Guided Bicycling Tours  

The “Van Gogh in Provence” Tour

“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.

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 cycle in the vineyards of the “Côtes du Rhône” to Tavel to sample some wonderful Rosé vintage before our arrival in the magnificent medieval city of Uzès.  Boasting a beautiful cathedral with its "Tour Fenestrelle" or windowed tower, and the Chateau of the Duchy of Uzès, there are many interesting medieval sites to see, as well as a myriad  of boutiques to satisfy any shopping urges!  On day 3 we’ll visit Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie , home to a dozen or so potters that still live and work in the traditional manner to this day.  The next day we’ll discover the “must see” Pont du Gard, an exceptionally well-preserved, 2000 year old,  three-tiered Roman aqueduct.  Here you can also visit a wonderful multimedia museum, the “Grande Expo-du-Pont-du-Gard” that explains in detail the construction of this world wonder.  Next is Arles, another “must see” Provençal town with many important Medieval monuments and its Roman amphitheatre - still used for bullfighting today.  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.

On our last day of biking we’ll leave Arles and slowly climb up into the Alpilles Mountains with terrific views on our surroundings.  Almost on top we’ll recognize 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 popular and picturesque St-Rémy-de-Provence where we’ll visit the impressive Roman treasures “Les Antiques” and St-Paul-de-Mausole, “Van Gogh’s sanitarium”, where he stayed and painted furiously for one year.  Here you can also visit the Roman town of Glanum.

Included:
Daily lodging in 3 star air-conditioned hotels, 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners and 2 picnic lunches.

2008 Tour dates: May 10-16, June 21-27,
September 20-26 and October 11-17
Tour price: $2495  Single Supplement: $600
Bike Rental: $150
Level of difficulty: Moderate

The Loire Valley Tour
“Leisurely Biking in the Garden of the Kings”
The soft light and enchanting views of the Loire Valley attracted history's kings and queens to the verdant area known as the "Garden of France". Even today grand châteaux, medieval towns and historic abbeys share a lush landscape with pastoral villages and picturesque vineyards. Traveling by bike we see them all as they were meant to be seen - leisurely! Cycling is an absolute joy on the smooth terrain along the Loire.

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:
Daily lodging in château hotels, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners, entrance to five châteaux

2008 Tour dates: May 25-31 and August 31-Sept. 6
Tour price: $2155   Single Supplement: $425
Bike Rental: $150
Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate

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The Brittany-Normandy Tour
“Along Brittany’s Emerald Coast and the Battlefields of Normandy”
Our Brittany-Normandy adventure begins with two nights in an elegant, 18th century château near Cancale - renowned for its oyster production. From there we bicycle beside the River Rance to visit medieval Dinan with its superb half-timbered houses, Gothic churches and picturesque winding streets. The next day we'll cycle via Cancale along the beautiful Emerald Coast to the fascinating walled city of St. Malo where we'll spend the night in the heart of the historic center.

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:
Daily lodging in 3 and 4 star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners, entrance to Mt. St. Michel and the Reine Mathilde Museum

2008 Tour dates: June 1-7 and August 24-30
Tour Price: $1995   Single Supplement: $375
Bike Rental: $150
Level of difficulty: Moderate

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Self-Guided Bicycling Tours

The Loire Valley Self-Guided Tours allow you to explore the incredible "Garden of France" at your own pace, stopping to admire the stately elegance of centuries-old châteaux, always assured that your room is waiting for you at the end of the day. Daily distances are between 20 and 30 miles. You can cycle more if you choose. Tours are offered from March 1 to November 1, daily.  Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel. 21-speed bicycles are available for rental.

The Loire Valley De Luxe Tour
The tour comes in an 8 day / 7 night and a 5 day / 4 night version. Accommodations are in elegant 3 and 4 star chateaux and manors, and the food is superb. Daily breakfast and dinner are included.  This bike vacation begins near Tours, easily accessible from Paris by TGV.  You'll have opportunities to visit Azay le Rideau, Chenonceau, Cheverny, Montrésor, Chambord, Beauregard and Amboise, the most famous chateaux in the Loire region.  In the royal city of Amboise you will have time to stroll through the medieval market square and visit the Chateau d’Amboise or the fascinating Clos Lucé, a 15th century mansion that was the last home of Leonardo da Vinci and is now a museum dedicated to the genius of this artist.  Intriguing models of the many drawings of his inventions are on display here.

