France Trekking Tours 2017/2018

“For some reason my entry was booked for the 7th instead of the 9th like I requested - I was unable to attend. I ended up standing in line on the 9th for 3 hours to guide myself through.”

“Overall the trip was very good! we only had 4 people in our group and they picked us up from the hotel. they handled all the tickets to get into the tours, so all we had to do was show up. The lunch included was fantastic and the food was very good as well. Our driver was very nice and well informed about everything we did on the tour, including visiting the cathedral.”

“This is an excellent trip with a great route which includes pretty French villages, quiet roads, hilltop chateaus, canal paths and cycling through beautiful grand cru vineyards. A really good mix. Beaune is a beautiful little town to start the trip and we were pleasantly surprised at how lovely Dijon is too. There were a few uphills particularly coming into Chateauneuf but generally gentle undulating countryside.”

“We cycled The Vineyards and Villages of Burgundy trip with our classic tandem - which really did prove to be double the fun on a bicycle made for two!
The scenery was spectacular - switching from pedalling through some of the most famous vineyards in the world to scenic villages where each one was prettier than the previous one, to beautiful canal paths and magnificent chateaux.
It was made all the more spectacular by the warmth of the sunshine - and the friendliness of the locals we met en route, many of whom enjoyed the spectacle of our tandeming efforts!
With most of the route along designated cycling paths, it felt very safe and the area is perfectly set up for cyclists - with the paths mainly being of a much higher quality than experienced in the UK.
The organisation was brilliant - particularly the ease of the luggage transfer - which allowed us to enjoy the cycling and the quaint individual hotels which all offered a warm welcome and were fully geared up for cyclists.”

“this was a great trip especiaslly for those who are "finding their way" cycling in france.the highlights of this trip were cycling through sunny vineyards and the relaxed pace-not to forget the lunches in lovely little towns- i would recommend this even to those with minimal cycling experience”

“The daily distance was never going to be the challenge. Averaging 37 miles (60km) a day was fine but there were other factors I did not appreciate before setting off. Keeping your concentration on the roads when there are stunning vistas all around, is tricky. Finding a way to capture a photograph from the best possible angle is another unforeseen problem. Trying to get back on the bike after an incredibly delicious 3 course lunch of fresh local produce is possibly the hardest task. But you forget all these things when you’re riding. I had to pinch myself several times at the rewards of a summit finish. Some of the climbs were tough but the gearing on our BMC Teammachine CLR03 was perfect. None of the gradients ever got above 9% and were generally steady climbs on quiet roads where it would be easy to stop for a photo or have a rest. Our cycling started when we rode up the famous Poggio climb; the ascent felt easy as it is not steep and the knee felt good. This continued throughout the week and a great sense of achievement awaited us all as everyone got to the top of the various cols, mountains and hills. Being first to the top of the climb to Saint Aignes gave me a few minutes on my own to enjoy the breath-taking panorama – definitely one of the many highlights of the tour.”

“A superb team spirit taking care of everyone I. The group regardless of fitness level or previous experience. Fabulous selection of rides in amazing country side in the back country of the French Riviera. However the trip was let down by the choice of accommodation Which wS disappointing to say the least ( with the exception of Vence). For those if us who had paid a hefty single supplement it was not worth it as our rooms in San Remo and Nice were little more than shoe boxes and not a up to even 2 star standard. The breakfasts in all hotels except in Vence were poor and not what a serious rider would expect. No porridge fruit or yoghurt just some dry bread and croissants even the fruit in San Remo was rotten. Lastly the lovely tour leader Bertrand was overworked with having to manage a Group of 10. Fix bikes. Sweep the road for the weaker riders and give clear and precise instructions and road directions all At the same time . There should. E. Driver AND a tour leader riding with the group. Being the weakest (and oldest ) in the group I found myself too ofte. TrAiling behind and despairing if I was on the right track. Despite my fluent French! To sumerise : better accommodation, better breakfasts and a tour leader who leads from within with a driver who drives!”

“For a novice (never been on a cycling holiday before or competed in any events) this was a tough but fantastic break. Unbelievable scenery, unseasonably warm weather and a knowledgeable guide made for a great trip that has given me an appetite for more. Hotels were as advertised but with genial staff who housed the bikes during the evenings. My only drawback would be the flights. Taking that out of the equation I'd certainly recommend you take up the challenge.....”

“A fantastic week with equally fantasic weather & a great guide (Vincent) with well thought out routes, excellent stop over towns & hotels & a variety of riding. Staying in some places for 2 x nights is also a great idea & chance for a littel respite & get to know a town better! The small town villages are just the best!”