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France - an enchanted land where the heritage of a great past happily meets the art of good living. The scents and sights and leisurely pace of this warm and welcoming land are best appreciated by bicycle or by foot!
“La Vie en Jaune” – “life in Yellow” as Van Gogh used to write when describing his beloved Provence. With 300 days of sunshine per year, fertile soil, fragrant herbs, a fascinating history and unusual clear light Provence extends an invitation to our senses! In its medieval villages each step reveals a small mystery, a massive old door, a noble dwelling or a small flower garden. Elsewhere time flies - here it remains suspended. |
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Our tour starts in fascinating, architecturally wonderful Avignon, once one of the most powerful cities in Europe with its own Pope and his grandiose Palace. From Avignon we’ll bike through the vineyards of the “Côtes du Rhône” to the Pont du Gard, the beautifully preserved Roman aqueduct, a “must see”. On our way to popular and picturesque St-Rémy-de-Provence we’ll stop in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with ample time to visit its remarkable Baroque church. The next morning we’ll visit the impressive Roman treasures “Les Antiques” and St-Paul-de-Mausole, “Van Gogh’s sanitarium”, where he stayed and painted for one year. You have time to explore St-Rémy or visit the Roman town of Glanum before our afternoon ride to the Abbey de St. Michel de Frigolet with its warmly decorated main church.
Next is the beautiful village of Les Baux situated on a bare rock spur with dramatic vertical cliffs, a ruined castle on top and marvelous views on the adjacent mountains and valleys below. A wonderful glide down will bring us to Arles, another “must see” Provençal town with its Roman amphitheatre - still used for bullfighting today - and other important Medieval Monuments. The next morning we’ll cycle to the Camarque, a wonderful wildlife preserve, to observe wild white horses, grazing black bulls and flocks of feeding flamingos in their unspoiled natural habitat. A visit to a 1250 acre ranch with a chance to see the bulls ‘up close’ and learn more about Provençal style bull fighting is a totally unique experience. Included: 2012 Tour dates: May 12 – 18 and Sept. 24 –30
The Loire Valley Tour
The Michelin
guide "Châteaux of the Loire" gives the
highest three star "must-see" rating to only
six châteaux in this area. Our most popular,
well-planned 7-day tour includes visits to
five of these famous castles and their
gardens. In addition you will stay and dine in
authentic, historic, family-owned
châteaux. The tour starts in Tours, easily accessible from Paris by TGV. From there we'll transfer to our first château hotel, with its delightfully maintained grounds and nice view over Tours. Château de Villandry, with the most beautiful formal gardens in all the Loire Valley, and Château Azay-le-Rideau are close by. In Amboise we'll stay overnight in a beautifully furnished chateau along the River Loire. We'll visit the captivating Chateau de Chenonceau the next morning and returning to Amboise, we'll have ample time for some shopping or a visit to Clos Lucé, the museum dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. In Cheverny we'll stay the last two days in the elegant Château du Breuil, built at the end of the 17th century. You'll be amazed by the exquisite food and enjoy the long ride through the 70 acres of grounds that lead up to the handsome castle!
Included:
2012 Tour
Dates: May 21 –
27 and September 9 –
15
The Brittany-Normandy Tour
In charming
Dol-de-Bretagne we'll enjoy lunch before easy
biking to Mont St. Michel, the mountain on
which Benedictine monks built their
astonishing abbey in the middle ages. Every
room in our hotel looks out onto this world
wonder, still one of the most visited
pilgrimage centers in Europe. It's an
experience you won't soon forget!
The next morning we'll transfer to St. Isigny near the coast of Normandy, for a scenic bike ride to the emotionally moving W.W.II memorials. We'll visit Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery at Colleville. Bayeux, our final destination was miraculously untouched by the W.W.II bombardments. Here we'll visit the famous Queen Mathilde Tapestry, an amazing, hand made, 230 feet long tapestry that retraces the Norman conquest of England in1066 and bears a unique depiction of life in the XI th century. Our delightful, centrally located hotel affords time to wander through Bayeux' narrow streets, visit its cathedral or do some last minute shopping.