2008 Tour price 8 day version: $1995
Single Supplement: $450
Bike Rental: $115

2008 Tour price 5 day version: $1225
Single Supplement: $310
Bike Rental: $75

Loire Valley Chateau Country
Gastronomic Cycling in the Loire Valley

The 7 day / 6 night tour starts and ends in Blois, a historic city with typical narrow streets and a wonderful chateau. You'll cycle through vineyards and forests surrounding Blois and visit the “must-see”, exquisite Chateau de Chenonceau built over the River Cher in a perfect harmony of “water, greenery, gardens and trees”. Also the Chateau d'Amboise and some less well known chateaux such as Gué Péan, Montrésor and Montpoupon.  You'll stay in lively Amboise and can visit the Chateau d'Amboise or the fascinating Clos Lucé, a 15th century mansion that was the last home of Leonardo da Vinci and is now a museum dedicated to the genius of this artist. You will also pass by some troglodyte caves near the River Cher.  Accommodations are in very nice 2 and 3 star hotels in rooms with private facilities. The hotels are especially chosen for their fine restaurants and charming French ambiance.  Daily breakfast and dinner are included.

2008 Tour price: $1250
Single Supplement: $435
Bike Rental: $115

Loire Valley Sologne Chateaux
This tour is the 5 days /4 nights equivalent of the tour above. You'll have opportunities to visit the chateaux of Blois, Beauregard, Cheverny and Chambord and smaller chateaux such as Villesavin and Beauregard with its wonderful portrait gallery.  In Blois you'll stay in the comfortable, centrally located Anne de Bretagne Hotel (2 star).  You'll spend one night each in Saint Dye sur Loire and Chateau du Breuil, in Cour Cheverny, both atmospheric 3 star hotels.  All rooms have private facilities and Chateau du Breuil has a refreshing outdoor pool. Daily breakfast and dinner are included.

2007 Tour Price: $880
Single Supplement: $195
Bike Rental: $75

Loire Valley Tours to Angers

On this 6 day / 5 night tour you'll cycle through the scenic vineyards and fragrant forests west of Tours and visit the “must-see” castles of Azay le Rideau, Angers and the Villandry Gardens as well as the delightful, though less well known, Saumur and Chinon châteaux. The tour starts in Tours with time to visit this lively, flower-filled, university city on the River Loire with its fascinating medieval quarters, the famous “Place Pumereau” and its amazingly well preserved half timbered houses. Along the River Loire you'll bike to the beautiful gardens of Villandry, the last of the large châteaux built on the banks of the river during the Renaissance. Saché is the next château on the itinerary. It was the writer Honoré de Balzac's home during his most productive years. Then pedal on to Château Azay le Rideau, a 16th-century masterpiece, situated in an elegant waterside setting, and one of this region's architectural gems. It was built between1518 and 1523 during the reign of King François I and houses a lovely collection of Renaissance portraits and tapestries.  Later you'll cycle to Langlais and then you'll follow our route through Ussé, home of the brilliant white stone castle that inspired the great fairy tale writer, Perrault, to create Sleeping Beauty.  From Ussé, you pedal away from the river through meadows and woodland to pick up the “Route des Vignobles”, which meanders through scenic vineyards. Later you cycle along the River Loire again to medieval Chinon, situated on the banks of the River Vienne. This historic town, with its narrow streets and gabled houses, is famous for its feudal dungeon and most revered guest, Joan of Arc. Your final ride on this intriguing tour takes you to the lovely city of Angers and its towering medieval château, “King Rene's Castle of Love" which houses the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry and is well worth a visit. This tour includes all breakfasts and dinners.  Accommodations are in very nice 3 star hotels in rooms with private facilities.

