France by Bicycle | PART 6: THE LOIRE A VELO: SAUMUR

France by Bicycle | PART 6: THE LOIRE A VELO: SAUMUR
Some of the most fascinating and surprising days of bike touring we’ve ever experienced! Leaving Villandry, we follow the Loire A Velo and Eurovelo 6 to the Chateau Ussé, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, a must-see Loire chateau. From there, we enjoy a Saturday market in Avoine before stumbling upon the troglodyte caves of Saumur, and an utterly enchanting ride through a wine cave, and the exquisite town of Saumur where we stay in an old theater converted to a BnB. From there we head to the city of Angers, a bustling and vibrant city just off the Loire River. Truly magical!
Music:
Accordion and Glockenspiel Comedy - JK Productions
Pond Five
081716572-accordion-and-glockenspiel-com
a href="www.pond5.com/royalty-free-mu..."Stock Music/a provided by JK_Production, from a href=“www.pond5.com/"Pond5/a
Bridges of Paris - Trabant 33
Epidemic Sound
Something’s Afoot - Experia
Epidemic Sound
A Healing Component - Spectacles Wallet and Watch
Epidemic Sound
A Cloudly Flight - Mica Emory
Epidemic Sound
From Another Universe - Christian Andersen
Epidemic Sound
Wake Up With Me - David Celeste
Epidemic Sound
Stuck In The Moment - Alexa Capelli
Epidemic Sound
Silent Way - Candelion
Epidemic Sound

[@sheiralee3370]

I love your videos especially France. You make it so fun. A lot of other folks make it seem like every day a big chore and you guys have a sense of humor and I take it you adore the French way of life as I do

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Sheira. We love the French way of life. Life is better when you roll with it!

[@dooley-ch]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You're welcome, James.

[@colinwellman9480]

It feels like I was riding along with you into Saumur, so very familiar. Julianna says she loves France. I love it more each day, even after living there for 20 years. I don't tour these days, just find somewhere interesting, rent an Airbnb and do day rides. Never need to go far, 40 miles maximum, and you see something new and interesting each day. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You're lucky to be living where you do, Julianna is jealous! The out and back approach is great, we did it in Mallorca a few years back. you move a lot lighter. I still mostly prefer the self-supported approach, and the way it throws you into the adventure. At some point, we will undoubtedly find ourselves doing more out and backs.

[@maxdavies9327]

Part 6 was full of highs and lows !!!!. Lows being the loss of the drone R.I.P. Drone.... but I think 6 has been my favourite so far. I cannot remember the last time I have so looked forward to any vids. on Utube as i have with your journey. Possibly because my wife and I are doing a similar trip next year in Germany. As a retired Cameraman I can really appreciate the EDITING !!!! you have done, Very time consumeing. I am vert much looking forward to the Canal Du Midi episodes. Keep up the great work Roland. ( and Julianna ).😊😊. Max. Australia.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hi Max! thank you, yes, it's a lot of work but somehow this has become my (very rewarding) job post retirement. Where are you going in Germany?

[@bruceprigge5212]

Thank you! 😊

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You are so welcome!

[@MarcelBijl1]

This is the stretch we did last year. It pays to do some more sidetrips, but i understand your time is limited. There are cycle tours all around. We pick a spot, rent a gîte and do our Day trips from there. The cave section was spectaculair to do! I do have some lovely pictures but have no idea how to add one in the comments... Beautiful footage again, we really love your vids! Thanks again, Marcel and Roos

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you, Marcel and Roos. We think about that a lot, wherever we go it seems you could spend so much time exploring. But, yes, time is indeed limited.

[@eff6582]

Bonjour, I always enjoy your videos! I am so moved that you are charmed by this crossing of my country! It's more important to be a bike pilot than a drone pilot !! A bientôt

[@TheBicycleTourists]

We saw a lot of your country (ended up spending over 6 weeks) but only scratched the surface I'm sure. Still, an incredible experience. And I agree about the drone, i fought against using one as I like the view from the seat of the bike. But, there are things to see and ways to see them that the drone does so well, I'm sure I'll get another and just be a lot more careful next time!

[@alethearobinson8132]

Best segment. I do so enjoy your travels. Better a broken drone then a broken arm. Your alternate route was spectacular. Such history. Speaking of history, some of the early kings of England never set foot on English soil.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, this was certainly my favorite section of the Loire. Really fascinating. European history gets very convoluted. Fascinating, but confusing!

