulating ride through rich woodland lakes and streams where the ancient fortified towns and villages of Eleanor of Aquitain and Richard the Lion Heart straddle the hillsides of beautiful wooded valleys. You will arrive at an 18th Century water mill where you can relax by the side of the river and enjoy an aperitif before your hosts present your evening meal in the old Mill House.
You will remain at the water mill and take a local tour to some quiet medieval stone villages including Sermur, Le Compas, Lupersat, and Bellegarde on Marche, this ride will allow you to sample the area and investigate Celtic monoliths, Roman bridges, while cycling through quiet country lanes and farm hamlets. Take time to observe the wildlife for there are plenty of wild boar, ermine, otters and hawks, as well as buzzards in the fields and woodland you shall pass through. Lunch will be provided for you and the delights of local farm produce will satisfy those healthy appetites. On your return to St Sylvan be greeted by your hosts Gerard and Irene and spend another evening in this delightful environment.
Through more of those amazing country lanes past the huge Limousin cattle who inspect you as you glide by to St Domet, past numerous water mills and chateaux, through Puy de Malsignat, Peyrat de Nonieres, then to Villemonteix Chateau. After reaching your resting place near the grounds of a chateau you will take a leisurely cycle to the local hotel in Chenerailes for a beautifully presented 4 course meal with wine and a great dessert menu (this is a super restaurant) don't worry about the calories you'll lose them all tomorrow cycling!!
See more of the chateaux and delightful villages of the Creuse, while making your way through the silent woodland, pastures and lakes and arrive at the chateau we have selected. Have a relaxing swim on arrival at the marvellously authentic chateau in the style of the 18th century comfort and style along with stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy an unforgettable provincial dinner in the great dining room and rest in the beautifully appointed apartments.
Local tour to historic Chambon-sur-Voueize with the marvellous Romanesque church by wide River Vaueize. Return through forest and meadows to Lussat. A further excursion for keen riders will take in an area where until recently gold was mined and where there still remain evidence of Roman and Celtic activity. All of the rides pass by Neolithic and Roman sites; Medieval castles and Abbeys, local churches and water mills too numerous to mention. However in your tour information we will provide details of these.
Last day to the fascinating early 12th Century church at Ahun then to Moutier d'Ahun and the Museum of Rural Tools, continuing through Etangsannes to Aubusson with its museum of Tapestry and house of tapestry showing a tapissier at work. Last night of a wonderful tour and farewell dinner at a superb hotel, with the prospect of souvenir hunting at the market the following day.
10 DAY TOUR
Designed to suit the serious or recreational cyclist allowing for longer days in the saddle. Cycle the dramatic Volcans National Park and the mountains of the Central Massif, the tranquil woodland and lakes of the Creuse and the ancient fortified villages of this beautiful region.
Pause in the tapestry towns of Felletin and Aubusson which in 14th and 15th centuries, served the Royal Court of France. Relax after the day's ride in a converted water mill, a traditional French farm where cheeses are made or in the small Chateau where produce of the region is served. Finish your tour with a thermal bath fed by the hot springs from the Volcans and enjoy a farewell dinner in a lovely Belle Epoque Hotel.
Day 1 - Arrive Evaux-les-Bains
Day 2 Evaux-les-Bains to Pont Bouchet
Takes you along the gorges of the Cher into the Auvergne region, through beautiful stone villages steeped in history. There is much to enjoy as you ride, ancient Romanesque Churches dot the route, with sculptured features typifying the medieval age of this rich architectural heritage. They remain cool sanctuaries for the cyclist and repay the interested viewer with details of a bygone era..
For most of the day you will pass through Oak forests following river valleys past the sites of the Partisans who risked their lives in their defence of Free France, during WW II. Arriving at the Volcans National Park you will climb through woods glimpsing the lakes below. After a long descent you arrive at Pont Bouchet at the junction of the Cher and Sioule Rivers. Your Lakeside Hotel offers hearty local cuisine of the Auvergne region and you can swim in the lake near by.
