Bienvenue!  We are the specialists in active vacations in France, with cycling tours that feature the best of each region, at the greatest possible value to you.

We offer a selection of both escorted and independent tours, across various regions of France. The physical demands of the tours range from easy to mildly challenging - but all offer opportunities to discover the unique French culture and lifestyle.

Come, discover France with close encounters only a cyclist enjoys!

TOUR SELECTION             

CASTLES OF THE LOIRE                                                         THE LOIRE VALLEY

PROVENCE                                                                 BRITTANY & NORMANDY

PROVENCE - 7 DAY DELUXE                                        PROVENCE -11 DAY DELUXE

PROVENCE - COOK, TASTE, RIDE                                PROVENCE & CAMARGUE

ALSACE WINE TRAIL                                                   CANAL DU MIDI

A TASTE OF BURGUNDY                                              LANGUEDOC & CAMARGUE

Not detailed here but also available, are the following independent tours in France:

Luberon  - 8 day independent or escorted tour of this fascinating part of the Languedoc

Alsace Barbarossa  - a 7 day independent tour exploring the wine regions and villages of lower Alsace, former homeland of Emperor Barbarosa.

Heidelberg to Strasbourg - 7, 8, or 10 days through the Pfalz, Baden and Alsace regions linking Germany to France.

Loire Myth - fascinating 8 day independent tour from Saumur to the mouth of the Loire.

Burgundy - 8 day escorted tour from Dijon to Lyon.

Roussillon  - 8 day escorted or independent tour in the Catalan speaking area near the Pyrenees

CASTLES OF THE LOIRE

8 day Escorted or Independent tour.

This classic bicycling route takes you through one of the most fascinating regions of France, dotted with hundreds of castles, manor houses, and homes of the aristocracy. Villandry, Chinon, Saumur, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, Chaumont, Blois, and Chambord are just a few of the magnificent chateaux you have time to visit and explore. Splendid rolling countryside, incredible wines, and exceptional cuisine distinguish this tour. You too will feel like royalty!       Daily Itinerary     Day 1:   Arrival in Tours Welcome to Tours, the historic centre of Touraine and the much-praised ‘garden of France’. In the afternoon we have a welcome presentation by our tour escort.

Day 2:   Tours – Chinon approx. 60 km

You bike along the River Cher to the castle of Villandry with its famous terraced gardens. After reaching the banks of the Loire river you arrive at the castle of Langeais. The day´s cycling ends at Chinon.

Day 7: Blois - Tours, approx. 70 km
After a visit to the castle Ambois, home of three French kings, and the final years of Leonardo da Vinci, you cycle through vineyard paths back to Tours.

Day 8: Tours
Individual departure or you may extend your stay.

Tour Character

Mostly flat, some uphill stretches. You cycle on paved country roads and some gravel roads. Suitable for novice and experienced cyclists alike.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Paris. Rail transfers from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Tours are available from $50.00 per person.

Castles of the Loire:  Escorted Tour  Schedule & Price

Castles of the Loire:  Independent Tour  Schedule & Price

THE LOIRE VALLEY
         

8 day Escorted tour.

Between Nevers and Montargis is a superb region in the Loire Valley (just over 100 kilometres in length) where you'll find history, culture and some splendid scenery. Cycling the quiet roads you enjoy the charm of the gently rolling countryside.

The region is famous for its wines from Sancerre & Pouilly-sur-Loire, and the pottery of Nevers. Several castles, ancient towns & charming villages ensure that you'll have a unique cycle holiday. Your barge hotel provides the perfect moving home as you only unpack once!

From Plagny you make a boat trip during which you’ll experience a crossing by aquaduct over the river Allier. After having passed two locks that bridge a height of approximately 9 metres, you cycle to Apremont and visit the 12th century castle and its fabulous gardens. The trip ends in Chapelle-Montlinard where your boatel has moored.

Monday: cycle approx. 40 km/some hills
First the cycle trip takes you to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the centre, you have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame church. Then you enter the wine region of the Pouilly Fumé wines. In Ménétréol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards where you will be given the opportunity to try some wine, you’ll find the barge moored.