[@markclemens3409]

The iron butt brigade is back. You guys do some long segments, such as Sancerre to Sully-sur-Loire. But today's leg doesn't look quite so long. Lovely photography, even if you're earth bound for the time being. Sorry about your drone.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks! I'll replace the drone and be all the wiser for the experience.

[@petercormack3540]

Great commentary Roland, and a great smile Julianna. Have fun

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Peter!

[@lindahowes5949]

This was fascinating, so many interesting surprises. A beautiful segment, incredible skies, and the music choices were perfect! We knew something was about to “happen” and grateful it was only the drone! Nicely done!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Linda. This really was an incredible section and took us all by surprise. the joys of bike touring! You never know what might be around the corner!

[@vandermint]

Well done. I like the way you blend what you managed on the road with additional commentary in post to achieve an informative, well paced narrative. Thanks!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Vandermint, I appreciate that. Just trying to share our love of this kind of adventure!

[@vandermint]

Totally get that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZPFqZSqd8R2nck

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Took a peek and will watch when I have uninterrupted time. Looks awesome!

[@TerrapinCyclist]

Lovely segment. Such a treat to ‘tour with you both’. Your and J’s joy and appreciation are infectious. Best, John A.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Out there is definitely our happy place.

[@CityWalks]

Oh, bummer about the drone. So frustrating. But sounds like you had good attitude about it. Cool old car show as well. -H

[@TheBicycleTourists]

What are ya gonna do? I can't wait to get the new model!

[@WorldRoller]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience bike touring in France.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It was our pleasure!

[@Biking360]

A great part of the world and you really have done it justice. It is a huge bummer about the drone but you should definitely get another one. The shots have been incredible and add so much to the videos.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks J. I will get another, I was really getting into it, and look forward to using it more in the future. With caution, of course.

[@PumpkinVillage]

This tour just keeps getting better and better. The ride , history and the rooms you stayed in. Wow. To bad about the drone. Take care, Al

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Al. I agree, this was an incredible section. Made better by not having any expectations of any of this. Bike touring is full of surprises!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

Sorry about your drone. I love Europe, love the architecture, those tunnel were fascinating, love to explore those. Great video!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yeah, the tunnels just blew our minds. I couldn't believe the bike path led us into there, such a great surprise!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

@@TheBicycleTourists yeah, I thought that was really cool

[@carmenraedelaney2795]

Hello, Another great day in France! Your narrative is excellent. How did you determine your routes? I love the footage of all the towns and bike paths you rode on. It looked like an amazing trip. I am a fan of your channel. Carmen Fargo, ND

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Good morning Carmen! Always appreciate your comments. I follow other peoples journeys wherever I can, and am constantly on the lookout for interesting trails and routes, its a bit of a passion for me. Maps and all that. On this trip, we used a combination of Eurovelo cycling routes and French government cycling routes. We began with the Loire A Velo, and took that to the La Velodysee. Starting with the next episode, we took that to the Canal des Deux Mers, and that to the Rhone River cycling route. All well established routes in France. They make it easy!

[@RichardWright3450]

Another inspiration. So many routes so little time. Love your choice of music. Did you get your bike repaired Julianna? Hope so. Keep them coming.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks! The bike was repaired, more or less.

[@garyseckel295]

So Much Fun! My torso and arms did literally flinch when I thought you were bicycle crashing! Seeing beauty on bicycles is far the prettiest way to sight see. Even flowers and insects are pretty. Thought the chestnuts were interesting and pretty too. Not market knowledgeable here, but am interested in seeing Julianna eventually getting her chosen new bicycle! Your filming, background music and scenic content are so fun to watch. Thank you both for taking viewers on your tours!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hi Gary, thanks for the kind words. I agree, bike touring gets you in touch with the smallest details. And thank goodness it was just a drone that crashed!

[@e-BikeLife]

You guys.... This is breaking my heart. i know I've said it before, but.... We love France and are always drawn back. I keep trying, unsuccessfully, to get my wife to agree to move there. We will be in the Netherlands and cycling along the Moselle and Rhine rivers this June and July, but I know that, as nice as that will be, we will have to be back in France next year. Bummer about the drone. Can not wait for your take on LaRochelle. And speaking of markets... we were speaking of markets weren't we.... we came across a market when we were on Rochefort. We could smell the cantaloupe melon for a block before we got there. I have never ever experienced the aroma of cantaloupe like that here in the states. Alright.... I better stop there, I could go on and on.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

We stopped at that same Saturday market in Rochefort! Love market days. Loved La Rochelle! (keep watching). I would love to do the Moselle and Rhine, my mother comes from near the Rhine Gorge. So many places, so little time!