Day 3 - Super Besse and Sancy Puy de Domme
Day 3 you cycle in the scenic mountain landscape of the Central Massif with unique extinct volcanoes. The Volcans National park is France's largest environmentally protected area. Pass through spa towns nestling in wooded valleys. The climbs such as the Puy de Sancy are challenging at 15% incline and 2000 metres high. France's highest waterfalls are here, there is much to enjoy as you make your way to the picturesque 19th century town of La Boulboule and your hotel which specializes in providing for walkers and cyclists.
Day 4 - St Avit Tardes
Today you will leave the Volcans, and the Auvergne, heading for the rolling wooded hills of the Department of La Creuse, in the Limousin region. You will ride past old castles and fortified towns and dairy farms where local cheeses can be bought at the farm door. This an area steeped in history from 12th century. The two fortified towers standing on a hill above the old town of Crocq have been there since the time of Richard the Lionheart. Dropping down alongside the Tardes River the route winds through little villages, cattle and sheep farms to the village of St Avit de Tardes. Here at a converted water mill with luxurious accommodation, you will sleep soundly by the gurgling stream. The Church in the village is a beautiful example of early Romanesque architecture and the Presbytere a fine fortified manor house dating from the mid 16th Century.
Day 5 - Lac Vassiviere
St Avit deTardes to Lac Vassivierre, a beautiful day in the saddle, passing through ancient fortified towns, the weaving and tapestry town of Felletin, arriving at the picturesque Lac Vassiviere, in the region of the Millvache National Park. This is an area which is the source of many natural springs being also rich in lakes, rivers, and beautiful woodland with spectacular rock formations. Ride the Raymond Poulidor Time Trial Circuit of the Tour de France. Relax in your comfortable accommodation at our select hotel, with its famous restaurant on the banks of the lake; visit the Limousin gallery of Contemporary Art across the causeway, on the island nearby, with its; or just enjoy a stroll before dinner along the lakeside.
Day 6 - Chignat & Bourganeuf
After a scenic 30 km ride around the lake we recommend the charming turn of the century natural food farm for tonights accommodation, where you will enjoy fresh homebaked bread, salads and poultry freshly prepared by your talented hosts.
A quiet easy ride today through woods and little villages to Bourganeauf, a medieval town with an impressive castle, surrounded by winding streets with many charming shops. Then on to the pretty village of Chignat amongst pine forests, and the stylish, farm house where you will enjoy home style cooking and accommodation along with organic home grown produce.
Day 7 - Ahun
Today cycle through more beautiful countryside, through some dramatic gorges and woodland. Stop off at the ancient village of Masgot where stone carvings of local 19th century artisans decorate the houses and walls of this old villag. Alongside rivers to Ahun and on to your hotel nestling below a railway bridge of Thomas Eiffel. At Moutier d'Ahun is an ancient region with an 11th century bridge and an Abbey dating from Roman times which has some amazingly intricate woodcarvings.
Day 8 - Aubusson
Another lovely ride today winding through charming villages and along the River Creuse Valley to the Medieval Tapestry town of Aubusson. This picturesque ride, through more beautiful woodland, river valleys the buzzards flying overhead. Pass Chateaux and lakes then descend into Aubusson a busy fortified medieval market town with the ateliers of artisans demonstrating weaving. Here is a superb museum of Tapestry and also a weaver's house to visit at the information centre. A great town for wandering, shopping or just relaxing in a cafe.
Day 9 - Aubusson to Puy Haut
Chateau, after chateau today you will ride long the Tour de France route still marked with names of famous riders. Cycling at its best along quiet country roads through lovely villages and towns steeped in history. A long but easier ride, you will have time to enjoy a visit to a 12the Century chateau and enjoy a picnic by its lake, then cycle on to Puy Haut, a beautiful manor house with glorious views, where you will be hosted with superb cooking and wines of the region.