Tuesday: cycle approx. 45 km/some hills
For a start there is a picturesque route right across the Sancerre vineyards. Your cycle ride continues and passes several Wine villages that are situated in an impressive and attractive scenery. The trip ends in Beaulieu, the stop for the night.

Wednesday: cycle approx. 30 km/moderate terrain
By bicycle you pass the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and the aquaduct that will take you over the river Loire later on. After St. Brisson (nice castle), you start the way back to the barge, while enjoying the fresh forest air in the Forêt de St. Brisson. In the evening you cross the river Loire by sailing above it in the magnificent aquaduct and stop for the night in Briare.

Thursday: cycle approx. 35 km/moderate terrain
First some time to explore Briare. The cycle trip leads alongside a river to the castle ‘Pont Chevron’ which is picturesquely situated at a small lake. Via Ouzouer-sur-Trézée we go right across an area with some lakes to the 16th century castle near Bléneau. Your trip ends in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its seven historic locks.

Friday: cycle approx. 55 km/moderate terrain Today you will cycle to the market in Châtillon-Coligny, from where your trip continues to La Bussiere via Escrignelles. The cycle tour ends at the barge in Châtillon-Coligny.    Saturday In the morning you may wish to go for a stroll around Châtillon-Coligny. Around lunchtime your guide and the crew will say good-bye and you will be transferred by coach to the railway station in Paris.

Each alternate Saturday will be in reverse: starting in Chatillon-Coligny and ending in Plagny.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Paris. Bus transfers from Paris Nord Rail Station are included in the tour price.

The Loire Valley: Schedule & Price

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PROVENCE

7 day Escorted or Independent Tour

The land of light, colours and scents! For these reasons, many well known painters have lived in the Provence: Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Cézanne, Chagall ... The Mediterranean climate is pleasant as the sun shines more than 3000 hours a year. Provence has not only an easy way of life, but is also one of the richest cultural regions of Europe. Numerous monuments testify to a long and great past, from the Greek and Roman period to the Middle Ages, and to modern times.
Avignon: the famous Papal Palace (world heritage), the medieval town and its imposing wall; Orange: possesses the best conserved Roman monuments such as the theater and the triumphal arch; Vaison la Romaine: is divided in a Roman city and a medieval town.

You'll cross the famous wineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, the lavender fields when you approach the Lubéron - with stay's in the lovely town of Isle sur la Sorgue; Fontaine de Vaucluse with its deepest spring of the world; Gordes is a typical little village of the Provence. Sénanque is, with Fontenay in Burgundy, the best preserved cistercian abbey in Europe, surrounded by lavender fields. Roussillon: this village is known for its splendid ochre rocks.

At last, we mention the quality of wine and food. During our cycle tour you'll discover the great foods of Provence and their Mediterranean flavour.

Tour Character

Mostly flat, with some very short uphill stretches. You cycle on paved, quiet country roads. Suitable for novice and experienced cyclists alike.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Avignon however it is very small. There are no public buses, train or shuttles serving Avignon Airport.

Marseilles Airport is approx. 100km distant. Bus/rail transfers from Marseilles are available at $35.00

You may also take the TGV express train from Paris (3 hours), at a cost of $140

Provence:    Escorted Tour - Schedule and Price

Provence:   Independent Tour - Schedule and Price

BRITTANY & NORMANDY      

8 day Independent tour

A bike tour from Brittany to Normandy along the imposing Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Discover "Malouinieres" - medieval manors in the mystic countryside, and enjoy one of the most beautiful coastlines of France. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of this region, which is a site of World Cultural Heritage classification with UNESCO.

PROVENCE - Cook, Taste, Ride

7 day Escorted Tour

Our French bike tours are appreciated by our clients because of the choice of their hotels and especially for the gastronomic highlights in the restaurants. That’s why we are excited to present an unforgettable cooking course in the Provence region. A cooking course where all lovers of the fine cuisine of Provence will be able to prepare their own meals.

