La Belle Étoile ‘Rider Tour’

An opportunity to experience French life as a guest in our home and French roads on your bikes! La Belle Étoile is a large farmhouse set in grounds of just over four acres located in the Parthenay-Gâtine region of the Deux-Sèvres. We would like to share our experience of living here and offer a four night B&B short break, for up to six  guests, exploring the region by bike over three full ride out days; it’s all about the riding, the wonderful French countryside, towns and villages and of course the food and wine!, 

You will make your own way down for arrival at La Belle Étoile on Monday afternoon or early evening, we will supply you the most interesting but progressive enough route depending on your arrival port, as a Brittany Ferries Trade Partner MSL Tours can make the booking on your behalf. We’ll greet you with a complimentary home cooked three course meal on the first evening, with a glass or two of wine produced in the Loire, followed by a buffet meal on the third night, with two evening meals at your expense. We’ll eat either on the way back to La Belle Etoile depending on our route, or after our return when we’ll head out to the local town for early evening dinner.

Over the next four nights and three days you will enjoy a fabulous B&B experience as we catch up on the riding highlights. Relax in the peaceful courtyard, listen to the swallows chirping and marvel at their flying skills as you enjoy a glass of wine, or a cold beer, reflecting on your day on the bike with fellow guests, perfect! This is our home, whilst you are with us it’s your home as well so feel free to relax. If you feel like doing your own thing, riding your own ride or having a day away from the bike then the choice is yours!

Engines start by nine thirty, plenty of time to enjoy an ample continental breakfast, naturally with fresh French bread and croissants, plus a selection of, ham and salami and cereals.  If you fancy an omelette or some ham and eggs, then not a problem, it’s my speciality! All accompanied by fresh French coffee or English tea, either way a good breakfast to set us up for a progressive day out on the bikes. 

You’ll be exploring northwards into the Loire Valley, crossing the River Loire four times as we follow its course eastwards on the north and south banks. Then heading towards the Atlantic Coast we’ll cross over the ‘Pont de Re’ connecting La Rochelle to the Île de Ré after winding our way through the Marais Poitevin. Finally you’ll head south into the Charente where the roads really open up as we ride our ‘figure eight’ route through some wonderful French country side, finding time for a good ‘plat de jour’ lunch in a favourite restaurant.

You’ll be out for up to six – eight hours each day, covering around 175 miles on the bike, depending on our stops along the way with plenty of time for coffee breaks and lunch. A great opportunity therefore to experience this beautiful region of Western France on you bike staying in a relaxed and informal setting at La Belle Étoile with a small group of like-minded guests!