Cycling holidays
Appealingly off the usual tourist trail
"A real holiday gem"
Self guided cycling holidays are based at a delightful little Maison d’Hôte (guesthouse) known as le Moulin du Chemin, in western France.
As well as exceptional cycling – this part of France is a cyclists’ paradise – holidays at le Moulin are notable for superb food and wonderful wines, great bonhomie, excellent accommodation and facilities and a reasonable price.
Fully equipped bikes as well as sets of maps and route notes are provided. The bikes have handlebar mounted holders for the maps and route notes.
Le Moulin du Chemin was formerly a watermill and the buildings date from before the year 1650. Capacity at le Moulin is limited to ten guests.
Moulin cycling circuits
- Hundreds of miles of undulating country lanes are directly accessible from le Moulin du Chemin.
- There is very little traffic – of the few vehicles you will meet, drivers are usually considerate.
- The countryside is varied and interesting and the terrain is invigorating.
- Road surfacing, even on very minor lanes is generally excellent.
The routes are intended to suit reasonably fit cyclists.
Recommended circuits
La Faziliére – a short ride after your journey to stretch your legs and get to know the area. Gently undulating route on winding country lanes with nice views of the bocage. The ride passes an interesting restored working windmill, open to the public on Sunday afternoons.
Moderate ride - 16km/10miles
or
Le Pignon West – an exhilarating, partially waymarked circuit via the villages of Scillé of la Chapelle-Thireuil – a good route for becoming acquainted with the region.
Moderate/challenging ride - 18km/11miles
Le Petit Pignon East – via the villages of le Beugnon, Fenioux and la Chapelle-Thireuil with some lovely rolling hills. The circuit is partially waymarked.
Moderate ride - 27km/16miles
or
Roof of the World – local tour taking-in several interesting villages and also the magical Rocher Branlant. In the first few kilometres m the elevation increases by 100m.
Moderate/challenging ride - 43km/26miles
Coulonges-sur-l’Autize – a traditional country-produce market. The route there is on little-used country lanes, but fairly direct (the market starts to close at noon). There are short or longer return options, meandering through idyllic countryside.
Moderate ride - 40km/23miles or 32km/19miles
or
L'Absie – winding lanes through pastures and woods, past hamlets and high places, lead to the attractive village of l’Absie with cafes, banks, pharmacies, mini supermarket etc.
Moderate/challenging ride - 16km/10miles
or
Le Pignon East – a partially waymarked circuit via le Beugnon, Fenioux and la Chapell-Thireuil with some challenging hills in the east.
challenging ride - 31km/18miles
Le Beugnon Lakes Picnic (shorter) – your hosts meet you at the lakes for a "posh" picnic with tablecloth, delicious chilled rosé and dappled sunlight under the trees. Winding lanes, wooded paths and a lovely view from the newly restored and working windmill.
Moderate ride - 19km/11miles
or
Le Beugnon Lakes Picnic (longer) – an alternative picnic route passing the village of l’Absie with cafes, banks, pharmacies, mini supermarket etc.
Moderate/challenging ride - 35km/21miles
Feymoreau Mines – local ride to the erstwhile mining village with it’s exhibition, stunning modern stained glass (on a sunny day) and interesting village features.
Moderate ride - 31km/19miles
or
Le Petit Pignon – mostly waymarked circuit via Scille, la Chapelle-Thireuil, Fenouix and le Beugnon. Some of the villages have bars and WCs.
Moderate/challenging ride - 31km/19miles
Le Grand Pignon – mostly waymarked circuit via Scille, la Chapelle-Thireuil, Fenouix and le Beugnon and including some challenging hills in the east.
Moderate ride - 34km/20miles
Details
- Each circuit starts and finishes at le Moulin du Chemin.
- Sets of high-lighted maps and route-notes for each circuit are provided in a personalised dossier.
- If you wish, Peter and Carolynn will help you chose the rides best suited to you.
- Routes can be shortened or lengthened to suit you.
- If you prefer independence you can pick your own routes.
- The region has a wide variety of terrains and numerous interesting features.
- Fully equipped touring cycles, bike-bags, helmets, maps, directions and friendly advice provided.
Maps
A typical cycling map from le Moulin du Chemin is shown on the right. The example is a large scale map – sheet 1 of a set of 4.
The maps are printed on A4 laminated sheets and fit into handlebar holders on the bikes provided.
By way of information, sets of large scale maps are accompanied by a single small scale map giving an overview of the whole route.
Le Moulin du Chemin uses IGN maps (IGN is the French equivalent to the British Ordinance Survey). The suggested circuits are high-lighted and the maps are printed on A4 laminated sheets, convenient for use with the handlebar mounted map holders supplied with le Moulin's bikes. Applicable route notes are printed on separate laminated sheets.
If you prefer to explore independently, local IGN 1:25000 maps are available as well as friendly advice (if you wish).
Route notes
A typical example of Moulin route notes is shown on the left. The example given is the outgoing route to the destination.
The route notes are printed on A4 laminated sheets and fit into handlebar holders on the bikes provided.