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Discover Poitou-Charentes
A rural retreat in the "Pays de
Gâtine"
Independent Cycling Tour
In the heart of a valley in a little known region of Poitou-Charentes lies a rural idyll where peace, tranquillity and
relaxation come naturally. Gently undulating countryside
means that there are hills to be cycled up but also
wonderfully exhilarating downhill rides on quiet roads and
byways to village markets and medieval towns. Some
transfers are provided to avoid the longer hills and to allow
you to visit the "Green Venice" region of the Marais Poitevin -
a wonderful area of forest trails alongside pretty canals.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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There are some undulating sections along the country
lanes on this tour, but transfers are provided to avoid
the more challenging hills. |
Day 1: Arrival in Scillé
After your journey relax by the pool or unwind with a stroll
in the surrounding woodland. Enjoy drinks on the terrace and
a lovely welcome dinner.
Day 2: A circular route to the chaos
of Rocher Branlant
20 miles
Experience your first taste of the tranquillity of French
rural life as you cycle past apple orchards, through picturesque
hamlets and past lakes to the "granite chaos" of
Rocher Branlant deep in the heart of an ancient oak forest.
Day 3: A circular route to the local
market at Coulonges-sur-L'Autize
23 miles
Today's cycle ride takes you across open countryside and through
country villages to the lively and colourful market in the
small town of Coulonges-sur-L'Autize. Browse amidst the stalls
filled with local produce and enjoy a drink in one of the
local French bars, before returning for a well-deserved swim
in the pool.
Day 4: The big picnic
15 miles
A short relaxing cycle ride to take you to join the other
guests from Le Moulin (walkers and horse riders) for a wonderful
picnic lunch in the forest known as Le Bois de la Boucherie.
Day 5: Cycling in the Marie-Poitevin
- the green Venice of Poitou-Charentes
Your host will transfer you and your bicycle to Coulon for
a day's easy cycling alongside the canals and through the
shaded forests of this pretty region. You choose how far to
cycle today as there are numerous routes to the many picturesque
villages in the region. Transfer back to Le Moulin at 16:00.
Day 6: Puy-de-Serre to Mervent and
Vouvant
Your host will transfer you and your bicycle to the village
of Puy-de-Serre from where you cycle cross-country to the
majestic deciduous forests, rivers and lakes at Mervent. It's
a steep push up to the village of Mervent but there are rewarding
views across the forest at the top. Continue from here to
the lovely fortified medieval village of Vouvant, where you
will be picked up and taken back to Le Moulin for a fantastic
final barbeque by the pool.
Day 7: Departure day
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| Your
accommodation and meals |
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You will be based at
Le Moulin du Chemin
where your hosts Peter
and Carolynn will make
your holiday one to
remember with their
superb cuisine, excellent
wines and convivial
company.
All accommodation is on a Full Board basis including all drinks (excellent quality wines).
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| Departure
dates & prices |
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Prices include:
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Full Board including all drinks (excellent
quality wines)
- Bicycle hire
(21 gears)
- Bicycle bag (1 per room)
- Route description and maps
- Map holder
- Bike and people transfers as described
- Walking route
notes and maps for the region are also available.
Departure dates are Sundays April - October 2008
| 25 May - 23 Sept 2008 |
6 |
£649 |
| All other dates |
6 |
£559 |
Single room supplement: £18 per night
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| Bike details |
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Gears: 21
Pannier bags
Repair kit |
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| Travel
options |
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Suggested times and points of departure - please call us to discuss the most suitable flights and latest prices.
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 05/11/2007 (provisional)
| Ryanair |
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| Route |
Out |
Return |
Price from |
| Stansted - La Rochelle |
15:20 - 17:50 |
18:15 - 18:40 |
£65 |
| FlyBe |
|
|
|
| Route |
Out |
Return |
Price from |
| Manchester - La Rochelle |
11:05 - 14:00 |
14:30 - 15:25 |
£100 |
| Birmingham - La Rochelle |
10:40 - 13:30 |
13:55 - 14:35 |
£100 |
Transfer to Scillé: 40mins by train. A free transfer is provided from Niort station.
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| Average
temperature |
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The average daytime temperatures for this region is listed
below:
| April |
17°C |
62°F |
| May |
17°C |
62°F |
| June |
23°C |
73°F |
| July |
26°C |
79°F |
| August |
25°C |
77°F |
| September |
22°C |
72°F |
| October |
17°C |
62°F |
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| Short break |
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Why not take a few days out to relax at Le Moulin du Chemin in the region of Poitou Charentes? With plenty to see and do from this idyllic country base, you can cycle, stroll, relax, eat and drink to your heart's content!
To find out more or book now online click here.
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