Included:
2012 Tour
Date:
September 1 – 7 Level of diffuculty: Moderate
France Self-Guided Bicycling Tours
The Loire Valley De Luxe
Tour
2012 Tour
price 8 day version: $2250
2012 Tour Price 5 day version $1350
Loire Valley Chateau
Country
2012 Tour
price: $1170 Loire Valley Tour Chenonceau 2012 Tour Price: $1250
Loire
Valley Orleans to Tours After Blois you’ll pass by the Chateau Chaumont and its splendid park and then reach Amboise and its royal chateau and the Clos de Lucé, last home of Leonardo da Vinci and well worth a visit. Via the vineyards of Montlouis you pedal into Tours to discover its fascinating medieval quarters and its half timbered houses on Place Pumerau. Daily stages are 21–35 miles over flat and slightly hilly terrain. Accommodations are in small, family owned three-star hotels; all rooms with private shower and toilet. Daily breakfast and dinner are included in the tour price.
2012 Tour
Price: $1370
Loire Valley Tours to Angers
2012 Tour Price: $1315
It
is also possible to combine the
Orléans
to
Tours and
Tours
to Angers tour with just one night in
Tours.
Price for the combined 10 day/9 night tour:
$2430
Normandy
Coast, from Bayeux to Honfleur
2012 Tour Price:
$1235
Burgundy Journey Burgundy is home to some of France’s most prestigious vineyards, beautiful, hilly landscape punctuated with picturesque villages, remarkable chateaux and of course exquisite French food! On this 8 day / 7 night self guided tour you’ll discover why Burgundy is so beloved by tourists and especially bicyclists. The tour starts in the charming walled city of Beaune once the capital of Burgundy. You can admire surviving sections of the ramparts that surrounded the city in the middle ages and visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune), a stunning building with its colorful tiled roof. The interesting Wine Museum of Burgundy in Beaune is also worth a visit. Around Beane you’ll cycle through the region Côte-de-Nuits, known for its fine red wines. From here you pedal on to medieval Chateauneuf-en-Auxois with its 12th century chateau, perched high over the valley. This little village proudly carries the title, “Un des Plus Beaux Villages de France”, one of the nicest villages in France. Next is the charming village of Epoisses, home to the famous goat cheese that gives it its name and a perfect stop for a coffee. Then cycle through rolling French farmland and small villages on tiny roads to Vézelay , the wonderful Roman town under UNESCO protection. Your hotel is on the bottom of the town and you will walk up the cobblestones through the narrow, winding, shop-lined streets up to the most important Romanesque cathedral in France. From here you’ll have a magnificent view over the surrounding country side. Through peaceful countryside you’ll bike to the Regional Park Morvan where there is a chance for a swim in one of the small lakes and an opportunity for a picnic. Next is Autun, an atmospheric town with 2000 years of history founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus. Napoleon Bonaparte dreamt of imperial glory when he stood here in front of the Roman Theatre and the Roman entrance gates of the city. As you bike into Autun you’ll be impressed by the imposing Cathedral St. Lazare, built in the 12th century to shelter pilgrims who came to pray on St Lazarus’ relics. From here you’ll bike by the beautiful Renaissance Chateau of Sully and its remarkable gardens on your way to Nolay, a charming town with a beautiful 15th century covered market and surrounded by the “Haute Côte de Beaune” vineyards, known for its white wines. On the final day of biking back to Beaune you can visit the Château de La Rochepot, standing on its rocky peak since the 13th century. The castle which had been destroyed during the French Revolution was carefully restored at the end of the 19th century and is delightful to visit. Enjoy some fragrant and tasty “Burgundy Delight” tonight with your farewell dinner. This tour includes all breakfasts and dinners. Accommodations are in very nice 2 and 3 star hotels in rooms with private facilities.
