A greyhound on the banks of the Loire
The "Loire à Vélo" route winds through the crucible of Loire civilization. These are villages intertwined with the river, stretched bridges, and an elegant built heritage that are offered to us all along the marked path.
For a weekend, we explored it on electric bikes. This break allowed us to get some fresh air and take in the sights. This was Vaika's second experience on a bike. She took in the sights and nostrils. We'll tell you about this great weekend!
Summary
A dog friendly
destionation?
Our itinerary
The bike trailer
with a dog
Activities and visits
along the Loire
Accommodations
and meals
The Loire by bike:
a “Dog Friendly” destination?
The Loire by bike is a route that is perfectly suitable for dogs. The possibility of renting a bike with a trailer directly from the various stages is very practical.
We were able to meet many dogs on the course: local dogs as well as tourists.
No problem finding accommodation or a restaurant that accepts dogs either. We were welcomed everywhere.
Our weekend itinerary
DAY 1: Paris-Orléans journey. Night in Orléans
DAY 2: Orléans - Meung sur Loire
DAY 3: Meung sur Loire - Blois. Return to Paris
We like to travel without a car when we can. So we decided to take the train from Paris Austerlitz to Orléans. We take the 7:22 p.m. train on a Friday evening after work. The distance between the two cities is 1 hour and 5 minutes.
The journey is pretty smooth, there is almost no one on the train. We even have our own space at the head of the train for the three of us.
On the way back, everything is also simple: we took the train from Blois that connects directly Paris Austerlitz. We take the 5:44 p.m. train on Sunday and arrive in Paris at 7:23 p.m.
In total, to connect Orléans to Blois, we travel around 63 km.
Bike trailer with dog
We rent our two electric bikes and a trailer through the agency " Les vélos verts "
It's all very simple: we pick up the bikes from the agency located at Orléans station on Saturday morning and return them on Sunday when we arrive near Blois station.
We also opt for the luggage transport service: it is easier to travel with a small backpack during the day. Once again, nothing to complain about: our luggage is fine on arrival at our accommodation and at the final arrival point on Sunday.
At first, Vaika was not completely reassured in the trailer but after a few minutes, she got used to it. If we had to compare with the Cargo bike, we can say that the apprehension of the bike is easier. However, we do not have a view of the dog behind and it is a shame because we cannot see its reactions as the driver of the bike. The interaction is therefore less great.
The trailer is very stable and we had no problems on the route: it goes everywhere on the marked path.
On our first day, we suffered a flat tire in our trailer while visiting the Arboretum. When we arrived at the parking lot, we discovered a flat tire. A repairman from the rental company came to join us on the course in 30 minutes. However, he was not well equipped... but thanks to a person we had become friends with on the café terrace where we were waiting for him, he was able to find the spare part at a local bike garage! We were then able to set off again.
Our activities and visits along the Loire
There are multiple places to stop along the way. Unfortunately, Castles generally don't allow dogs inside but we had better luck with the gardens!
Ilex Arboretum
On the way to Beaugency, we stop to visit the Arboretum d'Ilex . A collection of 500 varieties of ilex (holly) recognized since 1991 as a national collection by the Conservatoire des Collections Végétales Spécialisées awaits us there.
Then enriched by the collection of clematis and by one of only two national collections of Astilbes in France, the garden offers blooms in all seasons which contrast with the green of the holly.
We wander through the alleys but unfortunately we are attacked by hungry mosquitoes. Vaika is a prime target and dozens of mosquitoes are on her legs and back...so we cut our visit short.
The garden is nevertheless splendid and the welcome friendly.
Advice :
come with mosquito spray in summer
Bicycle parking is available on site
.
Chambord Castle
Chambord Castle is one of the most impressive and visited castles in France. On our way to Blois, we decided to make a small detour there.
Unfortunately, neither the castle nor its gardens are accessible with a dog. You can only walk around it. So that's what we do and we also take advantage of the lawns for a little lunch break in the shade. In this month of August, it's very hot and Vaika can't stand this stifling heat. We buy sandwiches and ice creams at one of the counters on the site.
Note: before reaching the castle, we cross a forest full of wasps! We quickly trace our route so as not to get stung!
Orleans
We arrive in Orléans on Friday evening and take the opportunity to go and see the "Sounds and Lights" show projected onto its cathedral.
Unfortunately, Vaika did not seem to enjoy the show and she was very agitated (perhaps she was afraid because of the lights and the very loud music).
The next morning, we decide to take her for a walk in the park before starting our first day of cycling. What a great idea we had there. Pasteur Park is very close to the hotel and opens early. We find a gathering of happy dogs playing freely. Vaika is having fun, we are getting on well with the other humans. A great time.
Blois
Once again, the castle is not open to dogs. It's a shame. So we visit its surroundings and take the opportunity to relax on a café terrace after a day of cycling! It's almost time for the train to return to Paris.
Our accommodation and meals
Orleans : Novotel Centre Gare
We were lucky to be upgraded and have a terrace with a view of the cathedral. No special attention for Vaika.
Meung Sur Loire : Domaine Saint HIlaire .
We opted for a ground floor room. Very comfortable with a small kitchenette that is practical for Vaika's meals. Unfortunately, there is only one large double bed but the accommodation has several extra duvets and blankets: you can prepare a nice cozy nest for Vaika!
As for meals, on the first day, we had a well-deserved lunch break at a "Loiret gourmet stopover". Very good meal and perfect welcome for Vaika.
