Western Loire welcomes 800km of new cycling track

Keen cyclists who are considering buying property in France would do well to choose the Western Loire region after plans to build 800km of new track were revealed.

According to the Maison de la France tourist office, half of the cycle paths and small roads will be open for use this year, with the new track expected to bring in sports fans from across Europe.

Known as the Loire Valley bicycle itinerary, it will form part of the European Rivers Cycle Route project and will include a 40km track near the city of Nantes.

It will link tracks which will eventually span the 2,400km from the Atlantic Ocean to Budapest and will be reserved for the keenest cyclists on the continent.

What to see when cycling in the Loire Valley

It may seem like a lot of ground to cover but the new tracks will also offer up the opportunity for families and professionals to experience cycling through one of France's prettiest provinces.

Tours are on offer throughout the year which take participants on a journey through history passing through chateaux, vineyards, castles and picturesque villages.

New cycling tour in Loire for 2007

Just opened this year is a 60km track taking cyclists from Briare and its 663m canal bridge to Sancerre, which is the perfect place to take part in a spot of wine tasting.

Also included is a visit to Villandry before the track leads on to Chinon, a medieval town with gigantic ruined fortress and a medieval market.

Another must see is the oldest bridge across the Loire at Beaugency, which legend has it was built in one night by the devil.

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