FRANCE SELF GUIDED
BICYCLE & WALKING TOURS
THE DORDOGNE * PROVENCE * LOIRE * BURGUNDY

Dordogne Self Guided Bicycle Tours | Provence Self Guided Bicycle Tours
Loire Self Guided Bicycle Tours | Burgundy Self Guided Bicycle Tours

These tours are a fully organized vacation for the independent traveler who wants the freedom to cycle or walk at his or her own pace. You'll have complete support behind the scenes. Our France representative will meet you at the beginning of your tour for an orientation. You will receive a packet with detailed route instructions, maps, suggestions for sights to visit along the route and emergency support phone numbers. You can take a spontaneous detour and always feel secure that your hotel room will be waiting for you. You may choose to bring your own bike or rent a bike. If you choose to rent a bike, our representative will bring the bikes to you on the first day. You will be able to travel at your own pace without a guide or support vehicle to hurry you along or to slow you down. Your luggage will be transported each day to the next accommodation, which will be reserved and prepaid. You don't need to worry, as emergency support is just a phone call away. Below are sample itineraries that you can choose your exact dates between mid April to mid October. Just let us know if you would like to make any changes or add additional days and we'll do our best to accommodate your requests.

The Dordogne Valley offers the best in a French cycling vacation: history, castles, beautiful vistas, quiet country roads, and world-renowned cuisine and wine. The Dordogne is thought by many to be the most beautiful river in France. You’ll also explore the Vézère River valley, famous for prehistoric sites, including caves and troglodyte dwellings. The prehistoric sites, such as Lascaux cave, (which is inscribed on the World Heritage List), testify to millenniums of human history and are exceptional in both quality and quantity. Some of the most charming villages of France are found in the Dordogne region. The opulent Dordogne valley is rich with countless grandiose and spectacular sites such as castles and fortresses, villages built into the cliff and caves with amazing rock formations.

Our route will take you through beautiful and varied scenery along country roads built generations ago. Here, every step takes you to a visible trace of human history. You will follow pilgrimage routes, drawn during the 12th and the 13th centuries, riding from centuries old stone-built houses to villages from the Middle Ages, and from shepherds huts - unchanged from prehistoric times - to troglodyte houses built onto the cliff.

On a daily basis you will experience some flat sections and several sections that are rolling to hilly. Average distances per day will be about 30 miles.

Day 1:: You will meet in Gourdon, a very nice village. Short drive to your accommodations in a very nice ancient house. Our French partner will fit you on your rental bikes and go over all of the maps and road book information for your tour.

Day 2: Ride down the Dordogne valley. Among other beautiful sites, the Fenelon castle can be visited, the Montfort lookout and castle, the banks of the Dordogne. Night at a very nice hotel overlooking the Dordogne river.

Day 3: Indeed the route may be called "the Castle Route" as the density of awesome castles is incredible! Some are splendid residences, others are fortified castles and even fortresses facing each other! It is possible to visit several of these castles or fortresses. One of them accommodates a museum dedicated to Josephine Becker. Another one features a splendid garden with an extraordinary view of the surroundings. You will be also able to discover beautiful villages with troglodyte houses, built into the cliff! The route will lead you to Les Eyzies , capital of prehistoric times in Europe. Night in typical house from the Dordogne.

Day 4: The Vézère valley is a remarkable route both for the beauty of the countryside and for its fascinating prehistoric sites (Lascaux painted caves, prehistoric villages, traces of the Cro-magnon and the Neanderthal humans from the prehistoric times).
Night in a lovely estate.

Day 5: Riding along beautiful country side. Castles from the 12th and the 17th (renaissance) centuries, very nice villages. Night at a charming house.

Day 6 & 7: The upper part of the Dordogne valley. Although this section is curiously not very well known, it is composed of numerous treasures : medieval villages, scenery, Lacave cave & castle, fortified villages, a castle which is one of the largest fortress in the south of France. In the valley, Saint-Cere is protected by the high towers of Saint-laurent-les-tours, that are now home of Jean Lurcat painter museum. And also the Montal renaissance castle and ancient villages ...and the awesome Rocamadour!