Day 10 - Boussac Loop
A spectacular ride on day 10, to the Chateau of Boussac, over some reasonable hills with amazing natural rock outcrops Les Pierres de Jaumatre to the town of Boussac and a visit to museum displays at the Chateau. Cycle then to Chambon and its huge Cistercian Abbey at the junction of the Cher and Tardes rivers, across the Gorges of the Cher to Evaux-les-Bains a thermal spa, massage and a gourmet goodbye dinner
Day 11 - Evaux-Les-Bains
Depart
Pause in the tapestry towns of Felletin and Aubusson which in 14th and 15th centuries, served the Royal Court of France. Relax after the day's ride in a converted water mill, a traditional French farm where cheeses are made or in the small Chateau where produce of the region is served. Finish your tour with a thermal bath fed by the hot springs from the Volcans and enjoy a farewell dinner in a lovely Belle Epoque Hotel.
Day 1 - Arrive Evaux-les-Bains
Day 2 Evaux-les-Bains to Pont Bouchet
Takes you along the gorges of the Cher into the Auvergne region, through beautiful stone villages steeped in history. There is much to enjoy as you ride, ancient Romanesque Churches dot the route, with sculptured features typifying the medieval age of this rich architectural heritage. They remain cool sanctuaries for the cyclist and repay the interested viewer with details of a bygone era..
For most of the day you will pass through Oak forests following river valleys past the sites of the Partisans who risked their lives in their defence of Free France, during WW II. Arriving at the Volcans National Park you will climb through woods glimpsing the lakes below. After a long descent you arrive at Pont Bouchet at the junction of the Cher and Sioule Rivers. Your Lakeside Hotel offers hearty local cuisine of the Auvergne region and you can swim in the lake near by.
Day 3 - Super Besse and Sancy Puy de Domme
Day 3 you cycle in the scenic mountain landscape of the Central Massif with unique extinct volcanoes. The Volcans National park is France's largest environmentally protected area. Pass through spa towns nestling in wooded valleys. The climbs such as the Puy de Sancy are challenging at 15% incline and 2000 metres high. France's highest waterfalls are here, there is much to enjoy as you make your way to the picturesque 19th century town of La Boulboule and your hotel which specializes in providing for walkers and cyclists.
Day 4 - St Avit Tardes
Today you will leave the Volcans, and the Auvergne, heading for the rolling wooded hills of the Department of La Creuse, in the Limousin region. You will ride past old castles and fortified towns and dairy farms where local cheeses can be bought at the farm door. This an area steeped in history from 12th century. The two fortified towers standing on a hill above the old town of Crocq have been there since the time of Richard the Lionheart. Dropping down alongside the Tardes River the route winds through little villages, cattle and sheep farms to the village of St Avit de Tardes. Here at a converted water mill with luxurious accommodation, you will sleep soundly by the gurgling stream. The Church in the village is a beautiful example of early Romanesque architecture and the Presbytere a fine fortified manor house dating from the mid 16th Century.
Day 5 - Lac Vassiviere
St Avit deTardes to Lac Vassivierre, a beautiful day in the saddle, passing through ancient fortified towns, the weaving and tapestry town of Felletin, arriving at the picturesque Lac Vassiviere, in the region of the Millvache National Park. This is an area which is the source of many natural springs being also rich in lakes, rivers, and beautiful woodland with spectacular rock formations. Ride the Raymond Poulidor Time Trial Circuit of the Tour de France. Relax in your comfortable accommodation at our select hotel, with its famous restaurant on the banks of the lake; visit the Limousin gallery of Contemporary Art across the causeway, on the island nearby, with its; or just enjoy a stroll before dinner along the lakeside.
Day 6 - Chignat & Bourganeuf
After a scenic 30 km ride around the lake we recommend the charming turn of the century natural food farm for tonights accommodation, where you will enjoy fresh homebaked bread, salads and poultry freshly prepared by your talented hosts.
