Janna's adventures on the Bohemian Cyclo

Cycling experiences 11th December 2025

Discover Janna's captivating story of cycling from Azay-le-Rideau in Touraine to Chambon-sur-Voueize in the Creuse. An adventure story on the surprising routes of the Cyclo Bohème.

Passionate about slow travel, even in her professional life, Janna takes us along on her journey with disarming simplicity: unexpected delights, a few well-deserved hardships, and above all, a healthy dose of emotion and freedom. Between effort, wonder, and pushing her limits, her adventure on the Cyclo Bohème is a true breath of fresh air for all lovers of bicycle touring.

Ready to cycle alongside him? Discover its full story and let yourself be carried away by the bohemian spirit of this two-wheeled epic!

Day 1
Stage: Azay-le-Rideau / Buzançais
Distance: 119 km – 1000 m elevation gain

Since waking up, I've had this little excitement that strangely resembles a "I'm going to do something naughty"... and I love it! Here we go!
First stage to Buzançais: 119 km of pure bliss (and burning thighs).
I strolled around Cormery (absolutely love it) and made a detour to Loches to visit the royal city – a detour that was 200% worth it. Between Loches and Saint-Genou, the road becomes wilder, with fewer picnic areas, but giant sunflower fields to compensate. Towards the end, I met a fantastic couple riding a homemade solar-powered bicycle (yes, really!).

Arriving in Buzançais is simpler and without frills, but the campsite itself is a gem: calm, green, great welcome.

Summary: a tough day, 119 km and 1000 m of elevation gain, but with a smile from ear to ear!

Day 2
Stage: Buzançais / Ste Sévère-sur-Indre
Distance: 114 km – 1000 D+

Departure at 8:30 am towards La Châtre. The scenery is pleasant, and the route includes some more technical sections around Villedieu-sur-Indre, adding a bit of a challenge. A stop in Châteauroux, a necessary detour through the town center, and a stroll through the market. The campsite in La Châtre is full, so I'm considering my next steps while enjoying a regal break in Lys-Saint-Georges, opposite the castle. And then comes La Châtre: a gourmet stop at the...Instant Tea Tastewhere I savor a lemon ice cream and an incredibly delicious praline cake. I continue on to Sainte-Sévère, where I meet a lovely campervan owner who shares his spot so I can pitch my tent and… enjoy a mango-infused rum. We chat until nightfall.

Summary of the day: 114 km, 1000 m of elevation gain, varied roads, wonderful encounters and a well-deserved sleep!

Day 3
Stage: Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre / Chambon-sur-Voueize then Montluçon
Distance: 127 km – 1800 D+

A coffee was offered by Bruno (my tent neighbor, always with his van). On the way to Boussac, a splendid stretch between meadows, cows and bends with plenty of places to stop.
In Boussac, I stuffed myself with yogurt before two big climbs… and then, after 20 minutes of climbing, I realized I was going the wrong way (I'd been following the Tour de la Creuse à Vélo route in the wrong direction). So, back I turned around, laughed, and headed off towards the Pierres Jaumâtres, a completely surreal natural site.
Lunch break in Toulx-Sainte-Croix (incredible chapel, especially inside). Then drive to Chambon-sur-Voueize, a lovely village where I think to myself: "What if I went all the way to Montluçon?".
Challenge accepted: I pick up the La Vagabonde cycle route and here I am, on my way for 50 km at full speed to catch my train.
The end is magical: bocage landscapes, golden light, charming spa villages (Évaux-les-Bains, Néris-les-Bains), and a gentle track perched above the valleys for 8 km. I arrive in Montluçon, breathless, euphoric, but on time.

Summary of the day: 127 km, 1800 m of elevation gain, and one certainty: I love the mix between sporting challenge and discovery.