[@e-BikeLife]

@@TheBicycleTourists Couldn't agree more, as we entered our seventies "So many places, so little time" has greater meaning. My mother is from Munich.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I agree, and that is my perspective. Now that I have more time (retired) I have less time. My mother is from Wiesbaden.

[@maxdavies9327]

@@TheBicycleTourists Greetings from Australia. There is a great 7 day tour from Cologne to Saarburg down the Moselle on a Barge called "Merlijn " stopping at all the lovely towns on the way including our favourite town Beilstein... Hoping to get there one day. Max. Cheers.

[@tomm8660]

Great segment - bummer about the drone, but these things happen... live and learn. Also enjoyed the trip through the subterranean passages beneath the church as well as the empty church - especially those worn stone steps. Image how many feet over the centuries have walked up and down those steps!! Funny that the cobblestones turned your electric razor on. Cobblestones and rumble strips will rattle the nuts off your bike!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yeah, cobblestones are cool until you have to ride on them. Then, not so much! The old churches never fail to impress me. You step in and you're in another world.

[@tomm8660]

@@TheBicycleTourists More drone questions ... I've thought for some time that I might want to pick up a drone for my own bike (and other) adventures. Here are my questions: 1. In retrospect do you think the drone was a net plus? 1a. Would you get one again if you could go back to when you decided to get one? 2. If you would get one again, would you get the same one or would you get one with more features? Which features would you add? 3. Which features on your existing drone do you think are most useful for your uses?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

1. Yep 1a. Also, yep. 2. Same one. Mavic mini. Super light, small, great for packing, doesn't require FAA, flies "under the radar". Downside: no tracking. No object avoidance. You can buy insurance, I think it's $100/year. (Mine lapsed.) 3. See #2. Also, 4K filming capability. It takes a fair amount of practice to create smooth camera moves. And to shoot what you want without hitting stuff. You can fly high and avoid obstacles, but that just creates aerial shots, which are less dramatic. Enjoy!

[@erlindaihoward6472]

We will be in Tours by May 14 after cycling in Holland and a short visit in Bruges. We love your cycling days and hope to cycle along to Loire Valley/River. With our advance age, we hope to get an electric tandem to help us with the hills. I'm wondering if we could have a list of your recommended BnBs along the way, we look great. We are from Western Canada. Thank you.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I'm sorry to say that information has been lost to me. We just grabbed whatever was available, using BookingDotCom. It was hit or miss. Sounds like you'll be there off season, so you shouldn't have trouble finding rooms, although the only two places we struggled with finding rooms was in Nantes and on the evening before we reached Nantes.

[@dondonner1095]

I was just going to say what Pumpkin said. Every episode gets better and better. Would you give an average price for a air b+b. I am curious only out of an envious desire to plan a trip like this myself. Thanks.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Don! Since we need many nights on these trips we try to keep costs down, much easier here than in the states. In the US, hard to find reliable or clean hotels for under $100, here you can find BnBs for under $100 many nights. I'd guess our average, hotels and BnBs, was below $100/nt. And you should absolutely plan one of these yourself! You won't regret it!

[@iangkent]

Can you share the address of the air BnB in Angers? We are going on a bike tour and would like to stay there.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I do not have that information, but if my memory serves we managed to get that apartment by luck, it was the host's mother's home who had just gone into senior living, and she was renting it out as she was selling the property.

[@nancymalone3838]

Julianna, My husband and I are planning a cross county bike ride and I am struggling with getting a good touring bike. Suggestions please. He has a Surly Disc Tracker.

[@juliannahenley4921]

I have heard that the Surley is the gold standard but also the Salsa Marrakesh is a popular one too but hopefully the supply chain will loosen up so you can test ride one. My new bike purchased in France and its superb but unavailable here in US. I hope you find your new bike and thank you for watching our adventures. Best of luck to you!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I would add Trek 520 and the Kona Sutra to that list, there are many others. Just hard to find in stock anywhere...

[@juliannahenley4921]

@@TheBicycleTouristsyes I agree with those two choices as well. Hope they all become more available soon.

[@nancymalone3838]

@@TheBicycleTourists in stock and one that I can use the larger tire with for my height of 5’3. Can’t find either of those at the moment but we are still looking. What do you think of the Masi Giramondo

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I've not heard of that one.