Anna and I embarked last summer on long weekend journey with some friends to the tranquil vineyards of Sancerre, a famously known wine region, specializing in crisp white wines (their reds are delicious as well!). Sancerre is about 200 km / 128 miles outside of Paris, with limited train options. I believe you can take a couple TERs and then persuade a taxi to bring you to your accommodation, which sounded difficult to me, so I took the easiest route I could think of, I biked.
Anna and our friends went via car rental. I'll admit that biking took a bit longer than driving, but I was training for an upcoming Gravelman 700km event (biking from Paris to Chamonix), so it ended up being a good excuse to get some more riding it.
Sancerre, a city nestled in the picturesque Loire Valley, beckons travelers seeking a weekend escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Setting off from Paris on a sunny morning, I pedaled through familiar routes towards Fontainebleau, a charming town known for its majestic forest. From there, the journey unfolded through quaint villages and expansive fields, offering glimpses of classic French countryside beauty at every turn. While the direct route out of Paris provided the route efficiency that I needed to arrive in time for our wine tours, you could also split the route into multiple days. Or if you are interested in adding some additional milage, there are 2 main changes I would make. There are better routes to get to Forêt domaniale de Sénart that are much more scenic routes, although what I did technically worked. The other change I made for the return trip was to reroute through Montigny sur Loing.
As the landscape transitioned from crops to vineyards, I knew I was nearing my destination. The sight of Sancerre perched atop a hill served as both a breathtaking view and a reminder of the final challenge awaiting me – a daunting climb to reach the heart of the city. With determination fueled by anticipation, I tackled the ascent, a perfect finale to an exhilarating ride.
Clocking in at 204 kilometers and just over 8 hours, the journey tested my endurance and rewarded me with unforgettable memories. Once I arrived, I was able to start the relaxing part of the trip. We visited a number of vineyards, wine shops, and even a goat cheese farm. Anna wrote up a more in depth description of the wine touring we did here. My return trip mirrored the initial route, with a notable improvement – a scenic reroute through Montigny sur Loing, which ended up being much more pleasant.
While some may opt for the convenience of a train ride back to Paris, I relished the opportunity to savor the journey in its entirety. Cycling 420 kilometers over a weekend filled with wine tastings may not be for the faint of heart, but for me, it was a fulfilling adventure that combined my passion for cycling with a love for French wine.
As I reflect on my cycling trip from Paris to Sancerre, I'm reminded of the beauty of exploration and the joys of experiencing new destinations on two wheels. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or simply seeking an unforgettable getaway, consider embarking on your own journey from Paris to Sancerre – an adventure that promises scenic routes, delicious wines, and memories to last a lifetime. Cheers to the open road and the discoveries that await along the way.
The routes I took:
Paris > Sancerre
Sancerre > Paris
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