La Jariette Cycle Holidays
Danielle and Jon, enthusiastic and experienced road cyclists, offer fixed-based cycling holidays in the peaceful French countryside, taking in beautiful Loire chateaux, local vineyards, the fabulous Île de Ré, and river routes, all on quiet roads. Our tours are priced at €550 per person per week (six days cycling) from April to October.
We offer four luxurious en-suite rooms in our manoir and three double rooms in our large gite. Packages include continental breakfast and home-cooked, seasonal evening meals (on 6 nights) with local wine, and up to three guided tours and three self-guided tours. Additional services (at cost) include airport transfers to and from Poitiers or Nantes, train station collection from Thouars, and linen services for refreshing cycling kit. We offer our full support throughout your cycling holiday.
Following an enjoyable day of cycling, return to La Jariette for a well-deserved relaxing swim in our heated pool (seasonal), alternatively reinvigorate tired muscles in our hot tub and sauna whilst enjoying a cold beer!
La Jariette is on the well-known Velo Francette cycling route, with stunning routes along rivers and through medieval towns.
Whether you are an individual, group of friends, or members of a cycling club, we will work with you to create your perfect cycling holiday.
Please contact us for availability and booking of cycle holidays.
La Jariette Cycling Example Itinerary
Day One
Arrival at La Jariette. Relax by the pool before dinner, take an evening stroll through our vineyard.
Day Two (guided).32 miles 440 m. Thouars
Ride to Thouars, along the river Thouet. Perched on a rocky promontory, above a meander of the Thouet, Thouars is a town of Art and History with a rich built heritage. Crossing the roman bridge, (photo opportunity), we ride into the town for a café/lunch or boulangerie stop. Head home on quiet country roads. Evening meal at La Jariette.
Day Three (guided). 43 miles 261m.Île de Ré.
Île de Ré island ride. Depart 7am for the drive to La Rochelle, where we start our ride by crossing the bridge to the island. Mainly on car-free paved cycle paths, our route takes you through sea-side villages, harbours (coffee stop), vineyards, and beaches to the lighthouse (lunch stop). Pause on the way back at the salt flats to buy yourself a bag or two of Ile de Re salt. Evening meal at La Jariette.
Day Four (guided). 40 miles 300m.Loire Valley.
45 minute drive to Chinon, where we begin our ride to Saumur along the banks of the Vienne and the Loire river. Picnic lunch stop at Chateau de Saumur overlooking the river. Return passing troglodyte caves, and Loire vineyards.
Evening meal at our favourite local restaurant
Day Five (self-guided). 26 or 52 miles. 280m/570m.Domaine de Villemont.
Ride to family-owned local vineyard Domaine de Villemont for wine tasting and vineyard tour (tour costs £15 with lunch included). The ride out takes in Chateau de Coussay, a fairy-tale castle off the beaten track! Option for van pick-up post lunch or challenge yourself and ride back. Evening meal at La Jariette.
Day Six (guided or self-guided). 24 miles 550m. Chateau de Oiron.
Local ride to Oiron Chateau. Option to visit this most unusual chateau, with its Puss in Boots connection and modern art displays, £7 entry. Lunch stop on the ride back at Irais for delicious French tapas! Evening meal at La Jariette.
What's included in our cycle holidays?
Continental breakfast, as well as porridge, muesli, nuts and seeds, and fruit and home-cooked evening meal on six nights, with vegetables from our garden and locally sourced produce. Local vineyard wine served with dinner. One night on a 6 day tour we drop you at the local village restaurant to enjoy a meal.
Choose from en-suite accommodation in our manor house or group accommodation in our three-bed gite La Petite Jariette.
Linen and towels provided. Secure bike storage, stand, and tools available. If you've arrived with your bike in a bike box, we can support you putting your bike back together.
Up to 3 guided tours and 3 self-guided tours per week. Self-guided by way of Garmin route download (we are a phone call away if needed).
What's not included?
Travel to and from La Jariette on arrival and departure days (local airports include Poitiers, Nantes, La Rochelle, nearest train stations are Thouars and Poitiers). Transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please enquire.
Insurance whilst on your cycle holiday.
Cost of evening meal at the local restaurant.
Lunch and drinks whilst out cycling.
