Escorted cycle ride out short break in Western France

Bed & Breakfast accommodation

An opportunity to experience French life as a guest in our chambre d’hôte accommodation and French roads on a bike, with the Tour de France 2020 stage 11 route from Châtelaillon-Plage to Poitiers at 167 kilometre’s passing by our driveway, there are also plenty of local  routes to choose from! La Belle Etoile is a large farmhouse set in grounds of just over four acres located in the Haut Val de Sèvre of the Parthenay-Gâtine region in the Deux-Sèvres. 

We would like to share our experience of living here and offer a four night B&B short break, limited to six guests, with the ability to have three full ride out days to explore the region escorted on two days by a local French cycling group, the Secondingy Wheelers. It’s all about the riding, soaking up the beautiful French countryside, picturesque villages, great food, the odd beer or two and of course the conviviality, making new friendships with likeminded passionate road cyclists.

You will make your own way down for arrival at La Belle Etoile on Thursday afternoon or early evening to begin your cycling experience. If you drive then Caen, le Havre or Dieppe (5 hours) would be the ideal port of arrival. If you prefer, as a Brittany Ferries Trade Partner we can offer a booking service on your behalf, dependent on your requirements and availability. With regular flights on Ryanair to Tours (90 minutes) and Poitiers (40 minutes) airports; just arrange some car hire for the duration of your stay.* Once together we’ll make our way to the local town, Saint-Maixent-l’École for dinner at a favourite restaurant, joined by some members of the Secondingy Wheelers to introduce you to the area.

Over the next four nights and three days you will enjoy a fabulous B&B experience in between the glass of wine or beer or two as we catch up on your days ride out experience! Relax in the courtyard, listen to the swallows chirping and marvel at their flying skills as you enjoy a glass of wine, reflecting on your day on the bike with fellow guests and the Secondingy Wheelers, perfect! We’ll then select a local restaurant each evening for you all to enjoy the local hospitality. 

Accommodation comprises two twin / double rooms and two double rooms, not en-suite, however we have ample facilities; two bathrooms (each with a bath, shower and toilet) plus a separate toilet with hand basin. A large comfortable kitchen and salon with good storage in the utility area, you will also have access to the washing machine. This is our home, whilst you are with us it’s your home as well so feel free to relax  with us. During your stay we can provide a competitively priced bike rental service if required as we have our own small selection of bikes on site.

You’ll be on the road by nine thirty each day, plenty of time then for me to get  to the local ‘boulangerie’ and collect ‘le pain and les croissants’, nothing beats a fresh French baguette with some ‘sea salt’ crystal butter! An extensive continental breakfast with a selection of bread, jams, ham and salami plus if you fancy an omelette or some eggs, then not a problem, it’s my speciality! Naturally accompanied by; unlimited fresh French coffee or some English tea, either way a good breakfast to set you up for a progressive day out on the bikes. 

Over the three days you will be exploring the local area, escorted on the road Friday and Sunday with members of the Secondingy Wheelers and Saturday by yourselves, with expert advice on where to ride to maximise your enjoyment on the bikes. We have a route catalogue that you can reference at your leisure to plan your Saturday ride out or alternatively be advised by those with local knowledge!

On escorted days you will be out for up to six hours each day, covering approximately 40 – 60 miles, depending on your level of riding experience and choice of route. There will be the opportunity for plenty of stops along the way for coffee and obviously finding time for a typical French ‘light’ lunch, before your return home in the late afternoon.. A great opportunity therefore to experience this beautiful region of France on you bike staying in a relaxed and informal setting at La Belle Etoile with a small group of like-minded guests, combined with the local knowledge, friendship and expert assistance of the Secondingy Wheelers!

TOUR DE FRANCE 2020 ROUTE STAGE 11: CHÂTELAILLON-PLAGE – POITIERS – https://www.cyclingstage.com/tour-de-france-2020-route/stage-11-tdf-2020/