Gravel races in Centre-Val de Loire

With its 39,150 km2 and its 2.5 million inhabitants 🧍‍♂️, it consists of a total of 6 departments: Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, and Loiret. This region mainly dressed in green 🌳, features ideal playgrounds for gravel enthusiasts 🚴. Located south of the Paris Basin, the contrast between the big city and the countryside is impressive! 😲 To the north, endless plains: Beauce, Drouais, Perche, Berry… And to the south, for those used to elevation 📈, a small part of the north of the Massif Central extends here. So training grounds are not something you'll lack! 😉

An athlete at heart and fond of challenges? 🥵 This region is certainly a perfect spot! If gravel isn't enough to let off steam and burn your energy 🔥, there are numerous challenges in the region. From triathlon in the ponds or in the Vienne, to steep trails and crazy races. All of this, just for you, for lively weekends! 🎉

100 castles and not a wrinkle!

What's overflowing in this region is history and its heritage 🏛️. Following in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci and Marcel Proust 📝, you'll discover a region with a significant chunk of history. Surely you're familiar with the Castles of the Loire! 🏰 Well, this region warmly hosts and protects them. 100 castles, exactly ✅, forming a great list of visits. It is said that the most beautiful are those of Chenonceaux, Blois, and Chambord ❤️‍🔥. Additionally, you’ll find one of the largest French cathedrals, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral, with its mythical stained glass windows, will surely leave a mark on you. Be assured that you'll have plenty of heritage visits to enjoy! 🙌

Where even the failures are scrumptious

Who remembers when an apple pie was served upside down? 🙃 (Well, probably not many, considering it was in 1900...) Yes, the famous Tarte Tatin originates from the Centre-Val de Loire 🍏, more precisely from Lamotte-Beuvron, a small town in Loir-et-Cher. According to the story, one of the Tatin sisters put her apple tart in the oven forgetting the pastry 🤭. By adding it afterward, this grand French dessert supposedly came into being. Shows that mistakes aren’t all negative! ✨ And then, following the advice of Rabelais and Balzac, two great French writers, the Rillettes de Tours are a fine specialty 🐖. Since 2013, they’ve had a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), acknowledging their unique craftsmanship in the region. No joking when it comes to rillettes… 🫨 

The Loire Valley version of Gravel

With all these gravel tracks, you have plenty to train with, and what better way to challenge yourself? ⚡️ A little race won’t hurt, a bit of adrenaline and off you go! Better to start slow with a timeless ride ⏱️, heading to Saint-Avertin, in Indre-et-Loire, for La Saint-Avertinoise, quite a logical name 😎. With 4 different loops ranging from 23 km to 59 km, pick the one that inspires you most for a lovely springtime gathering 🌻. Raise the bar, and this time, it's about timing and challenge. The Loire and the beautiful Plaine de Sologne offer you worthy courses 🤌. The Loire Sologne Challenge offers 4 distances, but spiced up this time. You could cover up to 200 km of gravel and joy 💐. No need to be afraid, there are also smaller distances, so everyone’s invited! 😮‍💨 Otherwise, explore a brand-new concept, the Outdoor Cycling Series - Perche. The aim is to discover France's various natural reserves 🇫🇷. And bingo, there's one in the region. We’re escalating, and this time, you can cover 350 km 🤩. La Loupe awaits you to rack up the kilometers, which will certainly be very sporty, but mostly filled with breathtaking landscapes 🥵.

With all this, no more excuses about the tranquility of this region! Sure, there aren't many people, but for you, athlete at heart, it's a bonus! 🏅