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You can count on Accueil vélo accommodation in the Pays Loudunais
Say goodbye to the clichés of a bike ride that looks like a stage in the Tour de France! Here, we’re forgetting about the clock and relying on the Accueil vélo accommodation in the Pays Loudunais. This is an essential criterion for getting into slow tourism mode. For my solo escapade, I chose to set down my saddlebags in the Pays Loudunais for this reason and for the many assets of the area. It’s a discreet area that doesn’t try to show you off, but grabs you by the heart. In between pedalling along the 400 kilometres of signposted trails, I needed a break that would really recharge my batteries. The Accueil vélo accommodation in the Loudunais region is perfect for this ! I know that my faithful steed will be treated as well as I am!
Put your bike down at Domaine de Roiffé
My first stage took me straight to the Domaine de Roiffé. I’m not going to lie, after a day sweating it out in the saddle, arriving in a place like this is what I call the sensational part of my trip. Imagine a huge estate where peace and quiet reign supreme. It’s not just a hotel, it’s a whole universe. For example, I was able to park my bike in a secure room. That’s what Accueil vélo accommodation in the Pays Loudunais is all about: it gives you real peace of mind!
Then, instead of collapsing on my bed, I let myself be tempted by a slightly more relaxing experience. The estate offers a spa with hammam and sauna. So I thought: after the effort, the comfort! I can assure you it’s pure bliss. I even came across some horse riders out for a ride, as the estate also has its own riding school. I ended the evening in the on-site restaurant , savouring simple, generous local cuisine, just what I needed to prepare for the next day’s stage. Luxury here is not arrogant, it’s just there to make you feel good.
Combine castle life and cycling at Clos Albert
The next day, after exploring a few trails with evocative names like the Sente Divine, I headed for Loudun. It’s a striking town, with its medieval square tower dominating the plain. That’s where I found Le Clos Albert. This guest house is a bit like my secret nugget. It’s right in the centre of town, but as soon as you step through the porch, the noise of the city disappears. That’s the sovereign aspect of the trip: you feel privileged, as if you had the keys to a hidden treasure.
The welcome was direct and terribly warm. The owner showed me to the corner dedicated to bikes, with everything I needed for a little pump or a last-minute adjustment . I spent part of the afternoon in the garden, with a book in my hand, listening to the silence. That’s what real PL’S life is all about: knowing when to stop and do nothing! In the evening, I went for a walk around the foot of the Tour carrée. If you’re lucky enough to come in summer, don’t miss the Invitation des vignerons. It’s the perfect time to taste an AOP Saumur wine and chat with the locals. You’re never really alone when you’ve got a glass of wine in your hand and the smiles of the locals in front of you.
Why I loved cycling in the Pays Loudunais
People often ask me if I don’t get bored alone on my bike. My answer is always the same: never. The Pays Loudunais is a fabulous playground for those who like peace and quiet. The roads are quiet, the scenery is constantly changing and there’s always a little Romanesque church or a forgotten wash-house to provide the backdrop for a break. I’ve learnt to appreciate the tasty local cuisine, especially the local produce available at the markets.
The secret to travelling solo is to travel light. I’ve learnt to pack only the essentials in my saddlebags. Here, it’s all about meeting people. A farmer who greets you, another cyclist who gives you a tip on a steep climb, or simply the pleasure of sitting on a bench and watching time go by. It’s this serenity that gives this region its charm. It’s a way of reconnecting with what’s essential, away from the hustle and bustle of the big, crowded tourist destinations.
My cycling tips for a successful stay in the Pays Loudunais
If you decide to try this adventure, my first piece of advice is not to be too greedy when it comes to kilometres. The aim is not to perform, but to enjoy. For example, take the opportunity to discover the vineyards. The local winegrowers are passionate about their land and will tell you all about it with stars in their eyes. Don’t forget to book your overnight stays with the Accueil vélo en Pays loudunais accommodation providers a little in advance. Especially if you’re aiming for the most popular addresses!
Don’t forget to take a small repair kit with you, even if the approved accommodation has everything you need. It’s always reassuring to be able to deal with a small puncture in the middle of a field of sunflowers. And above all, leave your GPS aside from time to time. Follow the church towers, take the little sunken lanes, get lost for a while. That’s often how you make the most beautiful discoveries, whether you come across a breathtaking view over the valley or a little village café where time seems to have stood still in the 1950s.
To sum up, this trip to the Pays Loudunais was a real breath of fresh air for me. My calves were a little tired, but my mind was completely free of worries. We all need, at one time or another, to fall into PL’S to start again.
This region has that rare gift of welcoming you as you are, without judging you. So get your bike ready, pump up your tyres and come and see for yourself. You won’t regret it. The word of a cyclist!