2012 Tour Price: $1600
This attractive 6 day / 5 night self guided tour also starts in Beaune, the uncontested wine capital of Burgundy but explores the more southern part of Burgundy and ends in the medieval center of Cluny. Biking is partly on the “Voie Verte”, the special Green Bike Way, accessible to bikers only. Around Beaune you'll pedal to the picturesque vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, known for the “Grands Vins de Bourgogne”. Visit historic Meursault, Puligny Montrachet and Chassagne Montrachet. On the way to Chagny you'll find the exquisite Chateau de Rochepot, a 13th and 15th century fortress with multicolored, glazed tile roofs. A visit to this splendid fortress-castle offers a fascinating trip through the history of the Middle Ages. Visit Nolay, a charming village with a covered market. Then cycle on the “Voie Verte” to reach Chagny before riding through the Côte Chalonnaise vineyards. On the way you can visit the Chateau de Rully for more tasty wine sampling. Since 1986, the Antonin Rodet Wine Company has managed the vineyard here under the Château de Rully label. Next you'll reach the quaint town of Buxy with its interesting medieval center. On the last two days of biking you'll be impressed by the beautiful landscapes of Southern Burgundy as you ride further along the “Voie Verte”. You'll reach the magnificent Chateau de Cormatin with its famous gardens dating from the time of Louis XIII (1628). Then continue on to beautiful Cluny. Here you’ll have time to visit the Romanesque Abbey (founded in 910) and the medieval center as you’ll overnight in Cluny. You'll conclude this wonderful bike vacation with a delightful ride to Tournus. You’ll pass by picturesque Berzé-le-Chatel and its medieval chateau overlooking the vineyards and the beautiful landscapes that the French poet Lamartine used to admire. Then leave the “Voie Verte” to pedal over small country roads to the delightful Romanesque city of Tournus on the River Saône with its wealth of old buildings, alleyways, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in Burgundy with a superb abbey, St-Philibert, classed as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. This tour includes all breakfasts and four dinners. Accommodations are in very nice 3 star (4 nights) and 2 star (1 night) hotels in rooms with private facilities.
2012 Tour Price: $1125
Olive groves …quiet roads… vineyards… fields of lavender and sunflowers… French country cuisine… Welcome to Provence! Experience the landscapes and culture described in Peter Mayle’s best seller “A Year in Provence” and discover the region’s Roman heritage on a scenic cycling adventure in an area of exceptional natural beauty! Provence’s characteristic relaxed rhythm of life and art of living will immediately win you over and there are many art and music festivals to be enjoyed during the summer. Cycling is on quiet country roads with little traffic chosen for the beauty of the landscape, historic cultural sites and the enchanting villages where you can stop along the way. The changing topography can also mean gradients which are not always easy. Steep hills however are usually short and can be walked of course. Temperatures are very high in July and August and more moderate in May, June and September. The tour starts and ends in Cavaillon, easily reached by train from the Airport in Marseille or from Paris over Avignon. 2012 Tour Price: $1495 Single Supplement: $330 Bike Rental: $150
The
barge - your "floating" hotel - is a snug
little vessel, which can accommodate up to 28
travelers in its cabins. The boat motors
quietly each day via a scenic route and if
ever you do not fancy cycling, you are welcome
to spend the day on board. Late each
afternoon the bikers rendezvous with the boat
at the next landing place for afternoon tea,
dinner and overnight stop. On board you
will meet an international group whose members
have at least one thing in common: the
pleasure they share from cycling.
Accommodations on board the barge are
basic with 2 and 3 berth cabins containing
bunk beds or twin beds and a wash basin.
Almost all cabins have a private shower and
toilet. The barge has a cozy dining room
and a sun deck. Children under 12 room
with their parents or in groups of two.
All tours depart on Saturday afternoon
and end the next Saturday after
breakfast.
Loire
Valley Route: $1130 –
$1220 Can you
imagine a cycling vacation while being warmed
by oodles of French sunshine? Between Nevers
and Montargis is a wonderful section of the
Loire Valley that matches those imaginings! In
this small region (just over 100 kilometers)
in Burgundy you'll find history, culture and
splendid scenery. Cycling the quiet roads you
enjoy the charms of delightful rolling
countryside. The locale is famous for the
delicious white wines from Sancerre &
Pouilly Fumé, several picturesque castles,
well preserved ancient towns and tranquil
villages all ensuring that you'll have a
unique cycle holiday. All of this with an
interesting mix of international bicycling
enthusiasts! Please note that the
rating for this tour is moderate with hilly terrain but relatively short
distances each day. Bus
Transfer from and to Paris (Gard du Nord) is
included in the tour price.
Daily
Itinerary:
Sunday:
Cours-les-Barres
–
Aprémont – Nevers -
Cours-les-Barres
Monday: La Chapelle-Montinard – Ménétreol
Tuesday: Ménétreol – Beaulieu
Wednesday: Beaulieu - Briare
Thursday: Briare –
Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses Friday: Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses Round Trip
Saturday:
Note: The next tour will be in reverse: starting with transportation from Paris to Rogny and ending in Cours-les-Barres. On this tour you will return to Paris Gare du Nord later (arrival about 3:00 PM).
