With the approach of national bike week in June (bikeweek.org) if you’re hoping, or at least tempted, to do some cycling in France, we can’t fault you, it’s an excellent choice! When it comes to cycling, France has few equals; magnificent open countryside and towns/cities where cyclists are greeted warmly and treated with great respect by motorists, making the experience a real joy.
It may be the home of the challenging Tour de France, but whatever your level of cycling, the Charente in particular offers something for you. The back roads are quieter than the U.K. of course, there are no drastic hills, it’s got that lovely laid back French authenticity, it’s one of the sunniest regions of France and at the end of the day’s pedalling, there’s some outstanding local food and wine specialities on the dinner table. What more could a body need?!
If you want a quiet, rural idyll for cycling through, look no further than this region.
freewheeling in the beautiful Charente Valley
Your bike will almost ride itself west down the rolling Charente Valley, stretching from Angouleme to Saintes. It is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of France. Boasting miles of Cognac vineyards, ancient villages, sunflower and melon fields, wonderful snippets of picturesque woodland, deer parks and an abundance of Romanesque art, cycling through this area is a treat to behold. Henry IV understandably declared it: ‘the most beautiful stream in the kingdom’.
Les Vieilles Ombres is perfectly placed for some of this region’s most wonderful cycle routes. There are several you can pick up from Bagnizeau village park, otherwise simply enter the gite postcode into https://www.bikemap.net for a wider choice.
If you’d rather have a paper copy, let us know and we’ll print the route for you.
A variety of different sized hybrid bikes are available to hire from us for 10 Euros per day. We will also provide you with a puncture kit and a pair of latex gloves, so you don’t get covered in oil (we hope we’ve thought of everything!)
Cycling in the Charente is a must do for holiday makers willing to explore and Les Vieilles Ombres is a great starting base.
For further info please contact Sharon and Chris Clark at gites@lesvieillesombres.co.uk