La Loire à Vélo - a cycling adventure through the picturesque Loire Valley, France!
Join us and an amazing group of women on a brand new adventure as we travel from the captivating city of Paris to the stunning Loire Valley, where we will pedal our way through charming village towns together, explore the many iconic chateaux, and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking architecture and landscapes of France.
Our carefully crafted itinerary promises a perfect blend of adventure, history, and relaxation, with each day offering new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
4th – 10th SEPTEMBER 2024
Paris & The Loire Valley
- 7 Days, 6 Nights / $2390 USD Twin Share / $350 USD deposit to secure your booking / Ebike Option Available
- We will begin our journey together in the delightful city of Paris, where you have the flexibility to choose how you spend your time - perhaps you'd like to leisurely stroll the Champs-Élysées, marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Mosquée de Paris, savor delicious pastries in quaint cafes or enjoy a mint tea in a Moroccan tea room.
- After immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of the capital, we'll embark on the ultimate cycling adventure through the picturesque Loire Valley, starting in the charming city of Blois.
- We will leisurely pedal our way from one delightful destination to our next, while our luggage will be seamlessly transferred for us so that we can relax and enjoy our bike ride through the French countryside
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With ample time to explore the majestic chateaux and meander through quaint villages at our own pace, every moment promises a new adventure and unforgettable experience.
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Note: This cycle trip will have you biking on the "Loire à Vélo", a designated bike path along the Loire River. You’ll pedal past iconic castles such as the Chateau de Chambord (one of the most visited in France), the Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, the Chateau de Chenonceau and many others. Your daily bike rides of between approximately 22-45km will be on bike paths and small country roads through picturesque villages and lush forests on mostly flat ground. E-bike option is available as an additional option (see Inclusions & Exclusions below)
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The heart of our journey is community and connection
We understand that going on new travel adventures can be both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.
But fear not, because on this journey, you’ve got a team of amazing women supporting you on every step of the way!
At Safara Sisters, we’re all about crafting journeys that offer a beautiful blend of adventure and relaxation for our community.
While our trip does involve energetic activities like starting each day early in the Loire Valley by cycling to our next destination, we also recognise the importance of flexibility, balancing our energy through the day, and personal downtime.
Our accommodations in the cycling portion of our trip are in small castles or manors and have been chosen for their beautiful surroundings and relaxing atmosphere to facilitate your rest and rejuvenation.
From immersing ourselves in the bustling energy of charming villages and exploring historic chateaux to unwinding with a leisurely tea at a quaint café, our itinerary caters for those times when you want to spend together with the group and for the times you prefer to take some time to explore or relax on your own as well.
You can spend as much time with the group or on your own as you’d like – there will be plenty of opportunities to unwind, reflect, and forge meaningful connections with your fellow travellers.
Join us on this wonderful adventure!
4th – 10th SEPTEMBER 2024
The Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Paris: Assalamualaikum and welcome to the City of Lights! Upon arriving in Paris, we'll ensure your smooth transition to the hotel, allowing you time to unwind and settle in. In the evening, join us for a warm welcome dinner, where we'll share the excitement of the journey ahead.
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Day 2: Exploring Paris:Today, immerse yourself in the rich, complicated tapestry of Parisian culture and history. You have all day to explore so you could relax and enjoy a delicious croissant from a nearby boulangerie or explore the iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, or wander the serene Luxembourg Gardens. Delight in the beauty of Islamic art at the Louvre or simply stroll along the Seine River, taking in the breathtaking views. And of course, don't forget to indulge in some delicious pastries as you wander through the charming streets of Montmartre or Le Marais.
- Day 3: Paris to Blois: After our hotel breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to Blois, our gateway to the lovely Loire Valley. Take in the serene beauty of the French countryside as we travel together by train. In Blois, enjoy some leisure time to explore the city's historic sites - perhaps you'd like to visit the stunning medieval Chateau de Blois. Our hotel awaits us for a relaxing evening, complete with a delicious vegetarian dinner.
- Day 4: Cycling Blois to Cheverny: We'll start our day with Fajr prayers before gearing up for a rewarding cycling adventure. We'll pedal our way through the Chateau de Chambord's lush forest. Along the way, we'll take in the beauty of nature as we follow the trail along Crosson Creek to the Chateau de Cheverny, and enjoy a tour of a chocolate factory. As the day comes to a close, rest and recharge in the comfort of our lovely accommodation while we chat about our next day's cycling route.