The
Taste of Burgundy Route: $1130 Thinking of Burgundy what comes into your mind most likely are delicious wines, delectable French food, imposing castles, gently rolling vineyard landscapes, ancient monasteries and many more delightful cultural happenings to enjoy. Why not experience the Burgundy way of life? From Burgundy’s captivating capital, Dijon, you follow the Canal of Burgundy and the River Sâone all the way to the wine town Macon. The scenery changes from small villages and peaceful landscapes to the liveliness of attractive historic towns like Beaune and Chalon-sur-Sâone. You’ll enjoy this unique cycle holiday in this quiet part of Burgundy with an interesting mix of international bicycling enthusiasts! Please note that the rating for this tour is moderate with hilly terrain but relatively short distances each day (12-30 miles). Daily Itinerary: Saturday:
Dijon Sunday: Dijon Round Trip - 12 miles Monday: Dijon - Longecourt en Plaine - 27 miles Tuesday: Longecourt en Plaine – St. Jean de Losne – 27 miles Wednesday: St. Jean de Losne – Seurre - 27 miles Thursday: Seurre – Chalon sur Sâone – 15 miles Friday: Chalon sur Sâone – Tournus – 36 miles Saturday: Note: The next tour will be in reverse: starting with the transportation from Dijon to Tournus and ending in Dijon.
Mosel
Tour: France, Luxembourg and Germany:
$1495 The countryside on both banks of the River Mosel is splendid and the cool wines of the region are famously delicious! Picturesque little towns have rich histories and the conditions for cycling are nearly ideal. Here you find a delightful mix of ingredients for a terrific bike and barge vacation. The tour takes you through a wonderful, varying landscape along the River Mosel with sections in France, Luxembourg and Germany. The tour begins in Metz, France. Its splendid cathedral is an architectural and cultural highlight. We’ll pedal through charming French countryside with welcoming villages, where the inhabitants are proud of their sweet, smooth wines and golden “Mirabellen” liqueur (plum liqueur). Another highlight is a visit to Fort Hackenberg, an important part of the Maginot line, the line of concrete fortifications used as a defense against attacks from Germany in World War II. The cycling itinerary continues into Luxembourg where we’ll enjoy a night in interesting Remich. In Germany you’ll follow the River Saar to charming Saarburg, with its unusual, stunning waterfalls in the city center. Later we’ll reach Trier, the oldest city of Germany with the Porta Nigra Gate dating from the first century AD. After Trier we follow the Mosel downstream along the bountiful vineyards and the enchanting old cities Bernkastel and Cochem. It goes without saying that we’ll sample the local vintage whenever possible. The cycling itinerary follows the river valleys so the tour rating is easy , with no difficult hills. On this route, a luxury boat will be available with daily room service, air conditioning, 3-course dinner and buffet breakfast.
Paris
to Montargis: $1495 2012 Departure Dates: A wonderful journey from incomparable Paris to charming Montargis! On Saturday evening you’ll have time for an enchanting guided walk in Paris. Sunday morning we spend on board, enjoying Paris pass by from our seats on our comfortable “floating hotel”. After lunch on board we begin biking in Evry. We’ll cycle along pleasant river banks to our evening destination, Melun, known as “Le Domaine des Reines Blanches”, because in former years it was a retreat for the widows of the French kings. On Monday we’ll cycle through the wonderful forests of Fontainebleau. Our first destination is the quaint and artistically famous village of Barbizon, where many painters have found inspiration since the first half of the 19th century. Later we’ll pedal on to the Chateau de Fontainebleau, greatly enjoyed by the French kings because of the extensive hunting in the surrounding forests. The castle itself contains the Museum of Napoleon among other “period” furnishings and antiques. Later we’ll cycle through the charming medieval fortified town of Moret-sur-Loing and another lovely wooded area to Nemours. From Nemours we continue our route to Chateau Landon where we’ll visit the 13th century Abbey of Saint Severin with a local guide. Next is the medieval town of Ferrieres, a beautiful well preserved town where you’ll find a splendid monastery amid the town’s narrow streets. We’ll conclude our delightful tour in Montargis, a picturesque town with beautiful flower filled canals. Note: The next tour will be in reverse: starting in Montargis and ending Paris.
Bruges
to Paris and Paris to
Bruges This delightful bike-barge vacation will take you from Bruges to Paris or from Paris to Bruges in two weeks. The average cycling distance is about 26 miles a day. Most roads are flat and paved. In Belgium we will pedal through relatively flat country and a large part of the tour will take place along tow paths away from traffic, offering “some of the best” cycling in the world. In the French countryside we’ll cycle along quiet country roads and an occasional bike path. Near Paris the terrain becomes more hilly.