Day 8: "Au revoir", after a great breakfast. Your tour ends near the Souillac train station.

TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)

TOUR PRICE: €1,200 Euros(Double Occupancy)

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 7 nights lodging in 2 and 3 star B & B's, 4 dinners, 7 breakfasts, luggage transport, detailed maps and route suggestions, suggestions for where to eat and side trips to take, emergency support.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Rental bike ( €120 Euros), 3 dinners, lunches, alcoholic beverages.

Trip Logistics: Your trip begins in Gourdon and ends in Souillac. Both towns are on the train line from Paris to Toulouse (several trains a day). They also are on the highway from Paris to Toulouse. We can also arrange transportation from/to Toulouse airport.

FRANCE - SELF GUIDED BIKE TOUR IN PROVENCE

The Alpilles Mountains rise in the heart of Provence, between Arles and Avignon. The lower part of the slopes are covered with olives and almonds. Lovely picturesque villages and small Provencal towns nestle in these hills. With their centuries-old homes and mansions,  their tiny public squares with fountains and their welcoming terraces shaded by vast linden trees, you won’t be able to resist sitting down to relax with a pastis and olives at the end of your day . Indulge in the carefree pace of Provencal life!

Day 1 : Arrival in Avignon
Transfer to your first hotel in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, with its shaded streets and 14th century monastery. Our trip manager will give you your package and adjust your bikes. Villeneuve is a quick trip away from Avignon itself, if you have time and feel like exploring the lively old town centre - worth it! There is also the option of a short ride around your hotel to limber up your legs and awaken your appetite before dinner.

Day 2 : Chateauneuf-du-Pape loop - approx 35 km
Quite simply: cycling among the most renowned Cote du Rhône vineyards, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel. Chateauneuf owes its long name to the Popes, as at the very beginning of the 12th century, they moved the papacy from Rome to Provence, more precisely, to Avignon. But the Popes were great lovers of wine, and so it is not a surprise they made their summer residence here, in the middle of the great vineyards! You'll have lots of opportunities today to taste some of the region's nectar.

Day 3 : Villeneuve to Uzes - approx 35 km
Your ride today takes you through a variety of Provencal countryside. En route, you pass the famous Pont du Gard, an exceptionally 2000-year-old well-preserved, three-tiered Roman aqueduct. Quiet and picturesque routes will bring you to your home for the evening, the semicircular hill town of Uzès. Wander around and visit the Place aux Herbes, where the local market takes place, admire the restored Renaissance facades, and climb up to enjoy the view from the impressive Ducal Palace, Night in Uzès..

Day 4 : Uzès to Arles - approx 45 Km
Another type of countryside awaits you today, as you traverse the vineyards of the Cabrières wine area. En route, visit the castle of Roi René or the museum of the typical Provençal fabric in Tarascon. The end of the day has you enter Arles. You will definitely want to take some time in Arles: visit the spectacular Roman amphitheatre where Provencal style bull fights are still regularly held (the bull doesn't get killed), and sit in one of the many popular cafés in the Place du Forum for an end of the day pastis, like the locals do. Arles is also where Van Gogh lived from 1853 to 1890, and where he painted many of his most well-known works.

Day 5 : Arles - Day of Options
You may decide to simply relax today, and take more time to visit  the sites of Arles: the arena, antique theatre and historical town, as well as the boutiques and many souvenir shops. But if you feel like more activity, you can head out on a loop ride into the scenic Natural reserve of Camargue just south of the town. This natural river delta (the largest in Europe!) is the home for hundreds of varieties of birds; as you ride along the flat marshy terrain, cut off from the sea by sandbars, you may spot flamingos or some of the famous Camargue horses.

