Published by Lyn on 7 October 2015
Two highlights of any good French menu – wine and mushrooms – come together for the annual Vins et Champignons bike ride in Saumur.
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More than 3000 cyclists will descend on Saumur this weekend, October 10 and 11, for the annual Randonnée 'Vins et Champignons', a super event combining two highlights of any French menu: wine and mushrooms. What better excuse could there possibly be for a bike ride?
It'll be the 29th edition of the event, organised by the local cycle touring club, Cyclotouristes Saumurois (though thanks to a glitch in someone's mathematics, it's actually the event's 30th year, not its 29th).
The ride first ran in 1985 with 537 riders; this year, organisers are expecting more than 3000 people to arrive at the Parc des Expositions du Breil (the usual venue, the Jean Chacun gymnasium in Saumur, is undergoing renovations).
The 2015 edition is open to cyclists, mountain bikers and walkers, with routes throughout the Saumur area taking in Château de Saumur, Le Mystère des Faluns à Doué-la-Fontaine, and Julien Salaud aux Caves Ackerman.
On Saturday, October 10, there's a 'Discovering Cycling' circuit plus a leisure and tandem ride. On Sunday, October 11, there are road routes of 50km, 75km and 100km, plus mountain bike circuits of 35km, 45km and 55km. For walkers, there are 13km, 19km, and 24km options. So something for everyone.
Refreshments are provided en route (including of the wine-tasting variety).
In true French tradition there will also be a tombola (first prize is a mountain bike), plus every rider and walker will receive a box of mushrooms. Now if that hasn't convinved you, I'm not sure what will.
You need to register and there are small entry charges to help cover costs. More information is available from Club des Cyclotouristes Saumurois (cyclosaumurois@orange.fr or +33 (0)2 41 50 43 67 or +33 (0)6 08 68 97 13.
The club's official website is here.
Here is the full programme.
Where to stay
There's is space for between 100 and 150 campervans for people arriving with bikes on the back (€5 access), or see the map below to find a bike-friendly bed in the Loire Valley. (We're particular fans of La Maison du Vigneron at Clos de la Rose, south of Saumur. It's run by Bill and Letsie (who is a bit like a one-woman tourist information centre for the area).
Bike hire in Saumur
Need a bike? Click here.
Where else to ride
Saumur is a super cycling base. It's on the Loire à vélo cycling route, which doubles as La Velo Francette between Saumur and Angers. Routes here are generally flat and great for all abilities.
You can find local tourist info here.
