Meat on the bones is needed, but going overboard with research and preparation means our skeleton is not only getting meat on the bones, but makeup, accessories and more.
So easy to get carried away with doing research, reading interesting information and viewing pictures.
Information overload, or perhaps FOMO?
The planning is progressing well. A structured and thorough approach involving:
- AI has been heavily used to provide an initial list of points of interest/activities.
- Cross examination of the list by humans, double checking against local tourism information (can't fully trust AI, and that FOMO specter is constantly hovering).
- Ensuring a interesting mix and variety. Particularly of Loire valley Chateaus - Damien knows that sadly he can't see them all. And it seems like every town has a gorgeous cathedral or church (or both), and France is busting with a variety of museums and other historic places.
- Short list created of key places and activities of most interest to us. In many locations the list is still too long - unfortunately, we aren't on holiday for 6 months. We will will probably choose what exactly to do the day before, apart from the most popular activities (eg Louvre, shows, etc) where we will need to book well ahead.
- Mapping of these points of interest via Google My Maps. What an awesome site. Also ensures that most things are on the cycle route, or in a town that there is nothing too far away to get to.
- Creation of an information mini-booklet for each leg. History, demographics and geography, average weather, information on each sightseeing location and activity, with a photo and website link (eg for opening details/bookings).
At this stage, six weeks out, have plotted out the things to see and do in the towns along the route, for half the holiday, up to Mont Saint Michel.
The extensive planning has provided useful as we have amended our original skeleton.
- 3 days in Paris was not enough, so that has been increased to 4.5 days (still not enough....).
- We decided not to cycle the Regalante leg (not a huge amount to see from the bike along the way), but instead hire a car and drive north from Nantes, to St Malo, Mont Saint Michel and also added in Bayeux and the Normandy landing beaches.
- Looks like a change will also be needed for the Bordeaux to Carcassonne leg.
Check out our route and points of interest below:
A city that combines warmth, cosiness and cosmopolitanism, a place where tradition meets modernity and every laneway, every riverbank tells its own story. Frankfurt is not only a meeting point of travellers from all over the world, but also a melting pot of cultures, flavours and innovation.
Strasbourg is nestled near the German border and steeped in both French and Germanic heritage. It is the official seat of the European Parliament. It blends medieval charm with modern political significance. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and picturesque canals of the Petite France district. With its timber-framed houses, Alsatian cuisine, and bilingual culture, Strasbourg offers a unique fusion of tradition and cosmopolitan flair.
Basel is a vibrant Swiss city perched on the banks of the Rhine, where Switzerland, France, and Germany converge. It boasts over 40 museums. Its medieval Old Town, dominated by the red sandstone Basel Minster, blends seamlessly with cutting-edge architecture and a thriving pharmaceutical industry. With its rich humanist history, dynamic arts scene, and cosmopolitan flair, Basel is a city that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Dijon, is a city rich in medieval elegance and gastronomic fame. Once the seat of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, its old town is a tapestry of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Renowned worldwide for its mustard, Dijon also delights with local specialties like gingerbread and crème de cassis. With its UNESCO-listed city center, lively markets, and proximity to famed vineyards, Dijon offers a refined blend of culture, cuisine, and charm
Paris: a mythical city... There are a thousand things to do and see in Paris and however much time you have here, it won’t be enough: Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, stroll down the Champs Elysées, visit the Louvre, see many shows and exhibitions, or simply wander along the banks of the Seine...read in French in the Tuileries garden, and quite simply take the time to experience the Parisian way of life! Stepping into this whirlwind that takes you from frenzy to romanticism will leave you with enduring memories.
Loire Valley:
- Orleans
Gateway to the famed Loire Valley heartlands, once a capital in early medieval France, Orléans is now a lively modern city and a unique place to visit. A remarkable restored historic centre, served by new tramway; Place du Martroi square and its statue of Joan of Arc; Ste-Croix Cathedral; streets lined with timber frame houses, like Rue de Bourgogne; high-quality museums, plus the historic Hôtel Groslot.
A fantastic journey filled with river views, vineyards, medieval towns, and countryside charm. The route is mostly flat and well-signed. The whole ride offers incredible views of the Loire River, with shaded paths, old bridges, and sandbanks that attract herons and wild ducks.
- Blois
The city of Blois has a great charm: a remarkable architecture that mixes monumental heritage and small streets with historical houses, a peaceful way of life but not a sleepy city. A city built around the Loire River and that offers a magnificent setting.
Cycling from Blois to Amboise is one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of the Loire à Vélo route. This stretch hugs the Loire River and rolls gently through vineyards, charming villages, and riverside landscapes. Includes the Pays des Châteaux tourist area - famed castles around Chambord and Blois.
- Amboise
Amboise is a charming town, famed for its historic Château Royal d'Amboise and its connection to Leonardo da Vinci. The town itself is picturesque, with cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and views of the Loire River.
Cycling from Amboise to Tours offers a stunning ride. Along the way, you'll pass through charming towns, historic sites, riverside vineyards, and quiet countryside. The microclimate at the confluence of the Loire and Cher rivers proves ideal for imparting unique qualities to the grapes of the exclusive Montlouis wine appellation.
- Tours
Tours is a Unesco world heritage site. Today it is the largest city in the Loire region. Tours is known as a gateway to the châteaux of the Loire Valley, a center of gastronomy, and a university city with a vibrant cultural scene.
Cycling from Tours to Villandry offers a scenic and gentle ride through the heart of the Loire Valley with relaxing stops, cultural sites, wine tastings, and riverside views. Great mix of nature and rural charm
This is a star-studded Loire à Vélo stage, a true highlight of the Loire Valley, offering a mix of historic towns (some of most beautiful villages of France), vineyards, châteaux, and riverside scenery. On this stage, you cycle along a quiet raised levée and tree lines lanes beside the Loire, allowing you wonderful views of the great river. August is prime time to see blooming sunflowers and grapevines heavy with fruit.
- Saumur
Succumb to the beauty of the Loire panoramas and the atypical charm of the troglodyte villages crowned by the silhouettes of the emblematic châteaux. It has splendid old churches and houses; glorious horse-riding traditions; and magnificent winehouses.
This section is one of the most scenic and rewarding rides in the Loire Valley, through vineyards, historic villages, and riverside nature reserves, with plenty of charming stops. If you're finishing late in the day, the stretch between Les Pontsde- Cé and Angers is gorgeous at sunset, with glowing skies reflected in the river.
- Angers
A remarkable historic city with a great cultural life, linked in part to its universities and theatres; an exceptional castle and many excellent museums.
This part of the route is a beautiful and varied ride, offering a relaxed mix of riverside scenery, historic villages, and cultural sites. You’ll follow the Loire River westward through peaceful landscapes and charming Loire-Atlantique towns, small villages, and rural landscapes. You're riding through Muscadet country — stop at small vineyards or wine cellars along the way for tastings.
- Nantes
A vibrant city known for its rich history and dynamic culture. Today, Nantes is celebrated for its innovative urban planning, thriving arts scene, and diverse economy. The city is also famous for being the birthplace of Jules Verne and for its picturesque landmarks such as the Château des ducs de Bretagne.
This region spans the historical heartlands of Brittany (Bretagne) and western Normandy. The region has a rich and layered history that reflects the broader evolution of France. It sits at the meeting point of several ancient tribes, medieval feudal powers, and modern cultural identities. Check for local cider producers – Brittany is cider country.
Stay tuned for information on the rest of the route!
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