2008 Tour Price: $1225
Single Supplement: $295
Bike Rental: $95

Normandy Coast, from Bayeux to Honfleur

Normandy, land of cows, green pastures, soft hills, half timbered manor houses and apple orchards; land of Calvados and Camembert and of course the famous WW II beaches.   This 6 day / 5 night tour starts in beautiful Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated on June 7, 1944 and miraculously untouched by bombs.   On your first day you’ll have time to visit the “Queen Mathilde Tapestry”, a remarkable embroidery and wonderful representation of life in the 11th century and a pictorial account of the events leading up to the military invasion of England by William the Conqueror.   From Bayeux you bike to the Omaha landing beach and possibly on to Pointe du Hoc, where many American soldiers lost their lives while capturing this strategic German fortification in 1944. You can also visit the Colleville Cemetery with its perfectly aligned white crosses and Stars of David, marking the final resting place of over 9,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.   You’ll bike along the coast to Arromanches and Courseulles sur Mer and then inland to Caen, a town of historic importance.   William the Conqueror built his castle here before he departed for England.   You’ll then follow the Orne River and reach the Pegasus Bridge, the site of a strategic battle in the Second World War.   Here you can visit the original bridge and the new museum.   Continue along the “ Côte Fleurie”, (Flower Coast) to the peaceful and beautiful resort of Cabourg and picture perfect Honfleur, with its colorful harbor, an inspiration for innumerable artists.   All hotels are 3-star with private facilities and include daily breakfast and dinner.   Daily cycling distances range from 21 to 35 miles.  

2008 Tour Price: $1195 
Single Supplement: $395
Bike Rental: $135

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 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 3 star (6 nights) and 2 star hotels (1 night) in rooms with private facilities. A version using mostly 2 star hotels is also possible on this tour.

2008 Tour Price: $1450 - $1895
Single Supplement: $295 - $525
Bike Rental: $160

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Burgundy Vineyards from Beaune to Cluny

This attractive 7 day / 6 night 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. The accommodations are all 3 and 4 star and include chateau hotels. You will stay two nights in Beaune, two nights in Chagny, one night in Buxy and the last night in the Chateau Igé. 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 Nuits, 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. 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 Givry and then Buxy with its interesting medieval center. On the last day 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 Cluny. After visiting the Romanesque Abbey (founded in 910) and the medieval center of Cluny, you'll conclude this wonderful bike vacation with a delightful night in the nearby deluxe 4 star Chateau Igé.

This tour includes all breakfasts and four dinners.  Accommodations are in very nice 3 star (5 nights) and 4 star (1 night) hotels in rooms with private facilities.

2008 Tour Price: $1775
Single Supplement: $428
Bike Rental: $200

Burgundy, A Luxurious Stay in the Heart of the Burgundy Vineyards

Burgundy is home to some of France’s most prestigious vineyards. Its minimal traffic and hilly landscape punctuated with picturesque villages and remarkable chateaux make it a delight for fit and experienced cyclists. On this 4 day / 3 night self guided tour you’ll discover why Burgundy is so beloved by tourists and especially bicyclists. In the heart of Burgundy’s Grands Cru, between Dijon and Beaune, you’ll find the beautiful 4-star chateau-hotel, Chateau de Gilly, once the residence of the Abbots of Citeaux. The estate includes several historic buildings displaying centuries of superb craftsmanship. One of these is the stone-vaulted cellar, now the restaurant. The cuisine and the wines are a gastronomic experience and the luxurious, handsomely decorated chateau will be your “home” for your 4 day cycling vacation.  Daily stages are about 60 km or 36 miles. The terrain has rolling hills with many short climbs and sweet “up and downs”.

Day 1:  Bike Ride to the “Côte-de-Nuits” and Ouche Valley – 61 km or 36.5 miles

Today you’ll bike along the rustic and peaceful Ouche River and its canal passing through many small, charming villages such as Clos Vougeot and Nuits St. George. The wine lovers among you can look forward to cycling in the famous vineyards of the area called “Côte-de-Nuits” where the “Grands Vins de Bourgogne” especially the delectable Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle Musigny are produced. Imagine enjoying one of these classics each night at dinner.