A quiet easy ride today through woods and little villages to Bourganeauf, a medieval town with an impressive castle, surrounded by winding streets with many charming shops. Then on to the pretty village of Chignat amongst pine forests, and the stylish, farm house where you will enjoy home style cooking and accommodation along with organic home grown produce.
Day 7 - Ahun
Today cycle through more beautiful countryside, through some dramatic gorges and woodland. Stop off at the ancient village of Masgot where stone carvings of local 19th century artisans decorate the houses and walls of this old villag. Alongside rivers to Ahun and on to your hotel nestling below a railway bridge of Thomas Eiffel. At Moutier d'Ahun is an ancient region with an 11th century bridge and an Abbey dating from Roman times which has some amazingly intricate woodcarvings.
Day 8 - Aubusson
Another lovely ride today winding through charming villages and along the River Creuse Valley to the Medieval Tapestry town of Aubusson. This picturesque ride, through more beautiful woodland, river valleys the buzzards flying overhead. Pass Chateaux and lakes then descend into Aubusson a busy fortified medieval market town with the ateliers of artisans demonstrating weaving. Here is a superb museum of Tapestry and also a weaver's house to visit at the information centre. A great town for wandering, shopping or just relaxing in a cafe.
Day 9 - Aubusson to Puy Haut
Chateau, after chateau today you will ride long the Tour de France route still marked with names of famous riders. Cycling at its best along quiet country roads through lovely villages and towns steeped in history. A long but easier ride, you will have time to enjoy a visit to a 12the Century chateau and enjoy a picnic by its lake, then cycle on to Puy Haut, a beautiful manor house with glorious views, where you will be hosted with superb cooking and wines of the region.
Day 10 - Boussac Loop
A spectacular ride on day 10, to the Chateau of Boussac, over some reasonable hills with amazing natural rock outcrops Les Pierres de Jaumatre to the town of Boussac and a visit to museum displays at the Chateau. Cycle then to Chambon and its huge Cistercian Abbey at the junction of the Cher and Tardes rivers, across the Gorges of the Cher to Evaux-les-Bains a thermal spa, massage and a gourmet goodbye dinner
Day 11 - Evaux-Les-Bains
Depart
For 2008 Bikeit-Likeit are offering two specially designed 10 day tours to take in stages of the Tour de France.
Rides are designed for the serious cyclist, rides are over 100 kms per day across some hilly regions and although we provide total back up, a good level of fitness is required for you to enjoy this experience.
Over 10 days more than 1200 kms will be covered.
6-15th July 2008
Tour Super Besse (and ride the Stage 6 Etape) begins in the Limousin, then progresses to the Auvergne through beautiful countryside, accross the Volcans National Park to La Boulboule, Sancy and Super Besse. After two days riding the Tour routes and watching the Tour we will move to the routes of previous tours, Raymond Poulidor' Circuit at Lac Vassiviere, the famous time trial circuit and follow the route of the fastest ever stage.
Apart from serious riding we offer visits to Chateaus and museums, superb accomodatiopn, massages and thermal baths, wonderful food and wine and most importantly some of the most tranquil and picturesque traffic -free cycling you could dream of.
18-27th July 2008
Tour Montlucon (and stage 19) begins in Limousin and takes in the Gorges of the Cher and Allier as well as the Auvergne. Climb the Puy de Dome and then cycle across the Auvergne and the Volcans travelling on the routes of previous tours still marked with the names of earlier Tour heroes, through some of the most picturesque and ancient villages, steeped in history. Enjoy great food and wine and the joy of riding on roads where you will rarely see a car. This is lovely undulating woodland and dairy country. Finish off with a thermal bath or a massage, all you do is ride. Then enjoy some of the finest food and accommodation the region has to offer.
Look interesting? Check out the Booking Form!
Would you like a copy of our brochure: ::Download It::
Would you like a copy of our brochure: ::Download It::