You follow special cooking courses in one of our nicest hotels (rated 2 chimneys by Logis de France) not far from Avignon, in a very peaceful and relaxing area. Every day at 5 p.m., you’ll take possession of the kitchen in company of the chef and become his assistant, and at dinner you enjoy the fruits of your labour.

That’s not all, because during the day we organise different themed excursions by bike. For example, shopping at the excellent food market in Villenueve-lez-Avignon, or visiting one of the famous wine cellars of the Cotes-du-Rhone, or cycling in the middle of the fruit trees along the Rhone river. You'll also discover some of the specialities of the area by the 3 picnics we organise in the lovely surroundings of the Provence countryside.

This trip is sure to be an unforgettable cooking, tasting and riding stay in Provence.

Tour Rating - Easy to moderate

This area is fairly flat with rolling hills. You cycle along quiet backroads and dedicated cycle paths. A few busy roads are encountered at the main towns.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Avignon however it is very small. There are no public buses, train or shuttles serving Avignon  Airport.

Marseilles Airport is approx. 100km distant. Bus/rail transfers from Marseilles are available at $35.00

You may also take the TGV express train from Paris (3 hours), at a cost of $140

Provence - Cook, Taste, Ride: Schedule & Price

PROVENCE AND CAMARGUE

8 day Escorted or Independent tours

Provence has an easy way of live, and is also one of the richest cultural regions of Europe. Numerous monuments testify a long and great past since the Greek and Roman period going to the Middle Ages. Avignon: the famous Pope Palace (world heritage), the medieval town and its imposing wall; Glanum: Greek and Roman monuments; Les Baux: medieval town in the Alpilles; Tarascon: the greatest fortified castle of the Rhone valley; Arles: the whole city has been classified as world heritage because of its numerous Roman and medieval monuments; Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: little village between the sea, the sky and the Camargue; St. Gilles: possesses a beautiful romanesque church with crypt (world heritage); Pont du Gard: aqueduct over the Gardon river, the best preserved of the Roman empire (world heritage).

And at last, there is the Camargue (nature reserve), the great delta of the Rhone river, where water, channels and seas attract thousands of birds - some of them are very rare; its symbols are the white horses and the black bulls. We also have to mention the quality of wine and food. During the cycle tour you will discover the great meals of Provence and their Mediterranean flavour.

Daily Itinerary Day 1: Avignon Arrival at Avignon. Dine and stay at a hotel with a swimming-pool and with a very good restaurant. Day 2: Avignon - Arles, ca. 45-55 km 9:30 a.m: Distribution of bikes and necessary documents. From hotel through the Little Crau to St. Rémy de Provence, Les Baux (medieval village) and Arles (world heritage). Day 3: Arles - Saintes Maries, ca. 45 km, 27 miles Visit Arles, then ride through the Camargue to the lake of Vaccarès, observe the rare birds, then to Saintes Maries de la Mer on the beach. Hotel with swimming-pool and excellent restaurant.

Day 4: Saintes Maries, free day - ca. 20-40 km You stay in Saintes Maries and can choose your programme for the day. You can ride on the natural sea wall to Salin de Giraud and back again, a great nature trip. Or ride a Camargue horse. Or visit the ornithological reserve, very interesting. Or stay in the hotel and relax at the swimming-pool, or go to the beach. Day 5: to St. Gilles, ca. 40 km Saintes Maries de la Mer, through the Camargue and the rice fields to St. Gilles (romanesque church with crypt, world heritage. Your hotel has been chosen for its very good restaurant. Day 6: to Remoulins or St. Hilaire, ca. 40-45 km On small roads and through vineyards to the Pont du Gard (Roman aqueduct, world heritage), and Remoulins or St.Hilaire d'Ozilhan. Day 7: to Avignon, ca. 30 km, 18 miles On quiet roads through vineyards to Aramon, then along the Rhone river and Durance river to Avignon. Return your bikes at the hotel this evening. Day 8: Avignon Visit Avignon (medieval town, the famous bridge, the Pope Palace, world heritage). The trip has ended however you may extend your stay if you wish!