Day 2: Roundtrip to Beaune – 53 km or 32 miles

Today your biking route takes you more south to the famous vineyards of the area called Côte-de-Beaune. The Côte-de-Beaune appellation is given to wines coming from the city of Beaune but also from 16 villages around Beaune. You’ll have time to visit Beaune considered one of France’s prettiest towns. 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.  

Day 3: Visit to Citeaux Abbey and the Burgundy Canal – 59 km or 36 miles

Today you’ll leave the vineyards behind as you discover the splendid Citeaux Abbey which was the cradle of the Cistercian order of monks. The abbey was founded in 1098 by Saint Robert who became the first abbot under the rule of Saint Benedict. There are about 35 members living at the abbey today. Later you’ll pedal through lovely landscape, partly along the Burgundy Canal, back to Chateau de Gilly for your last gourmet dinner. Make a toast to “God’s Gift to Man”, the Grands Cru of Burgundy.

Day 4: Departure after breakfast

2008 Tour Price: $1015
Single Supplement: $225
Bike Rental: $80

Provence Cycling

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! Our 7 day / 6 night tour includes visits to charming Uzès, a town of narrow streets and many attractive shops, and one of the world wonders, the Roman Pont du Gard. You'll experience wonderful Saint-Rémy where Vincent 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 two nights 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 flamingos, wild bulls and horses in the expanses of marshland. Many art and music festivals also take place in the 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. On arrival you meet our representative and get a detailed briefing on the itineraries with maps, tourist and cultural information, all the necessities for a successful cycling holiday. You'll reside in cozy hotels that allow you to enjoy the region in a pleasant and comfortable way. It is also possible to upgrade to luxury hotels.

The terrain has rolling hills with short climbs and sweet “up and downs”. There are shorter and longer options on most days. Moderate Difficulty. Temperatures are very high in July and August. Contact us for the detailed itinerary of this tour!

2008 Tour Price: $1325 or $1875 (luxury version)
Single Supplement: $455 or $715 (luxury version)
Bike Rental: $145

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Bike and Barge Tours

Spend seven days of cycling and barge cruising in a sunny and delightful region of France! A well-maintained 21-speed hybrid bike with hand brakes is included in the tour price.  You decide whether you prefer to cycle on your own - equipped with clear route instructions - or to join the guide who provides all the necessary information.

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: $1110-$1199
2008 Departure Dates:
Every Saturday April 26 up to and including Sept. 20

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:
Saturday: Transfer from Paris Gare du Nord by coach to Plagny
         In mid afternoon you’ll depart from Gare du Nord in Paris by coach to Plagny. You arrive early in the evening, meet your tour leader, the crew and then settle into your cozy berth for the week.  After dinner on board, your guide provides a preview of the week’s cycling, a bicycle fitting and short warm-up ride.  

Sunday: Plagny –  La Chapelle-Montinard
        From Plagny you make a cruise that includes crossing an aqueduct over the River Allier. After passing 2 locks (a height of 9 meters), you disembark and cycle to delightful Apremont, often called “one of the most beautiful villages of France”.  Here you can visit the well preserved 12th century castle and its impressive gardens and towers. The bike ride ends in La Chapelle-Montlinard.

Monday: La Chapelle-Montinard – Ménétreol
         First the bike route takes you to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the center, you have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame Church.  UNESCO lists this church on its World Heritage List. After savoring La Charité’s pleasing atmosphere you cycle through Pouilly Fumé vineyards where you can sample some very fine local wines.  Later bike on to Ménétreol, located at the lower end of the Sancerre vineyards where you'll rendezvous with the barge.

Tuesday: Ménétreol – Beaulieu
        Today you’ll visit Sancerre, a lovely small town, situated on a hill and surrounded by vineyards.  You’ll pedal right  through the scenic Sancerre Vineyards, passing several picturesque villages along the way. The day’s biking ends in Beaulieu-sur-Loire.

Wednesday: Beaulieu - Briare
        On today’s bike ride, the shortest of the week, you pass the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and the aqueduct that will take you over the River Loire. After St. Brisson you’ll pass the handsome medieval castle of St. Brisson.  In the evening you’ll cruise across the River Loire over the magnificent Pont Canal Aqueduct into Briare, the stop for the night.

