OTHER ROUTES IN CENTRAL FRANCE

1 LOIRET CHATEAUX Start/finish: Sully-sur-loire Distance: 105 miles Riding time: 3.5 hours This sightseeing route passes the châteaux of Sully-sur-loire, La Bussière, Blancafort, St Brisson and Gien. Hotel tip: Hostellerie du Grand Sully (www.grandsully.com)

2 CATHEDRALS AND CASTLES Start/finish: Chartres Distance: 180 miles Riding time: 6.5 hours More focused on riding than sightseeing, this route from the cathedral city of Chartres passes the châteaux of Anet, La Roche-guyon and Gaillard. Hotel tip: l’hôtel (www.l-hotel-chartres.com)

3 VINES OF SANCERRE Start/finish: Pouilly-sur-loire Distance: 180 miles Riding time: 5.5 hours Fabulous riding through the rolling hills of the Sancerre wine region (handy for the Magnycours race track, too). Hotel tip: Le Coq Hardi (www.lecoqhardi.fr)

4 VELAY FUN Start/finish: Lapalisse Distance: 205 miles Riding time: 6 hours A belting ride through the rolling hills of the Velay into the Livardoise forests just north of Issoire. Hotel tip: Hotel Galland (www.hotelgalland.fr)

5 COGNAC TO THE COAST Start/finish: Cognac Distance: 205 miles Riding time: 6.5 hours A laid-back coastal ride from the charming town of Cognac to the swanky Ile de Ré by La Rochelle. Hotel tip: Hotel l’oliveraie (www.oliveraie-cognac.com)