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Day 5: Cheverny to Chaumont-sur-Loire regionAfter a hearty breakfast, we set off on another day of exploration and discovery. Cycle from Cheverny to Chaumont-sur-Loire, stopping to admire the majestic chateaux and quaint villages that dot the landscape, perhaps stopping to visit the castle Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Take your time to soak in the beauty of your surroundings and appreciate the tranquility of this region.
- Day 6: Chaumont-sur-Loire to Amboise: Rise and shine for another day of adventure! Today, we pedal our way to Amboise, a charming town nestled along the banks of the Loire River and is where Leonardo de Vinci spent his last few years. Explore the many cobblestone streets and the unique architectural features of the Chateau d'Amboise, which gives you one of the best overall views of the Loire Valley.
- Day 7: Day trip to Chenonceau: Your early-morning tranquil bike route today leads you through idyllic natural beauty with rivers and forests, leading to the most iconic chateau of the Loire region - the Chateau de Chenonceau. This historical castle is one of the most photographed castles in France. In the afternoon we'll head back to the hotel to return our bikes and pick up our luggage before we part ways.
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Whether you choose to spend your final day exploring the Chateau de Chenonceau, or simply relaxing and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, we'll cherish this time with our newfound friends. As we say our salams, know that the bonds we've formed and the memories we've created will stay with us always, guiding us on future adventures and journeys. Ma'a as-salama (peace be with you), until we meet again insha Allah (God willing)!
more details
What's included?
2 Nights accommodation in Paris (twin share in a 3 star hotel) – you will be paired up with another Safara Sister |
4 Nights accommodation on the Loire Valley cycling tour (twin share) in quaint hotels and charming B&Bs (3/4 stars) |
6 Breakfasts |
4 Dinners on the cycling tour |
Transfer from Paris Airport to Hotel |
Train ticket from Paris to Blois |
4 Days of Bike, Helmet, Panniers and bike lock hire |
Luggage transfer between accommodation on the cycling tour |
Chocolate factory visit |
24/7 Bicycle hotline support on the cycling tour |
Whatsapp or Signal Group so we can all get to know each other before the trip and plan outings together! |
Exclusive Paris Guide (by our local host Madina) and travel support from Safara Sisters (we can help you figure out how to get around Paris, what sim card to buy, where to get a delicious croissant and so much more!) |
more details
What's not included?
Flights to or from our first destination, Paris, France |
Transport from our final destination Amboise at the end of the trip |
Travel Insurance (required) |
Lunches / Snacks |
Spending Money / Tips |
Chateau or other site entry fees |
E-Bike Hire (available for 90€ per bike) |
Single Supplement (1 available only, subject to availability) – extra $400 USD |
Transport within cities – Eg Ubers, Metro tickets |
Essential Trip Information
4th – 10th Sept 2024 / 7 Days, 6 Nights / $2390 USD
Essential Trip Information:
– For women who are up for a bit of an active adventure, enjoy getting out of their comfort zone, and want to connect and travel with a bunch of supportive sisters!
– Your Safara Sisters hosts Marryam and Madina (our local host from Paris) will be travelling right alongside you, both in Paris and on the cycle tour in the Loire Valley
– The cycling tour in the Loire Valley is self-guided but fully supported. This means that together, we’ll be helping each other find our way to our next destination using GPS and a custom app with instructions, while our luggage gets transferred for us to our next hotel or B&B. Should we need any help with our route or bicycles, 24/7 support will be just a phone call away.
– Meet and spend time together in Paris (2 nights) before travelling by train to the city of Blois (1 night) to begin our cycling tour
– Cycle from Blois at a leisurely pace to each of our lovely hotel or B&B destinations in Cheverney (1 night), Chaumont-sur-Loire (1 night), and Amboise (1 night)
– This trip is classified as an easy cycle trip however it will be somewhat active so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Confident leisure bike riding skills are necessary, as well as basic bicycle maintenance such as how to fix a flat tyre (don’t worry, we’ll send plenty of resources on how to learn this before our trip!).
– Bike, pannier, helmet hire included from Blois to Amboise
– All breakfasts included, and while in the Loire Valley – vegetarian dinners are also included
– Our itinerary is made to be fairly unstructured to allow ample free time and flexibility to explore the villages and chateaux.
– Check above for the full itinerary and all inclusions
PRICING: $2390 USD Per Person Twin Share. You can secure your spot with a $350 USD deposit with the balance due 06 July 2024. Pay in 3 option available.
Let’s go on this adventure together!
Lets adventure Together