Thursday: Briare – Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses
            In the morning there is some time to explore Briare. Today’s cycling route leads to the Castle “Pont Chevron” which is picturesquely situated on a small lake. Tonight’s destination is the village Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses known for its seven antique locks.

Friday: Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses Round Trip
            Today’s itinerary includes a visit to the charming market in Châtillon-Coligny; then a ride on to the interesting castle in La Bussière. Via Escrignelles the tour ends at the barge in Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses.

Saturday:
            In the morning there is time for a stroll around lovely Rogny. At 11:30 AM your guide & crew will say good-bye and you’ll return by private coach  to Paris Gare du Nord (arrival mid afternoon).

  Note: The next tour will be in reverse: starting with transportation from Paris to Rogny and ending in Plagny.  

The Taste of Burgundy Route: $1175
2008 Departure Dates:
Every Saturday May 31 up to and including Sept. 27

  Thinking of Burgundy what comes to 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 S âone 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 bike vacation with an interesting mix of international cycling enthusiasts! Please note that the rating for this tour is easy to moderate with hilly terrain but relatively short distances each day.

Daily Itinerary:
Saturday: Dijon
You’ll arrive in the afternoon at the barge in Dijon to meet your tour leader, the crew and then settle into your cozy berth for the week. Dijon combines the pageantry of the past with the bustling commerce of the present and is an exciting start for this tour.  In Dijon you’ll find architectural styles from the past eight centuries, including the Notre-Dame Church (13th century), the Palais des Ducs (14th century), and the Vogüé Residence (16th century).

Sunday: Dijon– Round trip - 15 miles
In the morning you’ll make a short bicycle ride in the region north west of Dijon.  In the afternoon you’ll have extra time to explore Dijon and its museums. 

Monday: Dijon – Longecourt-en-Plaine -  21 miles
Begin today with a  barge cruise through the first two locks in the Burgundy Canal.  Then the bike route takes you through the tranquil forests of the Domaine de C îteaux to the historic Abbey of C îteaux, founded in 1098. After your visit you’ll cycle on to the picturesque village of Longecourt-en-Plaine

Tuesday: Longecourt-en-Plaine – St. Jean de Losne– 21 miles
Pedal today on quiet country roads through peaceful forests to the charming town of Auxonne on the Saône River.

Wednesday: St. Jean de Losne – Verdun sur le Doubs – 30 miles
Today you’ll visit Beaune which in the time of the Dukes of Burgundy, was the capital of Burgundy. You can still admire 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.  It was founded by two of the most remarkable figures in Burgundian history, Nicolas Rolin and his wife, Guigone de Salins as a house for the poor who were dying by the thousands of various plagues in the Middle Ages.  Inside this delightful “palace of the poor”, in its elegant originality, you may notice the resemblance to the municipal buildings of Flanders (Belgium).  After your visit a wine tasting is scheduled before you pedal on to Verdun-sur-le-Doubs, where the barge is waiting.

  Thursday: Verdun sur le Doubs - Chalon sur Sâone Ormes - 21 miles
In the morning you cycle through the forestry of Gergy and then follow the Canal du Centre to Chalon sur Saône. In this port town, located at the Saône River and the Canal du Centre, you’ll have the afternoon off for some shopping, a museum visit or a relaxing “libation” in one of the many outside café’s.

Friday: Chalon sur Sâone – Tournus - 33 miles
You leave Chalon and descend to the river Saône and then to the town of Tournus. Here you find the beautiful Romanesque St. Philibert Church, which holds the relics of St. Philibert.  This is probably the most unusual church in Burgundy, completed in the 12th century.

Saturday:
In the morning after breakfast transfer by train back to Dijon.

  Note: The next tour will be in reverse: starting with transportation to Macon and ending in Dijon.  Check schedule carefully for the week’s starting point and itinerary.  Program subject to change.

Mosel Tour: France, Luxumbourg and Germany: $1415
2008 Departure Dates:
July 26, October 18 & 25

  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, 4-course (instead of 3-course) dinner and buffet breakfast.

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