Cycling Holidays - introduction

The Corrèze region of France little known to British cyclists is located to the west of the Massif Central Mountains. Intersected by the upper Dordogne gorges, the area offers some of the most scenic and challenging cycling terrain to be found in France.

We Offer:

* Guided days out each week ( 2-3 days ). * Self guided days – We will help you select bespoke routes based on your experience, fitness level, and our * extensive knowledge of the local terrain. * Cycling on traffic free, smooth roads. * Secure bike storage and use of our workshop. * Emergency vehicle backup. * Cycle the Massif Central cols of the Tour de France.

 

 

 

The Cycling

The cycling available from our base (600m) is varied and interesting. Your route options are:

• Rides from our base and quickly speed along exhilarating descents and climbs (av.5-12km) into the countless steep Corrèze gorges that characterise this stunning area
  
  
• Ride out from our base to the north, staying on the plateau where there are less testing routes which roll in and out of forests and pass hundreds of lakes and rivers which lead to the rolling mountains of the Monadieres national park (1000m) The area feels like the Scottish highlands.
  
  
• Descend from the plateau to the south of our base to the less testing yet equally beautiful Dordogne valley characterised by many ancient towns and villages which follow the river with many restaurants and bars. At the end of the day we can collect you and bring you back up the 8km climb to our base in our crewbus. An interesting day out (approx 45 mins in the crewbus) would take you down into the Lot region, passing the fabulous ancient chateaux at Bretenoux and St Céré and following down the Dordogne valley to the fabulous Rocamadour
  
  
• The mountains of the Massif Central provide the most challenging cycling in the area and are accessed by a 1hour transfer in our crewbus. The Tour de France regularly visits the regionand there are several classic climbs including the Puy Mary(1588m).
  

We will help you select the best routes based on your experience and fitness level, and our extensive knowledge of the terrain and local weather conditions. Detailed directions and maps are provided for all our suggested routes, which have been designed to lead you to suitable stops for food and drink, and past places that are of particular interest.

You will also have the back up of vehicle support in case of either a medical emergency or mechanical breakdown.

 

Accompanied Routes

On your first full day we will organise a guided ride out. Based on this day we will be able to recommend the best rides to meet the needs for you or your groups ability.  We will also run special days to tie in with local cycling events and the Tour de France.

Full Day Ride - Up to 100-130km and will include a lunch stop (and coffee breaks if required!) and normally many long testing climbs

Half Day Ride - Up to 50-70km and will include several climbs and a coffee stop

Example guided ride :

Once a week depending on demand, we take guests out for the day to ride one of our favourite mountain routes. One of the most popular is the circuit of the Massif De Sancy 75 or 90km. A popular area used by the Tour de France.

After a 1 hour trip in our crew bus, the ride starts in the ski resort of Le Mont-Dore and we quickly ascend the Col Croix St Robert (1451m) followed by an exhilarating long descent, characterised by many hairpin bends and silky perfect tarmac. This leads, after a few more shorter climbs to the lunch stop in the beautiful ancient mountain town of Besse. After a well deserved lunch we immediately start the climb up to the ski resort of Superbesse and then on to the Col de Geneste (1372m). Then follows another thrilling decent on to the small resort Chastreix for a last drink stop before some less demanding climbs through alpine style pine forests until the final drop back into Monte-Dore. Then it’s back to the bus for drinks and for one of Sam’s delicious cakes.

 

Triathlon

We are happy to welcome Triathletes here at Chateauret. The advantages of the quiet roads and challenging terrain are as equally suited to running as to cycling. We will be happy to research routes for you. In addition there are many large lakes for open water swimming. There is a lovely unsupervised lake 5 minutes from our base, and the large lake at Marcillac la Croiselle (15 minutes drive) is regularly used for international Triathlon events and is used as a training ground for the Belarus Olympic Triathlon team.

Facilities

• Safe and secure fully insured bike storage
• Use of fully equipped workshop and tools
• Washing facilities for your kit
• Essential spares on sale - inner tubes, brake blocks, cables etc
• Tuck shop for energy bars and drinks, soft drinks, crisps chocolate etc.

Bike Hire

One Weeks rental hire £90. Please contact us for availability. Bikes will have a minimum alloy frame and carbon fork with either compact or triple chainset which is suitable for the local terrain.

Kit to Bring with you

• Helmet (not required by French law, but we won't be happy letting you go out without one!)
• Rain proof jacket and warm cycling clothing - conditions can be unpredictable at higher altitudes and are
  essential at the start and end of the season. Arm and legwarmers are particularly useful. There are good cycling kit shops near our base including Koodza, Intersport and Decathalon as well as many specialist shops
• Shoes (and pedals - optional) if you rent a bike
• Sun Cream