Each day you’re welcome to join our cycle-guide, pedal on your own or relax on the boat enjoying the sights as they glide past. In the evenings you’re invited to join our guide for an invigorating, after dinner city-walk. While you’re “aboard” the skipper and crew make every effort to provide a warm and cosy atmosphere where your stay will be comfortable and relaxed. Bruges is the capital of the province of West Flanders and is a giant open-air museum. Bruges is famous for its lace work, chocolates and many fine museums and we’ll have two nights to enjoy this charming city. Next is Ghent, the capital of the province of East Flanders, a university city with a great atmosphere and many surprisingly well preserved patrician mansions. We pedal to Oudenaarde, the capital of the Flemish Ardennes, famous for its breweries and wall tapestries. Then we enter Wallonia, the French speaking part of Belgium where the difference in culture will be immediately noticeable. Tournai is the oldest city in Belgium and is a World heritage Site. Picardie, as the northern province of France is called, once was the cradle of the Gothic Art Period which can be seen in the various places we will visit. Picardie and especially the area around the River Somme carries the scars of World War I. In almost every little town we pass there are Memorial statues that commemorate the soldiers and civilians that died in the “Great War” and you’ll have the opportunity to visit the War Museum at Peronne and the Rethondes Armistace Clearing. We’ll cycle to Auvers sur l’Oise where it is possible to visit the graves of Vincent and Theo van Gogh. We’ll gaze in wonderment at the elaborate Chateau de Versailles before we enter incomparable Paris, the City of Light. Cycling in Paris has been made possible by the effort of the Parisians to make (separate) cycle paths right in and around the center of the city.
On June 20, September 18 and October 10 the tour will run in reverse, starting in Paris and ending in Bruges. Single use of a cabin is possible. The surcharge is 50% of the tour price. Note also that the Luxury Barge tours start on Sundays and give you an extra day in Paris at the end. The second day Roundtrip around Bruges is skipped; on Monday you’ll also bike from Bruges to Ghent and on Day 14 you have a free day to explore Paris.
2012
Departure Dates:
Provence Bike & Barge Tours - $1295 2012 Departure dates Avignon to Aigues Mortes Route: 2012 Departure dates Aigues Mortes to Avignon Route: Bike Rental: $90, Electric Bike Rental: $215 Along the rice fields and Mediterranean waterways of the Camargue and the landscapes that were so dear to Vincent van Gogh you’ll cycle through quaint Provençal villages, vineyards and lavender. Olive groves …quiet roads… vineyards… fields of lavender and sunflowers in July and August ….French country cuisine… Welcome to Provence! Experience the landscapes and culture described in Peter Mayle’s best seller “A Year in Provence” and discover the region’s Roman heritage on this scenic cycling adventure! Our tour includes visits to one of the 7 world wonders, the Roman Pont du Gard. You’ll experience wonderful Saint-Rémy where Van Gogh stayed for a year and Les Baux de Provence, spectacularly set atop a rocky outcrop and crowned with a ruined castle. You’ll stay in Arles and explore its Gallo-Roman treasures and sample the ambiance that attracted Van Gogh and Gauguin to its cobblestones and cafés. You’ll visit the Camargue National Park where you’ll find wading flamingos, wild bulls and white horses in the expanses of marshland. Many art and music festivals also take place in Provence during the summer months. This delightful cycling vacation includes the best bike routes of the region which you can enjoy at your own pace or with the helpful, multilingual guide. You can also skip biking any day to cruise on board the barge, our cozy “floating hotel” for the week. The tour is rated Easy to Moderate. Temperatures are very high in July and August so if possible come earlier or later. Day 1: Arrival in Villeneuve- lès -Avignon! Day 2: Villeneuve - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
– Villeneuve Day 3: Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
– Vallabreguès Day 4: Vallabreguès – St Rémy – Les Baux
– Arles Day 5: Arles – Gallician Day 6: Gallician – Aigues Mortes Day 7: Aigues Mortes – round trip Day 8: Departure in the morning after breakfast. Note: High and low water issues can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation points. These decisions are made by the boat captain when necessary. Note: The following week’s tour will have a reverse itinerary: starting in Aigues Mortes and ending in Avignon.
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