Day 6 : Arles to St Remy de Provence - approx 45 km
Your final day riding is quite beautiful, bringing you through olive groves and vineyards to the fortified village of Les Baux de Provence. Take your time to visit the villages chateau, looking down on the gorgeous Alpilles mountain range as a backdrop, before heading for a glorious downhill and then into St. Remy de Provence. St Remy is where Vincent Van Gogh was incarcerated in the Saint Paul de Mausole hospital for a year (and where he completed an astounding 150 paintings!), but it is also worthwhile visiting the archaeological site of the Glanum. But we would understand if you decided to simply spend the time on the main boulevard of the centre of town, at the multitude cafes, watching provencal life pass by, and trying to decide which of the many restaurants you'll eat at tonight!

Day 7 Departure - Bon Voyage!
Transfer from your hotel after breakfast to Avignon

TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)

TOUR PRICE: €1,200 Euros(Double Occupancy)

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 6 nights lodging in 2 and 3 star B & B's, hybrid rental bike, 1 dinner, 6 breakfasts, luggage transport, detailed maps and route suggestions, suggestions for where to eat and side trips to take, emergency support.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 5 dinners, lunches, alcoholic beverages.

Enjoy the best the Loire has to offer! This easygoing bike tour puts you on quiet roads and bike paths that follow the Loire and Cher rivers. Each day is filled with medieval villages, magnificent castles and elegant chateaus that have been designated UNESCO heritage sites. In addition to the riding fun, you will relax in unique lodgings and savor the fine French cuisine. This cycling vacation will leave you with lifelong memories!

Day 1: Arrival in Amboise
Our trip manager will transfer you to your first hotel upon your arrival at Tours St. Pierre de Corps train station. There you will receive your trip package, maps and route notes, and have your bike adjusted, before leaving you to explore Amboise before your first dinner. Famous not only for its chateau, but for the "Clos de Lucé" which was Leornardo Da Vinci's residence whilst he was in the service of the French King... It is worth some wandering.

Day 2: Amboise - Chenenceau - Amboise 40 km
Ride through the forest of Amboise, along a pretty bike itinerary and reach Château de Chenonceau: a wall of elegance built over the Cher River, it is one of the highlights of French Renaissance architecture, one of the most popular chateaux in France. Ride back to Amboise amongst wheat and sunflower fields.

Day 3 :Amboise to Tours 35 km
Ride along a hillside which follows the Loire River, and across the vineyards of the Vouvray area, one of the oldest vineyards in the world! See the troglodyte houses which are typical of this area. Make a stop on the way to Tours to visit a cellar and taste the wine. After a short detour via the medieval part of Tours with its 12th century cathedral and half-timbered houses, you reach your hotel outside the city.

Day 4 :Tours to Azay le Rideau approx 35 km
Your ride will take you to the famous chateau and gardens of Villandry. This Renaissance castle is definitely overshadowed by the world-famous and exquisite gardens, considered by some to be the most beautiful in France. There are the water gardens, the ornamental flower gardens, the vegetable gardens, and the symbolic gardens. After taking time to visit, cycle on to Azay le Rideau, site of the chateau by the same name. Not one of the largest castles of the Loire in size, it is one of the prettiest, with the mix of Italian Renaissance style that was so popular, and the charm of a French castle on the water. Night in Azay le Rideau. Dinner on your own, but we'll provide a list of recommendations.

Day 5 : Azay le Rideau to Chinon approx 40 km
Today's ride takes you through the countryside towards the Cher River which you follow up to Langeais. You soon reach the Château d’Ussé, the enchanting castle of "Sleeping Beauty". Pass through the woods and the vineyards of the Chinon area – wine tasting is possible and recommended en route, in this region which is famous for its red wines! You arrive in the medieval town of Chinon with its enormous fortress overlooking yet another river, the Vienne River.