Pont Du Gard

Tour Character Flat, with just one 5km long uphill stretch (which can be bypassed). You cycle on paved cycle paths and quiet country roads. Suitable for novice and experienced cyclists alike.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Avignon however it is very small. There are no public buses, train or shuttles serving Avignon Airport.

Marseilles Airport is approx. 100km distant. Bus/rail transfers from Marseilles are available at $35.00

You may also take the TGV express train from Paris (3 hours), at a cost of $140    

   

Provence & Camargue - Escorted Tour : Schedule & Price

    

Departure Dates:

April 26                                         May 10 & 24 June 7 & 21                                   July 5(full)                               August 30 September 13 & 27                         October 11  &  25

Price per person	CAD	$1495
Single Supplement		$275
Triple Rates:		On request
Extra nights in Avignon		$85
High season surcharge (July & August)		$100
This tour includes:
• 7 nights accommodation in a double room with private facilities. The hotels we use on this tour are small family run guesthouses and hotels, generally of 2 1/2 to 3 star quality, well located and chosen for their uniqueness. • breakfast and 3-course dinner daily. • knowledgeable multilingual English speaking guide • luggage transport from hotel to hotel. • modern hybrid bicycle with 21 gears & pannier • Detailed travel material, guides and route descriptions of places of interest

Provence & Camargue - Independent tour : Schedule & Price

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Strasbourg. There is an easy shuttle bus/tram connection to the city centre ($15.00).

Strasbourg also has excellent train connections from the following airports: Basel, Frankfurt, Paris and Karlsruhe/Baden.

Alsace Wine Trail:  Schedule & Price

CANAL DU MIDI

8 day Independent or Escorted Tour

The Canal du Midi is undoubtedly the most beautiful canal in Europe. It was built by Pierre Paul Riquet between 1667 and 1681 in order to link the Mediterranian to the Atlantic ocean. This idea had already been dreamt of by the Romans but was only carried out sixteen centuries later and even at that time was a considerable technological achievement.

Nowadays this calm restful waterway is lined on both sides by more than a 100,000 100-year-old trees. All along the 260 km / 160 miles of water located in the south of France, are 64 locks and authentic and varied landscapes such as the medieval walled town of Carcassonne.

Other equally fascinating sites will make pleasant stopping points on your trip between the sea-port of Sète and Carcassonne. Agde is well-known for its wonderful fortified Romanesque cathedral built in basalt, Béziers for its 2000-year-old Roman bridge, its cathedral and its canal bridge and Narbonne for its great gothic cathedral, its archibishop's palace and its Roman underground warehouses.

You can discover new places, breathe in nice odours, get some fresh air, look around you and feel relaxed on your bicycle and at the same time undertake an activity which is good for your mind and body. This promenade along the waters edge, away from traffic, will allow you to meet local people and other tourists and to appreciate the wonderful local cuisine.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Montpellier (30km distant) however it is quite small. There are no public buses, train or shuttles serving Montpellier Airport so a taxi into the city and then the 20 minute train to Sete.

Marseilles Airport is approx. 150km distant. Bus/rail transfers from Marseilles are available at $55.00 one way.

You may also take the TGV express train from Paris Airport directly to Sete (4 1/2hours), at a cost of $140 one way.

Canal du Midi: Escorted Tour Schedule & Price

Canal du Midi:  Independent Tour - Schedule & Price

A TASTE OF BURGUNDY

8 Day Escorted "Bike and Barge" Tour

Who wouldn’t like to taste the Burgundy way of life? The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Burgundy are: delicious wines, impressive castles, rolling landscapes, old monasteries and a lot more.
Starting in the capital of Burgundy, Dijon, this cycling holiday follows the Canal of Burgundy and the river Saône until you reach the charming provincial town of Tournus. The scenery you cycle through changes from small villages and low rolling hills to lively and attractive historical towns like Beaune and Chalon sur Saône. Forget the fast lane as you travel by hotel barge along the Saône river.