Day 6 : Chinon to Chinon approx 45 km
You leave Chinon following a pretty small road across a picturesque landscape enamelled with old villages, and private chateaux… here you are in the heart of the Touraine County. Reach the village of L’Ile-Bouchard. For a longer option: go to Crissay-sur-Manse (+18km), one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Come back to Chinon following the "Route des Vins", across the vineyards and discover the making of the Chinon red wine...and taste it!

Day 7 : Departure - Bon Voyage!
We’ll transfer you to the Tours train station this morning after your breakfast

TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)

TOUR PRICE: €1,250 Euros(Double Occupancy)

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 6 nights lodging in 3 star B & B's, hybrid rental bike, 3 dinners, 6 breakfasts, luggage transport, detailed maps and route suggestions, suggestions for where to eat and side trips to take, emergency support.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 3 dinners, lunches, alcoholic beverages.

FRANCE - SELF GUIDED BIKE TOUR IN BURGUNDY

Day 1: Arrival in Beaune
Upon your arrival in Beaune, we will meet at your hotel and set you up with your trip package and fit you on your bikes. Depending on your arrival time, you will likely have time to wander the medieval streets of Beaune, its ramparts, the Collegial church of Notre Dame with its 15th century tapestries, and have a drink in one of the many cafes on the main square! Dinner tonight is included in a gourmet restaurant.

Day 2: Beaune to Puligny-Montrachet
After breakfast head on your first ride - a beautiful ride through gorgeous small villages via the Hautes Cotes: Saint Romain, Orches and the panaroma from the cliffs, and then down into the most famous Chardonnay vineyards of the world, surrounding Puligny Montrachet. Dinner tonight is a great introduction to the region's wines, with a wine tasting course throughout your meal.

Day 3: Loop Ride: The Canals of Burgundy
Your ride today takes you along the tranquil and pretty Canal du Centre, and then into the Cote Chalonnaise, and return. This wine region lies just to the south of the Côte de Beaune. Away from the ambitious pricing of the Côte d'Or, some producers, in villages like Rully, are turning out respectable Chardonnay and tasty Pinot Noir for a fraction of the prices these wines might fetch further north. The relaxing terrain and small villages make for great riding.

Day 4: The Cote de Beaune to the Cote de Nuits
Today you ride back up through a long list of Who's Who in the wine world: Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, and stop near the hill of the Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru for a wine tasting, before continuing northward into the Domaine of the great Pinot Noirs of Burgundy in the Cote de Nuit. The small vinyard roads, and sea of vines around you, crisscrossed by tiny villages makes for heavenly riding.

Day 5: Loop Ride: The Route des Grand Crus
Today you will be riding along some of the most famous wines in the world: Gevrey Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny; you will pass by the 15th century Chateau de Clos Vougeot, and have time for a visit, if you want to visit the cellars and see the four monumental antique wine presses, and ride by the vineyard of Romanee Conti, the most expensive wine in Burgundy, before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Cote de Nuits back to Beaune
Today's ride takes you back down to the town of Beaune, but this time via the Hautes Cotes de Nuits, and its villages, views, and cassis (black current) fields. The liqueur that is produced from these berries is used in the local aperitif, the Kir, which you will have earned by the end of the day! You will be in Beaune in time for your private tour of the incredible Hospices de Beaune, a hospital for the poor, built in 1443 by the chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy, and one of the most beautiful buildings in the region. Your final dinner tonight in Beaune is included, in one of our favorite restaurants.

Day 7: Departure: Bon Voyage!

TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)

TOUR PRICE: €1,380 Euros(Double Occupancy)

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 6 nights lodging in 3 star B & B's, hybrid rental bike, 3 dinners, 6 breakfasts, luggage transport, detailed maps and route suggestions, a  private guided tour of the Hospices de Beaune suggestions for where to eat and side trips to take, emergency support.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 3 dinners, lunches, alcoholic beverages.

Dordogne Guided Bicycle Tours | Provence Guided Bicycle Tours | Loire Guided Bicycle Tours | Burgundy Guided Bicycle Tours | France Guided Bicycle Tours | France Guided Walking Tours